Last week I went to Curacao for the North Sea Jazz Festival and had a ridiculously fabulous time while meeting and spending time with many of the performers, including Stevie Wonder.

I detailed my various exploits and posted pics of the various performers in this thread http://prince.org/msg/100/366494

I'm posting this thread to focus on the wonderful performances from the festival. I can't wait until next year.

I was blessed enough to watch Stevie's set on the stage.

Stevie singing Happy Birthday to You to his 10 year old son Kailand (whom they brought out to present a cake but he was not happy to go ) Stevie also dedicated the song to Beyonce.

Philip Bailey on stage with Stevie. It sounded kinda bad cuz he chose a song that Philip doesn't do lead on and they had trouble finding the right key.

Stevie bringing Dionne out. She was sitting next to me and was genuinely surprised when he called her out and didn't really wanna go.

My girlfriend and I were invited to Stevie's villa for an afterparty. Here's my friend with one of Stevie's back up singers.

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This is my friend with Stevie

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[Edited 9/8/11 8:50am]

Branford doing my fave song with Sting. I think it's been over 10 years since they've performed together

Here's my idol Panamanian salsa king Ruben Blades oh yeah that's Sting he's talking to

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Sting after the show, shirtless hopping into his car

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[Edited 9/8/11 8:35am]

The night before the festival began we hung out with Branford, Terence, EWF, and other performers.

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Branford's bassist on left and his drummer on right

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While there we ran into some of the guys from Earth, Wind and Fire

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Here's some video I took of the Branford Marsalis Quartet featuring Terence Blanchard.

Branford's drummer, Justin, is off the chain and only 20. Bran found him at the age of 16, and he's been playing in the quartet for 2.5 years.

[Edited 9/8/11 8:33am]

Earth Wind and Fire featuring Verdine's Supreme Perm

[Edited 9/8/11 8:40am]

the amazing Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

[Edited 9/8/11 9:04am]

This is good stuff. Thanks for sharing.

On Saturday I stood for hours at the front of the stage so I could see my man, Juan Luis Guerra, up close and personal. His show was incredible.

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His mic went dead halfway through this song but his band was JAMMIN!

Unfortunately I missed Chic cuz Branford was at the same time.

Freakin' awesome!!! So many of my favorite artists on the same show. Thanks for posting!!!!

OMG what a great show

gemari77 said:

Freakin' awesome!!! So many of my favorite artists on the same show. Thanks for posting!!!!

It was a perfect music festival. Perfect location. Not too many acts but a good variety. Two days long. Couldn't have been any better.