All-star entertainment at Haymans Market
The audience thoroughly enjoyed Rich Hall’s presentation.
Rich Hall quickly created songs using tidbits from the audience.
The lineup featured soprano Shantal Martin.
An opera gala kicked off the inaugural AllStars Festival on Friday evening at Haymans Market in St Peter.
The brainchild of Melinda Hughes, a renowned opera singer with a deep affection for Barbados, the event aimed to invigorate the northern region of the island by showcasing a blend of homegrown, regional, and international acts in various disciplines.
The opera gala, which kicked off three days of activities, marked the first major event to be hosted since the venue’s official opening. Attracting a sold-out crowd the night was a success. The lineup boasted a cadre of exceptional singers which included American tenor Todd Wilander, soprano Shantal Martin and festival producer Hughes, baritone Nathan Richards and Andre Hoyte, who made a special guest appearance. Their commanding voices reverberated throughout the venue as they impressed patrons creating vivid imagery with their melodic tones. This vocal treat was accentuated with accompaniment by skilled Trinidadian pianist Enrique Ali. The performers continued to thrill guests as they sang at the after-party which followed. Among the familiar faces that dotted the crowd were prominent attorney Sir Trevor Carmichael and British pop legend Sir Cliff Richard.
The focus shifted to comedy on Saturday night with the award-winning headliner Rich Hall from the United States. Hall’s quick wit and improvisational skills were irrefutable as he crafted ditties on the spot based on information from members of the audience. Playing on his guitar, his comedic tales were done in different musical styles. He had clearly done his homework on the island as he incorporated local references and topical humour into his act, including playful jabs at Barbadian roundabout names and the ban on camouflage attire. Both American and British politics provided ample material for this enjoyable session.
Comedian Simon Alleyne was among those enjoying Hall’s comedic genius. Emphasising its importance for the diversity of Barbados, he said: “I do believe that tonight’s performance was excellent. It was good to be seeing comedy from outside of Barbados. It is a really good opportunity for upcoming comedians to see the craft, how different styles of comedy can be done.”
The cast from Cocktails and Comedy will be teaming up with Hall to conduct a master class, culminating with a show at Cherry Beach in Speightstown on Saturday.
Stars of the Future provides a platform for upcoming vocalists and instrumentalists who have all benefitted from their tutelage at the Barbados Community College. The finale will be a dynamic cross-genre set, spanning from classical to jazz selections. Patrons can expect to be dazzled by the talent of Abianna Fenty, Jessica Hunte, Jessica Rose, Darren Watson, Andreen McQueen, and Marilyn Smith when they take to the stage. (STT)
The brainchild of Melinda Hughes, a renowned opera singer with a deep affection for Barbados, the event aimed to invigorate the northern region of the island by showcasing a blend of homegrown, regional, and international acts in various disciplines.
The opera gala, which kicked off three days of activities, marked the first major event to be hosted since the venue’s official opening. Attracting a sold-out crowd the night was a success. The lineup boasted a cadre of exceptional singers which included American tenor Todd Wilander, soprano Shantal Martin and festival producer Hughes, baritone Nathan Richards and Andre Hoyte, who made a special guest appearance. Their commanding voices reverberated throughout the venue as they impressed patrons creating vivid imagery with their melodic tones. This vocal treat was accentuated with accompaniment by skilled Trinidadian pianist Enrique Ali. The performers continued to thrill guests as they sang at the after-party which followed. Among the familiar faces that dotted the crowd were prominent attorney Sir Trevor Carmichael and British pop legend Sir Cliff Richard.
The focus shifted to comedy on Saturday night with the award-winning headliner Rich Hall from the United States. Hall’s quick wit and improvisational skills were irrefutable as he crafted ditties on the spot based on information from members of the audience. Playing on his guitar, his comedic tales were done in different musical styles. He had clearly done his homework on the island as he incorporated local references and topical humour into his act, including playful jabs at Barbadian roundabout names and the ban on camouflage attire. Both American and British politics provided ample material for this enjoyable session.
Comedian Simon Alleyne was among those enjoying Hall’s comedic genius. Emphasising its importance for the diversity of Barbados, he said: “I do believe that tonight’s performance was excellent. It was good to be seeing comedy from outside of Barbados. It is a really good opportunity for upcoming comedians to see the craft, how different styles of comedy can be done.”
The cast from Cocktails and Comedy will be teaming up with Hall to conduct a master class, culminating with a show at Cherry Beach in Speightstown on Saturday.
Stars of the Future provides a platform for upcoming vocalists and instrumentalists who have all benefitted from their tutelage at the Barbados Community College. The finale will be a dynamic cross-genre set, spanning from classical to jazz selections. Patrons can expect to be dazzled by the talent of Abianna Fenty, Jessica Hunte, Jessica Rose, Darren Watson, Andreen McQueen, and Marilyn Smith when they take to the stage. (STT)