b natural. c sharp.

Last night I sang backup with the Baltimore AfroBeat Society and had an absolute blast! In short the B.A.S. is a group of Baltimore musicians that get together every once and a while to play the music of the late Nigerian musician/activist, Fela Kuti.

Shawna invited me to do this with her. Although I have a lot going on with the semester ending, I agreed to do it since it only required three rehearsals and then the show last night. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to expand my musical horizons, and that it did. I’ve never played/sang or really ever experienced music like Fela’s and I’ve never been in a band so big (I think I counted 21 people?). I also have never been in a band where I didn’t play an instrument or have to organize things. I felt kind of useless at times, but at the same time it was kind of awesome to have to responsibility except to sing and dance. When I found out all the girls were wearing bikini tops I wasn’t too thrilled but got over my fears and did it anyway. It was for the best because it was super hot.

It was also amazing to see so many different people come together to play the music. I still haven’t met everybody in the group but the ones I did meet were really nice. I couldn’t believe how packed the show was and almost everybody was dancing! We played/danced for three straight hours, and I only stopped to take one bathroom break in between. Needless to say my feet hurt a lot today, but it was worth it. So much fun!!! I hope I get the opportunity to sing with them again, and if you’re looking for a fun dance party I highly recommend seeing them.

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