( L - R ) Boris Gardiner, Marvin Fishley - File photos
It was a show of tremendous support from local entertainers for one of Jamaica's bright minds, Shanice Barrette, who suffers from scoliosis and is in need of surgery. Their ages and experiences spaninng generations - free of cost, they gave magnificent performances in songs, poetry, stand-up-comedy and dances.
Carlene Davis, a cancer survivor, used the opportunity to briefly minister to the audience at Ardenne High last Saturday night. She gave a spirited performance of songs such as Angels Watching Over My Head and Behold The Lamb.
Marvin Fishley took the roof off with his powerful rendition of He Raised Me Up and He Is Still On Time. He exited to the chants of "More! We want more!"
But it was Althea Hewitt who returned for an encore after an energetic performance of I Am Ready For Love and If I Were a Boy.
Fantastic performance
Boris Gardiner and Nadine Sutherland were fantastic. Gardiner thrilled the audience with old hits such as Someone Loves You Honey, Lets Keep It That Way and I Want To Wake Up With You. Sutherland gave an emotional rendition of Michael Jackson's Brother before delivering a more up tempo It's Gonna Be A Bright Day.
Prilly Hamilton, Winsome Benjamin and the duo Bagadito, were also well received. But a trendy and poised D'Angel, who closed the lengthy show, did not fulfil her promise. The words of her songs were often lost due to poor articulation and enunciation.
Entertaining rendition
The Fab 5 band backed most of the artistes but also gave an entertaining rendition of Always on My Mind. It was a touching moment, when the band's lead vocalist Grub Cooper serenaded Barrette with Tarrus Riley's She's Royal.
Also supporting the worthy cause were dance groups Shady Squad, former Dancin' Dynamite entrants, and Doro, a group of seven to nine-year-olds from Camp Road. Former Comedy Bus winner Rohan Gunter was merciless with his dry humour and Craig McNally as MC and performer was sarcastic and satiric.
Barrette, a student of Ardenne High School, was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) in November. Her parents, Donna and Everton Barrette, were advised by her doctor to have the corrective surgery done in April but could not fund the $1.5 million operation.
The Barrettes sought assistance from the St Catherine NHT Leadership Council and The Kiwanis Club and both groups, along with Fab 5 and Winston Blake of Merritone Disco, pulled everyone together for the charity show.
"All artistes came and more," said Carol Blake, one of the organisers. "People are selfless, and people have heart despite economic hardship."
Big thank you
Everton and Donna Barrette said they appreciated the "A-one support" and that the proceeds from the concert should cover most of their expenses.
Shanice said: "A big thank you, and I hope they will continue to support a bright future".
Christine Long, member of First City Kiwanis Club, said they were happy to give their support as Shanice was a member of the Builders Club and now a member of the KEY Club. Both are school-based Kiwanis affiliates. And Cherton Dacosta explained that while the St Catherine NHT Leadership Council has been involved with community development, this was their first such fundraiser.