On November 11th, 2019, I was sneaking my way into a sold out Sala Rossa to catch the launch of Sam Shalabi’s Montreal-based big band Land of Kush and their newest work entitled Sand Enigma. I was led to the very back of the room, weaving and cautiously stepping between the mush of people. In through the green room, and on to what is usually the stage, there are chairs set up for an additional audience perched above and behind the massive setup of instruments and chairs on the ground. Taking my seat in the dark, I look out into the room. People sitting, standing shoulder to shoulder, all anticipating what is to come.
