A THRILLING rendition of All That Jazz, sung by Nikita and featuring the Riddim Dancers, opened the gala concert of the First Citizens Honey Jazz Barbados Festival.
Choreographed by Aisha Comissiong, dancers were flying in the air while doing splits. The Honey Jazz Band infused the Broadway hit with a little reggae flavour to the delight of the audience at the Frank Collymore Hall.
With the Central Bank Governor Dr DeLisle Worrell and US Ambassador Linda Taglialetela and talent scouts for Disney looking on, the artistes wowed the crowd.
In a sentimental moment, producer Ebonnie Rowe introduced 18-year-old Jessica Rose, who years ago attended Honey Jazz through the Sponsor A Student promotion. After watching the show she wrote to Rowe telling her how impacted she was by watching the concert and that “one day it will be me up there”.
Years later, Rowe was contacted by the Barbados Community College and asked to mentor Jessica, making her dream come true by offering her a spot in this year’s show, where she sang Besame Mucho.
Ten artistes graced the hallowed hall, singing jazz standards such as Summertime, Round Midnight, Sinnerman and All Of Me.
The Honey Jazz Band, led by musical director Jomo Slusher and bandleader Kevyn Lynch, featured instrumentals including Duke Ellington’s In A Sentimental Mood, Herbie Hancock’s Cantaloupe Island and Cuss Cuss by local musician Kevin Moore.
Following the concert, the NJ30+ Band had the crowd in the palm of their hands for the after-party on the terrace. (PR)
