Shanell Powell of Westwood High School, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) top Trelawny music performer, expressively sings 'How Could an Angel', which got thunderous applause during the JCDC Evening of Excellence at the Starfish Resort, in Trelawny, on Sunday. - photo by Richard Morais

Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer

COOPERS PEN, Trelawny:

It was indeed an evening of entertainment of the highest standard at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Evening of Excellence, held at the Starfish Resort in Trelawny on Sunday.

Pride of place, however, went to the best music performer, Westwood High School's Shanell Powell who clearly demonstrated having one of the better singing voices in the western region.

Apart from her exceptional range, she had poise, personality, good diction and emotion. Zelecia Smith of Muschett High School singing He'll Do It Again was just a shade below Powell and put them together on another day, Smith may just get the nod.

Adjudicators often say that many performances would have been greatly enhanced if the performer smiled to indicate enjoyment of their presentation. Hague Primary School was outstanding in their dance routine and did not have any trouble convincing patrons of their mirth.

Troy All-Age School was also convinced in the dance/drama, 'Church Bangarang'.

While there were no popular acts onstage as in past years, they were not missed as the local acts stepped up to the challenge with none having a poor performance.

JCDC Trelawny parish manager, Deta Riley, said not to have popular acts was a conscious decision taken by the organisers as they had confidence in the local performers.