What I Learned Watching Esperanza Spalding in Concert in Germany
Have you ever listened to a class discussion or a lively conversation between a group of friends and though you were not part of the conversation, they drew you in so much so you felt like you could jump in at any moment and you were gaining a lot from it? That’s how I felt a few days ago watching Esperanza Spalding and the Radio Music Society performing. On Tuesday I drove about an hour and a half from Wiesbaden, Germany to Cologne, Germany to see composer, vocalist, musician, creative inspiration Esperanza Spalding in concert at the Leverjusener Jazz festival’s women’s night. Opening up for her was the vocalist and bet boxer Butterscotch- who was great by the way.
One of my reasons for going was because I wanted to capture some really great images of her performing on stage for a particular project. Notice I said wanted. For about two weeks prior to the concert I had been working on getting media passes so that I would be able to take photos during the concert. But things did not work out as planned. As I’ve said before, my journey here in Europe so far has been a beautiful challenge. Things are a bit more challenging when you have been use to doing business a certain way in the United States and then come to another county thinking it will be the same. None the less..I am learning. Now, I did try to sneak and take some pics but that lasted for about 5 minutes until one of the German security guards tapped me on the shoulder to tell me that my camera will be confiscated if I do not put it away. Now, I am only assuming this is what he said because said a few words in German while pointing to my camera…
So, Esperanza’s set begins and her presence on stage is angelic and powerful and everything about her is enchanting. This chic is BAAAAAD. I mean..I knew she was but.. whoa..I was blown away. So much talent and so much grace. If joy rising had a sound it what sound like the music that Esperanza Spalding makes along with her band The Radio Music Society.
 |
| Image ©Carlos Pericás |
+What did I learn by watching Esperanza and the Radio Music Society perform? I learned that you must put in the work and trust your instincts as a creator. Be your authentic self. Engage with those that you create with and for. When you do these things, you will continue to draw and create, the people, the attention, the love, and the support of those that love what you have to offer. And this will happen where ever you are in the world and the supportive community that you’ve created and attracted may not even look anything like you’ve imagined or speak the in the same language as you. So, who are some artist or creators that you have learned lessons from by just watching?
I love this Bessie, I know exactly what you are experiencing about getting press pass access and threats of getting the Camera confiscated
This is great. I hope that I may be able to get you some links over there.
Daddy
Your post makes me want to got to an Esperanza concert. I am not really familiar with her music, so maybe I should start there.
BTW, I nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award on my blog. It is just something fun. Visit http://www.thousandmilesfirststeps.com/2012/11/the-versatile-blogger-award.html.
I LOVE your blog…Great photos!Really enjoying:)FOLLOW YOU NOW! Please check mines If you want we can follow also with bloglovin, google+, twitter and facebook?
Come back soon to visit my blog, I’ll be waiting for you!!
awesome. it great that you can relate some of your adventure in Europe with living life in general