The décor, the ambience and the unique concept were just some of the ingredients that made the Jamzone Summer Break 2012 event themed “A Night of Jazz, Fashion and Food“ a resounding success.
Held at the Promenade Gardens, A Night of Jazz, Fashion and Food got off to a late start but exceeded expectations. The bandstand in the centre of the Garden doubled as a stage and chairs and tables were decorated around it. The evening started with a lovely jazz rendition by the Parkside Jazz Sextet. Parkside is usually known for its amazing steel pan performances, so you can very much imagine how beautifully and harmoniously they executed their jazz performance.
The “Jazz“ aspect of the show did not only focus on instruments and groups but we were also entertained by the melodious voices of some of our very gifted local singers. The first to perform was Lisa Punch. In my opinion she is severely underrated. Lisa in her presentation took us on a journey through a breakup, the heartache that comes with it, witnessing her loved one being married to someone else and then in the end finding love again. She did all this through a number of jazz songs, ending with the famous Etta James number, ‘At Last’.
When we talk fashion, we imply pieces being displayed by talented local designers modeled by the beautiful Miss Jamzone International 2012 delegates. The first set of designs were those of Maxi Williams, who recently competed in the Designer’s Portfolio Competition and will be very soon showcasing his designs in Paris. (Yay him!!!)The line he displayed was called “Black and White: A Night in Paris.“ Truly astonishing runway pieces!
The next jazz group to perform was the Excellence Jazz Group. The group and their two vocalists belted out a series of celebrated jazz hits including “One In A Million You“, “New York, New York“ and “At Last“ among others.
After their performance, the Miss Jamzone International 2012 delegates were invited on stage to present their pieces to be auctioned to the gathering and to say which charity the proceeds from their sale would go to. I guess you’re probably wondering, what auction? One of the components of the evening was a Dutch auction, however the items were just presented and bidders will get a chance to bid on their item of choice on Thursday at an event that will be held at the Sidewall Café and Jazz Club.
Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Renee Bhagwandeen presented her item which was a necklace made by her grandfather, who also told her that when you give someone a necklace it means that they’ll remain close to your heart; her charity is the Ice Truck Sweethearts. Next was Miss British Virgin Island (BVI), Jasmine Perez, her contribution is a Queen Cockleshell, which was painted to represent various sights of the BVI, her charity is the Ladies of SASS (Strong, Ambitious, Smart and Successful). Miss Guyana, Ayana Harris, presented an item made by the Amerindians for an Amerindian Chief, her charity is the Beacon of Hope. Miss St. Lucia, Louise Victor, presented an antique painting of St. Lucia and her charity is the Red Foundation, arm of one of the country’s Carnival bands. (Revelry and Feting are not what they’re all about.) Miss Venezuela, Ivany Guzman, showcased a painting for her country but she was unable to tell us about her charity because she is not very fluent in English. (HINT! HINT! An interpreter is needed please). Miss St. Kitts and Nevis, Trevicia Adams, presented a painting done by one of the island’s local painters; the painting depicted the island’s capital city, her charity is Generation Change (credit holly). Next up was Miss Jamaica, Kerrie Baylis, whose contribution was a hand craved wood carving, her charity is one founded by her best friend, Yendi Phillip’s (Miss Jamaica World 2010). Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Shemon Baptiste, presented an item made solely from Banana leaves, her charity is the Helping Hands Centre, a centre that works solely with children with cerebral palsy. And finally Miss Suriname, Elisa Tolud, showcased an Indian hammer wood carving, her charity is the Pink Ribbon, a charity working to raise awareness for breast cancer.
We were treated to some more fashion, this time from brilliant designer Mwanza Glenn, runner-up in the Designer’s Portfolio Competition. His designs were very afrocentric and were all linked to domestic violence.
Hits and Jams Entertainment honoured their second individual last evening. This time, Mr. Eze Rockcliffe, founder of the Yoruba Singers, was the special honouree for his contribution towards music in Guyana. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Hits and James representative, Simeon Francis. He also received an airline ticket from LIAT to any destination of his choice.
The final jazz band of the evening was the six member, GT Jazz Project. Accompanying the sextet were two of the country’s very exceptional singers. First to perform was Celeste David and then Jackie Hanover; both doing beautiful jazz renditions maintaining the blissful mood that was set from the very beginning. Pamela Gittens, the band’s lone female and lead singer joined the group to close off the evening’s proceedings.
FOOD! I didn’t mention much about the food in ‘A Night of Jazz, Fashion and FOOD’, my apologies. Assortments of local cuisine were available to all to consume and enjoy. I didn’t indulge too much in the latter because I was totally engrossed in the jazz and fashion aspect of things.
The evening was truthfully an evening of sheer delight. The uniqueness and the fact that you got to enjoy all this pleasure whilst sitting under the stars was justly romantic. Too romantic, at one time I thought to myself, but why I am here alone? But something beautiful happened elsewhere, either through music or fashion, and that thought quickly vanished. J
Kudos to Hits and Jams Entertainment for a lovely evening!
By Slimchick