Actor Craig McNally had the audience holding their sides. THE EDNA Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts delighted patrons with their twin treats of a barbecue and concert on Saturday. The event took place on the school grounds, which are located at 1 Arthur Wint Drive, Kingston 5.
The entertainment segment was left for last and got under way at approximately 8:15 p.m., a slightly late start, however.
The task of opening the show fell to the C' Sharpe band. The band members rose quickly to the occasion and delivered a sparkling set that engulfed the venue in lively and pulsating music through the use of the drums, guitars and keyboard.
These instruments were handled superbly by the young musicians and later on as they backed up blind Simone Smith while she sang Something Inside So Strong, it was easy to think that she was being supported by the original track rather than live music. The audience evidently enjoyed the band's set and they shook their feet and nodded, signalling their appreciation.
A lot of variety was offered and this made the experience a very gratifying one. There was gospel as the Spirit of David Dance Troupe ministered to the audience in an energetic and well-choreographed dance piece done to Lt. Stitchie's All Christian Soldiers.
Dub poetry was also a part of the entertainment package. The audience was pleasantly surprised when they learnt that Sherridan Peddie was in fact a secretary at the School of Dance although she had treated them to an enchanting performance with the dub poem Mi and Mi Jesus.
There was singing and dancing aplenty. Not to be overlooked was the sidesplitting laugher which was evoked as Craig McNally gave two comical dramatisations. He appeared clad in a cream gown with gold slippers which were obviously too small since his feet hung over at the back. A wig and hat completed the look clearly meant to remind one of those Sunday mornings at church. There was immediate laughter.
He continued to 'crack up' the audience as he read the notices and announced the requests for prayers, all this time mimicking the tone and speech pattern of an over-exuberant church secretary with minimal education. A humorous 'testimony' completed McNally's stint on-stage. His act was one of the night's highlights.
Mickey Hanson, a past lecturer at the School of Music, also added his talent to the night's entertainment. Hanson gave a sterling performance as he alternated between the fugle horn and the trumpet. He showed equal mastery of both instruments. The band and David Mitchell, who beat the congo drums, assisted him. His performance from start to finish was a delight.
Continuing with the trend of providing a truly mixed offering, the organisers treated the audience to an interesting and colourful fashion show. Students from the School of the Visual Arts modelled some interesting designs and prints. Mrs. Margaret Stanley, a lecturer in the college's visual arts department, did many of the pieces.
In all, it was really a display of genuine talent and a total merger of the arts.
