variations on a folkfest theme

Had an interesting time at folkfest last weekend.  We knew that K'naan and the Refugee All-Stars were playing on Saturday, and folk around here were really wanting to connect with them.  But with tickets at $60 for a day pass, it seemed impossible.   I was sitting on the tarp Friday night still trying to figure a way to work this out when Dave, a friend, said, 'Why don't you ask Ron? [who was sitting right beside me].  He's the Vice-President of the Festival Board'  Ron went to work and called the next morning with news that he'd gotten 5 free tickets.  So Mayran [plus kids], Sam, Mahad, and Amal came from the Somali community, and Sally from the Sierra Leone community.  They had a great time.  They met up with K'naan after his workshop and had lunch together. 

Later, during the evening concert, Sally was at the fence, looking at the backstage area - eyes aching and she said 'I've just got to see my brothers'   At that point I saw Karen, a long time volunteer, and asked if she could somehow get a backstage pass for Sally.  She did.  Sally connected.  Turns out that one of the singers is a relative.  She'd heard he had survived but did not know that he was doing music. And I think 2 others were from her village.  Her aching turned to unbridled joy. I met them at the beer tent - so happy to see each other.  Following the concert Sally went back to the hotel with them and called some others from the Sierra Leone community who joined them in the middle of the night and partied until morning when the All Stars had to catch a flight.  Meanwhile, Mayran and crew had been talking with K'naan about setting up a time when he'd come to play for the Somali community here.  All in all it was pretty cool to see the connections, to feel their excitement.  Amal said it was the best day of her life.  It ranks way up there on my list of days too.

Comments

[Jenny]

That is so incredible. Reunions are always so awesome, and I'm glad some of the local African community got to participate in the fest.

[bill]

thanks Jenny - and your comment took me to your blog where I found many fine bits of writing and interesting thoughts. will continue to read it . . .