BABYFACE, Ears and The Tryer.
Of the 16 acts on stage for the Stray Cats calypso tent opening at Crane Palms, Crane, St Philip, Sunday night, the previously mentioned three are good enough to get the judges’ full attention come judging night later this month.
Bandleader Jerry The Big Bore Cat Roberts sang Kitty Cat to signal the opening of the tent, which might have been lost to the modest number of patrons who were there from the start.
Some technical challenges threatened to dampen the night’s performances, but the Stray Cat posse would not have it . . . they persevered and provided a night of enjoyment for patrons.
Backup “kittens” Rochelle, Ki-ki and Nikisha provided solid support.
The tent served up a lot of social commentary, waith a dash of soca to liven up the party for tourists John and Marge from Britain, as well as area residents.
Cherish Babyface Maynard started the night with My Cry, in which she lamented the lot of women before encouraging them to find their rightful place in society. Her other song, Point Of View, which focused on the youth, got her an encore.
Soca Ninja admitted that for him it was Hard To Wine – maybe just as hard as it was for patrons to understand his rendition. He was back with Just Like Dat after intermission.
Calvin Ears Harding took the mic and started Jumping – which could have energised any crowd, if they had heeded emcee Zulu’s many urgings to pay the entrance fee and come in. For his efforts, one ginger-coloured cat (it was not determined if it was a stray or not) came in without paying, but left shortly afterwards.
The Hammer asked Bajans to Slow Down, and gained an encore as well. He sang Remember in the second half.
The Tryer was on stage next, and his social commentary Come Together was superbly rendered and well received.
Sobe’s selection was No Back Door, which focused on the troubles with this year’s 11-Plus exam and imminent student placings. Benji sang Bare Wood – a playful commentary about an altercation between two women in Swan Street.
A little Rock & Roll seeped between the soca rhythms as Solo played Johnny Be Good on his guitar, followed immediately by Rude Boy with So Sweet.
Ranger sang Love And Understanding, the two things he said the youth need today.
Rounding off the night’s parade of talent was Private – Ah Tell She; L’il Shooter, Sandpaper Yuh Bumper; Bamboo, Total Hype; Ghadaffe, Behind De Truck; Rude Boy, Soca In The Atmosphere and Concrete ended the night with Jenny, who, according to him, only wants his money.
