Music in the Square wows patrons

By Simone Tull

The NIFCA Music in the Square concert series climaxed on Friday evening with a fantastic showing by a cast of performers highlighting the best in community and school talent. 

Every Friday in November, eager patrons gathered at the Freedom Park, Golden Square location for the musical showcase produced by the National Cultural Foundation as part of their packed calendar of Independence Day activities.

The finale was a potpourri of talent and the line-up highlighted exceptional vocals and masterful musicianship. Throughout the evening homage was paid to local classics. 

The steel pan featured prominently, and the show opened with Hearts Aflame setting the tone. Their moving segment included Emmerton, Something’s Happening, and Walk Holy. They were followed by the dynamic Christ Church Foundation School Steel Orchestra whose director, Lowrey Worrell, encouraged audience participation with a singalong session.

It was touching to experience the impassioned plea by the two male lead vocalists of the Vauxhall Primary School Choir for an end to violence. The group sang the original Can’t Give Up Now which was penned by their tutor Carol-Ann Holford-Sam.

A performer who brought a smile to the faces of those in attendance was Akeem Salmon, student at Christ Church Foundation School. A natural on stage, he was the epitome of confidence during his presentation of Winner by Sherry Ann Maughan. School mate Josh Ox was entertaining with his two original tracks Piece on De Mic and Dip N Guh Low.

A standout performance was delivered by reigning Junior Monarch Shontae Alleyne-Clarke. Her rendition of Edwin Yearwood’s Something Greater was stirring and she got patrons dancing with her own winning track Party Nice Again.

Making their debut was the UWI Big Band. The musicians being groomed through their new programme performed an extensive set in which they recognised the musical accomplishments of the late Irvin Burgie. Under the musical direction of Jomo Slusher, the ensemble gave a new feel to familiar pieces. Individual members had their moment to highlight their craft. Among them were flutist Kaylee Allman showing her skill on Yellow Bird. Patrons were wowed by the band’s three vocalists.

The Barbados Community College (BCC) Gittens Ensemble, under the mentorship of tutor Roger Gittens, was a part of the entertainment package. Their offerings included White Sand and Grey Sand, Stick Licker and they closed with a revamped version of Summertime where singer Jessica Rose switched up the lyrics with Barbadian references.

Finale night performances were characterised by patriotism. Jillisia Rene sang Beautiful and Unspoilt and Kereesa Chase’s spouge medley was well received. Undeniably, Jasiah Moore did justice to Rihanna’s Diamonds. Saxophonist Winitrey Harper made her contribution with another Rihanna hit, Love on the Brain and Leadpipe’s Sometimes.

The younger musicians were not to be outdone by their older counterparts. Luther Thorne Primary School was represented by violinist Cailey Best with John Belly Mama and Beautiful Barbados and Nathaniel Bishop with Emmerton. The award-winning drummers from the Israel Lovell Foundation treated attendees to Spirit of Afro Caribe.

Undoubtedly one of the best performances of the night was delivered by young vocalist Skyy Dowridge belting out This Is My Life dressed in a brilliant yellow dress. When introducing her song her voice was what one expected for an  eleven-year-old. However, when she started to sing there was a startling contrast. The vocals reflected a maturity that far belied her age. She blew the crowd away with her talent and was rewarded with loud cheers and applause as she ran into the arms of her proud mother.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Shantal Munro Knight and Barbados Ambassador to CARICOM David Commissiong were in attendance. (STT)