Why is it that so many people flock to see one dance group perform just because they won some coveted prize on national TV?
200 people got turned away from the Jabbawockeez show, yet 200 people can't even come out to support the local talents?
Hell, I doubt if Mud or DotDotDot came to Guam, will many people flock out to really watch them play because of their music or just because they were on TV, Pandora, etc?
Those 2 bands play in front of very large crowds as evidenced in the various videos online, I hope to one day catch them live mysel!
Why doesn't anyone appreciate the talents of those that aren't in the big billboards and TV commercials? The people I speak of are those that struggle to make a name for themselves. The raw, real, and striving artists trying to express themselves. Whether it be in the form of dance from ballet to breaking, of song and of music, of stage, of pencil pen or brush, of spoken word, of education, of tagged up street signs and walls, all those who try to let their inner artist be expressed... where is the support and love for them.
There are so many talented souls out there in the world, and many here on Guam.
From the stages of Dededo Theater and UOG's Fine Arts Building with acts such as Jesus Christ Superstar or Ice is Hell; the poets and verse spinners weaving intricate stories of history, peace, war, love, and faith in Sinanganta; the young kids running around tagging up every unkempt or blank wall throughout our streets who simply see the concrete before them as a canvas waiting to be graced by their art; the kids that pick up their plectrums, sticks, or mic stands and wail out individual notes and chords that make up a melody that screams out the words and emotions as an anthem to their beliefs; the older vets of the numerous scenes who have gained a few pounds and a few gray hairs that still do what they do simply to express themselves, to let loose, and to pay the bills that come with adulthood, raising a family, and all that good stuff.
From the kids on the streets and who still attempt to learn how to play the songs that sit inside their iPods, hearts, minds, or their favorite track on Rock Band on stage, to the older men and women playing in the smoky and dim lit bars, coffee shops, and theater stages every night they get a chance to express their artforms, where is the support for them?
Support these people, support them well, who knows the next top dance crew could be practicing in the driveways, gyms, and garages throughout the island!
The Jabawockeez were in those shoes before, and they've striven to get where they are at, I just hope they are humbled by the opportunities they face.
Hope you all enjoyed their show, I still didn't understand the big fuss over the dance crew anyhow, but alas it isn't my scene.
But all in all, please attend the band shows, the plays, the poetry slams, the MC battles, the dance competitions and all.
Go down to the bars and restaurants and order up some drinks, a snack, and listen to the entertainment. Rock out to the hardcore motherfuckers and get some bruises to take home to show to mommy and explain your love for thost motherfuckers onstage who scream out the anthem of beliefs you keep holed up in your chest and mind. Go down to PTC and watch the poetry slams and open your mind, heart, and soul to the sounds of storytellers expressing their love and frustrations over this world and more.
We've got plays going on @ Dededo Theater this weekend about the problem of Ice (Meth) in our community. Saturday @ 8:00PM and Sunday @ 6:00
Tomorrow is "MusicFest" a little fundraiser and showcasing of numerous bands over @ Tiyan GATE Theater. Plenty of younger bands playing and the 5 dollar fee is going to support a young girl vying to be Queen/Princess for this years Ilo Ilo association contest.
Catch Sinangan-ta this Saturday and every last Saturday of the month @ PTC Bar & Grill at the Agana Shopping Center. 7PM
Check out Jovan, Kie, Melvin and the others as they spit out rhymes and rhythms!
Next Thursday is the sequel to Fuck Shit Up @ Club Legends. If you're 18 come on over $5 dollar cover and it comes with one free domestic. The 5 bucks supports the bands playing, and the bar, and come on, domestics are like up to $7 bucks over at Venue and some spots in Tumon!
The billing for this show will be Bastard Squad, Union Down, Hymn for the Tortured, and Nzeexruos. Thanks to Ryan Shook and the other guys who plan this event and for Jet the bar owner who supports hard music!
August 16th, I'll be throwing the last show of the summer over at Skinners Plaza, more details will be coming!
Any other upcoming events I'll post.
But please, Support the local artists in music, dance, art, or theater as best as you can. Someday they'll be the ones selling out shows @ FD or the Field House.
