By Chaos, Freelance Writer
Tina Charles got
rapturous applause. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
'HEINEKEN STUDIO98 - Haven't Stopped Dancin' Yet' was a blast. Held last Saturday night on the lawns of Liguanea Club, New Kingston, everyone present had a whale of a time - to put it mildly.
The start time was billed as 9 p.m. and Squeeze and the Mega Skyy Disco had the relatively small number of people present at around 10 p.m. bopping to the tracks they laid down. There had been threats of rain all day, but the sky was clear and the steady influx of patrons showed that rain or not, some people were bent on having fun.
Sometime after 11 p.m. MC Spike announced that Noel would soon be taking the stage, a pronouncement that led to a general exodus towards the front
of the stage. When the man took the stage to cheers from those present at 11:30, the night truly came alive. Taking the stage like he was born to it, Noel danced, sang and won the approval of those present with a high energy set. Like A Child, The Question and Silent Morning were some of the songs that comprised his set, and each selection was greeted with cheers as he strutted and danced across the stage.
TINA'S PERFORMANCE
WAS SUPERB
Tina Charles was up next and received an equally rapturous reception. She was a ball of energy as she sang songs such as You Set My Heart On Fire and I Love To Love. British accent firmly in place, Charles was clearly having fun as she rapped with the crowd, even doing a bit of a song a capella. The audience became a chorus on I Love To Love and cheered as she announced that she would be a grandmother soon. Speaking to The Gleaner after her stint on-stage, she said, "I was shocked! I had no idea that they knew my songs! I want to come back... I had so much fun."
Lisa Lisa, the following act, was excellent. She took the stage knowing the power that she had and exploited it to the fullest extent. Confident, her voice soared into the night sky as everyone danced. All Cried Out and I Wonder If I Take You Home were among the songs that she delivered, songs that were greeted with cheers as she swept across the stage. She told The Gleaner that she was also "surprised." She added: "I had no idea there were so many 'old school' people here. I loved it and I just want people to know that I haven't stopped dancing yet."
Inner Circle brought the night to a close in fine style. Lead singer Kris Bentley was soon shirtless as the ensemble rocked. Bassist Roger Lewis and his brother Ian, the founders of the band, were dressed all in black and stalked the stage. Dreadlocks flashed, skin gleamed and people cheered as Inner Circle delivered hits such as Bad Boys and Sweat. The band closed a night of excellent performances and fun, which went on into the wee hours of Sunday morning.
