The Dining Club at Newton Industrial Estate was transformed into a musical gallery on Wednesday night as the United States Embassy hosted the annual Christmas Jazz Workshop.
Well-known musicians Lenny Castro, Bobby Lyle, Deron Johnson, Rob Fonkstarr Bacon, Melvin Lee Davis and Sonny Emory – who have played for some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Mariah Carey, the Rolling Stones, Anita Baker and Earth Wind & Fire – they wooed the large crowd on hand with their smooth chords and harmonic vibes.
During the workshop, American musicians gave the Barbadians tips on how they could hone their skills, while also giving them some knowledge of themselves, as the audience gave them their full attention during the session.
Afterwards, during the interactive session, local musicians, both young and old alike, huddled around their favourite players, as they were given a more hands-on lesson on what they needed to do to become professional musicians.
Deputy public affairs officer at the United States Embassy, Rachael Zaspel, said that this was the fifth year in which the institution had sponsored the workshop, and that she was very pleased with the response which had been shown by Barbadians.
“This workshop gives Barbadians the opportunity to interact with these great American musicians, rather than just seeing them on stage at the Christmas Jazz performance,” she said. (RB)
