Every year a high standard of performances is demonstrated at the Holetown Festival and this year was no exception. From Monday to last night a variety of pieces from talented performers made sure the crowds were well entertained.
First night up were the schools and featured singers such as Elviston Maloney who teamed up with Juanita Paul–Gibbs and thrilled with Hold You In A Song, which was made popular by Alison Hinds and John King. The CP Unit brought the house down when they came on stage and played a number of pieces from pop to calypso.
For those who love gospel, Tuesday night was their time as again the seaside theatre was packed. Sisters Of Praise were off the scene for a while but came together just to minister at the Holetown Festival, now in its 38th year. The group ministered in mime and dance to the powerful song He Is Here. Another powerful performer was Kieshelle Rawlins on the alto sax, with two powerful songs – The Potters Hand and Be Still And Know I Am God. Wednesday was billed as a Night of Nostalgia. The occasion was more than just singing Wednesday night. It was a showcase of how Bajan entertainers over the years have perfected the art of winning their audiences with savvy and appealing vocals.
The large audience comprised of mostly visitors to the island and it was refreshing to see the positive response they gave to the singers Tony Grazette, John King, Adrian Clarke, Crystal Austin and Rebekah Carter, the reigning winner of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest.
Each act did not only entertain, they played the part of ambassadors and appealed to the visitors to keep coming to Barbados.
Jamar Browne, emcee, was also very good at connecting with the audience.
One of the highlights of the evening was Browne’s interview with Canadian visitor Margaret Ringel who has been coming to Barbados for the past forty years.
Ringel said she fell in love with the island because “a lady [who worked] in the sugar-cane field sold Barbados to me”.
As a result of her love affair, Ringel was instrumental in bringing about 25 people to the island.
Last night was all about the Balysto Steel band from Canada, along with the popular Versewild, Porgie and Murda and Coopa Dan.
Tonight is the Grand Floodlit Tattoo with special guest performances.
