Article by: Wendy Podmenik Darugar
Photos by: Glenn Woodell and Wendy Podmenik Darugar

NORFOLK,VA- Music has long been the great communicator. Throughout the ages, music has been used to evoke emotions ranging from love and longing, grief, anger, frustration, inspiration, love and joy- and Fortunate Youth was on hand in Norfolk to pass on their own personal message of peace and understanding.

With a rich cultural history, the form of reggae has been used as a platform for socio/political commentary, and the line up this evening exuded a vibe of warmth and positivity. The mood was made plain by opening band Tatanka as they stopped mid-set to genuinely thank fans for their support and sharing the love. Merging dance, dub, and reggae, this group from Colorado has been named “Breakout Band of the Year” by The Pier. Playing a set list that included “Love is Medicine”, Tantaka takes us on a slow electronic groove that offers empathy and advice in lyrics that touch on many of life’s tests. http://tatankadub.com/music/

The third time Monkeygoose has had the pleasure of seeing Maryland’s Ballyhoo! revealed the band’s continued maturity and assuredness on stage as they ramped up their own set with a more dynamic and exciting set up with light boxes, colorful lights, and fog cannons. The ska/punk group recently released upbeat new single, “I Don’t Wanna Go” on April 6^th and it truly captures their spirit.

Headliners Fortunate Youth take you on a trip to the groove and ease of the islands as their music flows over you in a warm embrace. The entire show featured “live painting”, where artists set up large easel and canvas, and use acrylics in the corner of the pit to capture the essence of the show’s mood in paint and color, set by set. Completed art works were made available for purchase during and after the show for a unique souvenir opportunity.

The set list included 18 songs and ended with an encore of two more songs, most fittingly “Peace Love and Unity”- featuring lyrics “take some time, make some time, sit down relax and tell me just what’s on your mind” “we are all brothers and sisters, bringing peace and love and unity” in a perfect way to wind up an evening of togetherness and harmony.

Tour information:

http://www.fortunate-youth.com/