In honor of what would have been the 76th birthday of the renowned Dominican artist Alwin Bully, The Alwin Bully Foundation Inc. is set to present an evening of music titled “Legendary Echoes: A Musical Tribute featuring songs composed by Dr. Alwin Bully.” This event will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the newly established venue, The Factory on Valley Road, commencing at 8 PM.
“Legendary Echoes” promises to showcase an impressive lineup of vocalists, musicians, pannists, and other exceptional performers, making it a highly anticipated musical occasion. Attendees can expect to enjoy remarkable performances from some of Dominica’s most gifted and celebrated artists during the two-and-a-half-hour program, commemorating the legacy of this beloved cultural figure who has passed away.
The one-night-only event will feature a variety of talented singers and groups, including the children’s choir from Christian Union Primary School, as well as the remarkable voices of Marie Pascale Afana and Ricardo Cognet from the Sisserou Singers, along with Maxine Alleyne-Esprit, Barbara Bully-Thomas, Black Diamond, Carleen XP, Janae Jackson, Shalina, Tasha P, The Webb, and the illustrious Michelle Henderson. The performance will highlight the vocal talents of these prominent Dominican artists, showcasing their diverse abilities and styles.
The program will include several popular songs written by Alwin Bully throughout his distinguished career, which spans stage performances, calypso competitions, and other musical works created for special occasions in Dominica and beyond. Notable pieces will include folk classics such as “Dominica Waitukubuli” (Dominica’s entry at FESTAG in Guadeloupe in 1977), “Sweet Dominica” (Pio Pio), “I Love You Like a Sugar Plum” (from the play Belle Fanto, originally by Eric Roach and adapted into a musical by Alwin), “Gardez en Haut” (Pio Pio), “Mama Pas Pleuwe” (also from Waitukubuli), and selections from “Folk Nativity,” including “Gloria,” “The Magnificat,” and “Christmas Morning” (the Christmas musical written by Alwin in 1977, featuring lyrics by Alwin and music by Alwin Bully and Einstar Leblanc). Additionally, the event will feature calypsos composed for Merlin St. Hillaire – The Wizard, such as “Whine Gina” and “One Nation,” as well as theme songs and social commentary from various plays, including “The Ruler,” “The Nite Box,” “Belle Fanto,” “Moon on the Rainbow Shawl,” “One of Our Sons is Missing,” and “Oseyi and the Masqueraders.”
The production is being organized by a dedicated team from the Alwin Bully Foundation, with Mrs. Anita Bully, Alwin’s wife of 46 years, serving as the Executive Producer. The musical direction will be under the guidance of Cornel Phillip, featuring talents such as Julie Martin, Fred Nicholas, Jerry Moulon, Mikael Ferrol, Keleb Rodney, and Vernandra Christian. Additionally, members of the esteemed local pan ensemble, Pan in Harmony, will provide special musical accompaniment for select performances.
“Legendary Echoes” is part of the Alwin Bully Foundation’s ongoing mission to preserve the legacy of the late Alwin Bully, celebrate his remarkable contributions as a Dominican artist and cultural icon, and raise funds for scholarships in the arts.
Tickets for the November 23 event may be purchased at prominent box offices in Roseau, with an early bird price of $75 available for a limited time. Ticket prices will then increase to $90 in advance and $100 at the door, with a limited number of VIP tickets available for $150.
All proceeds from the event will support the Foundation’s initiatives to train the next generation of Dominican creatives.
Anita; I wonder if you are still halfway as beautiful?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
But ah think I must asks Elizabeth Xavier if she think you are still a sensation!
Elizabeth was also hot at one time, but I have not seen her in quite a while; but all dem yellow women from al-you village are truly beautiful; and that’s all I have to say, except I believe that photograph is more than thirty years old oui.
I is old man now too eh!