2 p.m. - So, Lotus in the Park is going on right now, and I’m at my friend’s house stealing a wireless signal. I can hear the bands playing from the porch, so it’s really nice to be away from the crowded park and still be able to hear everything. Right now, Chic Gamine is singing and I just finished hearing the Lonesome Sisters. Both sound beautiful, and are a good accompaniment to such great weather. Tonight will be awesome, as I’m looking forward to hearing Dhoad Gypsies again (I’ll try to interview them after the show), Taj Weekes & Adowa, MC Rai (again), Javier Garcia (and maybe I won’t bump into him this time) and Chango Spasiuk. Tonight will be SPECTACULAR, so please, go! You won’t regret it, I promise you.

5:10 p.m. - Just got home from Lotus in the Park. It was SO cool! Amazones were there, giving a djembe lesson, and several more bands were playing on the stage that was already set up at Third Street Park. As mentioned previously, I caught Chic Gamine and the Lonesome Sisters performing, and briefly watched Brina. Amazones, as last night, caught my full attention as they taught a crowd of about 150 people several West African hand drum beats. I left before Puerto Plata played, but I will catch them tonight at Lotus. See you there!

CM

I just got back to my apartment after a hell of a night. I only saw 4 performers tonight (tomorrow I will bounce around more effectively) and they were all great. The best part for me was seeing Bloomington like I have never seen it before (note: this is my first full Lotus experience).

I did most of my blogging from The Bluebird. Usually, the crowd at the Bird is young, a stew of students and locals. Tonight, The Bird was overtaken by the 40+ set. I was taken aback at first but, it was fun to watch <i>them</i> having fun and dancing.

Friday night only whet my appetite for tomorrow night. I definitely am watching the entire Dhoad Gypsies show tomorrow as I only got a taste tonight. I missed 17 Hippies and have heard amazing things. Also I’m lookng forward  to Puerto Plata at the Bluebird.

Alright, it’s off to bed. I’ll be back at it again manana.

BH