This is my first blog ever. I’m kind of new to this whole
thing, so I hope I catch on quickly. I just really wanted to voice my thoughts
on Papa Grows Funk, so I figured this would be the best way to do it!
As cliché as this may sound, I seriously was blown away by
the performance. I had listened to a few songs off of an album of theirs, but
after seeing them live, I don’t think anything else can compare. Here are a few of my high points:
1. Their energy is insane and contagious. From the get go,
they had a level of energy that made the whole room feel like we were in a New
Orleans club. (So okay, I’ve never actually been to New Orleans, but from what
I’ve seen on TV ((I’m not proud to admit, but one source has been the Real
World: New Orleans)) and heard from friends who have been there, it is
pandemonium. The streets are filled, live music is around every corner, and
people are just having a good time. I totally felt that vibe last night.)
2. They are EXTREMELY talented musicians. No joke. The slap
bass, drum, and organ solos blew me away. I loved that they took really long
solos, because it just show cased how talented each of the musicians is. I
could tell that everyone else that came appreciated it, too, because the
cheering got louder as each solo/song continued!
For most of the performance, I mingled with the crowd,
danced with fellow interns/employees/patrons, and just enjoyed myself (pretty
cool to say you get to do that while you’re working!). During the last half
hour I stood close to the back and observed the audience, and that half hour
seemed to have the greatest impact on me.
3. The people that were dancing or simply clapping during
songs were my favorites. So many people (including myself at times) get self
conscious and feel stupid when dancing or just moving around during a
performance. I loved how a small circle of people dancing would eventually turn
into a large group of people grooving. Papa Grows Funk gave students that
connection to meet new friends and showcase their dance moves. Letting loose
and having a performance impact you is probably one of the best feelings
around, so it made me so happy to see people doing that. I can’t count the
number of people who left saying “that was awesome,” or “I actually had a
really good time!”
Three people in the crowd particularly caught my attention.
All three were sophomores who appeared to be good friends. They came to the
performance, stood in the right corner, and just danced the entire night
together. They each took turns making up moves or just boogieing to the music,
never once caring what people around them were thinking. They looked so happy,
and to me, that really encompasses what the experience of a live performance is
about. Shows like Papa Grows Funk are meant to be enjoyed in bold ways. There
were no chairs, because the purpose of the performance was to get people up and
grooving. It takes people like the three sophomores to get a show going, and in
return get others to start dancing and enjoying themselves, too.
All day I’ve been thinking about how awesome the show was
and how those who left early really missed out on some of the best parts. I’m
pretty sure if everyone would have let down their guard and started dancing, no
one would have even considered leaving early. We need more people in the world
that don’t care about what others think; people that dance and act crazy simply
because they want to. Those are the ones I will always admire.
So thank you, everyone who attended Papa Grows Funk and had
a great time (especially the three sophomores). You all made an already amazing
night that much more memorable!
—Elizabeth
