BRAVO!!

t was a capacity audience that experienced Steve Higgins & Friends’ concert “Music of the Heart”, as the performers burst onto the Cayman Islands stage with a classy, refreshing, well-executed Musical affair! Dahlia Wynter, April Marr, Amaya Lewis & Steve Higgins presented their concert under the distinguished patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica, R. Oliver Mair, on Sunday September 1, 2019 in the Ballroom of the Marriott Beach Resort. 

The program commenced with a warm welcome extended to all by Mr. Higgins who doubled as compère for the program and who introduced the new Consul General of Jamaica to the Southeast USA, Bahamas & The Cayman Islands. The Consul General Mair gave greetings on behalf of the consulate, which is located in Miami, and congratulated the troupe for their efforts in putting on this benefit concert, despite the threat of hurricane Dorian which was at the time heading toward South Florida, where thy all reside.

Just before the show began, the audience heard from the two sponsors, Henry Mander (HARNEYS) and Stephen Turner (SMP Partners) who expressed their delight at being there and at their being able to support the worthy beneficiaries of the show’s proceeds; – the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens, whose outreach programs support the fight against breast cancer and the Cayman Islands Cancer Society. Following last year’s show, (2018) the singers made a contribution of over CI$7,000 to both entities. (See Cayman Compass Oct 22,’18).

The ‘curtains went up’ with trio Dahlia, April & Steve bringing us true nostalgia- “Love me with all your heart” with such warmth, control and impeccable harmony. Higgins then delivered a smooth version of the Bolero-Mambo song “SWAY”, which was made famous by Dean Martin. Wynter followed, with a sweet, melodious tone then gave us “I dreamed a dream” from “Les Miserables”, before April Marr gave us an engaging favourite of yesteryear “Walk on by” (Dionne Warwick). Throughout the program, the songs performed were characterized by great dynamics and musical interpretation with mesmerizing dances by Amaya Lewis which elevated the show to another level! Her well-choreographed routines accentuated every melody being sung by the artistes, regardless of the genre.  “The Girl from Ipanema” (Bossa Nova Jazz), done by Higgins, “Never, Never, Never” (Shirley Bassey) rendered by a sassy and sultry Marr & show-stopper “Never Enough” (The Greatest Showman) sung by Wynter were brilliant!

Then came the time when Higgins announced a Cameo appearance by a Surprise guest artiste:-The Consul General himself! Mr. Oliver Mair took to the stage with an impressive delivery of “Perhaps Love” which had the audience in stitches! Have you ever seen an impersonation of Placido Domingo and John Denver being done by ONE person? It was hilarious!

The second half of the program was ushered in by Carlos de Serpa Pimentel of Appleby, who welcomed the audience and pledged support for the cause and fight against Cancer. This section of the show featured authentic Jamaican folk songs, heartwarming Standards and grand renditions from Broadway musicals “Aspects of Love” and “West Side Story”.

But Consul General Mair was not finished with the audience. He returned with spoofs from Jamaican Reggae legends Ken Boothe, Beres Hammond and Michigan & Smiley- dance and all.

The audience lost it!

The entire room of all nationalities- British, Australian, Spanish, Latin American, American and European – rose to their feet beaming with excitement and followed his queue in a singing along “Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la”! It was a magnificent sight!

Overall, twenty-two timeless songs were professionally delivered by the Singers, over several genres, all of which were enjoyed by an adoring and appreciative audience!

In response to the post-concert appreciation, Higgins said that he makes deliberate attempts to present a very different show each year, so folks from all nationalities and backgrounds can expect a fresh, new show….next year. This was truly a concert with a difference!

Total engagement of the audience in the singing of some songs was definitely a highlight for me. 

Higgins thanked their sponsors HARNEYS, SMP Partners, NCB Cayman Limited, Radio Cayman, Appleby, Fidelity, BAF Insurance Company, Welly’s Cool Spot & Cost U Less for their partnership in this wonderful event. Sound was provided by Dwayne Euter.

This was the fourth annual concert hosted by Steve Higgins & Friends in The Cayman Islands. Patrons are already looking forward to the next. Well done, Steve Higgins and Friends! BRAVO!!

To contact Steve Higgins, email [email protected] ; Tel (954)673-5885

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