Scalp Chachi

13/2/10
Tonight was the finale of the Rapa Nui Tapati festival. Me, K-low and everyone on the Island headed to the centre of town to attend the crowning on the new queen. Starting an hour and a half later than billed the show commenced with loud tribal drums and an impressive light show all leading to a huge crescendo and lighting up one solitary figure on the stage. Dressed in a moomoo (probably picked up on a journey through India to discover his "new sound") stood an old man. His hair looked like he'd travelled back through time, stormed the 'Happy Days' set and scalped Chachi and he stood behind a blue synthesizer holding his guitar. With his intro being so dramatic the crowd were expecting big things and he didn't disappoint. After three of four minutes fumbling and gesturing to someone off stage he eventually plugged in the synthesizer and pressed play. Trying to describe the sound here just seems pointless because it was either so ground breaking our westerns ears couldn't understand, or , it was just the pre-programmed 'bon tempi' setting. This went on for 15 full minutes, occasionally he'd switch to a more experimental beat and then suddenly . . . after an uncomfortable silent gap . . . he'd switch back! Clearly a genius he then changed instruments and did an extended set of Rapa Nui folk hits on his guitar. Soon even the event organisers realised he was losing the crowd and sent out the hosts to try and prevent him from continuing, but, unfazed he ploughed on until he was done. With a dismissive wave of his arm he allowed them to begin. He was AMAZING.

P.S. Easter Island is one of the most magical places we have ever been. Beautiful, fascinating and very hot (Summer Tom is BACK!)