You may ask why I am such a fanatic about music. I believe music is our best hope for peace. Our best hope for equality. Our best hope for freedom.

Take tonight. This crowd was took the word diversity to new levels. There were women in abayas and women in tank tops and shorts. Men in t-shirts, suit jackets and dishdashas. The ages were from 6 to 60 ALL NIGHT LONG. We were Muslim and Christian and Hindu. Countries in attendance included Germany, Pakistan, Tunisia, Jordan, India, England, America, Russia, Nigeria, France and dozens of others. We all danced. We all took photos. We all shouted with joy. We smiled at each other.

Two stages were set at either end of the beach. No performance began until the other had ended. When I came in, we had Abdullah Chhadeh from Syria on the North Stage. Then we went across the sand to Iran and the Kamkars with their traditional Kurdish music. Then to Niger for the hypnotic grooves of Etran Finatawa. Back across the sand to China and the eclectic sights and sounds of the lovely Sa DingDing. Finally we finish in Senegal and the joyous Youssou N’Dour.

At one point in the evening, we watched as small paper hot air balloons appeared over the top of the stage and dotted the night sky. Soon, about twenty hovered over us and then floated out toward the city.

Bring everyone out here. It’s our best hope.

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