Established singers form Pa-Ka-Ge

Patricia Edwards, formerly of the group Ebony; Karen Smith; and Gem Myers have fused the first letters of their Christian names to form Pa-Ka-Ge (pronounced package).

On Saturday, they will perform at the 134th Anniversary Devon House Benefit affair on the grounds of Devon House, Hope Road, St Andrew. The event is being staged under the distinguished patronage of the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, ON, OCG, PC, QC.

Explaining the trio's formation, Gem Myers, who spoke on behalf of the group, said, "This was never planned, as the idea really took shape earlier this year when I hosted a show at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel and invited a few of my friends to perform, which included my 'sisters' Karen and Patricia. Something happened while we were in rehearsals. We realised that we all had an Aretha Franklin medley in our repertoires, so we just decided to do it together on stage, and the response was tremendous,"

"Right now we are in rehearsals for this upcoming Devon House benefit, and the excitement is just growing as we plan to deliver a set with harmonies that will transport our audience to a new musical high. We are welcoming this new phase of our lives, while recognising that we all still have our individual careers," said Myers.

The line-up for the show includes Dr Myrna Hague Bradshaw, AJ Brown, Marjorie Whylie, Dean Fraser, Desi Jones, and 14 year-old Canada-born classical pianist and trumpeter William Franklyn Leathers.

benefit concert

The benefit concert is being hosted by the Friends of Devon House, in association with main sponsor Proven Wealth, to facilitate the continuous preservation of the historical landmark. Other sponsors are The Gleaner Company, Courtleigh Hotel, Caribbean Airlines, Main Events, Kool FM Radio, MC Decor, and Rental Supplies.