Kesi Asher, Staff Reporter
( L - R )Christopher Martin and Noddy Virtue - FILE
THE RISING Stars tore Clarendon Park off its hinges. Runner-up in the talent competition, Noddy Virtue, thrilled the women in the crowd at the staging of the Juici Patties 25th anniversary celebrations.
The show, staged at the headquarters at Clarendon Park on Sunday, saw Noddy making his mark with surefire crowd movers such as Jimmy Cliff's Rebel In Me and Rod Stewart's Broken Arrow.
During his performance, the screams signalled the crowd's satisfaction and Noddy broke away and danced frantically.
"Clarendon, we love unuh like God love likkle pickney," he said during his performance. The crowd felt the love. At Noddy's attempt to leave the stage, the crowd almost revolted. Noddy appeased them with Jimmy Cliff's Many Rivers To Cross.
Christopher Martin caused another uproar as he entered the stage singing Sam Cooke's Change Gon' Come. Even the children rushed to the front of the stage, just to touch the tip of Christopher's fingers. Backed by the screams of the crowd, Christopher moved into Jah Cure's Longing For, Morgan Heritage's Best Friend and Gentleman's Intoxication.
Chris then called another 'Rising Star' contestant, Natel, to the stage, who delivered, among other songs, his new Music Is A Healing.
Face was glittery and daring in her full, gold skirt suit. The crowd watched in awe as she deejayed "baby yuh know seh me like you." She also gave the crowd a taste of her new songs Gummy Grippy, Independent, Can't Get Me Wid Cellular, and Hot.
"The Rising Stars were the hit, they were off the chain," said Landre Douglas, a patron.
SIGNATURE PERFORMANCE
To-Isis also made an impression with a variety of songs from soul, gospel, old hits, folk and reggae. One of their more popular songs, Real Ghetto Pain, received maximum support from the crowd.
Gregory Isaacs, did a signature performance with classic pieces like Number One, Meet Me At The Corner, and Night Nurse.
Freddy McGreggor unleashed his talent on Clarendon Park and everyone, young and old, danced and sang along. He went through Prophesy, Push Comes To Shove, So I'll Wait For You, among others, before he called Delly Ranx to the stage, who performed Headache and Weh Di Time.
"For something that has been postponed so many times (six, according to Jukie Chin, CEO of Juici Patties and promoter of the event), it's good to see that it finally came through," said Claff Browning, a patron.
Everton Blender and daughter, Isha Blender, both did high spirited performances. Everton sang Family Man and Lift Up Your Head, while Isha sang Love and Hate and a cover of My Boy Lollipop.
Judy Mowatt blessed the park as she gave praises to God with the singing of Thank You Lord, I Wanna Be More, and Many Are Called.
Eric Donaldson, however, failed to arouse the crowd as he withheld crowd favourites such as Land of My Birth and Cherry O Baby for two long.
Gumption band paid tribute to reggae icons and was the backing band for the day.
Models from Saint International showed pieces from Siim, swimsuits from Shanique, with accessories from Van Gir and Digicel's bags, ear pieces, caps, tank tops, CD players and shirts.
Gyptian closed the show, with Mama, Serious Times and Is There A Price.
Jukie Chin was understandably pleased with the outcome of the celebration. "The response has been extremely good, we're hoping to make it an annual event," he said.
