Edney Francis and Sixth Form Sisserou Singers to receive awards at the Cultural Gala

One of Dominica’s leading accordionists, Mr.Edney Francis of Petite Savanne will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s National Cultural Gala for his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of traditional music.

This Award is presented by the National Cultural Council to individuals for their lifetime work, contribution and achievement in the arts and culture.

Francis has been playing the accordion from his teens and he has provided musical accompaniment for the Petite Savanne Cultural Group and other groups from the Southern District for many years.

The Sixth Form Sisserou Singers will receive the E.O LeBlanc Trophy for its outstanding work in promoting choral music. The group headed by Pearle Christian has produced thrilling concerts over the years. The group recently held a successful relief concert in aid of the community of Petite Savanne.

This year’s Cultural Gala promises to be very special in light of the passage of Tropical Storm Erika. It will pay tribute to the resilience of Dominican people and will feature both traditional and contemporary performers.

These include the Petite Savanne Cultural group, Tradibelle, Flamboyant Dancers, Sixth Form Sisserou Singers, Possie Culture Pan, Ophelia, calypsonians Hunter, Scrunter, Daddy Chess and winner of this year’s cadence-lypso competition Anton Joseph among others. The band Extasy from Petite Savanne will bring down the curtains to the Gala.

The National Cultural Gala will be held at the Botanic Gardens on Independence Day November 3 from 3.00 p.m.