While attending Jazz Fest this past weekend I was struck by the diverse crowd. The event itself draws an eclectic group, but I noticed each musician also drew in an equally eclectic subset.
What draws a diverse group of people, who would likely never interact in “real life,” to the same event? How can a lady wearing a sparkly baseball cap be just as enthralled with Pearl Jam as a man with a mural permanently inked in his skin? There has to be some commonality that strikes a chord with each listener.
All these people attended for different performers and different genres, but they were all there for the same reason – the love for and celebration of music.
For the most part, the artists seemed to recognize and respect the unifying power of music. In their own way they outwardly expressed their gratitude and love for their audience.
Pearl Jam and the Red Hot Chili Peppers were the weekend’s headliners. Each band has permeated and resonated with music fans across generations. While standing in the crowd it became clear this accomplishment was not due to producing generic music, but rather being unapologetic in their art.
When Pearl Jam’s lead singer, Eddie Vedder, took the stage he didn’t shout, “Hello, New Orleans!!” He quietly, conversationally addressed his audience saying, “isn’t it great to be in a place where there are so many colorful people and their differences are celebrated?”
The Red Hot Chili Peppers were so unique as to be downright weird. The lead singer, Anthony Kiedis, crossed the stage with jerky movements and bizarre facial expressions. Their bass player jumped around like a teenage boy high on sugar and caffeine. (Keep in mind, they have been behaving like this for 30+ years). Their weird factor gave us in the audience the permission to let loose our inner-weird.
I find it difficult to pinpoint what specifically the bands do to gather such a diverse group. But maybe that’s just it, there is no formula. It is the combined elements that resonate with people on different levels.
While in the Chili Peppers crowd, to my left was a grandma munching on a granola bar, to my right was a flailing millennial in designer hippie clothes. It was difficult to overlook our differences. But as we shared the grassy field, being moved by the same music, it was difficult to not to feel unified.
Perhaps we can take this into everyday life. These musical legends have found a way to embrace our differences and celebrate our commonalities. After all, we are unique and beautiful and that is something to celebrate!
