Barrow Centenary concert lights up the north

BARBADIANS came out in their numbers on Tuesday night to celebrate the life and times of the Rt. Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, who had he still been alive would have celebrated his 100th birthday.

The Barrow Centenary Concert held on the Checker Hall Playing field in St. Lucy was aglow as two large stages were used interchangeably, with two massive screens on either side giving the large audience a good view of close to 50 local artistes, who gave over four hours of quality entertainment.
The concert was separated into five sections including “Women of the Rock”, “The Spirit of Independence”, “All that Jazz”, “Friends of All” and “Big Bout Hey” reminding Barbadians of the wide range of home-grown talent. The multimedia presentations between performances also reminded Barbadians of some of the poignant moments in the life of the Father of Independence.

The appreciative audience enjoyed the nostalgic performances including “Fisherman” by Dr. The Most Honourable Anthony ‘Gabby’ Carter, Edwin Yearwood who channelled Jackie Opel in “Cry Me a River”, Ishaka McNeil with “Who Ain’t Looking Good, Adrian Clarke with “Vehicle”, Shirley Stewart’s “Walk Away from Love”, Mighty Gynner’s “Leggo I Hand” and Quon’s rendition of “All Hands on Deck”. Also well-received was Queen of Soca Alison Hinds who performed her mega hit “Roll” and showed her versatility with her rendition of “Many Rivers to Cross”.

The crowd got off their feet, even with light rainfall, during Dr. Stedson “RPB” Wiltshire’s set which included the international hit “Ragga Ragga” and hugely popular “Boat Ride”.

One of the most electrifying performances on the night came from the effervescent Rosie Hunte. The local songbird who twirled, dipped and leaped across the stage while performing Rihanna’s “We found Love” to the amazement of the audience in attendance, many of whom had not seen the artiste in many years.

Other performances included the Arts in the North Combined Youth Chorale made up of the Ignatius Byer and Selah Primary Schools, Kelly Cadogan, Alison Norville and Paula Hinds, Trinity Clarke, Colin Spencer, Nicholas Brancker, Carol George, Kite and Billy Kincaid, Cha’ an, the Youth Combined Steel Orchestra to name a few.
(JH)