Review: Upcoming Shows At Rosalie Gardens
[Written by Dale Butler]
Rosalie Gardens at 35 Angle Street, opposite the old Hubies, is an award-winning Bermuda garden. Opened on July 10, 2021 by the legendary Bermudian entertainer Bobby Smith as part of the “Darn D Road Festival,” it received two gardening awards the next year and has continued to grow as the only “House of Music” in Bermuda.
The three shows are entitled “Velvet Keys & Dusty Strings: An Evening of Soul, Calypso and Storytelling.” Storytelling will be a first in the gardens, and interest has been very high.
In April this year, well known saxophonist and teacher Wendell “Shine” Hayward was highlighted with the presentation of two books: Early Years and Shine’s 70th Birthday.
On June 6th, President of Phenomenal People, Margaret Giloth, had her Dream Girls hosting seniors at a grand tea. Added to their skills was Leon O’Brien, a top maitre’d who gave them some tips regarding service that impressed the guests.
On Saturday, June 27th, poet, singer, and actress June Caisey, The Empress of Song, was honoured with a special birthday dinner which drew the famous band Justice out of retirement. With a variety of soloists, the band was at its best.
The next activity in Rosalie Gardens has two shows with dinner, entertainment, and storytelling of Choy and Nina Simone on Friday, August 14th and Saturday, August 15th at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65 and it promises to be outstanding because of the involvement of new calypso singer Lord 8 Strings and the introduction of the duke, Cordell Leslie Warner, who brought back memories of Bishop Caines with his love song that every woman wants to here. Not to be outdone will be Ras MyKal, who will sing a powerful selection that is desperately needed by Bermudians at this stage of our development – we can do better.
On Sunday, the show moves to the new Leopards Club hall. Entry cost is $35 with light refreshments. We would like to thank the public for its support since our inception. When we lost our Music Hall of Fame on St. John’s Road, it looked as though local memories would also disappear but it is refreshing to read daily updates from Tony Brannon and When Bermuda was Bermuda. We hope that this continues. And we hope that at significant events like Bermuda Day, Carnival, County Games, and Cup Match, we will hear local music broadcast.
Rosalie Gardens comes under the umbrella of Atlantic Publishing House and we advocate that the Government look seriously at the former court house on the corner of Court and Front Streets to house a sports museum, music museum, and culinary arts museum [led by a Culinary Concierge because we are losing our craft in this area].
“Velvet Keys and Dusty Strings” is an evening of soul, calypso, and storytelling that should not be missed.
- Dale Butler is the Professor of Bermuda Music and considers it an honour to have been invited to attend. His current research titles are Band Leader, Ernie Leader ,and the Queen of Calypso Celeste Robinson.
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Category: All, Entertainment, Music
