Hidden

Being in the background, the support, the crew, has always seemed to be my role. I've acquiesced to this role because I know I am here to serve. Not everyone, after all, can have the leading role. Yes, I figured it was my job to help others shine. But deep inside, I've always known that I have something great to offer, a voice that needed to be heard.  Lately, I've been ready to step into a different role, but my talents are being dismissed.  I'm not trying to be an actor, singer, or dancer. I'm simply trying to offer my gift to the world in whatever form it is meant to manifest. But I seem to be hidden in the best hiding place in the world, and no one is seeking.

It's partially my own doing for taking the supporting role for so many years. I still think I can shine in a supporting role...hey there's even an Oscar for it. But I feel invisible sometimes. I wonder if I'm not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough. Today, I saw a video in which Tyler Perry talked about this very subject, and he explained that perhaps being hidden for a time is in divine order. Sometimes we have lessons to learn, preparations to make, or maybe even experiences to miss. What he said has made me feel a little better about being hidden because I know my time to shine will come.

I've hidden myself in a lot of ways. I've held back my intelligence because I was told as a youth that it intimidates many people, particularly boys/men. I've dressed modestly because I was told it was virtuous...of course the same men who told me that seek out women who dress sexy. I have even held back my feelings so as not to scare anyone off.  So I'm used to being hidden, but I'm am preparing myself for a reveal. My time to shine is coming, and I will be ready.

Now, don't look for me to be headlining big venues, making acceptance speeches, or gracing the cover of Forbes magazine. I'm not looking for fame or even fortune. I am seeking greatness. I want to do something great for humanity, even if it's one person. For now, I will remain hidden, quietly serving and awaiting my turn. One day, you will all look up and notice me as though you're seeing me for the first time. I'm about to make some moves, and believe me...I've got moves you've never seen. Peace and blessings.

Groundation: Valentine's Day Finale

I had a hot date with ten incredible people on Valentine's Day at the Groundation concert at the Independent in San Francisco, CA. It was a bittersweet ending to an amazing tour, but more sweet than bitter. My energy was off balance from a couple of days of mishaps and trials, so I needed the upliftment I would receive from this conscious group singing Bob Marley's conscious music. I hadn't had plans for Valentine's Day in quite a while, so this was a treat. I see love as love, not divided into categories, so I feel this day can be celebrated with anyone you love, not just a romantic interest. And let's face it, I love Groundation.

Some of the group's friends and family filed in, enhancing the atmosphere of love which is appropriate for the day and Bob Marley's music. Of course I made a new friend from my World Music Lovers group and she was primed to dance to some reggae...my kind of lady. I was a little sad when I greeted the group as I was cognizant of the fact that this may be the last time I see them for a while. But, they are like family to me, and just as with family, the love never evaporates, it just simmers until the next meeting.

Everyone in the band was on fire, playing their hearts out for their loved ones and fans on this final leg of the tour. I'm always in awe of their musicianship and cohesiveness as a group. They played two sets, and the second set was an inferno. Everyone in this group is so talented that I know their union was divinely made.  Marcus Urani burns up the keyboards, David Chachare tells intricate and emotional stories on the trumpet, Ryan Newman seduces you with his bass, Kelsey Howard adds flavor on the trombone, Te Kanawa "Rufus" Haereiti drives the music and puts the umf in your groove, Mingo "Star" Lewis Jr. awakens your tribal spirit on the timbales and congas, Kim Pommell and Kerry Ann Morgan stir your soul with their sweet voices and spirited dance moves, and then there's Harrison "The Professor" Stafford. With his unique voice, both audibly and stylistically, he tells the story of the oppressed and downtrodden, spreads the message of love, peace, equality, and hope, and educates the masses (thus the name Professor)...all the while giving you rhythm on the guitar.

I will never run out of good things to say about this group, but the best way to understand what I mean is to see them live. Yes, I'm making it my mission to get this conscious music to the masses in America...Europe, South America, and Oceania are already dialed in to this consciousness. This country is at a crossroads...one path leads to destruction, the other to redemption. You will know which path is which by the music. Groundation's music, and all conscious music will lead you to redemption. The president may be able to change policy and laws (though not without a fight from congress) but musicians can change minds, hearts, and spirits. I am grateful to have music in my life, and I give special thanks to and for Groundation for bringing me so much joy and hope. Peace, blessings, and music.

