update so far

Sorry I haven’t written in a while. The first week was very busy trying to get settled and playing in 2 bands. My access to the internet has been difficult and now that I’m here online, it’s very slow and a little undependable. I think it’s the connection that this place has.
Preliminaries for small bands ended on Wednesday. Highlanders played theirs on Monday. More one that later. I’ll try to get more info about the life and culture here for folks too. But I’m finding it difficult to devote myself to playing, which is my first ambition, and to document the life and culture here. I don’t stop to take pictures. I took some pics yesterday and 3 people came up and asked what I was doing. Not mean or upset about it, but I’m not sure they want me to be a tourist if I’m a player.

Semifinals are this Sunday. Phase 2 is gearing up for it. The tune, “Sharin’ Licks” isn’t just referring to sharing musical licks but also fighting; exchanging punches or blows. The history of Pan is one that comes out of rough neighborhoods and includes street fighting. As the artform becomes more mainstream, there is less and less of the blatant violence, but the music still carries some of that tone and attitude. There are some that want the music to evolve beyond that aggressive tone, but the nature of the competition that is Panorama lends itself to that sort of thing. Now that doesn’t mean the music has to be shallow or without any deep meaning. Phase 2 and Boogsie Sharp’s music is anything but shallow. There’s a lot of passion and emotion behind his music that can draw people into it. People say, “Boogsie’s music tells stories.” It’s true. You can find yourself putting parts of your own life story into the music.

Food for thought.