Two Seasons marks decade of 'Moods. Music, Memories'

Treasure Beach is known as the home of community tourism in Jamaica and Two Seasons Guest House, a garden oasis located in a quiet neighbourhood, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary of welcoming its first visitors in May 2008 and becoming an integral part of the community. The celebration took the form of a dinner and show, billed Moods, Music, Memories, on its expansive lawn.

Patrons from St Elizabeth and further afield - Montego Bay, Savana-la-Mar and Kingston - were not deterred by the rain that fell just before show time. Sitting under the large tent, they were entertained by the poetry of Keith Shepherd and the many moods of the music of Della Manley (ably backed by the local Stepwise Band), Jermaine Blake, and St Elizabeth's own Noddy Virtue. MC for the evening, Fae Ellington, could also have been billed as one of the acts on stage.

Writer, fine artiste, actor, and performance poet Keith Shepherd had the audience participating in one of his signature refrains: "Mi waan a house fi live inna, mi owna house fi live inna". It tells of the trials of living in a rented house, with the landlord proclaiming, "Mi rent yu a room. Mi neva rent yu di verandah" when the tenant entertained guests there.

Multi-instrumentalist (saxo-phone, flute, drums, and keyboards) and vocalist Stephen 'Ras Katri' Wise, originally from Philidelphia, USA, who has made Southfield his home, together with members of the Stepwise Band, all from St Elizabeth, opened and closed the show. They also backed singer and songwriter Della Manley, who engaged the audience with the range and texture of her expressive voice. Currently performing mainly on the hotel circuit on the north coast, she treated patrons on the south coast to a mix of covers and her originals, including Ashes On The Windowsill from her first album of the same title, released in 1997.

Blake, who holds a bachelor of music in jazz and popular music studies from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, first came to the Jamaican public's attention as a lead singer for the Oberlin High School Choir in the TVJ Competition 'All Together Sing'. The choir won two years in succession, 2005 and 2006. He captivated the audience at the Two Seasons Guest House with his soulful energy and charisma.

Virtue kept the momentum going with renditions of new songs and old favourites, including Bed of Roses. This was Noddy's second appearance on the Two Seasons stage, having performed there in December 2009 at the Treasure the Music show, one of several events that have been held at the Two Seasons Guest House over the years.

Through Ellington, owner of Two Seasons Guest House, Christine Marrett, expressed thanks to the many people who have supported and continue to support her on her journey. Special appreciation was given to neighbours Mr and Mrs Avril Crowe and their extended family, the who make up the staff at the Two Seasons Guest House. Sponsorship for Moods, Music, Memories was provided by Jamaica National Small Business Loans Ltd, Treasure Beach Hotel, RJR, and Robert Clare.