Review: Pastoral-Parishioners’ Anniversary

[Written by Dale Butler]

The fifth Pastoral-Parishioners’ Anniversary took place on the grounds of the Christ Anglican Church, Devonshire, on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 6.00pm with a very appetizing dinner by Kenny’s Kitchen and water donated by John Barritt & Son Limited; an exceptional night of entertainment followed. The tent, lighting, and stage backdrop were beautiful and set the mood for The Revd. Fr. Jamaine ‘Jay’ Tucker [Priest-in-Charge] and a packed house.

The talented performers confirmed my mantra that Bermuda has been blessed with an abundance of talent, and DJ Donnie ensured that the music the singers needed was perfect for them to shine. The organizers are worthy of praise for the choices they made. The applause and shouts for an encore were overwhelming as each act reminded us of the 1950s and 60s when every hotel was packed with exceptional local talent.

Yes, this was very much a religious event of thanks and praise, featuring appropriate gospel and secular music. Salutations in the highest order go to the following 13 performers:

• Mitchell ‘Live Wires’ Trott sang three songs – “Mercy and Grace,” “Bam Bam,” and “Reggae Highway.” He continues to excel and quickly attracts the attention of the audience, young and old.
• Veronica ‘Lolly’ Darrell sang “Angel” by Lalah Hathaway and “Say a Prayer for Me.” She is a veteran who performed with confidence and warmth. She definitely requires a venue for regular performances as she is at her peak.
• Samiyah Hall, a Heritage Worship Centre and B.H.S. student, has been dancing since the age of one. The choreography from start to finish was superb as she interpreted the song effortlessly, performing subtle and energetic movements, leaving the audience wanting a second dance.
• Konnie Garcia Tucker and Lawreida Cartwright performed sign language to Rihanna’s song “Diamonds in the Sky”: “So shine bright tonight, you and I/we’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky.” They certainly were. Well done! Lawreida also delivered an excellent performance of “The Prayer” by Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin, which was very well received.
• Cal Simons played saxophone for “No Weapons Formed Against Me Shall Prosper” and “My Help Cometh from the Lord.” Both were beautifully executed and well received.
• Jonathan Walker sang “Cry to Me” by Solomon Burke and the Al Green hit “For the Good Times.” He has a distinctive voice, and the audience responded with “Al Green.” He held the audience spellbound, and the encore number “Let’s Stay Together” confirmed that, while we may be short on venues, we have abundant talent capable of performing solo or as part of a much-needed revue in Bermuda today.
• Patricia Nesbitt, a former schoolteacher of drama and a playwright, opened with a piece called “My Date” and an a cappella rendition of Billy Holiday’s “Good Morning Heartache,” laying the foundation for a work in progress that fuses music and poetry into a story of a young woman trapped in a cycle of heartbreak due to her bad choices and lack of discernment in dating. She discovered that her dark skin had nothing to do with her beauty. Kudos! The audience was attentive and appreciative.
• Shardae Lee sang and played guitar for “I Believe” and “Give Yourself Away,” beautifully sung and well received.
• Charo Hollis and Samantha Smith performed “Trust in God” by Elevation Worship, after which Charo took the lead with the classic Academy Award-winning ballad “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which has become her signature song. They nailed both performances. By now, the audience was hoping for an additional hour, but the program revealed we would receive our last treat from two dynamic gentlemen.
• Tricray Astwood and Adrian Jones of the Tridan Music Group put the icing on the cake, leading the audience in singing “Victory” and “Come Lord.” Yes, a massive “choir” of happy people highlighted their enjoyment of the entire night. Well done, Last Call; you continue to be an island favorite.

I commend the organizers for giving us a wonderful night. Following a short video clip I sent out, I received calls and comments from friends who were so impressed and wished they had been present. The best part for me was that it was a professionally executed experience, with all bases covered, from the warm greetings and delectable food to the first-rate standard of service and, by far, an exceptional night of talent.

At this stage of Bermuda’s development, I feel it is important to highlight the committee’s names. I learned my skills from people like them who might consider taking students as part of their community service to ensure that the legacy of such is retained in Bermuda. I say this after two weeks of receiving poor and unprofessional service at various local venues.

The Christ Anglican Church, Devonshire Event Committee consisted of:

The Revd. Fr. Jamaine ‘Jay’ Tucker [Priest-in-Charge], Alicia Tucker [Chairperson], Nancy Trott, Calvette Tucker, Delma Parfitt, Florence Sharpe, Gail Williams, JoAnn Fox, Larry Perinchief, Michelle Fox, Nathalie Barnett-Dill, Sharon Lee Johnson, Steven Caines, Walda Douglas, Patrice Amen, and Llewellyn Trott. Their motto is “teamwork makes the dream work” [Ecclesiastes: 4:12].

The proceeds will assist the church with renovating the T.N. Nisbett Kitchen. If you wish to assist, you may contact the church office at 236-3671.

- Dale Butler is the Professor of Bermuda Music. You may assist him with these two research projects: Ernie Leader; in addition to the Mu-En Chorale, by contacting him at 595-9841 or dalebutler@gmail.com.

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Category: All, Entertainment, Music