It's the Weekend, the Sun is Shining and I Feel Fine

It's the weekend and the sun is slowly melting the overnight frost and I feel fine.

Last night, Tim's two bands played JOYous marimba music at a downtown venue. Chikoro was on first and came on strong. Their radiant faces show the delight they feel for the music and we respond with dancing and smiling and communing with our friends. Good-sized crowd for an under-advertised Thursday night fundraising event. The funds raised were going to the needy for job search and other programs. Everyone was very happy to be there feeling the music and catching the JOYful spirit.

We recorded it with film, audio and stills, so it will definitely be seen and heard by friends and family in future. Also, a group called Splash is making a compilation cd of local bands and our Chikoro and Mufaro will be on it.

It was sweet to reunite with marimba aquaintances and friends. Chikoro played ninety minutes all in one set, wow! Tim and Pat and a friend came onto the dance floor and gumboot danced for part of one song. Nelson aka Nellie, joined the band for a few numbers. He played trombone and Tim played trumpet. Kind of ska meets Africa, quite fun! The ensemble was a fireball of energy. We were spent when they finished.

After a short break, Mufaro took to the stage from the back of the restaurant bar coming forward through the audience playing percussivley, djembes and hand claps. Exciting beginning to a smoking set. Traditional Zimbabwean costumes added to the vibe. This ensemble has been together a few years and has evolved into a powerful and dynamic group. Excellent energized set. Tim played in both bands tonight, as he always does, I admire his unbounded energy and am amazed by his marimba muse.

Tony and I were tired, as were Fred and Terry, Pat's folks, so we left at twelve fifteen. Mufaro may have had one more set but we were heading home to see Cal. Cal would have loved to have been with us tonight, he loves marimba music, good for the soul.

It's the weekend, the birds are singing at our backyard feeder, the sun is shining, life is good.

EnJOY, everyone.

Allison