My blog isn’t about concerts, therefore I wasn’t planning on writing many more concert related posts, but when I went to the Amsterdam Forest (Amsterdamse Bos) to see Nahko and Medicine for the People I was struck by a bit of inspiration. So, here I go again!

Amsterdamse Bos Theater

First of all, the location is inspiration in itself. Forests and lakes tend to have that effect on me for some reason. Especially, when dusk is setting in. The forest’s close proximity to Schiphol Airport means that every so many minutes you see and hear a plane flying over. At first my friend and I thought it would ruin everthing, but for some reason it didn’t disrupt the music of the bands playing at all.

Every year the Amsterdams Bos Theater is opened to the public. Here, bands can play to their hearts’ content and many a play is performed during the “hot” summer months (I mean.. we’re still in the Netherlands, so let’s not count on hot weather too much).

It’s important to note, you can’t bring any food or drinks into the theater. If you think this location is perfect for a picnic (which it is), you’ll have to do so outside of the festival terrain. Or if you don’t like bringing food along with you, you can buy something at the food trucks just past the entrance. This you can bring into the open-air arena.

Did I already say the setting in the forest is magical? Especially when lights are strung along the trees like this. However, the setting is not the only thing that gave this evening inspirational vibes. The lyrics of Nahko & Medicine for the People gave it that extra push.

Nahko & Medicine for the People

Who is this band, you might wonder. I wouldn’t have known them if it wasn’t for my friend who lived on Bali for a few years. They are frequent visitors of the island so she’s the one who told me we should go. She was also the one who told me we should go to Xavier Rudd, so I owe her big time.

It is said on Wikipedia that Nahko Bear’s creative inspiration is his desire to bridge cultural gaps. He himself has a mixed ethnic background which includes Apache, Puerto Rican, and Filipino descent. It’s difficult for me to describe what it is I got inspired by. What I think that got to me me that evening was to experience being surrounded by a group of people quite different from myself. It felt like I entered someone’s church as a non-believer. Yet,  the atmosphere was electric; even though everyone had seating people stood with their arms in the air dancing and swaying their thoughts and feelings out to the sounds of Nahko and Medicine for the People.  I was taken in by their “religion” for the evening.

Nahko Bear has said in the past: “The lyrics and the stories and our energy as a group break down people’s walls. You’ll find us in the most unique places on earth because it’s real, raw, and honest storytelling about what we’ve been through and what we believe in. And that’s why people connect with it.” (Nahko Bear)

Now, let’s make some of the song lyrics and photos of the concert do the talking.

“The less I speak, the more I know.” (I Mua)

“The more I understand about the human race
The less I comprehend about our purpose and place” (Aloha Ke Akua)

“I am a miracle made up of particles
And in this existence
I’ll stay persistent
And I’ll make a difference
And I will have lived it” (Aloha Ke Akua)

“Don’t waste your hate, rather gather and create. Be of service, be a sensible person, use your words, and don’t be nervous.” (Manifesto)

“I believe in the good things coming.” (Black as Night)

Conclusion

It’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone everyone now and then to visit a show you normally wouldn’t consider. The vibe of the evening was perfect. If anything it has broadened my mind a bit more.

Have you ever been inspired by a band whose music you didn’t know before going to the concert?