When I started playing the saxophone I had no idea of the journey that was in store. Fast forward over a decade to now and I am amazed by where this instrument has and continues to take me. A few weeks ago I played with Solange at Radio City for Dave Chappelle’s Residency. Of course Solange brought the house down! The energy she and the band bring on stage is crazy. Following the performance I was able to check out the comedy show in the Dave’s Red Room for a bit before I had to leave. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get to see Dave Chappelle’s set before I left but I did see Marlon Wayans and Donnell Rawlings as I was about to leave. I was able to sneak a few photos but just know Radio City does not play around when it comes to their phone policy.
The rest of my week was spent teaching lessons, preparing for a gig at National Sawdust, and counting down the days until Afropunk. Saturday was mad busy starting with morning rehearsal with Solange’s band for Afropunk. After rehearsal we relaxed for a bit before we left for Afropunk. The atmosphere at Afropunk is one of positive vibes and love. As soon as we got there I could feel it right away. The feeling is honestly hard to describe but it just felt right. Backstage before the show I saw Yasiin Bey and Macy Gray which was an unexpected surprise! I think that out of all the performances I’ve been fortunate to be a part of Afropunk had the MOST live crowd! From start to finish the crowd was right with Solange for every moment. It was truly electrifying. The gig at National Sawdust with the Odd Hawk Orchestra was scheduled to start at 10:30 so I had to book it off stage! I knew from the get go that I was going to be cutting it close but I made it to the gig just in the nick of time! After the gig, we along with the homies Khemestry and the Harlem Society kicked it outside National Sawdust and caught the last few rounds of the Mayweather v McGregor fight. 50-0! Its weeks like this that really make me sit back and appreciate how blessed I am to be doing what I am. As summertime comes to an end, I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better way to end it.
