Engineer's Perspective: My Soul Still Needs Restoring 2/12/08

I've always enjoyed black history month because even with the disorganization and general chaos one expects from the concerts, you can always expect interesting clinics and really good music.  But lately since the Africana studies department has taken over the programming the music has suffered. While I understand that it is important to know the history behind the music and the cultures that create it. I feel that academic analysis and politics have no place in the celebration of music and that ignorance in no way hinders appreciation. Having said that I wonder what has happened to our celebration of black music? It seems that it has stopped celebrating and started preaching, and that is some how not nearly as fulfilling. Last year, I remember being disappointed by Cornell West's speech that kicked off black history month. I thought it was without reflection, or insight or relevance, it was simply a lot of show with no substance.  This years BHM kick off proved to live up to those disappointing standards.  The guest this year was George Duke who has visited the college before and has always delivered inspirational and educational performances.  My disappointment does not stem from him or with his performance. My issue was with the first hour of the show where the visiting artist wasn't even present.  I watched for three days as they stumbled their way through seemingly endless rehearsing, baffled that such a talented collection of students and faculty couldn't seem to get it together.  The concert was tired; the song selection trite, and the whole thing was approached with a serious lack of enthusiasm.    That wasn't the case with George Duke's portion of the show. The band came alive in his presence and that's understandable be because he was brimming over with excitement and energy.  There was a very blatant difference between the demeanor he had during rehearsals and show and that of the leaders of the first half.  He was understanding, cheerful, accommodating and he commanded the band.  He rehearsed as little as the other ensemble, but that wasn't evident during the performance.  Listening as the first group's arrangements fall apart made me cringe.  Watching as they rehashed the same old stuff made me want to get up and walk out.  There was no soul restoration going on.  All there was was a lot of time wasted waiting for George Duke to perform.  And for what purpose, why not dedicate the whole night to the visiting artist? I'm sure everyone there would have loved to see another hour of George Duke performing.  The only saving graces to the soul restoration were two performances, one by Kudisan Kai and the other by Donna McElroy.  They were the only ones who managed to breathe some new life into the songs and give the audience something fun and sincere.  And that's really what it boiled down to, sincerity.  The whole time I couldn't shake the feeling like I was watching a spoof on what an R&B concert should be.  So even with all that talent and all that time the concert still lacked the most necessary component... soul.