Summer is here~Southend Green Festival Vibes speak!

We got it going on!!!

Southend Green Festival last Sunday was an absolute blast! Yes we were under the threat of grey clouds for part of the time but fortunately the good weather held, making it a perfect day for this type of event. Have to say, I just loved the whole vibe of this festival which has a real holiday feel about it, giving you more than the average Sunday afternoon bliss.

With the stage at the bottom of the green nearest to the open road, and many interesting stalls effectively creating a buzzing street market stretching to the station and beyond, there was plenty to occupy curious shoppers and passing cars, many of whom wound down their windows catching a fleeting summer beat.

Food and drink represented London's international flavour from different cuisines to modern trends- let's speak cake- oh yes, delicious red velvet cake which gained Lady Diania of Music Media Management's approval as did this spectacular silver necklace- not much gets past Lady D!

Lady D modelling the star item from above pic

As with all good events, children were well entertained enjoying the modern day phenomena, face painting, and having access to a little fun fair which I'm sure was a blessing for all parents! Animal lovers had the pleasure of a dog show- sadly I missed it so am left with memories of Kaos, the family Mastiff/Rotweiler cross, and Dolce it's predecessor- now that's another story but I'll dig out the dog poem for you...

The festival was a real community event organised by Southend Green Association with the help of local venue, The Fiddler's Elbow who supplied excellent musicians and sponsored the musical aspect of these proceedings. I was fortunate to be invited by Kareem Shabazz and we arrived during a blues set, 'The Experience Makers,' I really enjoyed the little I heard of them- wish I'd heard the whole set and judging from the programme  some excellent acts had already performed- 'Hats off Gentlemen It's Adequate,' who are a multi-rock genre band, 'John Etheridge & Vimala Rowe,' now we're speaking serious jazz and guitar; and also the cleverly named 'The AutistiX,' a very unique rock band. Links are all in place so you can check the bands out yourselves.

Moving on, 'The Fabulous Micky C & The Wasted Playboys, had a very individual feel bringing a real mix of music- most entertaining and almost defying description! Good job guys and great fun!

The Beautiful Game

Taking a serious turn, we switched to indie rock and enjoyed a pretty amazing set from 'The Beautiful Game.' My first thought was- what's up with the lead singer? His voice was a little weak but that didn't last long and by the second and third track he (I'm guessing Steven Foxley,) was in full swing. Afterwards we were informed that he was standing in for the band's lead vocalist, Jason Crowley who had been unable to attend. Regardless, I was very impressed by the energy flowing through their music and if Jason has great stage presence and charisma, this is truly a band to be reckoned with. The Beautiful Game did an amazing job,100% energy flowing through their Indie Rock and I was pleased to see a few fans dancing and singing along.

Headline Time- Kareem Shabazz and the Ryddim Kings who blew the crowd away! 

I absolutely love this popular band who create Reggae music from a fusion of musical backgrounds. Kareem has an amazing quality to his voice and you can read more about their live performance here; Previous Review- Live*on Fire! The band got into its flow from the minute they hit the stage so it wasn't long before the crowd welled up around them, joining in- dancing, clapping. Kareem really surprised us when, speaking of love in a general context, he unexpectedly gave us his rendition of Marvin Gay's 'Sexual Healing.' Even took me by surprise! This went down a storm as did Clinton 'Rock' Jones outstanding guitar solo- I believe heaven really is on earth as I felt every note! Clinton ended with a typical rockers melt down and smashed the cymbals with his guitar.

Kareem went on to introduce all his band members who did a terrific job throughout, entertaining us with their solo's. He then invited DJ Sparky Rugged to join them during the band's last song 'Way Dem Ah Gwan,'(from their current album Born on the Streets.) Sparky, the epitome of cool, smashed the crowd with his confident delivery and pertinent timely lyrics that included tributes to well known recording artists and people in attendance- King Tubby's, G Star, and Music Media Management who, with Robert Rex, have a fierce reputation as promoters.

Finally, an event isn't an event without the all important Master of Ceremonies, in this case actor and lover of the arts, Mr Steve Bowyer. The festival was so successful the audience were left begging for more! It really was a fabulous event and great memory maker- you can see from the final pic just how much fun we had!

King Tubby, Lady D, Me, G Star

Jaz McKenzie~ The Word Magician  Contact: itsbraap@live.co.uk