Saturday night I went to Sandaga 813 to see my boy Geno Young perform for his birthday. I had never heard of the other two artists, but I went to support anyway.
Now, listen to me. That show gave me everything I needed to make it through the rest of the year. I can’t even write intelligently about what I experienced because I was completely taken.

This was my first time at Sandaga, but it’s safe to say that it won’t be my last. Shoutout to the security guard, Eli, for entertaining us while we had to wait outside during sound check. Now, onto the show!

Kirk Thurmond graced the audience with his buttery voice and indie style. He gave us a smooth, hearty groove. The kind of music you listen to with somebody you love. The kind of music you get dressed to. He’s like a summer breeze. Just the right amount of cool, just the  right amount of movement. It makes you stop and pay attention. His energy radiated from the stage to the back wall and his James Brown inspired moves left the ladies spellbound.

Here’s Kirk Thurmond’s music page on Facebook and find him on Twitter @KirkThurmond.

 

Next, Taylor Pace took the stage and shut the place down. His stage presence emulated that of the greats. His honey sweet vocals nearly blinded us to the fact that he was playing both guitar and keys during his set. He’s one of those unboxable artists. He’s not just neo soul or rock or alternative, he’s all of them and then some. His electric energy and gleaming grin were enough to captivate us, but his dreads did nothing to bring us back to reality. I think I had my cash out to buy a CD before he even exited stage left.

Here’s Taylor Pace’s music page on Facebook and find him on Twitter @mtaylorpace.

 

Finally, my man Geno, singer, writer, producer extraordinaire got on that stage and blessed us with neo soul hip hop goodness; we’ll call it Geno Soul. He’s not just a singer. He’s an MC. That brother can sustain. His funky melodies defy gravity, while his voice lulls you into surrender. You can’t escape it.  His writing is otherwordly. I don’t know what planet he’s from, but it isn’t Earth. I don’t know what kind of tea he drinks, but I want some. I bet his shaving cream even makes music- I want that too. I want all of it if it will give me a morsel of his talent.

Here’s Geno Young’s music page on Facebook and find him on Twitter @GenoYoung.

And here’s one of my favorite songs by Geno (which he did perform)!

If I could relive it again, I would. Again, and again, and again.

Like I’ve told you guys before, you may not find this greatness in stores. You’ll find it on your street corners and your holes  in the wall and intimate stages in your cities. SUPPORT YOUR LOCALS!

xoxo Kaisha

 

 

*Some pics were stolen from Facebook. So? 😉