Just like a Boabab

Imagine you are in Africa.Think of a Baobab tree. You know that tree famous on most pictures of Africa? That big tree with branches which provides shade in most hot and desert-like places in Africa?

Under that tree where you'll have a school meet, elders sit down and decide on important matters of the village, or transformed into a center of festivities as the occasion demands? A tree! Yes its like City Hall.

Now come back to the U.S.A, fly to New Mexico's largest city-Albuquerque and drive down a neighborhood, go to the side of a house, a modest house with a nice big yard,green grassy area. Look! There are two sky blue drapes hanging on a line, blocking the sun to form the backdrop of a stage. Three seats, potted plants on a carpet--That is the stage. Blankets spread out on the grass. All these under the shade of one big tree.

Now take in a whiff of the air, an aroma enlivens your sense of smell, its barbecue, grilling is happening on the far corner at the back of the house. All kinds of foods that make your taste buds jump and your mouth watery is laid out in front of you. Ice water and drinks, fruits and plenty of snacks that accompany barbecuing is set for your enjoyment.

You meet smiling faces, over 30 of them and make good conversation. You converse and take your place on one of the blankets, or if you prefer being at the back to lean on the wall of the house. You settle down.

A solo Djembe rhythm is played- its your welcome to an Under the tree Concert- Its Music for the Soul's second stop.

For about an hour, the musicians captivate you with soothing music, charming harmonies and their songs uplifts your spirit and warms your heart .

Ali

Gustaff

The Dynamic trio- Amelia,Ali and Gustaff

The concert is over, but some people want more, so the musicians give an encore performance of three songs, a rap and two Spanish songs--one of them being a prayer.

There is more food to eat, people to meet and acquaintances to know. You interact with new friends, catch up with old ones. You become part of this atmosphere of camaraderie. You are excited and then participate in a photo taking session,

Die hard fans who stayed till the end for a group photo
with cameras clicking here and there. Still more food to eat and people to talk to. So you walk around and make more conversation.

You go and give the musicians hugs, and compliments, thanking them for a job well done. Before you know it you are on your cell phone telling loved ones about the two CD's One Step Away and Village Nights you just got for a good deal of twenty dollars.

There is big smile on your face as you get into your car. You bring out the CD's, put one on and starts listening to it. You turn to your darling or children and say, "Wasn't that a wonderful concert?"
They reply,
"Oh, absolutely Amazing! It was like having a concert in the park, but this time it was at the yard of Caroline and Patrik Nkouaga. Ah! they are such a wonderful family. We are so glad they organized this."
And you conclude,
"And that tree! Just like a Baobab tree in Africa, so much importance, so much Blessing for the Village (Our community in Albuquerque)."

That is the story of our Performance in Albuquerque. Lovely photos courtesy of Sjona Bro.