Sunday, May 2nd 2010 at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff, Wales.
What an evening. Every band playing offered something different from the others to make up a completely fulfilling event. Love the Buena Vista Social Club, music, looks, attitude.
Then our band, Juba do Leao. What to say? The audience were fantastic. This brought home even stronger what has been spoken about before. As one of the dancers, positioned between the crowd and the drummers we are in a unique position. Facing the crowd facing us and picking up the enthusiasm, spinning around, making eye contact with the band, passing the energy and picking up theirs, spinning around back to the crowd, passing the energy, picking up theirs and on and on...
Fantastic.
But first, entering Wales over the beautiful bridge. We felt we were going abroad! Stunning bridge. And then entering Wales and all so easy until we reached Cardiff. We came off the motorway, followed a sign for the Bay, then no other signs to direct us to the Millenium Centre of Cardiff Bay. Asked a couple of people who were lovely and helpful. Drove around and around the Millenium Centre trying to find the hotel that had looked so close. In the end pulled up at the Travel Lodge to ask. The Future Inn, Cardiff Bay was tucked away behind Pizza Hut and Chicitos and the Red Dragon Shopping Centre. But very nice when we eventually dropped off our bags before heading, couldn't find, then eventually found The Coal Exchange where we were performing that night. Amazing mix of new builds, old, neglected beautiful buildings complete with plants growing out of chimney stacks, and imposing, run down facades. Tucked away around the back, again, is The Coal Exchange. Very impressive. Fantastic music venue, complete with all the original signs etc showing its former use.
And the event was very, very well organised. Compliments and thanks to all in charge of that. Great stage manager. Felt looked after, safe and welcome.
Okay. Enough. Another day.
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