We cannot deny the absolute, undeniable pleasure of music, the power of all forms of it.

From classical to rock to jazz to blues, and every other musical genre, the sound and the rhythm and the pulse transports us. It makes us feel oh so good, oh so alive.

To quote the late, great Jimi Hendrix, music is a safe kind of high.

The symptoms are obvious. And intoxicating.

If you find yourself hip wiggling, foot stomping, handclapping, or swaying, boogying, or just chilling to music, you’ve been taken captive. The music has got you in its potent grasp. It has transported you, it has enriched you.

Many examples of this phenomenon did I witness recently at my local Jazz and Blues Festival.

In fact, for three glorious days I was indeed a participant. I was a willing captive. The town was moving to the beat, and I was moving very happily with it.

So many, young, old, locals and visitors alike, were dancing like no one was watching, whether in our streets, in the park, or at our beloved jazz venue, and the local surf club.

And dance we did! Shoe’d, or barefoot, vigorously or languorously. Community togetherness was at its most beautiful, all because of live music.

Every musician gave us a gift, sharing with us their passion and creativity, and putting uncompromising heart and soul into their performances.

Some performers talked to their audience, shared their thoughts and dreams, and also their fears.

One breathtakingly talented guitarist proclaimed that the greatest antidote to Fear, was Groove. That comment brought the house down at the Surf Club.

The drummers, the vocalists, the keyboard players, the harp players, the guitarists gave their all, and we lapped it up.

So many exciting, talented, amazing musicians, both homegrown and international, in one spot, my own town.

We loved it!

Perhaps the following says it all. An elderly gentleman, on his own at the festival, told me what the weekend meant to him. 

I asked him if he got out to live gigs at all. His response: no, but I will from now on!

Live music and community spirit go hand in hand, each nourishing the other.