Video: Song, "Daniel" from "Building an Ark" new Groundation album due out March 2012

The King, the Queen, and Groundation

What better place to celebrate the king of reggae than at the El Rey (which means "the king" in Spanish) Theatre in Los Angeles? I tell you the place was pulsating with "positive vibrations" from the moment I walked in the door.  I knew I had to stake out my front stage spot early because the crowd had encircled the floor. I, again, made new friends in my front stage spot...actually, we recognized that we stood next to each other the last time Groundation played the El Rey in August. With no Raggamuffin festival this year, L.A. was ready for a Bob Marley tribute...and they were going to get a great one.

Roger Steffens

I was a little nervous because sometimes at L.A. events, some people are "too cool" to let loose and enjoy themselves. But L.A.'s truly "cool" were at the El Rey that night. When renowned reggae archivist Roger Steffens came out on stage to introduce Groundation, the electricity in the air intensified, and I knew we were in for an exciting ride. This crowd recognized each Bob Marley and Groundation tune in two notes or less and went crazy each time they started a song. I knew I was amongst die hard fans because they (we) were singing every lyric to every song, both Bob's and Groundation's.

This tour has made me realize that one of the things I love about Groundation is their similarity to Bob Marley and the Wailers.  Bob Marley and the Wailers' music was made for the bass and horns, and Ryan Newman (bass), Kelsey Howard (trombone) and David Chachare (trumpet) definitely accentuated that fact.  I mean really, who doesn't know "Sun is Shining" from the first three notes which come from the bass? Ryan Newman put the stank (technical term for so funky it's smells...ok, not really) on the crowd.

The roof was bouncing at the El Rey that night and I could literally feel the crowd reverberating behind me. It was no surprise then when an over exuberant fan jumped on stage during Mingo Lewis Jr.'s conga drum solo. I told you he calls out queen Nyahbinghi herself, and this young lady must have been possessed by her. Thank goodness for my brother the tour manager/bouncer Hossein Attar who acted with the swiftness and power of a lion on an antelope and swooped her off stage before Mingo and Harrison got caught up in her frolicking.  I can't blame her though. I've wanted to jump on stage and dance with them many times.

Groundation does the best Bob Marley tribute other than the Marley offspring themselves that I've ever seen or heard. I'm a purist and very particular about how Bob Marley's songs are played and sung. If I felt Groundation didn't do Bob's music justice, trust me, I'd tell them. But they do, and this is why I keep recommending you see them.  I love this group and each individual in it. That's why I'm spending Valentine's Day with them at The Independent in San Francisco, CA. It's the last show of the tour, so if you can make it, you should. Bob Marley + Groundation=LOVE. Peace, blessings, and music.

Travel Wide...and drink the kool-aid: Groundation

Bob Marley said, "If you're not living good, travel wide." Living good for me means great live music, so I hit the road yesterday morning for an eight hour drive to see, yes, Groundation play in Solana Beach, CA at the Belly Up. I made good time, of course, until I hit L.A. during rush hour (things I DON'T miss about L.A.). My eight hour drive then turned into 10. My joints seemed to be locked into one position, I was hungry, and all of the red lights in front of me made me want to scream. But Bob Marley was singing "Don't worry about a thing...cause every little thing is gonna be alright." (Bob is great road trip music), and I knew it would all be worth it.


The concert was sold out and the energy was high. I met other Groundation fans who used the same words I always use when talking about the group and Harrison Stafford. It was comforting to know I wasn't the only one who "drank the kool-aid." If you let it, good music will get under your skin....great music will get into your spirit. That's the "kool-aid" I'm referring to. Groundation fans always seem to be just like their music, full of love, peace seeking, and aware of our oneness. I always make new friends at their shows.


The band seemed to have even more joyful energy and eagerness to please the crowd. It must be the beautiful southern California sun and surf...the beach was blocks away.  No two shows are ever the same with Groundation which is why I try to see as many as possible. They really could phone a performance in and still put on a great show, but I have yet to see that happen. These musicians just seem to keep getting better and more excited about their craft.


When I grow up, I want to be Kim Pommell and Kerry Ann Morgan (Kerry Starr). These queens are fierce. They move with such energy, style, and precision, and then deliver soulful sounds without being out of breath. They make it look easy, but trust me, it isn't...I've tried to keep up with them.  The two of them do the I-threes proud in these tributes. Their voices are perfect for Bob's songs.


