THE HOPE FOUNDATION pulled off another musical masterpiece last Sunday night when it staged its headline fundraising event, Voices For Lupus.
The high quality of the show, attended by hundreds, made it difficult to choose just one or even two memorable moments, though the guest appearance by RPB was definitely in the running, having proved yet again why he is one of Barbados’ top entertainers.
The Barbados Defence Force Band set the tone for the event at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, starting off with Adele’s Hello, segueing into a Stevie Wonder medley, then Earth, Wind and Fire before performing a Spouge mix.
After, musician Nathan Richard – a first time performer at the event – took to the stage, playing the flute then singing an audience-grabbing rendition of Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli’s Time To Say Goodbye.
Award-winning gospel artiste Paula Hinds did as only she could – belting out notes and delivering what host David Workman had promised – a goose bump-raising performance.
The decision to award three people and recognise a fourth for their contribution to the foundation and those affected by the autoimmune disease Lupus resonated with the crowd.
A cappella group G-Syndicate, UK-based vocal coach and musical director Mike King who has been whipping the Voices of Choir into shape, and foundation member Felicite Lynton, credited for linking the foundation with King, were honoured.
King’s wife Carol, who is affected by the disease, and also devotes time to helping raise awareness, was also singled out for special mention.
Both Mike and Carol penned the Voice Of Hope song, written for the occasion and performed by the Voices of Lupus Mass Choir, with backing from the Voices of Lupus Band and steel pan.
The choir of about 80, as has been the case in the past two years, had more than half a dozen singers taking the lead on a number of inspiring and uplifting songs.
Their repertoire included Blessing In The Storm, Hold On Help Is On The Way, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, One Love and Can’t Give up Now.
The veteran RPB, also new at the Lupus concert, was a crowd pleaser, singing If Ah Sweet Ah Sweet, Once Upon A Wine, and Spontaneous in his first appearance.
The show ended on a positive note, with the return of RPB backed by the choir singing his Something’s Happening, which brought most patrons to their feet, waving purple balloons that had been dropped on to the crowd to celebrate the occasion. (WILLCOMM)
