Candlelight was worth the wait

Organisers promised an evening of music, dance and worship that would stir the soul and lift the spirits, and that's exactly what they delivered. Candlelight 2018, hosted by Movements Dance Company of Jamaica and the Holy Cross Church at Stephanie Hall on the grounds of the Holy Childhood High School, was a treat for the whole family last Saturday night.

Although the event got off to a late start, the entertainment package was worth the wait. From the dance pieces delivered by Movements to the eclectic performances by Wayne Marshall, George Nooks, Ashe and gospel singer Noreta Lewis, the evening offered up one sizzling performance after the other.

When emcee Nadine Blair introduced the opening act for the evening, she assured members of the audience that what they were about to witness would leave them speechless, and her words came to pass. Guests were left in awe of the Movements dance ensemble as they performed a piece dubbed 'Bread of Life'. Choreographed by Monica Campbell McFarlene, the routine saw three male dancers woo members of the audience with every leap and twirl. The audience showed their apprecia-tion with a resounding round of applause. They would go on to deliver two more stellar pieces during the course of the night.

Gospel singer Noreta Lewis got the crowd into worship mode as she performed several gospel favourites. She opened with Sinach's Waymaker, before transitioning into Behold he Comes, I Wanna Hear The Story, and ending with Tasha Cobbs' Break Every Chain. On a night dominated by dancers and singers, saxophonist Ian Hird held his own when he switched things up and offered patrons some soulful instrumentals.

The Ashe performing arts group, Wayne Marshall and George Nooks closed out the evening, Marshall delivering what many have dubbed his most popular track to date, which is a crowd favourite. Nooks offered up a slew of hits and got patrons out of their seats and involved in his set. Ashe also had patrons dancing out of their chairs as they delivered a medley of songs covering multiple genres, including R&B, reggae, dancehall and gospel.

The charity event replaces the traditional charity night that usually happens on the opening night of the company's season of dance. This is the first year they have staged it as an indepen-dent event, with proceeds going towards the Holy Cross Church and also to benefit tertiary-level students and individuals with medical challenges.