::RECAP:: Summer Spirit Festival 2012
Photos by Nocturnal Charm
The oppressive heat of 2012's summer weather weighed on the crowd entering the Merriweather Post Pavilion for the 2012 Summer Spirit Festival produced by CD Enterprises (@cdepresents), but fortunately the great line up offered liberation and temporary amnesia from all the not so sexy things stifling, summer time heat can bring. Another added distraction was the great market placed that lined the walk ways with vendors selling unique items from art to clothing.
As a HUGE fan of Eric Roberson (@IAmEricRoberson) for years, Gypsy Soul was excited to see him open the festival with a full band and in full garb. He opened with "Mr. Nice Guy" from played several other songs from his massive discography including "Picture Perfect", and "Borrow You". Audience members who were clueless to his talent quickly caught up as he grabbed their attention when he created a song on the spot through great audience interaction and input...a signature move of his live show.
Next up, Estelle (@EstelleDarlings) rocked the crowd with a slew of up beat numbers that allowed her and her back ground singers to work the stage as if it was a good 100 degrees. She performed some of my favorites- "No Substitute Love", "More Than Friends" and "Pretty Please"
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings took the stage followed by a tribute to the late and great DC icon, Chuck Brown. Just as you would expect everyone on the pavilion and the lawn were on there feet, shakin hips, waving arms, and DOIN THE BUTT when special guest Suga Bear performed with the band. Classic like "Bustin Loose" and "Run Joe" were performed but the audience received a special treat when "Chuck Baby" was performed Chuck Brown was on screen in real time singing the music. An awesome addition to his tribute.
The energized performance of hip hop great Common (@common) is always a pleasure. He took the festival goers through a progression of his albums including "Go", "Raw", which is on his new album The Dreamer The Believer, "Testify", "The Light" and one of my favorites "Universal Mind Control". By the end of his set his shirt was soaked from foot work and stage exploration.
Finally, the doe eyed siren, Erykah Badu (@fatbellybella) made her entrance. I was extremely excited to see her background singer Durand Bernarr (if you have no idea who he is Youtube him...you will not be sorry!) which made my hundreth time seeing Ms. Cerebellum an even more special experience. Every time Ive seen her show there is always something new and this time was no different. She had a new hair do and a new vibe to her set. It was playful and energetic. The clever tees her team sported had quotes on them that added to the atmosphere of fun including: Second Generation Shit talker, Somethin Like A Pimp, I Like My Flutes Funky.
Her shorter than normal set included the always popular "Appletree", "Umm Humm", "20 Feet Tall", "The Healer", "Amerykhan Promise", "My People"-which incorporated stunning visuals on the screen behind the band, and my favorite "...And On".
Even though it was hot as HELL, CD Enterprises once again delivered an event that was musical heaven. For more photos of The Summer Spirit Festival by Nocturnal Charm click HERE.
Make sure to follow CD Enterprises (@cdepresents) on twitter to find out about other upcoming shows including Anthony Hamilton.
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Photos by Nocturnal Charm
The oppressive heat of 2012's summer weather weighed on the crowd entering the Merriweather Post Pavilion for the 2012 Summer Spirit Festival produced by CD Enterprises (@cdepresents), but fortunately the great line up offered liberation and temporary amnesia from all the not so sexy things stifling, summer time heat can bring. Another added distraction was the great market placed that lined the walk ways with vendors selling unique items from art to clothing.
As a HUGE fan of Eric Roberson (@IAmEricRoberson) for years, Gypsy Soul was excited to see him open the festival with a full band and in full garb. He opened with "Mr. Nice Guy" from played several other songs from his massive discography including "Picture Perfect", and "Borrow You". Audience members who were clueless to his talent quickly caught up as he grabbed their attention when he created a song on the spot through great audience interaction and input...a signature move of his live show.
Next up, Estelle (@EstelleDarlings) rocked the crowd with a slew of up beat numbers that allowed her and her back ground singers to work the stage as if it was a good 100 degrees. She performed some of my favorites- "No Substitute Love", "More Than Friends" and "Pretty Please"
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings took the stage followed by a tribute to the late and great DC icon, Chuck Brown. Just as you would expect everyone on the pavilion and the lawn were on there feet, shakin hips, waving arms, and DOIN THE BUTT when special guest Suga Bear performed with the band. Classic like "Bustin Loose" and "Run Joe" were performed but the audience received a special treat when "Chuck Baby" was performed Chuck Brown was on screen in real time singing the music. An awesome addition to his tribute.
The energized performance of hip hop great Common (@common) is always a pleasure. He took the festival goers through a progression of his albums including "Go", "Raw", which is on his new album The Dreamer The Believer, "Testify", "The Light" and one of my favorites "Universal Mind Control". By the end of his set his shirt was soaked from foot work and stage exploration.
Her shorter than normal set included the always popular "Appletree", "Umm Humm", "20 Feet Tall", "The Healer", "Amerykhan Promise", "My People"-which incorporated stunning visuals on the screen behind the band, and my favorite "...And On".
Even though it was hot as HELL, CD Enterprises once again delivered an event that was musical heaven. For more photos of The Summer Spirit Festival by Nocturnal Charm click HERE.
Make sure to follow CD Enterprises (@cdepresents) on twitter to find out about other upcoming shows including Anthony Hamilton.
