Sometimes you just have to step and do something before you are understand how much it will mean to you. I don’t know why I don’t just get out and experience things like I should, because my visit to the Houston International Festival today (with Jessica and Amy) was well worth the time!

The Houston International Festival, often referred to as the “iFest” by Houstonians, is a shining star in the cultural life of our great city. Each year the festival spotlights a specific country, region, or people group. This year, this theme was “Out of Africa” and not only highlighted African culture, but also African-influenced people throughout the world.

There were two real highlights of today for me: performances by the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Samarabalouf.

The Carolina Chocolate Drops is one of those groups I would never expect to like. They are an “African-American String Band” and play folk music from the Carolinas, but specifically in the African-America tradition. They are one of the few black groups that have really made their mark playing this kind of music. I was generally just shocked at their virtuosity! Each member not only played a variety of instruments, they also possessed wonderful voices. They were also very polished performers, striking a great balance of music-making, talking, and audience participation. My favorite moment was a cover performance of Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style.” It was really funny to hear a folk group perform this Pop/R&B song! Here’s a video of them performing the song at another festival.

Samarabalouf is another “string band,” couldn’t be more different. They hail from France, and perform music which could perhaps be described as gypsy jazz. They perform music with multiple layers and improvisation (with exceptional skill, I might add!). It was a little like Gypsy Kings meets Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, playing music of Philip Glass. Here’s a little video of them.

Of course, no festival would be complete with culinary exoticisms. I had a massive corn dog, a blended margarita, and shared a little of a funnel cake. It was also my first time to taste a deep-fried Snickers bar! Strange, yet incredibly decadent!