Yesterday (February 1) Gail Vieira of Vizion Sounds who with Hits and Jams organised the United for Haiti concert handed over a cheque valued at $516,000 to Minister Priya Manick Chand at the Civil Defence Comission.
With support from more than 40 local artistes and entertainers representing the various studios and music producers, the Guyana United for Haiti concert staged two fridays ago ( January 22) was deemed a success by entertainer Kerwin Bollers.
Bollers, the concert Producer/Coordinator, said most of teh artistes were on target with inspiring musical messages in one of the many efforts to offer assistance to our brothers and sisters in Haiti”.
Bollers said, “We tried and in a matter of four days the Hits and Jams promotions group in collaboration with Visions Sounds managed to plan, organize and execute the concert that I believe will be remembered as a significant unifier for Guyanese artistes. It also showed that there are Guyanese people who care about others”.
Though the numbers were far less than we expected, for the short period of planning, close to 2000 persons flocked to the National Park for the concert which proved inspiring and also served it purpose of raising funds via the gate, the bars and the food outlets.
The singers performed at varying de but be it the searching ‘I want to know what love is’ and ‘Don’t cry’ songs done by Jessica Xavier or the encore of “stand up for love’ delivered by new comer Jackie Hanover those in attendance were inspired and moved emotionally. There was also some steel pan playing of the nostalgic ‘My way’ and fashion displays from the Facts N Roses camp.
The Hits and Jams and Vizion Sounds’ team yesterday expressed heart felt gratitude to all the artistes and the people who came out in support of the event and the more than 40 entertainers who voluntarily offered their services to ensure that the concert was a success.
Mondale Smith; the show’s Public Relations Officer and host said, “We also commend the eating houses for affording their services and making donations such as White Castle Fish shop and NP Fried chicken as well as the Impressions who donated ‘Help Haiti’ jerseys for sale. Our gratitude also goes out to Beverage companies Banks DIH and Ansa McAl”.
Among the performers were artistes the likes of Timeka Marshall, First Born, Celeste David, Dallas Forte, Jumo, B52, Tennesia, Shelly G, Jory, Miriam Williams, Avalanche, Gadd Kidd, Richard Singh, Big Red, Ossie O, Shawn English, and Little Africa among others.
There were also cultural dance pieces from X-Factor and from several Indian dancers.
Jamaican artiste, King Prof, who is in Guyana recording his album at Visions Sounds also performed.