Members of the National Dance Theatre Company in performance at the Prime Minister's Gala in celebration of the 45th anniversary of Jamaica's Independence, held at Jamaica House, Hope Road, on Monday, August 6. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
On Monday night, while most were gearing up for election nominations, The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller took time out to laud the efforts of those who had made significant contributions in the performing arts, at the Prime Minister's Gala on the grounds of Jamaica House.
The awardees for the night were Maxwell Peregrine Henzell, O.D., Lorna Goodison, Zap Pow, The Hon. Dr. Olive Lewin, O.J. and The Most Hon. Edward Seaga.
Work of our predecessors
Simpson Miller also said there was nothing wrong with praising the work of her predecessors,irrespective of their political persuasion - what was important was their contributions to nation building.
However, speeches weren't the focal point of the night; the audience was also treated to musical sweets provided by the Jamaica Folk Singers, poetry readings by Lorna Goodison and songs from the group, Zap Pow. Even the Grace Thrillers got a piece of the action when they took centre stage with soul-stirring renditions of Can't Even Walk and God Is Good.
Then there was a change of atmosphere when the National Dance Theatre Company took to the stage with an abbreviated version of The Crossing, which illustrated the transportation of the slaves to the New World. The audience was captivated.
Ossie D and Stevie G performed a medley of songs which included Bob Marley's One Love, Delroy Wilson's I'm In a Dancing Mood and others. But it was Gem Myers and later, Chalice, who stole the show.
Myers, who opened with Whitney Houston's I Believe In You and Me then went into Jean Knight's Mr. Big Stuff and Shirley and Company's Shame Shame Shame didn't perform for very long, but Chalice made up for that when they performed an extended set. The evening came to an end shortly after.
Jamaica Folk Singers in performance.
Author Lorna Goodison held the attention of the audience with entertaining poetry readings.
