Where’s the first day of the event? Well, I eventually missed it since it was sort of a last minute plan figuring out the choices of transportation to the venue. Quite stupid when come to think of it. Oh well…

For today’s event, dad recommended me to take the bus shuttle service for convenient purposes. Purposes? Well, we found out that the police held a roadblock from Santubong Resort onwards and they only allow in vehicle owners who stay at Damai Beach Resort. Those who drive up will have to park their cars at Santubong and use the RM5 one way shuttle service to the venue of the event. From town, I had to spend RM20 for the return trip of the service. Sigh.

Anyway, we reached the place just in time to catch up with the Rhythms in the Rainforest workshop that involved only percussions, performed by various bands participating in the event. It was good though, although I was actually looking forward to watch the Celtic Wars workshop.

No, it’s not something like William Wallace’s heroic battle for Scottish independence. The Celtic Wars was a short performance between Shannon (Irish + Fast Reel elements) from Poland, and Shooglenifty (Scottish elements) from Scotland. I’ve been an avid Irish music for a long time and that workshop has no doubt, gave me goosebumps that I lost count on it. The music was so amazing that I actually regret of missing the first day of the event that involved performances by Shooglenifty. Aye…

As expected, Shannon stole the limelight once again for their second appearance 2 years after their debut in the festival. They played some familiar music from their albums and this time, they already recorded another 2 new albums. Pretty fast for a 2 year absent from the festival, eh? But an album costs RM70… so, nah.

Speaking of merchandises, I actually bought a DVD of Rhythm of the Rainforest, that featured acts of the best performances throughout the 10 year history since the festival was launched. A reasonable price of RM33, don’t you think? At least it’s better than getting a t-shirt that costs RM30. Who cares? I can just design my own t-shirt through Cafe Press.

And you know what? I never stumble upon so many freaking familiar faces in my life throughout an entire day.

The moment I stepped inside the venue of the workshop, I realized that I was standing just behind Joyce @ KinkyBlueFairy (She doesn’t know me at all…shhhh). Soon after that, I met Arthur Akal who was sitting on the same front row as me while waiting for the Celtic Wars workshop to begin. After the workshop, I stumbled upon non-Kuchingnite friends I know from the same university and shorty after that, I met Aaron Paran. MTV Asia VJs Denise Keller and Colby Miller were also there conducting some covering news of the event… and they were just standing few feets off from me. Then I saw Kenny Sia with Samantha as I was standing far behind them towards the climax of the event (think they saw me when they were looking backwards few times). Alex Yoong was also there for the event… and not to forget, Irene.

The performances are quite good although I found that the lengthly, not my type Eastern music played by Ensemble Kaboul made me feeling sleepy. Tarika Be’s Madagascar genre and Tammora’s unique Italian funky groove are the only 2 performers that impressed me the most for that night. Cheers to them.

I witnessed few negative elements happened throughout the night but I do not wish to elaborate any further as it has the potential to tarnish the good name of the event. No big deal anyway… just that I’m hinting you all to be careful, especially if you’re drinking during the festival.

The night’s off and it’s just a matter of hours of sleep before heading off to the village and harvesting those world music for the entire day again. Totally worn off but I’m still hunger for live music!

See you all tomorrow!

P.S. If you might have noticed, I didn’t post up as many pictures on this post as both pair of my camera batteries went flat throughout the day. Luckily it wasn’t the finale day of the festival.