Waterfront concert gives clean start to new year

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

It was a mesmerising display of fireworks that lit up the night sky of the alluring Kingston waterfront on the stroke of midnight a few days ago.

The dazzling display was witnessed by a large number of Jamaicans who chose the popular venue to usher in the new year. And all would agree with first-time attendee Cheryl Scott who enjoyed the fireworks.

But the family extravaganza that began early in the afternoon on New Year's Eve and organised by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) cemented the place of established stars and exposed the birth of a new star.

In culminating their 50th anniversary, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) showcased gold-medal items from its annual festival of the performing arts.

The performers who came from school groups had the crowd rocking to dances, songs and drumming.

The UDC slot brought the temperature down with some up-and-coming artistes who needed to first understand that microphone amplifies and thus minimises the need to shout.

It was left to Miss Kitty to rejuvenate the dying embers and that she did. She was just what the doctor ordered as she colourfully engaged the audience in helping her to "bun out bad mind, celebrate independent women and denounce parasitic men while acknowledging that 'whom God bless, no one curse'.

Satisfied that another of the several band changes to take place throughout the show had taken place, Miss Kitty called on a list of artistes who came to fame through the Digicel Rising Stars competition.

Saxophonist Verlando Small, the 2013 winner, was the first. As expected he continued where he left off in the competition.

Soon he was joined by Nickeshia Barnes, on vocals, with Natural Woman. Next was Lenya Wilks who gave a powerful delivery of How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.

As the new year got close, Jermaine Edwards, Digicel brand ambassador, led the flock out of 2013 with a medley of gospel songs such as Mi Nah Guh Bow and Nuh Satan.

Shortly after midnight, while an amazing display of fireworks lit up the night sky, Juju Royal lent musical support with the song Fireworks.

Performances from Kevin Downswell and Mr Vegas, along with Vegas discovery, five-year-old Tavil Henry, were also standout moments.

Henry, according to Vegas, approached him while waiting backstage and told him that he could sing and his future plan is to become a gospel singer.

So Vegas, who closed the show, brought on the young promise who stirred the crowd with a voice that belied his age and stature.

For his part, Vegas continued on the gospel train, but not before singing a medley of hits from greats such as Alton Ellis and Dennis Brown.

Downswell, in a fantastic set, performed songs such as Stronger and If It's Not You.

However, for Jevanie, a regular who thought it was a fair show, believed the performances of 2013 did not match previous years.