Well in all honesty, Everton Blender had become one of my heroes, once I heard the song many years ago “Lift up your head and hold it up high”.  When that song hit the airwaves, there was lots of carnage going on, not only in the streets of Jamaica but also worldwide.  The uplifting message the song provided was a basis of strength. The message was so positive, it gave you hope of better things to come. So powerful was the song, that in my mind’s eye I thought, the person singing such an uplifting song has to be ONE with JAH. My heart connected with his strength and Rasta Love, that entity can only uplift and that is exactly what we needed in those trying times.

The Concert:

So it goes… the trend it seems these days is that Artists  are performing some shows via sound systems. I am not a fan of this practice, I love bands!  However, there are a few Artists that can actually pull this off, if the sound system is tip top.  Everton Blender lucked out, because Dallas Sound System master DJ Playboy has the sound system thing locked down, he is definitely a master of any musical system domain!!!  I also enjoyed the music by Zion Roots. The music presentation overall I give – two thumbs up (perfection).  

Like many Jamaican Rasta singers, he has a strong stage presence, a thrilling entertainer, definitely connecting with his audience.  
this fact was apparent when a female fan, just strolled on stage, put her arms around Everton Blender’s waist and squeezed then commenced to rock with him as he performed.  Being a true professional he did not even blink an eye to this interruption, he never missed a musical beat!! He just kept on performing, even with her hanging onto him.  Now this was no small woman by any stretch of the imagination, so just imagine, being held tight and try to keep performing under such restraints!. (smile)  

The funny thing is that we actually thought that she was part of the show; as she had so casually wondered upon stage. LOL – We later found out that she was just an over enthusiastic fan, wanting to get up close and PERSONAL for real.

I don’t know what my Rasta Reggae brothers are doing to these women, but you can rest for sure, the women population here in Dallas is surely to be large at their concerts! This was witnessed on Sunday night.

Now, don’t get me wrong: Mr. Blender is good eye candy (very easy on the eyes); sexy and chocolate like that; as well as being a powerful singer. His press picture actually does him no justice.  So I can see why the woman wanted to get to that stage. LOL… As you all know, my pet peeve is that the Artist must show the fans respect!  Everton went above and beyond the call of duty and showed the fans much love and respect, signing autographs and taking countless pictures with them.  It is safe to say the Dallas Massive both men and women went home joyfully.

I understand that Everton has promised that he will return to Dallas; he was disappointed with his voice and wants to come back to do a better show. His thoughts are that his voice just was not there, he wants to give more to the fan.  I personally saw no one complaining. What he may have been lacking vocally, he made up for in interactions. He did a good solid show; if he wishes to come back I am sure the fans will be more than happy to welcome him. (smile).

Everton Blender brought to Dallas by Ragga Standup Productions and Black Rhino Sounds!
The Reggae Solutions crew would like to give thanks to the Rasta promoter from USVI for their support of our programming and for making this long awaited Everton Blender concert happen, as it had been many years since he appeared live in Dallas.  

In response the promoter Ras Ragga said: “Overall I feel the vibes in the place was strong and everyone received the blessing the father sent us through Blender, hoarse or not. His energy is strong”. He said he will definitely do it again and looking forward in bringing more conscious roots reggae artists to the Dallas/Forth Worth area.

Excerpt from Everton Blender’s song “Lift up your Head”:

LIFT UP YER HEAD AND HOLD IT UP HIGH
WE KNOW THAT WE'LL WIN THE PRIZE
TIME GETTIN HARDER, STILL WE  STRIVING FOR BETTER
AND WERE NOT GONNA  STOP TILL THE BATTLE IS WON
AN WE GET JUSTICE
CAUSE IF YOU LOSE YER STAND
ANYONE WILL TRY TO PUSH YOU OVER
LIFT UP YER HEAD AND HOLD IT UP HIGH
WE KNOW THAT WE'LL WIN THE PRIZE
LIFT UP YER HEAD AND HOLD IT UP HIGH
WE KNOW THAT WE'LL WIN THE PRIZE
DON'T BE DISCOURAGED, BY THE PITFALLS AND THEIR WORRIES
Pain endure FOR THE NIGHT BUT JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING
AND IF YOU LOSE YER SOUL THERE'S NOTHING TO GAIN
IT WILL BE OVER

Mushiya
Jobe Enterprises
P.O. Box 600542
Dallas, Texas 75360-0542
www.myspace.com/mushiya
www.mikeydread.com
www.innervisionsreggae.com
www.dubmusic.com
www.mackieconscious.com