Even when the heart is strong and the path is clear, the flowers on the side will draw the eye. I have always maintained that home is where I belong, sweet Jamaica. And that is still where my heart lies. All the things I learn about developing arts and culture, managing cultural enterprises, it’s always in my head as being applied in Jamaica. BUT …. I am tempted.

It’s no surprise that the biggest draw is the music, and more specifically the pan. Last night I sat in on a rehearsal with Ray Holman for a show he’s playing this weekend. Seeing the seemingly effortless way these musicians played this music, it made me envious. Seeing the notes just spew forth from their hands was amazing, more so with each song.

Then, wonder of wonders, a song was created before my eyes, chords called out, melody played to be repeated. In less than an hour, there was a complete song, including improvised solos on pan and trumpet. Sigh…..

People do keep asking why don’t I stay. And I am tempted, but my heart is still in Jamaica. My passion for my homeland runs a little deeper than my passion for pan. So I guess I will just have to find a way to bring pan to that level at home.

*****Gotta stay strong, gotta go home, gotta stay strong, gotta go home*****