This one’s for Smokey . . . Pondside Jazz pays tribute at LESC

As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre staged their first-ever Pondside Jazz. The planned monthly event was held at the western side of the complex by the pond.

The whisper on the lawns came from patrons who admitted they had only been in the building and had never been on the outskirts of the venue. They were very impressed with the scenic spot and the pond which enhanced its beauty.

The stage was constructed over the pond. The lawn, the décor, the lights and the beauty of the night all contributed to the soothing ambience.

There was food and drink on sale for the after work Friday lime.

The event featured Lowrey Leon & The Black Banana Quartet which entertained with numerous renditions including Lullaby, Bridgetown and Neil Saucy Fingers with Base Love.

Lead vocalists and keyboard player, Lowrey Leon, performed a special tribute to Smokey Burke. The artiste got emotional while performing as tears flowed down his cheek. He had earlier spoken about how profoundly Smokey had touched his life. He credited the former cultural practitioner with giving him early guidance and teaching him to believe in himself.

The band which performed for over two hours, consisted of Lowrey on keyboard, Chadd Greaves on drums, Neil Newton on bass guitar, John Matthews  on guitar, Charlie Taylor on percussion and Kevin Lynch on trumpet. (IMC)