It was a brisk, cold night, for a midsummer’s day, and we were all very excited. Not only to see each other again after long months of hard work, but also since it was right after we had yet another successful Fundraising Event. We wanted to show support to one of our own. Members of IPC-NY also wanted a chance to get together again and take a break from the norm. Furthermore, it was a great way to keep the momentum going: what more could one ask for? Cool jazz, live music, good friends…and of course, drinks!!
Rhonda Ross '93, and her extremely talented husband Mr. Rodney Kendrick, who is officially part of our Brown family, took the audience by storm as we got lost in their rhythmic flow, and their beautiful jazz renditions. They had blessed us at the Fundraiser in Flushing Queens by giving us a stellar performance to an intimate audience of Brown Alumni, their family and friends. Now, we wanted to do the same by meeting up as a group to attend one of her shows following a nice meal in the Big Apple.
It was a feeling of familiarity and of homecoming, even though I have not been inside that particular venue before. Maybe it was due to the small gathering of IPC-NY members that I was with, or maybe it was the nature of the music and the setting, but perhaps many of you who have attended Brown (and also those who didn't) can relate to what I am talking about: those endless hours spent drifting, that warm cozy feeling of being in the groove, reminiscing of yesteryear and just lamenting on "things." Well, if you dig it, then you definitely get what I am saying.
That's pretty much how we felt as we had good conversations, nice cocktails and superb sounds emanating through our every fiber. The audience was certainly not shy, to say the least, but were well versed in the musical melodies of jazz. There was even a surprise guest singer, as Rhonda asked one of her close friends and colleague (a re-known Jazz Vocalist, her name escapes me) unto the stage. It was a REAL treat!! That was only topped off by the fact that we were keenly drawn into the performance as Rhonda sang: "peel me a grape."
As things came to a close and folks began to trickle out, some of us stayed back to chit-chat with the musical couple (Rhonda and Rodney). Then, a very special and unpredictable reunion took place as old friends became reacquainted, and childhood stories were retold. Those of us that were there to experience it were deeply touched and we were simply amazed, at not only how small the world is, but how strongly connected everyone is within it.
Ofiji Parris '98
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