photo by Takesi Ken Akamatsu

Niki Hill – Stone Mountain Georgia Mardi Gras Parade

It was the inaugural year of the Stone Mountain Mardi Gras Parade and Festival. The parade was short but very enjoyable, with lots of little dancers, people on all sorts of transportation, and lots of baubles and beads! and lot of happy people.

After the parade, The Nikki Hill Band performed for nearly 2 hours in the municipal parking lot, while people of all ages in multi-colored outfits danced, including some children who had some very impressive moves. Nikki Hill is small herself, of a slight size belied by her robust, rock and soul voice. In the concert, she performed some great original material and some covers, like Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Rock ‘n Roller” and Irma Thomas’s “Break Away.” She was phenomenal and so sweet to the children who were crowding around her. She invited one little girl who looked about three to sing with her and let several tiny dancersr come on stage with her. I was impressed by her singing and performance as well as by her friendliness and patience.

Overall, it was a wonderful event. Kudos to Stone Mountain Village, Carmen Melizia and Tony Harper, and everyone involved in this event. And listen to Nikki Hill. You’re going to be impressed!