‘Concert for a Cause’ a success

Some of Barbados’ best musicians took to the stage this past Sunday for a worthy cause. Their talents were on showcase at ‘Concert for a Cause’, which featured internationally acclaimed saxophonist Elan Trotman and a host of his friends at the Hilton Barbados Resort Ballroom. The event was staged to fund Trotman’s Headstart Music Programme, which provides tutoring for primary school students to ensure they are proficient in an instrument of their choice.

Members of the programme who have been learning how to play clarinet, drums and saxophone, all got a chance to display their newly acquired skills with their respective instruments in the presentation of various pieces. They all came together for the performance of “Welcome the Morning Sun”, joined by one of the tutors of the programme, Kweku Jelani. He returned to the stage, backed by 2 Mile Hill, for a jaw-dropping performance of Gabby’s “Emmerton”. The audience was pleasantly surprised when he showed off his vocal skills as well.

Some of Barbados’ premier entertainers took to the stage and the audience was treated to stellar musicianship. David Weatherhead, yet another tutor of the programme, was joined by an ensemble for an upbeat jazzy number. Some of the students were also incorporated into this piece.

What made this concert exceptional was that there was something for everyone. The attendees were given a blessing through a performance by longstanding and much loved gospel band Promise. With Sheldon Hope up front, they were phenomenal. His beautiful voice married with his backups in spine-tingling harmony. His inclusion of the spouge version of “I’ll Still Have Jesus” was refreshing. When the band was joined by Romaro Greaves on saxophone, it took their performance to an even higher level.

Damian Marvay was another talented musician in the cast. He tantalised the attendees with hit songs “Challenge”, “Know the Face” and “Antidote”. Lead singer, Mahalia Cummins, closed out this segment with her band 2 Mile Hill, with energetic performances of the sultry “Conversation” and their latest release for the summer “Get Over”.

Nicholas Brancker also pulled together an extremely talented bunch of instrumentalists, which included Jomo Slusher, Darrien Bailey and Andre Daniel for an electrifying set. The internationally renowned Trotman and organiser of the programme joined this group and was the perfect complement to close out the talent-packed concert.

There were some fantastic door prizes for those in attendance. A silent auction was also held to gather some additional funds. (ST)