::RECAP:: 2014 Summer Spirit Festival

::RECAP:: 2014 Summer Spirit Festival

post by Gypsy
photos by Leo Wilson

The Summer Spirit Festival (SFF) has become known as the August concert kick off and is anticipated each year. This year, the level of anticipation rose like the heat index when headliner Lauryn Hill was announced. Most of the music lovers we know expressed relief that the headliner was not Erykah Badu yet again and to tell the truth, so were we. We love Erykah, but as music enthusiasts, we know that there is so much more out there to be highlighted by a premier event like SFF.

George Tandy, Jr

Since its inceptions, SFF, has been introducing up and comers to the faithful audience and this year was no different. George Tandy, Jr and Roman Gianarthur played great set and provided guests with an opportunity to get to know them better.

 

Junk Yard Band & Backyard Band

 A particular reason why SFF is so beloved is because you can find a great mix of genres being presented on stage. This year Junk Yard Band and Backyard Band brought that go-go swing, hip hop vet Talib Kweli represented for the MCs, new comers RDGLDGRN added a lil rock to the sonic stew, while native Washingtonian Me'Shell Ndegeocello easily funked it all the way up!

Talib Kweli

Raheem DeVaughn

Hometown hero Raheem DeVaughn with his painter Demont Pinder captivated the ladies and mellowed out the stage just enough for the Electric Lady, Janelle Monae, to light it right back up again with an amazing and energetic set. Which really isn't surprising...does Janelle ever really disappoint?

 

 Janelle Monae 

Finally, headliner Lauryn Hill took the stage and exited with mixed reviews. I actually enjoyed her show. I would have loved for her to start the songs they way we all know and enjoy them and then transition into a remix of sorts but that wasnt the case. I did appreciate her energy and enthusiasm. It seemed as if she and her band were having a great time on stage. From past shows of lecturing the audience to never showing up...I thought this was a lot better. 

The Summer Spirit Festival is usually the first Saturday of August so make sure to mark your calendar now and dont miss out on a great time to soulcialize and enjoy awesome live music. Thank you to CDE for another year of access and great hospitality.

Lauryn Hill