From Flintstones to Soca . . . Veteran and youth deliver exciting Sunday Grooves

Sunday Grooves has a winning formula of combining seasoned performers with those who are now blossoming in the world of entertainment.

On Sunday evening, Hunterspring patrons basked in the experience of Ian Eyan Alleyne and his accompanying band, which was merged in the production with the youthful dynamism of musician Tristan Haynes and vocalist Destinee Hunte.

The 18-year-old students of the Barbados Community College music program gave their spin on Romain Virgo’s version of Sole Provider and encouraged crowd participation in Jah Cure’s Unconditional Love.

Their package included Ella Mai’s Trip and Boo’d Up followed by some reggae vibes with Chronixx’s Skankin’ Sweet. At the end, the supportive crowd requested one more song. Hunte gave them a sneak preview of Proud Mary, which she was set to perform later that evening as a semi-finalist in the Baje to the World contest.

Eyan is an excellent artiste and skilfully alternated between guitars to match his songs. His witty banter throughout kept his audience engaged. The attendees at the monthly event gave him and the band their stamp of approval for their jam session, which included Play That Funky Music and guitar infused Beatles tunes.

The ensemble gave the King of Pop Michael Jackson’s Another Part of Me special treatment. The entertainer transitioned to his soca persona Skung Yung and first performed the instrumental version of So Happy and then showcased his vocals on that same song.

The band members gave a sample of their individual capabilities. In the spirit of the month of love, Farakhan Stephens, on keyboard, dedicated Alicia Keys If I Ain’t Got You to his girlfriend. Bassist Kirk Layne was in a comical mode and in an offbeat approach did the theme songs for the Flintstones and Popeye. Shawn Layne, on trumpet, was different too with a classical number.

Nicholas Timothy showed some sax appeal with Summertime. Drummer Chadd Greaves added a tinge of soca with Lead Pipe and Jus Jay’s Sometime. He provided the beat which led to a dance off between host Belle Holder and attendee Fran Wickham. (STT)