Golden Square Freedom Park in the heart of The City was again the scene of an annual musical extravaganza that bridged generational gaps by bringing people of various ages together both on stage and in the audience.
Bringin’ It Home, the Barbados Association of Retired Persons’ (BARP) fifth annual Christmas concert, was a melding of ages and eras, beginning with the Christ Church Foundation School Steel Orchestra, under the guidance of Lowrey Worrell, with performances from its NIFCA gold-winning repertoire. Their varied set included Gabby’s Well Done and Emmerton and Leadpipe‘s Sometime. Embracing the festive spirit, the orchestra went Carolling, Carolling and earned a well-deserved standing ovation as the set concluded.
Under the direction of Senior Superintendent Andrew Lynch, the Barbados Police Service Band added a unique twist to traditional Christmas carols. Infusing a big band feel, reggae flair, and a touch of funk, they presented a refreshing reinterpretation of holiday favourites Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, We Three Kings and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Vocalists from their ranks, including Constable Tanya Maughan and Tamara Marshall, showcased their talents in renditions of Santa Baby and Do You Hear What I Hear, with a duet of Greatest Gift of All featuring Constable Nicholas Roach.
Backed by the police band, Biggie Irie encouraged patrons to join the lively production. In his Christmas segment, he featured his well-known rendition of Drummer Boy but energised the crowd with soca hits like Nah Going Home and Pankatang.
A perennial favourite among the BARP family, RPB (Red Plastic Bag) kept the audience on their feet from the opening notes of I Am Alive. Joined by members of the Christ Church Foundation entourage, he performed his Christmas hit Maizie and soca favourite Boat Ride. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey was spotted dancing during RPB‘s segment.
Adding an elegant touch to the event, ballroom dancers Ken Farrell and Margaret Brandford showcased their moves with a jive and a rumba, demonstrating that age is merely a number.
In her remarks, BARP President Marilyn Rice-Bowen highlighted the benefits of joining the association, including free medical checks by Ross University Medical School students and bone density scans by the firm, Bio Connect. She made a heartfelt plea for better treatment of senior citizens, particularly at this time of the year.
“This is a time for sharing and caring and I want to encourage you all to remember your seniors, do not treat them like furniture,” she told the audience. “If you have to take them to the hospital, when they are being discharged, please go back for them. They paid their service to society, and you owe them, so do not discard them. Please make them feel special, if at no other time, make them feel special at Christmas.”
Sponsored prizes were plentiful, and fortunate audience members left with hams courtesy of Hanschell Inniss. Master of Ceremony duties were skillfully handled by Jennifer Walker, whose wry sense of humour resonated with the audience.
For those unable to attend in person the event was also streamed on YouTube.
(STT)
