A SLICE OF BAJAN LIFE: Hercules the place to be

Tue, June 08, 2010 - 1:41 AM

It was a night on which the karaoke singers shone but the prevailing atmosphere competed favourably with the action at centrestage.
Hercules Bar & Restaurant was indeed the place where community spirit was dominant last Saturday night.
Known for its three times per week karaoke sessions, Hercules is located in the most ancient building in Oistins, and those who remember the area before its redevelopment would know it is the last remaining landmark in central Oistins.

Proprietor Richard Hercules, who opened his business at the western end of Oistins in 2000, moved to this spot on April 8, 2005 – a spot that has become a mecca for karaoke, with two key competitions held here annually.
Saturday was the final of the Lime Karaoke Competition, and the patrons ranged from 18 years to over 65, and all seemed relaxed and ready for a good time.
Janelle Cumberbatch, one of the regulars who refuses to sing, told us: “I find karaoke relaxing although I just listen. It is good to enjoy a night out with friends.”
The event also attracted a large number of Lime officials who were there overseeing the many prizes being distributed to patrons.

Senior officials Alex McDonald and Suzanne Downes along with accounts manager Rosanna Vaughn and marketing assistant Brenda Brathwaite were all there.
Rosanna was quite busy as the co-ordinator of the event, and made sure patrons were happy as she personally presented gifts to them, usually after MC Mac Fingall had lured them into participating.
Celebrities and characters were also in attendance. The judging panel itself included Michael Grosvenor, well known singer and recording artiste, and Julie Dash, realtor and philanthropist; while in the audience were Member of Parliament for the area John Boyce as well as Dr Denis Lowe.

The flamboyant Julian Hunte was also present with his conch shell, blowing from time to time to signal some outstanding feat; like when Dash sang Harper Valley PTA with a presentation incorporating Fingall that highlighted all the nuances of the song.

Another character was one who proclaimed that some people called him “Hot” while others called him “Tea”.
At centre stage the contestants were trying hard to impress the judges – some successfully, others in vain. The audience seemed to love every moment of it but, as usual, when the final decision was made, some patrons expressed mild discontent.

The result? Women on top with Gwendolyn Ward placing first, Jaime Depeiza second and Patricia Lambert third.

Another successful competition had come to an end.