The thin line between music and religion

On July 3rd I had the opportunity to travel to Seattle to offer assistance for my company, Mike Moloney Entertainment, in producing the first show in Snoqualmie Casino's Summer Concert Series.

Let me tell you. If you have never been to Snoqualmie for an outdoor show, you are missing out. The 2,000 seat outdoor theater overlooks the beautiful Cascade mountains in a way only pictures can show.

 

For the inaugural 2013 concert we had a unique line-up. First on the bill was Eric Burdon and the Animals.  Burdon became famous for that small hit "House of the Rising Sun." At 72, Eric still knows how to rock and brought in the Woodstock generation of music lovers who were on their feet after every song.

The second half of the bill was held by Ziggy Marley.

I already know what your thinking.  How can a show like that work?  Aren't those two very different artists, with two completely different groups of fans?  

Well, let me tell you. It did.  And it was one of the greatest testaments to the power of great music that I have ever seen.

During Eric's show you could see youngsters in Bob Marley t's, clad in yellow, red, and green singing along. When the songs ended many were on their feet with the elder music statesmen beside them. But, that is something you would expect from the youth.  They are there for a good time, and alcohol certainly helps.

Then after a short change, Ziggy hit the stage, and to my surprise I watched as many of Eric's fans stayed.  But they didn't just stay. Within minutes of that Reggae drop on three many where up and dancing.

As I watched the crowd I witnessed people of all races and colors dancing. Some danced with people they never met. My eyes became fixated on a lady in her mid eighties. She was clad in red, white and blue for the holidays in one of the "high roller" boxes, and she was up and dancing through the whole show. She danced with the youngsters besides her, she danced with her family, by herself, and even pulled her husband up for a few numbers.  She was "into the reggae mon". 

And when it was time to close the show, Ziggy did it with absolute class. He performed his dad's tunes, which seemed to bring his fans, Eric Burdon's fans, and the spirit of his father into the cool mountain air.  And he left with a rousing applause.

As humans we always seem to be looking for something spiritual. Some find it in Jesus, others Buddha, and some Allah.  We are all looking to be connected. Connected to the earth, to the spirit world, and to each other.  On July 3rd I witnessed as music did just that.