That's One Baaaad Boat

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Months ago when I was laying out a schedule of performances for Verse iTal, one in particular had me very curious. This particular performance was going to be at the Pool Party Festival, in Antwerp Belgium. I was told it was a large boat completely decked out with a pool. As always, I assigned a picture to the description and so I thought maybe I was heading to a large multi deck ship, similar to the Trinidad party ship the Treasure Queen. “How would they layout a festival on that kind of vessel?” I wondered.

On the morning of the performance, Verse and I left Den Haag early to head to Antwerp as he had a practice with the Asham Band first.  This time we travelled by train and not only was it more comfortable than the bus ride we took last time it was faster and way more interesting. Between reading, napping and gazing at the landscape through the window as it rolled by, the time passed quickly and within an hour and 50 minutes we arrived at the beautiful Antwerp Station.

The band practice went well as they rehearsed six tunes for the upcoming Smile! Reggae Festival.  This time the band member who works the board was there and during some of the instrumentals he added a cool dubwise effect to the music. Rushing out we said our goodbyes and headed to the festival with the band manager.

On the train heading to Belgium

The train ride was more comfortable and interesting than the bus ride to Belgium

Verse practicing with the Asham Band

Arriving at the dock the boat came into view. Sounds of glass could be heard (in my head) as my image of the boat we were going to was shattered into tiny pieces. This boat was impressive. It was crazy. It was…baaaad as its name implied. Badboot is a converted ferryboat, which boasts a long and narrow warm water pool, a restaurant, terrace and two large spaces for events. The festival was spread throughout with a good variety of food and an even better variety of drinks! There was also a station giving free massages and repolish for nails. We checked out the various areas of the boat and were treated to a wonderful performance in the world music section by Nathaniel Melo. He utilized a loop station to create songs using various instruments from around the world. For those not familiar with a loop station, the performer plays an instrument (or does a beat with his mouth/sing), records it then as it plays back he records another instrument on top of that until an entire song is built. He had the small crowd captivated as he effortlessly went from instrument to instrument and enticed everyone to clap and sing along at certain points. The highlight for us was when he moved to the Steel Pan and told the crowd, “Now lets visit Trinidad and Tobago.” A cheer erupted from us, the two proud Trini’s in the room! We had to leave after that as Verse was set to perform next.


At this festival Verse probably had the most interesting stage to date as he gave his performance high up in the air on top of the Bridge of the boat. He really created a great vibe as he moved around the curved roof and sang to the audience on all parts of the terrace. Just like the last performance a man came up to me to ask about Verse and expressed how much he liked his music! Super cool! The performance lasted about thirty-five minutes and every song had an impact. Unfortunately we had to leave soon after to get our train back to the Netherlands but I had such a fun time! I ran to catch the train smiling. Caipirina’s, a massage, new shiny red nail polish on my fingers, an unexpected steel pan performance and sweet reggae music? What more could a girl ask for? I am definitely thankful for these adventures in Europe! 

First impressions of this Baaaad Boat!
Sections of the boat. A very unique venue for a festival!

The Dj's ripping up the dance at the Pool Party Festival

Pool Party Festival

L: Waiting in Line for massages R: The masseuse giving a customer a Thai massage

Pool Party Festival

Nathaniel Melo playing two of the many instruments he used to create his songs, including the Steel Pan!

Nathaniel Melo, Pool Party Festival

Verse iTal performing from on top of the bridge at the Pool Party Festival

Verse iTal, the Pool Party Festival



Comments

  1. Beverly WilsonJuly 25, 2014 at 1:02 PM

    Love following the Blogs of Verse iTal's performances and practice sessions this summer!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 27, 2014 at 10:03 PM

    This was extremely interesting! Fascinating experience I love the pictures with Verse dancing up against the sky How many people were at the festival and does it happen every week?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ariann MiekaJuly 28, 2014 at 8:45 AM

      I am glad you enjoyed it! This was the first year they had this festival and I guess it will be once a year from now on.

      Delete

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