Greetings and love to all our fans out there and thanks for coming to all the shows over the summer across the globe! The love you've all shown us is what keeps us going and striving to always give the best we can.
Big ups to all of the great bands and artists we've been touring with too.
�We began our latest tour on Friday Oct 29th. We all started out from our various locations trying to get to Dominica. We had a show planned there for Sunday Oct 21st at the World Creole Music festival. From London, I left with Amlak, Baruch, and David and we caught a flight to Bridgetown, Barbados. David flew on to New York.
Our plan was to stay in Barbados for the night and catch a flight on Saturday to Dominica. In our taxi on the way to the hotel we heard over the radio that a storm was heading to Barbados and to prepare for heavy wind and rain. We all spoke about it and concluded that it can't be all that bad. We checked into our hotel and listened to the news. We got some heavy rain and wind that evening so just everyone stayed indoors. Keysha and C Sharp arrived around 10pm, their flight was the last to arrive for the day. Before falling asleep we got a message from the hotel that the storm would get worse through the night.
Next morning, �I awoke to a call from the front desk informing me that all electric power had gone out and that we should stock up on water in case the pressure dropped. Apparently the power had cut out a few hours ago as the storm built up but I slept through it! I started filling what I could with water then headed downstairs to the dining area to join Amlak, C Sharp, Baruch, and Keysha for a light breakfast (only cereal, juice, bread today due to no power etc). When I went back to my room the damp floor had now become a small pool so I had to change rooms.
The flight we were due to catch today wouldn't be happening as the airport was now closed. We spent most of today just chatting in the dining area as the rains continued to pour.
The hotel chef did a great job as she managed to get an old gas stove working and single handedly cooked lunch and then dinner for all the guests.
The power came back on in the evening after 18 hours and we settled down to a good night's sleep.
Next morning I checked the news to find that the airport had reopened. Next task was to get on a flight to Dominica for our gig that same night. After numerous calls to the promoter in Dominica and Rich (our tour manager) we headed to the airport in the hope of catching a standby flight. We were there for hours as the airline had to prioritize the people who were booked for that same day. Finally we got the word that we could board the only flight going to Dominica that day. Phew!!
The flight took an hour and we were met at the airport by our driver and tour rep. Night had fallen by now as we started out on our hour long drive to the hotel where we met up with the rest of the band and crew. After quickly dropping our bags in our rooms we headed for the restaurant where we had dinner. After dinner we only had time to prepare for our show that night.
We jumped on the bus and took the short drive to the festival site. At the site I went to check out the keyboards and set up my sounds etc as did Sid, Amlak, C Sharp, and Donovan. Shortly after 2am, we conducted our prayer then hit the stage to perform.
It rained for most of the show but the fans stayed in their spots, umbrellas up and danced and sang for the whole set. Thanks to the Dominica masses for coming out in the rain to support us!
After the show we only had time to change out of our stage gear and head back to the hotel for a quick shower then back to the bus to go to the airport. Needless to say that was a day of travelling!
We took an early flight to Barbados, then from there we flew to Miami where we connected again to fly to LA. Never has a normal bed looked so good! Sleep was the order of the day when we arrived at our hotel, as you can imagine. Next 2 days were days off which gave us time to rest up, catch up on phone calls and emails and do a bit of shopping. The mall was close to the hotel so we could walk over whenever we were ready.
On Thursday it was time for our next show, to be held at the Hollywood Park racetrack!
We headed out for sound check at 2pm (myself, Sid, Donovan, and C Sharp initially, then David, Amlak, and Keysha joined us at 3pm). We rehearsed for approx 2 hours, made sure everything was ok technical wise, and then were driven back to our hotel to prepare for tonight's show. We returned at around 9pm to the racetrack and could see that we had a great crowd, especially for a Thursday night!� �After changing into our stage gear and conducting our prayer we made our way to the stage at 9.30pm. Tonight's gig was a great success and also our 2nd stint at the racetrack in 2010.
The racetrack audience is always a passionate one and tonight's was no different. They sang every song from start to finish and made the show even more fun. Afterwards we hung out with numerous fans and friends backstage till our production crew had packed all the gear. Then we got on the bus for the 15 minute drive back to our hotel. Our next show was due to take place in Santa Cruz and we left at about 5am to start the drive, everyone tired but in good spirits.
Some of us stayed up watching movies, on the net, chilling till our eyes said "Go to sleep!!" We arrived in Santa Cruz at midday; the crew went straight on to the Catalyst while the band was dropped off at the hotel. Later in the afternoon we were driven over to sound check where we spent a couple hours rehearsing. We worked on "Hold on for Haiti" and "Rocksteady" (the song featured in the upcoming movie, in which we all make our film acting debuts!!). We also worked on a few of the older songs as well. After sound check most of us were driven back to the hotel.
Sid, Keysha, Amlak, and I all checked out the Thai restaurant across the street for dinner, great food! We hear that Donavan and our Merchandise Manager were there for lunch too! After that it was back to the hotel to prepare for tonight's show.
We were picked up around 9am to drive back to the Catalyst. We hit the stage around 10.30pm and the sold out crowd were rocking with us all the way. Thanks again to all the fans that came out again to support us. Nuff sweat afterwards! �
This was our first time performing "Rocksteady" and the fans were singing along to that.
We used the tour bus as our changing room today. After changing off we met up with fans and friends in the parking lot out the back. Back at the hotel we wound down for the night and also prepared for another early start, next stop Ventura at the Majestic Theatre!
We left out at approx 5am for the 300 mile drive. I don't remember much about the drive as I woke up early afternoon and we'd arrived there an hour before! The crew was all inside setting up. After a while some of us met up with our friends Bob, Jenny and Kaitlyn Stainge and took a stroll to the Thai restaurant up the street. I ordered an extra dinner to take out which I was saving for later on after the show. After dinner we walked back to do our sound check. We worked on a few of the songs then headed back to the bus to chill, press stage gear, go on the net, etc. till show time.
We headed back inside the Majestic shortly before show time to get changed. We all gathered to do our pre-show prayer then hit the stage at 9.30pm. The fans were all lively and in great voice as we went through the songs, thanks again to all of you who came out!
We performed “Rocksteady” for the 2nd time too and it was well received. After nuff sweat, dancing, singing we completed our performance and met up with fans and friends at front stage and outside near the bus. It was a great night for all concerned and we look forward to our next visit.
After our production crew had packed the trailer with the equipment we said our byes and hit the road to LA where we stayed the night in preparation for our flights home the next day.
Thanks again to all our fans for all of your support, not just now but all the years you've followed our music and message!
cultured