Singer Beres Hammond (left) points out some of the uses of the mixing board to Scotiabank CEO, Bruce Bowen, at his Harmony House studio, on Dumbarton Avenue, St Andrew, last week. Scotiabank is a sponsor of Hammond's concert, 'A Moment in Time', which will be staged on December 28. - Contributed
A grand stage for a grandiose performer. That's the thought behind Beres Hammond's 'A Moment in Time '08' concert, set for December 28.
With the help of Martin Lewis and Robert Chantrelle, the former being responsible for the opening ceremony of the 2007 Cricket World Cup in Trelawny, the grandstand at the National Stadium in St Andrew will be transformed into a concert hall. After a successful inaugural show last year, Hammond said he is returning for what will be an intimate musical pairing between him and the audience.
"I don't perform often in Kingston," said Beres, "but when I do it must be special. I want to be close to my audience. It must feel intimate, and each person must feel like I am performing just for them."
Appropriate infrastructure
The grandstand seats approximately 5,500 and additional VIP seats will be placed a tier below, on the cycle track, which will be just in front of the stage. In a press release, TEAM Solutions, producers of the show, said: "The grandstand at the National Stadium offers a location already fitted with the appropriate infrastructure, including fixed numbered seating, secure parking and adequate bathroom and concessionaire facilities. The grandstand also provides a natural amphitheatre-style seating layout."
Scotia ceo tours studio
Meanwhile, Scotiabank has returned as a sponsor of 'A Moment in Time'. Hammond took new Scotiabank CEO and president, Bruce Bowen, on a tour of his studio, Harmony House, last week, and the reggae crooner belted out a few notes for the bank executive.
"It is truly wonderful that Scotiabank continues to demonstrate a commitment to the local music industry by their support of first-class Jamaican entertainment events," said Hammond. "We are very pleased and honoured that the bank has unhesitatingly agreed to return as a sponsor for our concert."
'A Moment in Time' will feature an orchestra and some of Jamaica's best musicians. As he did last year, Hammond is not divulging the guest performers, preferring to surprise the patrons, which worked well last year.
Tickets cost $4,000 and $6,000, and will go on sale December 5.