Photo Gallery View category Victor Wooten
Grammy award winning bassist Victor Wooten, multi-genre drummer JD Blair and Kayla Wooten (Victor's 11 year old daughter) rattled the windows in the church hall for the students at St. Francis. Pre-K to 3rd grade were treated to songs and some lessons about different styles of music. From Bob Marley’s “One Love”, Led Zepplin’s “Kashmir” (that’s right, on bass and drums) and some fun jazz. The kids were asked to call out what type of music it was that they were playing. They were also allowed to ask questions of both Vic and JD. Kayla sang a Hanna Montana song for the younger set as well as a cover of India Arie’s “Better People”. JD clowned around with the students making them laugh and treating them to some fun raps and versions of the “ABC” song.
The second set was 4th through 8th grade. Victor was clearly known by many of the older kids and they got into the concert vibe of the set. Victor talked to them about his experience of being on the road and talked about his appearing in the opening band (on bass of course) for Curtis Mayfield at the age of 6. (Our own Ms. Carol Will owns one of the Curtis Mayfield albums the Wooten Brothers appeared on from back in the day.) Victor also talked about the importance of communication in playing, and that learning the instrument was just the first step. JD and Victor free formed a piece where they had to listen to each other's musical cues to keep the sound from falling apart. Kayla’s performance on this set was wildly applauded as was the entire event. Students rushed the stage to get our guests' autographs. As we left the building to get Victor and crew back for their soundcheck in Annapolis the kids on the white top surrounded them for more autographs, which they happily gave. St. Francis provided crab cakes from Koco’s for the ride back to their soundcheck at Rams Head in Annapolis (thanks to Dave Pugh for the use of his van) and I believe that they will no longer miss the shuttered Angelinas when they come to town. SFA thanks Victor, JD and Kayla for their time and talent. We hope to see you again!
