Equalizing Distort

 Summer Beat was an expansion of the Police Picnic idea. This had a mix of reggae acts, African acts, and soul music instead of new wave bands, but that wasn't unheard of given the direction bands like Talking Heads were taking with the incorporation of African rhythms on "Burning Down the House". I remember Al Green performing and thinking it was so so. A little too goody two shoes for me as Al Green had become a born again christian at this point. Leroy Sibbles of the legendary Heptones played and he had a solo career at this point with a big selection of music. This was the second time I got to see and hear the Ju Ju music of King Sunny Ade, the other time was at a Police Picnic at the CNE. Lots of money being rubbed of Sunny Ade's forehead before going into a hat on the front of the stage. And then it started to rain during Eek-A Mouse's set. Like I mean pour. Sparks started to fly as the stage coverage wasn't too good and the water started shortcircuiting the sound equipment on stage. It was unfortunate because Eek-A Mouse was a tall guy at 7' 2" and he had this high pitched screechy voice when he did his version of toasting. The show was rain or shine and no one wanted to leave hoping that the weather would get better because Black Uhuru were worth seeing. And "their record "Anthem" had just come out and it was incredible. Sly and Robbie were blowing up because of it becoming some of the hottest session musicians. We tore up the astro turf on the pitch to shelter us from the rain. But the show never re-started and funds were never reimbursed. This made me sketpical about buying tickets in advance again.