The last time I saw this many people singing and dancing was back in April at Spring Fling, Yale’s annual on-campus concert!

Last Saturday, Lizz Wright, Angelique Kidjo and Dianne Reeves opened the 15-day “International Festival of Arts and Ideas” with their powerful and energetic vocals. Together, they brought the entire city of New Haven onto their feet. I’m a big fan of jazz, soul and funk (one of the main reasons why I wanted to come study in the United States) and the concert had me swinging, tapping and grooving to the music.

Both Angelique Kidjo and Dianne Reeves are Grammy Award winners, and both lived up to their fame. They absolutely rocked the stage with Lizz Wright. I couldn’t believe that the 2 hour concert was free! Over 90% of the events in the two-week long  “International Festival of Arts Ideas” are free and take place all around New Haven. The festival happens every year and I’m really glad I was around this summer to experience it!

Not surprisingly, Lizz Wright, Angelique Kidjo and Dianne Reeves received a standing ovation. In that moment, I thought to myself, “This is why music is so awesome.” There were people from all walks of life gathered on the Green that evening: New Haven residents, people from around Connecticut, New Yorkers, individuals from neighboring states, and summer school students. There were students from Yale, Southern Connecticut State University, and the University of New Haven. Everyone was there to relax, listen to good music and have a great time on the New Haven Green.

Check out a video I took of the concert on the New Haven Green in the link below.