IN THE MOOD...for Big Band Sounds in the Desert!
It was a lovely afternoon for music...and to be in the desert. Not two things that usually go together, but for one afternoon, they blended with each other in a marvelous way.
It also isn't just sand. Those movie scenes where the guy is stumbling through the desert looking for water, and there is nothing but sand, sand, and more sand, is accurate in some areas, but not all. The area we were in had lots of rock formations that scaled up rather high.
We were headed to a specific wadi, in the Al-Oyun region of the Al-Ahsa Governorate. A wadi is defined as a channel of a water course or a valley. You definitely don't have water coursing through this part of the world, so let's call it a valley. In my vocabulary, it's a canyon of sorts, and very interesting.
A view from the top of the wadi
In the center of this picture is the wadi and the people waiting for the concert. This was taken from on top of the wadi.
This unique band, playing big band tunes, is made up of Aramco employees, and is called the Dhahran Big Band. We know one of the trumpet players, who invited us to hear them play. They just recorded an album, and decided they should have a video to go with it, and what better place to film it than the quintessential Saudi location: the desert.
To see and hear the band, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Adb7j2Yy9E&feature=youtu.be , or search Youtube for Dhahran Big Band Sing, Sing, Sing.
The videography took most of the early afternoon, but around 3 PM, the band put on a concert for those attending. The wadi, with its high walls, was acoustically wonderful. The music sounded out clear and crisp, and the crowd was an appreciative one. Two sets of 30 minutes each were played, and between sets, we ventured up to the top of the wadi.
Tex, photographing the band
Up at the top of the picture, to the left, you can see another person. Between Tex and that person is the way to the top of the Wadi. A little challenging for this chubby grandmother, but well worth the climb.
At the top of the wadi!
The band in the middle back of the picture and the crowd gathered for the concert. Some jazz-loving folks even camped out in the desert the night before.
On the way to the concert, we saw several flocks of camels with their keepers. None of these were very close to us though. On the way home, however, we got up close and almost personal with a flock. Their keeper looked unconcerned as he perched atop one of the camels and watched the others lazily cross the highway, which is used mostly by trucks coming and going from a cement factory down the road.
Camels definitely have the right of way! We were more than willing to share the road with them.
Saudi Arabia is a country that is vastly different from our home country. We're not used to deserts and camels or the culture around us. It is, however, an extremely interesting place and adventure abounds here. And for just a few hours, we experienced both cultures at one time--a beautiful Saudi venue and some lively American music. It was the perfect blend for a weekend afternoon.
Until next time, HAPPY TRAILS from Tex and me.
