Getty Center Los Angeles recently hosted a special event featuring spoken word artist and saxophonist Alabaster DePlume, along with drummer/vocalist Donna Thompson and bassist Ruth Goller. This event marked the beginning of their US tour, which will run until September 24th in Accord, New York.

Alabaster DePlume and his fellow artists delivered a lasting message that our time here on earth is to be cherished and our existence is wonderful.

This concert was a true delight for my boyfriend and I since it was the anniversary weekend of when we first met. Also, it was our first experience listening to Alabaster DePlume.

We arrived at the Getty twenty minutes early and boarded the tram. The lovely view overlooks the hillside. When we reached the arrival plaza we walked through the entrance hall and took a stroll around the South Pavilion to see the cactus garden and decorative arts on exhibit. The weather was fair, and we enjoyed being among other Angelinos dressed casually and fashionably.

After being absorbed in historic French furniture my boyfriend and I returned to the museum courtyard. We saw that the crowd had grown and we made our way to the stage. By this time, it was twilight hour and the sky started to dim.

As I walked closer and closer to the stage trying to get a better look I heard the playful notes of a saxophone. I finally had a whole view of the band. A kind looking man and who women in a neat and minimalist space. They looked engaged with their instruments and performed in perfect harmony.

DePlume began with poetic verse accompanied by Goller and Thompson on the bass and drums. Together the instruments and his rhythmic voice beautifully made an auditory backdrop to an hypnotic and captivating sound. Our attention was pulled in by a natural and energetic rapture that felt mastered and spontaneous at the same time. The talent was deeply felt, we were standing with a performer with heart. We weren’t just attending a music concert: we were part of it.

The music carried us into the dark evening, the crowd colored with a kaleidoscope of design stage lighting. A few of the artistic words and songs performed included “Whiskey Story Time,” and “Don’t Forget You’re Precious.” I often found myself swaying with the melodies and smiling with my boyfriend who was dancing and humming along. Some parts felt tribal, some felt gentle, all of it was spectacular.

We had brought with us a tumbler of water, comfy standing shoes, and an appreciation for our young romantic relationship. I felt sure that this artist was right up my alley based on the reviews I had read. I was happy to see my boyfriend enjoyed it as well.