Jazz Festival

Recently, a friend of mine invited me to the Dubai International Jazz Festival. Having been exposed to 'jazz' at the tender age in my adolescence (to top it off, it was at the lobby of a hotel lounge), I had entirely crossed out this genre off my list. Nevertheless, we need to try something new every now and then. Otherwise, we would be like mere fishes washed ashore, barely breathing.

So, I decided to give  a try. After all, it beats weathering sandstorms, watching camel race on a hot sunny afternoon any other day.

Having been to Sandance festn Dubai about four months ago, and WOMAD festival in Singapore about 4 years ago, I realize music festivals are pretty unpredictable. The first time I attended WOMAD, people were sitting on straw mats laid out on grasses, enjoying the music under the moonlight. At the Sandance festival, people were drinking and smoking shisha, dancing on the sands in the warm, summer night.

Honestly, I had no idea what to expect. This time though, bean bags were placed by the sides of the stage. In front of the stage, were long picnic benches for families of six. It felt just like home, having a private performance. Music was great, night was cool, and the moon was shining so brightly.

And did you know that in jazz, there are people who sing too? I only found out when I was there. Stunned to silence. And the music didn't just consisted of a group of people, randomly playing anything that comes to mind. This, was different. They played in a band, even an orchestra, and their voices switched from one pitch to another flawlessly, the fingers twirling around the keys of the piano. It was amazing! The performance was revolutionary.

Talk about team spirit. Right there, in front of our eyes, were a live example. I saw how leaders can lead in silence, be in the spotlight when needed, fade away from limelight unnoticed. Most importantly, I saw how by bringing out the best in everyone, leaders can spread joy, passion and enthusiasm. enforcing a strong sense of belonging.

I learnt that breaking away from the norm can be pretty rewarding. Like breathing in fresh air in spring. God knows how mundane our lives become after a while. We become intoxicated, just fighting within ourselves to swim up to the surface for a gasp of fresh air. When we do, it's tremendously refreshing.

That, is why, I guess, art thrives throughout centuries. No matter how the world has advanced, art invites us to look at everything from a whole new dimension.

~Looking forward to the next Jazz Festival!~