Bobby Brown Supports Fine Success Magazine – Photography by Rozel ‘derty rockstar’ Alcid

As told by Contributor, Rozel Alcid: As a young kid, I always loved listening to music, dancing to music and singing along to music. But there’s nothing like watching it live, from Woodstock to Pinkpop Festival which is the oldest of the festivals. I am proud to say that the largest music festival in the world is here in the United States. Summerfest is held for eleven days every year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and draws in approximately almost 1 million people. We embrace music in this country like it belongs here, but this weekend in a small town of Encino, California launched the First Annual Balboa Music Festival.

I have always enjoyed the outdoors for special events and live music. You have more freedom to roam around, hang out with friends, and just enjoy the weather that Los Angeles is known for. The Festival’s lineup included Keyshia Cole, Cameo, New Edition, SWV and more. As  part of the media, I had the opportunity to hang out backstage and mingle with the stars. Going to the venue was a little challenging. The signs directing us where to park were few and the ones we found were tiny. There also weren’t enough signs about the show. You wouldn’t even realize that it was happening in one of the most popular lakes in all of Los Angeles.

Robin Thicke Performing ‘Lost Without You’ – Photographer: Rozel “derty rockstar” Alcid

I brought my friend Jarett Gonzalez who recently moved here from New York. He had never seen a concert in Los Angeles. When we finally arrived at the location where the venue was being held, our faces lit with excitement like two little boys in a toy store. It was late in the afternoon when we arrived and Cameo was just finishing up his set. I was very excited to learn that the next performer was going to be Robin Thicke. I was able to get on stage and take pictures from the artist’s view. Robin Thicke’s melodic soulful talent echoed throughout the park. He moved the crowd as if he was dancing with them individually. He finished it off with his top charting single, “Lost Without U”. The crowd joined in and most of the ladies began dancing and singing the song with him.As the sun in Los Angeles starts to fade away, and with the crowd’s adrenaline at its

New Edition Balboa Music Festival – Photographer: Rozel ‘derty rockstar’ Alcid

peak, we were all excited that next performers would be New Edition. New Edition is an R&B group that was formed in Boston in the late 70’s and their popularity reached its height during the 80’s. New Edition includes: Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Bobby Brown (and later Johnny Gill when Bobby Brown left the group). After being under the 100 degree heat, they came out on stage decked out in their white outfits. I felt the heat immediately and knew that everyone would push their way up closer to the stage. You can feel the excitement as the crowd started to chant each of their names. They performed songs from their early album: Candy Girl, Mr. Telephone Man, My Prerogative, My, My, My, and Poison. Everyone, including myself was singing along with these songs that had been a part of our lives for the last 30 years.

Bobby Brown Supports Fine Success Magazine – Photography by Rozel ‘derty rockstar’ Alcid

After their exciting performance, each member headed towards the backstage. I immediately made my way backstage. Since I am huge fan of New Edition, I wanted to see if I could get close-up photos. Each of them (with the exception of Bobby Brown) left as soon as they walked off stage. Bobby Brown was happy to do interviews and take pictures with the media. I remember Bobby Brown in the height of his career. Most of the singles that he released during the late 80’s were on the Billboard’s Top Ten Charts. He looked healthy, happy and boy was he moving, dancing and singing on stage. I also had the opportunity to take pictures of him and his son Cassius Brown. He did have one request for the media… To not ask him any questions regarding Whitney Houston. I was more than happy to just take his picture with the new cover of our upcoming issue of Fine Success Magazine that features Marc Gordon of the group Levert. We apprecite your support!

- By: Rozel “derty rockstar”’ Alcid