The Sky Festival


The Sky Festival at Kuramayama in Kyoto was an amazing event. The whole area
there is full of the most extraordinary waves of energy, and lots of really
thoughtful, spiritual people (like Okano of the Sky Orchestra) gathered to
spread their messages. Being able to be a part of the festival with them was
truly an honor.

I ended up playing three days in a row, beginning with SHAG’s very first
performance in Kansai. There were a few setbacks but we had a lot of fun. I’
m pleased to report that there was no repeat of the incident last time caused
by certain people who can’t hold their alcohol (ha ha). It was also great to
have kenken with us again.

On the second day I played with the Sky Orchestra. It was wonderful to be
able to work with a group I’ve respected for so long, and it went as
smoothly as if we had been playing together for a long time. Feeling like we
were becoming one with nature was truly blissful.

On the third day I joined in the closing jam along with the trio Sayoko
Otonara (who are great), four members of the orchestra, and Kento. I can’t
express how amazing it was to perform with these people and feel as in tune
with them as if we had been doing it forever. I was also happy to be able to
spend some time with Masaki and enjoy HALKO and Chiho’s performances. And he
end of the festival when the dramatically changing weather gave way to
brilliant sunshine was especially moving.

The festival was a chance to take notice of colors, scents, and vibrations of
energy that are lost in Tokyo. There was a joy there that cannot be gained by
use of power, politics, war, or greed. The most important thing of all was
the peace, harmony, and sense of future we found there. I really hope that
the Sky Festival keeps on spreading and growing larger.

SUGIZO