It was a busy social long weekend in Dominica with village feasts at Grand Bay, St. Sauveur and Toucari as well as smaller action elsewhere such as Woodford Hill Beach. But on Sunday at Fort Shirley at the Cabrits National Park it was action of a different kind with an afternoon of quality sounds of jazz and Creole put on by the Discover Dominica Authority DDA.
This was the second year of Jazz-Creole at Fort Shirley. The weather was spectacular and the beautiful setting with its restored historic buildings and fantastic views across the bay to Portsmouth gave a perfect backdrop to the performances.
Crowds mingled on the lawns and laid out picnics and patronised the several bars around the fort. Meanwhile the Picard Food Court cooks provided a wide range of meals including traditional fare such as Braff, Souse, Doucouna and Tablet.
On stage a steady stream of performers did their thing ably guided and stage managed by the master of ceremonies for the event, Miguel Labadie. Petite but powerful Michele Henderson was there with a French Antillean group as back up including the legendary pianist, Ronald Tulle.
Alfredo De La Fe and band had spectators moving to the tempo and Barbara Cadet of St. Lucia swung her saxophone around cool rhythms, breaking off to sing in vibrant Creole from time to time. Earlier in the afternoon Pan Asam, featuring Freddi, Julie, Athie and friends gave their special mix of steel pan and accompanying instrumentals. Shades of Green, featuring Gelina matched the mood of the surrounding forest with nature island creativity.
Generally there were good reports from a satisfied audience. Praise for the organisation, particularly the shuttle bus service up to the fort, was widespread. However there was some discontent over the ticket price of EC $60 especially when it applied to any child over 12 years old.
An entrance fee of $40 was thought to be more reasonable, yet for what they got in entertainment value others considered the price was right. But overwhelmingly a good time was had by all and many are looking forward to next year.
This was just PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT. I couldnt get enough oh it. The view, the food, the bars, the people…and the music? I regret not bringing my lady..
Thumbs up to the organizerz.
AMEN!!
This was indeed a quality event at a quality location, drawing visitors and locals alike who enjoy and value JAZZ music and who would easily pay for this more frequently than once per year. There are people on islnd who prefer cool blues, relaxing jazz instruments and vocals. Although Barbara Cadet performed well, I had prefered her performance at the Cathedral on Friday night. We need to bring her back.
Great initiative from the organisers,DA is seriously talking Tourism Development. We need to continuosly innovate in the tourism business to survive the tourism competition.
This sounds great.
More such events are necessary….find we have too many ‘Barcanal’ events in this country.
I understand that Barbara Cadet visited Dominica at the invitation of Most Reverend Gabriel Malzaire, to perform at a Fundraising concert at the Cathedral. She was absolutely marvelous! Great idea by the Tourism Authority to capitalize on her presence. Hope they make a generous donation to the Cathedral Renovation Fund!
Congrats to you D N O!!!
This is the kind of news we like for Dominica, why should it have to be always negative?
I shall stop here more often to give DNO the thumbs-up!!!
there should be more events of that nature at the fort
It was simply fantastic, the ambiance couldn’t have been any better! For the line up and presentation, The price was good!! A delightful addition to Dominica’s entertainment! Two very enthusiastic thumps up!!
I had a great time. It was an afternoon well spent. Fort Shirley is the perfect venue for events such as these.
Congratulations to Colin Piper, his people and every one else who made this an occasion to feel real pride in being a Dominican! It, was splendid, superbly organised and the atmosphere simply fantastic, no doubt helped by the excellent catering! By way of correction, the ticket price was E.C.$.50 ( and if pre-purchased from the DFC, amongst others, subject to a $10 discount with free access for children under the age of 12).
But a further correction. It was $60 at the gate. You wisely bought yours before hand.