The idea of the event is bigger than the event … Year of the Child concert commentary
Dominica News Online - Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 at 2:10 PM
Jakoostick band from Jamaica performing at second Year of the Child Concert
By Laurie Stevens, Ace Caribbean Real Estate
“ ….I think we should have more events like this…maybe 2 or three a year?” said Athie Martin, the more than capable MC, from the colourful stage at the State House Gardens this past Saturday evening, to a loud acclamation from pretty much everyone within earshot.
The occasion was the Second Year of the Child Concert in Dominica – dubbed ‘Music for Life’ – involving a magic mulch of musical styles and regional accents to whet the appetite of any Caribbean audience, especially the few hundred gathered in the gardens under a starry, starry night. Proceeds were in aid of children living with HIV/ Aids and I’m sure in a few days’ time, glowing reviews of the show will be written by more knowledgeable scribes than I. So with respect to the organisers, performers and paying guests at this gala presentation, I’ll return to my opening headline.
The idea of the event is bigger than the event itself. Think about it for a moment. To have the spacious location, easily found, easily reached and adequate parking for some and a short walk for others bodes well for State House gatherings in the future no matter what cause one is supporting. Too often when outdoor concerts are planned, it’s common to see everyone standing and milling around – nothing wrong with that, but one factor of Saturday’s show that stood out was that most people were seated and in good humour; people shaking hands, food and drink within reach, it resembled a ‘cabaret’ evening almost, in the open air, loads of space but still intimate, savez?
Dominica is not short of adequate sound systems and the expertise that drives them; so on Saturday, through Showtime it seemed the vocals and instruments were clear & concise with plenty of decibels in reserve – for musicians visiting from other islands, besides Dominica’s other attributes, this must enhance further sojourns to the Nature Isle. Plus as one guitarist put it, “I thought Jamaica had the prettiest women in the world – Well Jamaica, you got competition. Dominica’s got the edge – (to the crowd) you guys out there, look after your ladies!” Yes ‘glamour in the house’ is a magnet and the presence of one of the hosts, namely Leah Marville from the HIV/Aids charity ‘The Love Campaign’ created a jump in several testosterone levels.
So whether the fund raiser is for well-established charities or new emerging causes, the atmosphere of a well-organised outdoors event is something special – and deserving space in your social calendar.
PS
The downside?…. How do you plan for rain when you’ve hardly seen any for 3 months? Yes, it did pour for a while, but afterwards spirits soared and dancers danced when – at last – the headliners came on and started blowing away a storm…literally!
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8 Comments
For those who want background information on the event, please click on the link below:
http://thefreshlime.blogspot.com/2010/03/bet-centric-and-liat-on-board-for.html
Click here for a review by Celia Sorhaindo and get links to pics from the event
http://tropicallytied.blogspot.com/2010/04/year-of-child-jazz-concert-dominica.html
Like that – positive family gatherings. But for those of us abroad, where are the pictures? They do tell a thousand words. Keep up the good work Organizing Committee, and be sure to plan a few of such activities for the summer! Keep safe
I enjoyed this event indeed…especially Jaccoustiks..they were excellent..we do need some more of those shows.
eh bien that writer have la pawole…..talk talk talk, up to now I dunno who perform, which local artists were involved….stupes. That is why I love my DNO reporters, clear concise writing. Anyway congrats to the organisers, for a wonderful initiative.
After that night, I don’t have to go anywhere for a while. I took it all in… It was worth every last dollar. Drinks were flowing and food was available till the end.. You couldn’t ask for a better organised event!! Big up the Year of the Child Committee.. I’ll be waiting for your next fundraiser…
stupeessss…..
wish u knew some more background info……..
u may not even comment.
That is the kind of atmosphere I enjoy, bringing all families together, nice music, ghood food, the space, the ambiance. We need to have this sort of togetherness as often as we can. I just wish that our local bands will make an impute in future. Hats off the the organizers. We can do good things here my people.
Good Music helps kids combat their day to day problems in life and soothes their pains and gives them a peace of mind.
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