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Photos and Review by Jan Salzman
May 3, 2009
Concert by the Canyon
Westchester, California
A beautiful, sunny, spring day in Southern California was the setting for this family day at the school. I arrived early and met Hope Crawford, the concert chairperson, who took care of me. This was a day when the children ruled and accounted for most of the attendees. It definitely set the tone of the event for Ziggy Marley's new music from his children's album Family Time. This was a humble venue for this mega star and four time Grammy winner, but it really fit the purpose for the message Ziggy is sending with his new CD.
The lineup included a young singer Julian Moon, a soul and R&B band True Rhythm and Soul and some young children in bands (they called them Cowan's RockSTAR Bands). It was the cutest thing I've ever seen! Each band had a name. They included: The Rockin' Goldfish, Loud in the Library, The Prawns and Better than Beethoven. Just preceding the set by Ziggy Marley there was a performance by African drummers called P.I.S.E. It was a totally fun filled day for the children with bounces, slides, and a petting zoo.
Ziggy did an acoustic performance, this day, opening with his new song Cry, Cry, Cry. Toward the end of the song he asked just the children to sing the chorus. It sounded like a thousand angels singing Ziggy's song! He was quite obviously very pleased. Ziggy did a number of songs from his new CD including, the title track, Family Time and Wings of an Eagle. When he sang the song I Love You Too he told a little endearing story about his daughter telling him, "I love you, daddy” and he replied, "I love you, too”. At the end of the performance, children from Cowan Elementary School presented Ziggy with a toy tiger, which is a symbol of their school, and a T-shirt commemorating the day.
Ziggy stayed for two hours after the event signing autographs and meeting his fans of all ages. He had his son Gideon in his lap the entire time.
I left feeling so IRIE! Ziggy made everyone feel like we were part of his family. Lucky me, I had an early promo copy of Family Time so I could drive home listening to it.
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