I was sure my brain would be mush by the end of the show because the solos were blowing my mind. If the drums are the engine that drives a band, last night Te Kanawa "Rufus" Haereiti took Groundation on the Autobahn. Kelsey Howard continues to amaze me on the trombone. I'll admit, I always saw the trombone as a two note instrument useful only in marching bands and orchestras. Mr. Howard keeps proving me wrong by showing me all of the different stories, moods, and emotions the trombone has. Harrison Stafford is anointed. He's talented, soulful, and believe it or not, the coolest man I know. I'm not just referring to how nice he is, I'm talking about charisma and style...the "it" factor...he doesn't try, and you may not be able to tell by looking at him, but he has it.


 I'm so happy I made the journey to see this show. I'm going to keep drinking this "kool-aid" because it brings me euphoria, peace, love, and new experiences. There's no spaceships, special clothing, secret handshakes, or passwords...just great conscious music. Bob Marley was right, "you gotta, travel wide." Take the journey with me, happiness awaits. Peace, blessings and music.

Bob Marley's Birthday 2012: Groundation Tribute

February 6, 2012, Bob Marley's 67th birthday. What better way to celebrate (and you have to celebrate)than to hear Groundation pay tribute to the Legend. I made the drive down to Santa Cruz, Ca. happily singing Bob Marley tunes in anticipation of another phenomenal show...and Groundation would not let me down. As the crowd trickled in, I noticed the usual Groundation/Bob Marley audience of young and not so young mingle and compare concert stories. Some travelled great distances just for the show. One couple chose to celebrate their anniversary by driving from Reno, NV. to hear Groundation sing Bob Marley's spirit lifting tunes.

Something I find to be unique about this band is that they are humble, friendly, and just plain good hearted people. I wonder if it is the positive music they play that makes them that way or if they play positive music because they are that way. I suspect it's a bit of both. Many of the band members hung out in the audience and talked with fans before they played. They behave more like hosts welcoming guests into their homes than a world famous music group. It really sets the mood.

It's been 30 years since Bob Marley left here, and his songs are still relevant, evocative, and touching younger generations around the world. That is why he is a Legend...that is what signifies great music.  Artists who sing about materialism, superiority, or negative ideas will be long forgotten because those things will not last. Groundation will be like Bob Marley in that their music will be around long after they're gone (which I pray is a good long time from now). They graced us with a song from their forthcoming new album "Building an Ark" (Due to be released March 20 in Europe and March 27 in the U.S.), called "Daniel". I'm already in love with this song. Set to a funky groove, it talks about future redemption and hope as in the book of Daniel in the bible. If that's not Bob Marley-esque, I don't know what is.

Harrison Stafford clearly channelled Bob Marley last night. Skankin and passionately wailing Bob's tunes, he set the crowd on fire....and "no water can put out this fire." Bob and Groundation's music speaks to me partially because it is empathetic. The world is in crisis, and individuals go through their own personal crisis, and their music speaks to these crisis and gives hope. I can feel that Harrison understands and feels Bob's words and it was as if he knew my trials and was speaking directly to me. The message is in the music, and the message is clear...equal rights, justice, peace and love for all. I am grateful for Groundation and Bob Marley. I thank you Lord for you made them sing. Peace, blessings, and music.

Groundation + Bob Marley=Healing

Friday night, I found that my bruised ego was still tender from the sting of rejection and betrayal. It really needs to be amputated. Maybe it will get gangrene and fall off. At any rate, I was very much in need of healing and I knew Groundation would be the best salve.  I had a feeling this show would be particularly hot because it was in their "hometown," if you will, Petaluma, CA near Sonoma State University where it all started.

I could feel the energy from the crowd long before the group went on stage at the Mystic Theatre. I felt a restlessness building inside of me signaling that my body needed to move. For some reason, my emotions were resting on my skin ready to cry, laugh, scream, or dance. I was particularly sensitive to the vibes around me...and anxious for some music. I suspect I wasn't the only one...as the crowd grew, so did the energy.

At the front of the stage at a concert, especially a Groundation concert, is the one place I feel completely free. This particular scenario is like church for me. If you've ever seen people in southern baptist churches "catch the holy spirit," then you know what I'm feeling when Harrison Stafford starts to wail, or when Marcus Urani  is pounding the keyboards looking as if he's whispering incantations to evoke Hathor (the Egyptian goddess of love, music, and dancing).

I love to dance because it makes me feel free. When I hear good music, my body wants to move. When I hear great music, my body and spirit fly. I'm not sure if I look cute or crazy when I'm dancing at a concert, but my ego is powerless in that situation and I just don't care. These musicians are playing, singing, and dancing their hearts out...I'm going to show appreciation and join them.

