Boyz II Men at the Santa Barbara County Fair

Danielle Here:

Let me start by saying that I really like live music, but I LOVE outdoor concerts! So, I decided to check out the Santa Barbara County Fair Thursday night with my good friend, and fellow Santa Maria Bureau reporter, Melissa Mecija. Navigating the Fair rides, games, vendors and food is an “adventure” in itself. There’s so many things to look at and choose from it took us a good 10 minutes just to decide on something to eat!

As great as Fair food is, the highlight of the night was definitely the Boyz II Men concert. I know, we sound like major nerds, but I have to say it was one of the best times I’ve had in a long time. Considering the group started when I was about three years old, hearing their music was an instant flashback to those grade school and middle school years.

Only three of the original four showed up, but they played all the classics (Bended Knee, Water Runs Dry, I’ll Make Love to You, End of the Road) and some of their Motown covers. I took some video with my little digital camera and put together a few clips. Please don’t judge the camera work or the scratchy sound from the speakers:

Yes, they may be old, yes some may say they’re “has beens,” and yes they thought they were in Santa Barbara instead of Santa Maria, but let me tell you, they’ve still got their voices and their dance moves! At the beginning of the concert Melissa and I stood towards the back, smiling and singing under our breath just in case anyone noticed us (we had already seen the public information officer for the Santa Maria Police Department and Senator Abel Maldonado).

By the end, we were front and center, singing at the top of our lungs, dancing like crazy and screaming like we were 10 years old again.

It was a total blast! So for those of you who may be a bit hesitant to adventure out to the Santa Barbara County Fair or the upcoming California Mid-State Fair, think again.

Whether it’s a cheesy concert, the greasy food, the bright lights or those rickety rides, it’s sure to transport you back to a time when nothing mattered more than letting loose, and having fun.