All for the Saints concert to benefit famed primary school

All Saints Primary School in Kingston has a striking name and a reputation for having been the educational institution for several outstanding personalities from the area for several years. Tomorrow evening in the hall of the St Andrew Parish Church, Half-Way Tree, appreciation will be shown for the school musically as funds are generated towards carrying the All Saints legacy even further.

The concert, which begins at 7 p.m. combines the talents of Ras Michael (who is the main mover behind the event, along with Father Powell) and his son, Ras Michael Jr, Ken Boothe, George Nooks, Jimmy Tucker, Carlene Davis and others. The contribution is $1,000. It follows a fun day from noon to 5 p.m., which has an entry fee of $100.

Tommy Cowan, who is closely connected to Ras Michael through his role in producing the drummer's popular recordings None of Jah Jah Children and Birds in the Tree Top, among others, pointed out that the benefit event was also staged l last year. He noted that while not all the performers attended All Saints, "they are contributing their time".

Cowan said that Ras Michael, who lives in the US, has had an extended stay in Jamaica to focus on the event.

"He always wants to help the children. He has a heart like that," Cowan said.

He has experienced the impact of Ras Michael's music outside Jamaica first-hand on a tour to England in 1977 to 1978.

"He was a big hit," Cowan said. Among the musicians with the drummers were Geoffrey Chung, Robbie Shakespeare and Mikey Boo. Along with about 13 drummers, they made a strong sonic and visual impact.

Similarly, Cowan expects a strong showing at the concert for All Saints, pointing out the variety and quality of the performers.