The intensity of the solos and all of the energy from the crowd and the band was almost too much for me. Trumpet player David Chachere made "Rat Race" sultry and emotive during his jazzy solo. Perhaps it was my sensitive state, but when Mr. Chachere had an interlude that evoked a myriad of emotions including awe of his spectacular finger work on that trumpet and then moved right into Groundation's "Jah Jah Know" ,,,tears came to my eyes. That's what's beautiful about both Bob Marley's and Groundation's music; they're both empathetic, prophetic, impelling, and inspirational. I never got to see Bob Marley play live, so I am especially grateful that Groundation does this tribute, and does it so well. I can't wait for the next show. Peace, blessings, and music.

Groundation + Bob Marley=Home

I've spoken often about the power of music, and I will again today. Most of you know my love for Groundation's music, however, I've only hinted about my love for Bob Marley and his music. I experienced a shift in my life when I began listening to Bob's music. My perspective about myself, the world, and humanity changed in such a way that my consciousness was elevated. Before that time, my spirit seemed to sit in limbo on a never ending search for truth. Bob's music revealed the path my spirit was to take and I've not looked back.

Groundation seemed to pull me out of a ditch on that road and gave me a gentle push towards the throne. So as you can imagine, a concert with Groundation playing Bob Marley's songs is like a homecoming for me. They say home is where the heart is. February 2, 2012 at the New Parish in Oakland, CA, Groundation welcomed me with open arms.

I met some new friends from my World Music Lovers group and everyone seemed excited to hear the band play, most for the first time. We staked out a prime spot in the front (ok I staked out the spot...that's the only way I do concerts) and warmed up to the funky roots Dj Jaques was spinning. When the band walked on stage, I felt like I was seeing old friends I hadn't seen in a while. The beauty of going to a Groundation concert is that you know you're always going to get a great show, and that was comforting.

I was pleased to hear them play many of Bob's songs that most artists seem to either forget about or shy away from in their tributes  like "Screw Face," "Caution," "She's Gone," "One Drop," and "One Love," (the original ska version). Bob Marley has a wealth of great songs and Groundation's well trained and incredibly talented musicians are able to take those songs to new heights. At a Groundation concert, one is treated with delicious mindblowing solos from the band. I love it because you can feel their passion. One of my new friends told me, "I didn't realize how sexy the trombone was until tonight." I can see how that strange instrument could be looked upon as sensual with the sliding and delicate hand and lip placement...but I think it's the fervor with which Kelsey Howard plays the instrument that evoked such a feeling within the young lady.

The band played two sets which was a treat for me. I danced hard, sang along, and loved every second of it. My new friends were also very impressed, not only by the musicianship of the band, but also by how personable they were as some of them came and met with the audience after the show. It was a great night...wait till you hear about the next night. Peace,  blessings, and music.

Unwritten...

I've been unplugged for the last couple of days, mentally, spiritually, and electronically. I lost  my connection because I allowed my ego to take control for a bit. I forgot my mission to be happy and positive no matter what. In other words, I let others' opinions of me affect me. Then today, a song came into my head that reminded me who I am...a work in progress.

I consider myself a good person because I try to do what is right, fair, and considerate of others. I try to be supportive and helpful when I can. I may not always succeed, but the intention is there. Good, bad, ugly, annoying, perplexing, naive, loving, forgiving...I am me.  I live my life out loud with arms wide open ready to receive love and lessons. There is too much joy to feel in the world to get caught up on egos, fears, and insecurities. No one should have to apologize for being who they are at any moment in time because that's all they can be at that moment. What they can apologize for is what they do that negatively effects others...then learn the lesson.

I realize that some may be overwhelmed or uncomfortable with how freely I show love, especially when they fail to reciprocate. For me, showing love also means helping others see areas they can strengthen. I do this directly rather than complain about it behind their backs, otherwise  nothing changes. It would feel nice to receive the love I give , but it is not necessary for me. I am content with loving because I know that when someone doesn't love me, or show love to me, it has more to do with them than it does with me.


Everyday is a new beginning. Yesterday does not have to define you. Sure, many may hold on to yesterday and label you with it, but anyone who doesn't take the time to get to know the ever evolving person in front of them today, at this moment, will always misjudge you. But all we can do is let them be who they are. I won't apologize for living life with fervor, loving people with passion, or for looking at every experience as a joyful miracle. Every morning when I open my eyes, I see a blank page, and as a writer, that's like food. Today I'm writing a new chapter...but the rest is still unwritten. Peace and blessings.