Musical medley thrills audience

Despite threatening showers, the First Citizens Uplift: A Caribbean Musical Fusion turned out to be an unforgettable evening for patrons, many of whom arrived with umbrellas in hand and settled into comfortable seating to enjoy performances by some of the island’s finest musicians.

The concert, which was held on the well-maintained grounds of Codrington College, opened with renditions by the Barbados Police Service Band and the National Youth Steel Orchestra.

They were followed by the Nicholas Brancker Band, which delivered a sparkling performance overseen by the musical maestro himself, Brancker; he shied away from the traditional, and entertained with familiar songs while adding his own signature touch.

The evening’s eclectic repertoire also paid homage to music legends. Nikita Herbert and Adrian Clarke were among Brancker’s friends who made appearances, as they teamed up to thrill the audience with a spouge medley that immediately got patrons in a dancing mood.

With Brancker on keys for First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, the audience enjoyed a soulful tribute to Roberta Flack. Nikita and Casheda Dottin followed with The Closer I Get to You and Mahalia Cummins impressed with Killing Me Softly, while Israel Allen and Ch’An shone on Where is the Love.

In keeping with the spirit of Easter, there were also gospel selections. Paula Hinds gave a flawless rendition of Blessed Assurance, while Allen’s powerhouse vocals soared on And Can It Be. The band’s presentation of Psalm 23 and How Great Thou Art added further depth to the spiritual offerings.

Adrian Clarke returned to close the first half with a stirring tribute to calypso icon Black Stalin. By then, many in the audience already felt they had received more than their money’s worth.

The second half maintained the high standard, as The Marlon Legall Voice Project touched hearts with a compelling rendition of John King’s How Many More. After giving a taste of his jazzy style in the first half, Kweku Jelani showcased his diversity with reggae numbers Try Jah Love and Exodus.

A medley of dance classics kept the crowd on their feet. Funky renditions of Brick House, Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now, Celebration, and We Are Family turned the evening into an exciting dance party under the stars.

As the concert drew to a close, the female cast members delivered the powerful feel-good hits Caravan of Love, No Woman No Cry, Lean on Me and Rally Round the West Indies.

From gospel to funk, calypso to soul, and local icons to global greats, the First Citizens Uplift concert transported the audience across genres and continents.

(STT)