Yesterday was warm and sunny here in Oregon. But I was still kind of sick from a mildly feverish flu/cold my granddaughter had gifted me during a recent visit.
Still, I couldn't resist firing up my scooter and heading to the Salem World Beat Festival. This is my second-favorite local summer event, getting bested out only by the Salem Art Fair.
It was healing to catch my first glimpse of the main stage Amphitheater in the Riverfront Park. Seeing people having a good time listening to the Incendio (world guitar fusion) band made me feel better.
As did watching an attractive guitar player sway to a pleasing variety of music — Celtic, Middle Eastern, and more.
The drummer was talented also. I didn't realize "he" was a "she" until I zoomed in with my Sony's powerful telephoto lens. Guess I always assume that drummers are dudes.
When Incendio got to their Middle Eastern beat, the lead guy said belly dancing would be entirely appropriate. Some young girls were the only ones who responded to the invitation.
Playful, energetic diversity. That's what the World Beat Festival is all about.
At the end of the song, the girls collapsed on the ground. Then got up to take a bow. I liked their uninhibited style.
I then headed to the exhibit section of the Festival. The "Back to Bali" booth is one of my favorite shopping stops. A batik shirt caught my eye. Trying it on, I got a couple of looks good on you comments from fellow shoppers. Didn't look for shills. Anyway, I liked the shirt regardless. Pleased to help the global economy.
Outside the booth, more meet-up diversity of the canine variety. The dog on the right was huge. And furry. I got a sense that standing in the hot sun wasn't his favorite thing to do.
Armed with a plate of vegetarian noodles and a cup of chai tea I found a spot on the grass close to Jake Duncan, a talented 18 year old didgeridoo player from close-by Albany, Oregon.
I filmed his last tune and put it on You Tube. Enjoy.
The World Beat Festival has all kinds of educational presentations, along with the music and shopping.
For a bit I listened to a monk speak about the little-known kingdom of Bhutan.
Leaving the World Beat Festival I encountered another exotically clad creature of the homegrown variety.
Discover more from Hinessight
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.