‘Rockin’ Around’ the Globe Drive-In

By Kimberley Cummins

The Christmas spirit is in the air and it enveloped the environs of the Globe Drive-In over the weekend during the Virtual Carols by Candlelight show presented by the Rotary Club of Barbados.

For the second consecutive year, Carols had to be adapted at the Christ Church venue instead of the traditional Ilaro Court setting because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event took place on Saturday and Sunday.

Nonetheless, it was a spectacular family concert as people of all ages sat in their cars, on benches, on lawn chairs, or simply danced beneath the starry skies as they enjoyed their favorite carols and created lasting memories on a night filled with much entertainment.

But let’s start with the fact that 2021 marked the 25th year for this all-star concert, the Rotary Club’s major fundraiser, which in itself is a major feat. It was definitely not easy jamming some 20 outstanding acts into about two exciting hours on Saturday night.

However, this was indeed the case as the likes of Marisa Lindsay, Neesha Woodz, Derek Fields, Sadera Forde, Powerhouse Studio and many more wowed the hundreds.

After a seven-year break, Fields and The Angels returned to kick the proceedings off. They first performed the classic Song of the Angels and later teamed up with the dynamic trio of Lindsay, Tamera Marshall, and Natalee Burke, who sang a medley of holiday gems.

Lindsay’s vocal prowess was unmatched when she delivered a jaw-dropping rendition of Oh Holy Night. This powerhouse performance was a prime example of her amazingly high and soaring vocal range, which was captivating. So much so that even though her performance was via video, it was riveting to the point that it made the Drive-In feel like a heavenly place. I don’t know what measures the renowned vocalist takes to keep her voice in fine shape, but the end note alone was worth the price of admission. Lindsay brought the house down and the capacity crowd of an estimated 150 vehicles made it known with extremely loud applause and honking.

One can argue that the season doesn’t quite feel complete without an injection of the angelic voice of Tamera Marshall. Again, and right out of the blocks, she undoubtedly placed many in a state of audible bliss with her execution of Away In a Manger.

If the audience hadn’t already been infected by the merriment of the season, then Neesha Woodz surely wooed them as she spread the Christmas cheer. The multi-award winner changed gears with high energy and great vocal performance of her 2019 hit The Christmas Feeling. One couldn’t help but shake a leg, sing-along and kick up a storm during her set. This dancing mood continued with a jive from Powerhouse Studio to Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.

Little Drummer Boy is a treasure that has been covered by all sorts of singers, but guitarist JJ Poulter and Two Mile Hill’s Chadd Ifill and Kris Clarke on percussion made it their own with a mesmerizing modernised interpretation.

Other performers were: Alan Sheppard, David Ziggy Walcott on steelpan; Anna Greenidge, Dancin’ Africa, and iWeb, who also accompanied 10-year-old Sadera Forde on the keyboard during her rendition of Oh Little Town of Bethlehem. Sadera was a showstopper as she commanded the attention with great control and the voice of an angel.

The pair of Mikey Mercer and Mahalia Cummins performed the song Joy; while Mikey returned with gospel singer John Yarde to showcase their newly released duet Christmas is Here. Yarde’s presence, even though by video, was infectious. He is the consummate performer.

Fields and The Angels climaxed the programme with a variety of songs including Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, Frosty the Snowman, Gloria in Excelsis Deo, and Feliz Navidad.
(KC)