The Manhattans croon their way into the audience's hearts. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

When MC Paula Ann Porter came on stage well after the scheduled starting time of 8 p.m. and announced that the anticipated Kings of Soul concert held at the Constant Spring Golf Academy on Saturday night would begin in 15 to 20 minutes, she was greeted with a chorus of boos from a disgruntled audience.

An hour after the scheduled start time and before numerous empty seats, Kings of Soul got off to a rocky start. Countless persons in the VIP section could be heard loudly complaining about having to pay for drinks and food that should have been provided.

Periodic bursts of claps could be heard from the crowd as a backdrop to the music being played by the DJ, as one lone peanut vendor provided the only sustenance after 9 p.m.

Right note

Finally, with the clear sounds of "I was born by the river", a white clad dapper looking Christopher Martin hit the right note upon entering the stage.

Martin proved his mettle as a budding star getting cheers from the ladies as he went into Jamaican Girl and Christopher Giving It. Adding a little flair for the ladies he ad-libbed to Coming Over Tonight singing, "Are you coming over tonight, you need Chris' body."

Tribute

Paying tribute to his own father who could not be there, Martin sang Take My Wings And Fly before ending a great set with Love Is All We Need.

With well-choreographed moves the Fonics hit the stage and brought a vintage Motown R&B flavour to the show with Love Won't Let Me Wait, La La La I Love You. They did not disappoint the crowd. As Fonics member Johnnie Johnson told The Gleaner, "It was a pleasure being here, Kingston made me feel so welcome". The group even singed autographs for fans in the VIP section during the break.

The concert mellowed shortly after and patrons soon settled. An excellent set from The Manhattans went over well and were met with enthused cheers. They delivered hits such Kiss and Say Goodbye, Shining Star, So Good To Be Loved So Bad, and many more.

Shai's set was short but sweet and they did get the ladies on their feet and rocking to the ever popular hit song If I Ever Fall In Love Again.

After a brief band change, one of the most anticipated acts, Trinidadian singer Billy Ocean, caused a stir. Ocean performed soul, reggae and pop in an energetic and convincing performance, with hits such as Suddenly, Caribbean Queen and Love Zone.

High note

In a tribute to Jamaica, who he claims has given so much to the world, Ocean sang Rastafari Live Forever. Ending on a high note, Ocean graciously left the stage after 1 a.m.

An extremely long band change for James Ingram again had the crowd antsy, as many patrons got tired and eventually left the venue before the star performed.

After many shouts from the crowd, Ingram finally appeared on stage after 2 a.m. Ingram proved that he had only to open his mouth 'just once' to have the crowd enthralled, as he crooned One Hundred Ways. Performing for close to an hour, Ingram closed the show, leaving behind a satisfied audience.

The Phonics perform at the Kings of Soul Live In Concert, held at Constant Spring Golf Club, on Father's Day.