Gods & Angels... a kinetic expression of creativity, positivity, and inspiration.
Gods & Angels Met Gala
Gods...embracing our relationship to the universe-at-large and the reality of existential potential we possess inside
Angels...protectors and messengers created to serve at the will of the divine
You could feel the energy from the outside. A pulsation of expectation...sympathetic vibrations...a community rising. From the emotions expressed through the painting to the expressions of the live musicians; everything about the night translated into an evening of passion, energy and style...it was truly a Melanated Met Gala!
To accentuate the evening, attendees were encouraged to dress the part-and did they dress! From angels wings to Egyptian-themed headdress...everyone was free to express their inner royalty! The decor was regal as well! Much effort was dedicated to transforming the event space into an oasis of inspiration and creativity!
Then the musicians started to play. There's something special about chocolate hands touching instruments that make them speak to the atmosphere. A brother, Justin Paul (a.k.a. Abstract in the Sky) of Orlando, FL skillfully navigated that handpan drums as if they'd been tempered to his heartbeat. Then a sister, Brandee Younger from NYC plucked the harp with such an elegant flow that her arms seem like waves of rushing water. The melodies were familiar tunes, but the vibrations of the strings seemed to awaken another realm of consciousness in the room. We appreciated each other.
When she got on the stage, I thought, "Oh wow! We've got representation for the mature as well!" Boy was I surprised! "Somebody come get your mama off the stage!" Lynnette Hardy, the Mistress of Comedy was hilarious and had us rolling with laughter from the moment she told her first story! Her vibe was "family-ar" like an aunt at the family reunion that knows everybody's business and is determined to share...whether you're ready or not! She captivated the crowd and had us on the edge of our seat like "What is she gonna say next"!
Then it happened...the moment of anticipation! The lights go dim. The wall art transforms. B/ue Robin and arTestimony take the stage. We are led through a voyage of discovery. The transparent stories of love, pain, healing, resilience, and triumph are shared through vivid visual representations surrounding the room. With the lights turned off, the colors glow transforming the pieces into new images.
An evening of artistic expression, creativity and melanin can't be done just once! People everywhere deserve to experience this level of black excellence! Hats off to Gods and Angels' visionaries and producers, Bolaji Ajike, B/ue Robin, and arTestimony! You've helped us to reimagine what greatness looks like on each of us! We look forward to quality entertainment real soon!
