Byron Lee and the Dragonaires deliver a thrilling performance at Honour The Dragon Concert, held in honour of Byron Lee, at the Constant Spring Golf Club, on Saturday, June 30. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Scores of entertainers came out on Saturday night to the Constant Spring Golf Club to hail soca legend Byron Lee at 'Honour the Dragon: A Tribute to Byron Lee.'

In contrast to their huge turnout, a small number of patrons littered the lawns of the golf club and at 9:00 p.m. emcees Michael Anthony Cuff and Norma Brown Bell apologised for the late start as well as for absent entertainers.

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires kicked off the night with an instrumental piece called Dumpling before going into Sammy Dead. The performances were all short but sweet to accommodate the long line-up.

Keith Lyn sang about Empty Chairs before going into some classic ska and he was joined on stage by two nimble gentlemen who showed the audience their ska moves.

The crowd, which included former Prime Minister Edward Seaga and his wife small, was quite lively. Most patrons were up on their feet dancing, waving and clapping.

The show featured artistes who have been influenced by Byron Lee, such as Barry Biggs who sang Side Show and Lawd Have Mercy.

The Jamaicans and Nadine Sutherland showed their appreciation to the man who has done so much to integrate Caribbean musicians and fans. Dean Fraser on saxophone, delivered one of Lee's favourite songs, Many Rivers to Cross.

It was Pluto Shervington who managed to steal the first spotlight for the nightwith his many hit songs, sent the majority of the audience to its feet. Shervington talked about his 'ram goat', told how much he enjoyed his 'mannish water' and lamented why 'so many Jamaicans gone abroad.'

Then it was time for the special presentations. Lee's former St. George's teacher, Father Frank Ryan presented the artiste with a painting of St. George's that once hung on the wall of the principal's house. Other presentations were made to all the members of the Dragonnaires.

The celebrations continued with Heather Cunnings and newcomer Raven Amani. Queen Ifrika had the crowd in stitches in response to her lyrics. Other featured artistes included Tinga Stewart, Bunny Brown, Derek Harriott and Choky Taylor.

When songstress Marcia Griffiths came on stage, she told the crowd how Byron Lee had given her her first break in music

in 1964, when she sang with him on stage on Easter Monday.

Griffiths paid to tribute to him by singing that song, Now Time To Love. Jovi Rockwell and the Stranger followed until John Holt stole the spotlight.

Holt came on stage to many cheers as he sang Stick By Me, Carpenter and Love I Can Feel. However when he left the stage, he was the only entertainer that night who had to come back for a brief encore.

A brief break showed a video feed from Carlene Davis, Tony Rebel and Maxi Priest who apologised for their absence.

Minutes after midnight, Lee returned to the stage and performed his soca hit Tiny Winey which ushered in the arrival of the soca queen Allison Hinds.

Hinds explained how she almost didn't make it but happy to be there. He then sang Roll It and Love And Unity and beckoned patrons to come to the front of the stage. They complied and danced while she sang. "I'll be back for Sumfest and I'm truly looking forward to it," Hinds said. The Dragonnaires closed the show at approximately 1:00 a.m. but not before they led the party vibe with Kitty Cat.

Left: Nadine Sutherland dances during her set at Honour The Dragon Concert, held in honour of Byron Lee, at the Constant Spring Golf Club, on Saturday, June 30. Right: Pluto Shervington - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer