ENERGY AND VARIETY ushered in the tenth annual Community Independence Celebrations, which got under way with the Bajan Folk Brew at Heroes Square on Tuesday night.

The spirit of Independence was high as performance after performance celebrated Barbados successfully attaining another year of development.

One of the night's most gripping performances came from the Israel Lovell Foundation, whose dancers and drummers gave a riveting interpretation of New Woman.

The piece, choreographed by Kelvin Carvalho, showcased a fine balance
of symmetry and energy coupled with the acrobatic skills for which Carvalho is known.

As the Independence lights brightened Barbados, sweet singing sparkled from the New Directions Ministry rendering a captivating a cappella medley on the popular Drop Leaf rhythm.

Before a large crowd which was treated to an opening act of the Barbados Landship captained by Vernon Watson, the Bajan Folk Brew also included Natahlee Burke and Shontelle Layne rendering their Crop-Over winning song Colours; calypsonian Sammi Jane; rhythm poet George Francis; spouge artiste Desmond Fowl Weekes; soca artistes Barry Chandler, Mikey and Lorenzo; reggae/dub chanter Dandelion; pannist Jason Williams, Louise Woodvine Academy and Revelation dance troupe.

Reigning kaiso monarch, Kid Site also spiced up the brew with Only 'Bout Hey and Too Malicious and Dangerous.