I received my ticket for the Bilal show just hours before I’d get off work! With no time to get dolled up, I left work and headed straight to the venue. With urgency to get to my destination, I felt like I was running late. It was a sudden feeling due to the distance from my job and the venue and now, traffic was heavy. I finally make it to the other side of town, park my car, and head to the bar.
WOW! I was finally going to see Bilal in concert! Since 2010, I’ve missed every show I could’ve attended. I couldn’t let this happen again considering his music has a different meaning to me now. I’ve grown to love him as an artist, a respected creative, and a beautiful person.
The venue for the show was at The Door (2513 Main St) in Dallas, TX. My sense of urgency has suddenly vanished because, I’M EARLY! There isn’t a soul in line. I walk towards the venue and... BOOM! Bilal is in sound check! I stood there in shock, because I just walked into Bilals sound check! I’m honestly waiting to be escorted out or asked to leave— something rude, but it didn’t happen. He just continued practicing. I went back and forth with myself about going to wait outside or staying in to watch. I eventually went outside while a gal and guy were waiting. The music stopped. The band started to pack up, and the overseers officially had me to wait outside. 🙄
Sharing conversation with the strangers I’d met, I let them know that Bilal just finished soundcheck and they gasped with excitement! They also thought they were running late. Turns out, we were all TWO HOURS EARLY.
The band members exit the venue in line, and Bilal was last to come out. We greet him... I take that back, HE GREETS US and thanks us for coming out! We get pics and share light convo. He is genuinely the most humble person ever. Did I mention how handsome he is?! 😩😍
From getting tix at the last minute, stumbling into soundcheck, and getting a picture with him was truly the highlight of my “2018.” I’m grateful for such an incredible opportunity. The three of us watched the guys load up their vehicle and drive away. Before he actually left, he said, “See y’all in a few hours!” 😊
Once we were granted access, I took my rightful place, front and center. After all these years of missed shows, I needed all the Bilal I could get! 💁🏾♀️
The Prophet Bar is a very intimate place. It’s dark, with dim lighting around the bar and has spotlights towards the stage. There wasn’t anything truly memorable about the place, however, there were lifesize cutouts of random people posted at the bar. If you look fast enough, you’d think someone was looking at you? Then, you’re reminded that it’s just a poster. 😂
RC & The Gritz is a band in Dallas, TX. They’re also known as Erykah Badu’s band. RC (RC Williams) is the organizer for the show and The Gritz would be opening for Bilal. I thoroughly enjoyed their set. With a variety of sounds and a diverse group of people, the band covered original pieces and songs from other artists; including Erykah Badu (my fave).
RC Williams; band leader and musical extraordinaire, has toured and performed alongside musical giants such as Prince, Erykah Badu and The Roots! He also hosts the DFW Jam Sessions every Wednesday night at The Prophet Bar. This event includes open mic and is open to all musicians, vocalists, and MC’s.
After RC & The Gritz wrap up their last song, the stage is being set for Bilal. His band starts warming up and Bilal takes the stage! Wearing all black with matching black shades, he starts singing. The crowd is yelling with excitement, and I’m taking it all in. He performs songs; “Sometimes”, “Westside Girl”, “Back To Love” and the song we all love, “Soul Sista.” These timeless classics sound even better live! Bilal was feeling groovy and performed “Candy” by Cameo. (I absolutely love that song). 😊
The vocals, the energy, the band... all made me happy that I was able to attend! Thank you, Bilal for such an amazing show!
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