H.E.R.,me, and the water ministry
Last night was such a treat.
It’s been over two whole years since I’ve attended a concert. The last one was Raphael Saadiq at The House of Blues New Orleans, right before the pandemic began, right in the first trimester of my pregnancy with Yariel.
I went with my mom, who was my introduction to him. I realized that it wasn’t the best choice to buy the standing-only tickets since I am a very attached nurturer, and even while growing a fetus, I was concerned about my comfort and how it would affect the baby. I needed to be able to sit at least when it felt necessary. So I found my way to a supervisor and made it clear that I needed special seating, perhaps near an ADA section. ADA means the Americans for Disabilities Act which advocates for non-discriminatory treatment for special needs. What more is a special need than a seat for a new life bearer?
So, I find my way.
All that to say, last night, I went with my girl Kei to the H.E.R. concert and, with grace, found my way to the pit by the stage with general admission standing tickets. Shhh. While I couldn’t sit in the ADA/VIP section, standing was worth it now that we were right below the performers. This was a considerable advantage because, sad to say, anywhere more than 20 feet from the stage, the sound was subpar. Very unfortunate for the fans, very unfortunate for the sound crew. People work so hard on the production, and some things still turn out to be less than 100%, which I am sure is the goal, to get it all right and satisfy those who invested money into the experience. So much money, time, energy, resources, and human power goes into running a smooth show. As a lover of musicality and productions, I have a lot of interest and passion in finding ways for performances to sound and look better so that artists and musicians get the representation they worked so hard for. Next up getting paid for that passion.
Still and all, H.E.R., her singers, and the band were phenomenal and soooo very professional. They did exactly what they came to do, and the crowd showed gratitude.
Now, if you know me, I’m always walking hastily to the rescue. As I was enjoying the opening acts, I had a hunch to look over to my right, where I looked right into the crowd to see a young woman hugging and resting her head on a young man’s chest, which to me looked like an intimate exchange where she was inebriated and wanted affection. Maybe she needed more because one second later, she collapsed. Immediately I thought, “Ah, his pheromones took her out.” Hey, if you know, you know. A little alcohol in your system and a close embrace with someone you’re attracted to can turn everything real hot, real quick.
The security guard overheated me telling my friend what the people around her needed to do and suggested I go to speak up. I didn’t hesitate to show them where the nearest seat was, advised ice on her neck to wake her up, and found a towel to wet for her forehead. “Do you mind if I put a cold towel on your forehead?” With a head-nod of approval, I did.
Also, more context is in order for this story.
Upon entry, I found myself in a ping pong of debate to defend my need to keep the spring water that I’d brought with me into the concert. The very first security check had a young black woman who was adamant about me NOT doing so. “You CAN NOT bring that in here. No outside drinks. EXCUSE ME, MA’AM!”
Yes, I hear you. Thank you for doing your job, but that won’t be true for me. I know the young woman was upset that I didn’t listen to her, but I telepathically ensured her that it was okay to relax and she wouldn’t lose her job for my actions. The following security check was a less aggressive man to whom I said, “I need to speak to someone in CHARGE.” Listen, there are always exceptions to the rule. The man directed me to his higher-up, and he was also adamant about the “no outside drink rule.” The only reason I pushed so hard was that I knew for sure there wouldn’t be spring water inside, and that’s what I need for ACTUAL hydration. It didn’t matter to me that others weren’t aware of this. They couldn’t care less as they were only interested in alcohol anyway.
I get it. The folks running the show wanted people to spend money inside the concert, but just like I knew it, there was no spring water, and if I’m going to drink Dasani water which has a ph level of 4.5, I might as well drink a Coke. Do your research about that. So let’s continue moving.
After two security checks and a conversation with the “higher up,” I told them that I was leaving my water right where I could see it, and I’d be coming right back. “Where are the officers and managers?” They then directed me to four standing police officers who were ready to listen and help me get what I needed. One of them called his chief, Stan, a middle-aged white man with a smile on his face. Very different from the security checks, which is how it works. The people at the bottom are more aggressive and often unaware of who they are working for, and I don’t mean who hired them. I mean, who’s PAYING them, the customer, the ticket buyers.
“How can I help you, ma’am?”
“Why can’t I bring in my water? It’s spring water, and I need it to stay hydrated.”
“Where is it?”
“Do you want to smell it?”
“No, I want some. LOL”
“See! You’re not the only cop who needs my water. It’s essential!”
(On our way walking from the car, a cop directing traffic asked for some, jokingly, then assured me he was OK as I was going to give him some)
After this simple exchange, Stan gave me my water and told me to enjoy the show. Problem solved! Yet it was only a problem because everything wasn’t worth complying with, and it would only be solved if I cared enough to push the issue, and I did and won.
See another essential fact of the matter is that if the young lady who fainted had been influenced by spring water in her proximity than alcohol, she might not have fainted in the 80-degree spring weather of New Orleans.
As I was wrapping up my assistance with ensuring she was okay, I told the man that she had fainted on, “I saw what you did. Your pheromones took her out. You ain’t slick.” It took him a second, but he found comic relief in the situation. I like to think that I bring light to the world, which I aimed to do. To make a dramatic situation more digestible for the people involved. Again, the passion for production. Haha!
Nevertheless, the most critical part of my review of H.E.R.’s performance is her absolute gorgeousness, her silk green oversized shirt and sparkling shades captivating me along with her light and sophisticated essence. She’s a true musician, lover of her craft, and complete rockstar! I didn’t know much of her music going in, but after hearing her set, she’s got a fan in me! I’ll be adding her to the rotation and watching her performance videos with my 1-year daughter, who is a musician and performer as well.
Highly recommended concert! Please make sure to stay hydrated regardless if it’s indoors or outdoors, especially if you’ll be drinking liquor.
