“We are more than money!”
This was declared by Glendon Belle, president of the Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Ltd, in his welcome to the large crowd at the organization’s Christmas Concert In Independence Square last Friday evening.
A packed amphitheatre was treated to a showcase of talented performers who captured the essence of a Barbadian and Caribbean Christmas.
The music played by the predominantly female steel pan orchestra of The St Michael School, which featured local music such as Biggie Irie’s calypso hits, got everyone in the mood from the start.
The chorale of the hosts of the evening, donned in attire reflecting the Christmas season, sent a clear signal that Christmas was in the air as they sang Dancing Around The Christmas Tree.
Backing band NJ30 added a special thrill with two selections: What Child Is This and Christmas Road March.
The self-penned Christmas song of Kellie Cadogan, The True Meaning Of Christmas, was well received. Kelly Lynch, a NIFCA award winner, lit up the stage with her brilliant smile and impassioned presentation of The Christmas Song and This Christmas.
Credit union members Yvettte Michell and Fred Sealy, who came to prominence during the credit union’s karaoke contest, did justice to performances of Silver Bells and Oh Holy Night, respectively.
Edwin Yearwood, who entered the stage to loud applause, kept the audience fully in sync with the Christmas feel as he sang No Christmas Without You and Oh Holy Night.
Biggie Irie meanwhile, treated the audience to Little Drummer Boy and Oh Come All Ye Faithful. The use of calypso, reggae and dub that lent rhythm, bounce and feel to the music was rewarded with great applause.
In Dolly Parton/Kenny Rogers style, Tamara Marshall and John King brought charm, appeal and music mastery to the stage. It was a touching moment as the two sang Greatest Gift Of All and I’ll Be Home With Bells On.
The credit union proved beyond doubt that it can provide more than money. (WC)
