Couldn't have been more fortunate to have been on the center rail for Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires' set at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival 2015. This was the second time seeing him in Louisiana, and given that I was beyond moved by him at the Internation Fest Louisiane 2013, my heart swelled even more. He truly, truly LOVES his opportunity to sing and connect with people, and in the audience that energy is felt very strongly.
Arrested Development, yes, Arrested Development, performed before him and were fantastic! At the end of their set the ENTIRE crowd emptied the floor. As my jaw hit the floor, my husband and I went right to the center rail and planted ourselves there for an hour waiting for Charles Bradley. :))))) Best spot in the house!!!
I have lots of good photos, but the one I've selected here is what stays with me the most. Charles Bradley is about LOVE, appreciating opportunity, overcoming life challenges, people connections and appreciation....deep SOUL. Whenever he holds his hands over his heart I feel it in my heart, too. Look at this moment and know that CB, "screaming eagle", is true, and really wants you to know how much that you are loved. He generates beauty.
After the set, he was hoisted off the stage by Doug, who I think is his manager, so he could hug any fans ready to receive him near the rail. His hugs are strong and memorable, and it's a wonder to feel his tears and embrace. When he got to my husband, to my right, he held him tight and they exchanged kind words in appreciation of one another. Before holding me he said, "I saw you out there!" Gah, my heart jumped and I really squeezed him. He really is beautiful.
As he continued down the line to my left, I asked Doug, if there was a setlist. He kindly replied that he'd look for me. In minutes, there it was, in my hands. Thank you SO much Doug!! I risked hanging around a bit more to ask for Charles Bradley to sign it, and a Blues Festival organizer saw me and insisted I go beyond the rails to wait for him. I didn't want to be too much. Charles Bradley talked a bit with a musician as Doug held a white jacket on a hanger embellished with a silver eagle.
Once Charles was done, he came over to me very kindly and shared goodness with me once again. I introduced him to my husband, and the love fest continued. I let him know that my brother is the one who introduced me to his music. He smiled and shared some stories about his mother's words about sharing love, and then talked about how he usually passes out roses to his fans and the end of the shows. "Why did God make yellow roses? Because he loved them. Why did he make white roses? Because he loved them. There are red ones to represent our shared blood as human beings....some people believe in God, and some people don't. In the end when you close your eyes you will know that we are all part of the same Creation."
Charles Bradley, you are one very special man. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. I'm very grateful and inspired.
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