Stars perform for Christ Church outreach

After musician Harold Davis and tenors Rory Baugh and John McFarlane did My Way to close part one of Stars in Concert 6 on Sunday, there was high anticipation at Christ Church, Vineyard Town. Part two was just as strong as the three returned, along with actress Leonie Forbes, dancer Marlon Simms, vocalists Maria Myrie, Jodi HoLung, and Carole Reid, the Nexus Performing Arts Company, and Koriq and his band.

"Oh my goodness, what a beauty it was! The many genres represented, the celebration of culture and the celebration of even worship," said an elated Reverend Sean Major-Campbell, rector of Christ Church, at the show's conclusion.

LARGE TURNOUT

The fundraiser enjoyed a large turnout. "I would say it has been largely consistently well supported in terms of artistes, in terms of audience support," the rector confirmed.

The entertaining afternoon began with a rendition of Great Is Thy Faithfulness, led by Davis on keyboard. After making appearances in both segments of the concert, the musician closed the show with a memorable performance.

He began with The Heptones' Book of Rules, followed by Stand By Me. Before closing, he returned the congregation to church with a medley of gospel hits such as Ketch A Fyah, I Love That Man, and Amen.

It was the Nexus Performing Arts Company that started the worship, doing so in Revival fashion. Their selections included Hallelujah and Call Gabriel.

Dawn Fuller-Phipps' performance of The Sound of Music changed the theme, Jodi HoLung did Till There Was You, and Baugh gave a splendid delivery of Les Miserables. He remained on stage to team up with Reid for a good performance of The Prayer.

Forbes and Tiffany Robinson read humorous tales of duppy antidotes and Forbes read by herself about husbands. MC Michael Abrahams treated the audience to a ZIKV narrative.

Koriq, the only one not to have performed in the first segment, delivered three wonderfully written and executed original reggae songs. They were No Weapon Allowed, All Woman, and I'm Gonna Love You.

Perhaps smitten by Koriq's declaration of love, Myrie followed him with a surprise selection, That's the Story of Love. The song also reinforced the talent of keyboard accompanist Kamla Hamilton who, without a rehearsal, gave Myrie good support.

Returning to script, Myrie took a walk down memory lane and through the church's centre aisle, travelling as far as the microphone allowed her. She had the audience singing My Love Has No Beginning and more.

Other talents rounding out the list of stars were the National Dance Theatre Company's (NDTC) Marlon Simms with a very engaging routine and the Brandon Geoff Troupe, a group of musicians comprising past and present Jamaica College students and saxophonist Craig Henry.

Roxanne Nichols shared MC duties.

Major-Campbell said Stars in Concert 6 was held because "the needs are many. Apart from the daily expenses, we are constantly having persons coming for help in all areas of life." Among the areas of need are prescriptions, school expenses, and house repairs.