By Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
The husband and wife duo, Robert and Jenieve Bailey, wore their love for each other on their sleeves last Saturday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
- I Corinthians 13 verse 13.
THE GREATEST sentiment known to man love was celebrated in fine style at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Saturday night at It's All About Love. The show which was staged a day after the loved and equally hated 'day of love', Valentine's Day, boasted several good performances.
The atmosphere was fiercely charged with love - the arms of many men could be seen on the back of the chair's being occupied by their spouses. It was a rather long night for the singles at the event as the atmosphere intensified and couples got closer with each passing second.
The psychedelic lights, good sound quality and the cozy setting at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel's ballroom also aided the show's success. Since every performer gave a good account it would be best to give out the 'the awards' in categories.
In view of the fact that the show was all about love, the first 'award', in the form of, 'the most touching performance' would have to be given to the married couple, Jenieve and Robert Bailey. The husband and wife wore their love for each other on their sleeves.
They re-entered the stage at 10:35 p.m., after gracing the stage during their opening stint at minutes past eight o' clock. When the lights were raised, the couple was seen sitting on two high chairs and facing each other, as they both looked deeply into each other's eyes.
The wife was first to speak. In song, she asked; ".... have I told you lately that I love you." After a long stare, Robert stood and sang to his wife; "You are so beautiful....," as she looked up into the eyes of her knight in a long-sleeved shirt, pants and suspenders.
A duel with songs continued. However, none tried to outdo the other. They just sought to express the love that they shared. It was as if they were in the room alone, as nothing else seemed to matter during the exchange.
Jenieve went on to deliver Wind Beneath My Wings. Robert, after a deep sigh, which earned chuckles from those in the attendance, reminisced on the day Jenieve gave birth to their first child, paying specific attention to the traumatic pains of a woman in labour. As a result, he said in song, that his spouse is "Once, twice, three times a lady...."
Obviously overtaken by her emotions, Jenieve leaped into the arms of her lover and they hugged and rocked. The lovebirds, who jumped the broom in 1993, combined for the 'marriage song' From This Moment. They then wooed the audience with the sounds of Here and Now the song they revealed to the audience that they sang to each at their wedding reception.
The next award of 'best performer', without second guessing, would go to DiMario McDowell, who displayed good vocals combined with a knack to perform. The performer sang his way into the hearts of the patrons. He began his set at a little after half past nine with some 'oldies but goodies'. He took his time, as each selection he drew earned him a tad more recognition from the audience. He delivered hits such as 100 Ways by James Ingram and On The Wings of Love.
The greatest applause on the night came when Mr. McDowell searched his 'juke box' and came up with Percy Sledge's When a Man Loves A Woman. Before beginning the song, he went down on bended knees. As soon as the huge audience heard the signature scream 'When a man loves a woman' from the depths of McDowell's soul, they could not resist getting to their feet.
Upon hearing the roars of approval, he 'pulled up' the selection, placed the microphone on the ground and raised his arms to the ceiling in appreciation. After that, he could do no wrong. He even got applauded for taking out his handkerchief to wipe his face.
Immediately after McDowell came Leba, Jenieve's sister. Putting it mildly, the young woman can sing. I repeat. She can sing. The beautifully dressed Leba sang two songs, which included This is Love by Regina Belle. Armed with an extremely powerful voice, she poured her heart into her performance and it was well received by the audience.
Leba would have copped the prize of 'best performer amongst the promising', if there had not been equally amazing performances from Sandy Smith and Renee.
Sandy Smith graced the stage in a stunning black dress and a flower tucked neatly in the side of her hair. She walked enchantingly across the stage as she delivered India Aries' Ready For Love.
Renee performed Ribbon in the Sky, which she dedicated to the single people in the house. The singles bopped their heads to the wonderful sounds from Renee and the infectious beats with a sense of hope and the married people snuggled even closer.
Tribute, a four-member-group, all of the female persuasion, gave a commendable performance as well. Dennis Rushton was his usual self, mesmerising the audience with his outstanding skills. He and his little friend - the keyboard - captivated the minds of the audience, as they listened not wanting a note to fall to the ground.
As a result, the event received two thumbs up. Additionally because of the concept of the show.
