Carlos Mena (Yoruba Records) kicked off my weekend and did the damn thing! Big ups to all who put it together!
This weekend has been nothing but amazing! Big ups to Ramon Rawsoul, Kai Alce, Salah Ananse, DJ Kemit, the sponsors, the City of Atlanta, the dancers, the singers and all who put it together. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I am STILL overwhelmed with happiness because of that day. AT LEAST 7k was in the building from all over the US and the World. We have Moodymann, Rick Wilhite, Colonel Abrams, Carolyn Harding and others roll through. You know your event is official when people who are not even heads roll through. Six years strong. Cannot wait for number SEVEN!
Highlights: seeing all people of all different backgrounds, just chilling, dancing their asses off. The outpouring of Love for this event has been amazing! Donations left and right. The event is the business when the Red Bull chicks pop up and people who have never heard of HITP come just for the vibe.
When Ramon busted out Culoe De Song's 'Gwebindala', I fucking lost it! I could have sworn my eyes rolled into the back of my head. I could care less what anyone was thinking at that moment. I felt my ancestors there. Seeing the young children dance made me smile. Also, when young kings and queens come up, giving hugs and saying a simple 'hello'. Now that is Love.
Having Yoli come ALL the way from Seattle. I had to hype it up and I know her experience was well worth it; by seeing peoples that I have not seen since the Winter Music Conference pop up blew me away. ATLANTA: WE ARE ON SOMETHING REAL and the rest of the music community sees it so. The icing on the cake: Having my best friend come from NY. We always shut it down.
However, at the end of it all: I cried. It was beautiful and I am glad I am a veteran of House In The Park. Much Love to all!
Photos and video:
Check out John Crooms photoblog at http://www.jcroomsphotoblog.blogspot.com
I'd have danced with you there for sure, mademoiselle :-) but I was prepping for out-of-town training for a new job that I desperately need, so...such are sacrifices. But next year! I'm gonna be there just as I was in 2009, and on from there.
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