Besides Live on Stage on Saturday, I also attended a performance of the Immaculate Conception High School’s Performing Arts department at the Ward Theatre. The first half of the show was set in an activity period led by an enthusiastic teacher with P.E. clad students sitting around being entertained by their fellow students.

The two and a half hour show received a standing ovation from the audience which, although comprised largely of family and friends of the students, was awarded a show well-worth their money. The night’s programme of solo, duet and chorale voice pieces, lively dances, entertaining poems and beautiful instrumental items stirred up thunderous applause at every opportunity.

After a particularly strong solo voice piece, the teacher declared “Yu tink yu can buy vice like dat a shop? Yu tink yu can buy it a street? Ah only Immaculate yu can come buy it!” I have to admit I was very impressed with the level of performances presented. Immaculate has invested a lot in developing the performing arts at their institution. One example is their music department which houses practice rooms, classrooms for theory lessons and a large performance space.

Notwithstanding, Immaculate still has work to do to create an all-round top-class performing arts curriculum. Right now their orchestra is at the top of the hierarchy, led by their artist-in-residence, Stephen Woodham. The others areas (such as dance and theatre) do not seem to be at the same level. And of course, my personal cause, the steelband is in desperate need of some direct attention.

I have had a cultural weekend, attending shows on both Saturday and Sunday evenings. The first of these was the brainchild of MG, who is soon to depart our land to attend the Berklee College of Music as he follows his passion. Live on Stage, as the show was titled, brought together a fabulous array of young Jamaican artistes, many of whom MG has worked with in the past.

From the vocal stylings of Natalie Spence (also backup singer to Cezar) and Ellan Edwards, who is steadily improving since I last saw her at Village, to the Otis Redding-like rumbles of Stephen Madden, we were in for a treat. MG, himself, performed to the screams of the ladies, especially for his original tune, “You Used to Love Me”. He also performed with his roots, the Choir Boyz, whose vibrant harmonies melted our hearts with timeless classics. Two bands were showcased, Rocky V and Airplai, both groups doing a mix of original songs and covers. The latter produced chills when their tiny lead singer belted out “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman”. The night closed with Camar, of Butterfly fame, who thrilled the audience with his hits “I Can See My Destiny” and “Love You For Life”.

The show was one of the better produced live music shows I have seen recently. The production quality was top-notch with few hitches visible to the audience. The sound and lighting were superbly done, and the set from Bertie Rose added bold visual elements. If this is what MG puts out now, Jamaica is in for serious things when he returns from Berklee.

Last night I was set to pass through Village Café for the birthday get-together of a friend of a friend. As it turned out, another friend of mine was singing backup for the headline act, Camar, and yet another friend of mine was going to be drumming for someone else. So 3 good reasons to hit Village’s Tuesday Night Live.

The first act was Aluta Continua, a reggae singer backed by a great group of musicians. The words were hard to hear but the music was great. Kudos to the bassist, keyboardist and, of course, the drummer, all of whom really carried the set for me. Following that we heard from M’lonie, who does some catchy dancehall-reggae songs but didn’t grab my attention.

The big hit for the night was the performance of Camar, backed by the talented guys from Airplai. Now as I said above, I was really supporting one of the backup singers, MG, who’ll soon be doing his own thing, but I was won over by Camar. Though he apparently has a dancehall persona (Flavr Unit), last night was about his soulful side. His songs definitely have a sexy groove, and I’m not just saying that because I got serenaded up close in “Butterfly” (the last time I stand in the front row) :mrgreen:. Simple timeless messages - love, beauty, non-violence to women - plus a sultry sound: look out for big things from Camar in the future.

Yesterday was Independence Day - 44 years and going - which meant that the JCDC Street Jam was on in New Kingston. Not generally on my list of holiday activities (I am partial to staying at home and chilling on public holidays) but this year a friend of mine was coordinating one of the mini-stages. The “Piano Bar” Stage, as it was named, was hosting Dennis Rushton (keyboards), Joel Edwards (keyboards), Andrew Clarke, Airplai, Rocky 5 (featuring Sheeda’s bro and the one MG), Henry Robinson (keyboards), “Deadly” Headley Bennett (sax), Michael Pinnock (steel pan) - not necessarily in that order.

I decided it might be worth my while so I headed out early yesterday. the weather was great and the music was better. I took up my post under a tree, got some great (black & white) shots (I hope - it’s the first time in a while I have taken any pics) and loved up the music. Many of the performers I had not heard perform before and so it was a treat for me.

I did check out the rest of the event from time to time. Caught sight of some dinkimini on the “Ole Time Sinting” stage, and watched a bit of Dancing Dynamites from a distance on another stage. “Artisan Avenue” was quite interesting with a varied array of arts and crafts, including some photography for me to eyeball and wonder if I could be that good one day. For those so inclined, you could push through a crowd to taste the local fare on offer - plenty jerk, soup, roast fish, breadfruit etc. I stuck to the gizzada and potato pudding to satisfy the sweet cravings I was having.

The marching band competition wasn’t bad but the fashion show later was a bit disturbing because I have never seen such a large collection of bones as was paraded on that catwalk. By time the stage show was getting under way I was more than ready to leave having been there since 1 p.m. so I can’t comment on that part. All in all, a day well spent. I will definitely be attending again next year but I will stick to my plan of arriving and leaving early.

My Emancipation evening continued its cultural trend with “Seretse and Friends” at Village Cafe. When I arrived the show had started some time before. I was eventually sorry to have missed the beginning because the show was great.

A mix of genres was presented as Seretse invited several different artistes to the stage. Dazzling jazz and reggae guitar riffs and solos from Wayne McGregor and Seretse were followed by alternative songstress Dominique. A young songwriters protest song “Poor People Rights” drew sympathy for the toll road extortion sufferers. Glamma and the (aptly named) Boneless Crew dancers provided some DJ entertainment before we were wowed by the amazing jazz stylings of Ellan Edwards.

The highlight of the second half was Ivad, a true reggae singer. His soulful lyrics and sound had everyone in the place rocking. Unfortunately I had to leave before the end but it was an evening well-spent. It is too easy sometimes to forget how rich our musical soul is.