Letter to the Editor: It Rained, We Shined

On Sunday September 12, 2010, the "North Jersey Blues Alliance", held its  inaugural "South Orange International Blues Festival"…although it rained all day, the spirit of the blues was alive and well in South Orange! This was truly a "People's Event" as some in the audience pitched tents...others went home to change and return...still others literally stood rain-soaked for hours so as not to miss the incredible music offerings. The bands, including David Stryker, the Blues Mob featuring Michael Hill, and the Colin John Band, to name a few were so determined to perform, they risked ruining their instruments and sound equipment in the rain to bring the music to the people.

Though the intent was to offer music and performances at three different venues (the Main Stage at Flood's Hill, the Cameron Stage at Cameron Field, and Spiotta Park in Downtown, South Orange), when the Cameron Stage washed out, the bands, volunteers and members of the audience quickly shuffled the acts to enable them to perform at Flood's Hill. The artists and the many vendors, like the audience, remained completely amenable and adapted to all the curve balls the day threw out.

Banners from such companies as Allegiance Bank, The Star Ledger, Sam Ash and others decorated the stage informing the crowd of the support given to the NJBA and the SOIBF. A Proclamation and Resolution were presented from the Office of the Essex County Executive and from the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders recognizing the partnership of the North Jersey Blues Alliance and the Township of South Orange Village in its efforts to preserve the American musical tradition of the Blues.

The People, the beautiful spirit and the tenacity to not give up, helped to showcase South Orange as a viable venue for a Blues Festival to a diverse audience even in the midst of inclement weather.

It rained but the South Orange International Blues Festival and the Township of South Orange Village shined!

Sincerely submitted,

Allison V Brown, President

North Jersey Blues Alliance

South Orange, NJ 07079

Editor's Note: Click here for our report or video of the festival.

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