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

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.