The University College of the Cayman Islands will host a major benefit concert slated for Saturday, 29 November at 7:00pm. This will feature performances from a vast array of genres by local artists including the UCCI Choir, UCCI Pandemix Steel Band and UCCI Dancers.

The variety show format concert will also feature the Awards Night of the Mr. and Ms. UCCI competition, a search for students who embody the ideals of the University College. Guest artists include Quincy Brown, KK Alese, Gordon Solomon, David Forbes and Duncan Anderson.

Artistic Director Dr. MoniKa Lawrence said, “This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the university and the community together as we continue to develop the students’ abilities in various areas of their academic, artistic and social lives. We are equipping them to make a positive contribution to the Cayman society and are training them to do the best in all their endeavors.”

This event marks the fifth in the series of concerts that the UCCI Performing Arts has staged since 2011 and the second time that the University College is hosting the search for Mr. & Ms. UCCI. Finalists will be judged in three categories, namely: Talent, Interview and Evening Wear. There will also be an award for People’s Choice, which is based on the number of likes the contestants’ photos get on UCCI’s Facebook Page.

Over the last few weeks, students have participated in several workshops including Public Speaking, Personal Grooming & Style, Building Self-Confidence and Talent Development. Dr. Lawrence said that the competition is a journey of self-discovery and provides various opportunities for growth and development. “The concert is also geared towards honing individual talents while developing leadership skills and an appreciation for their cultural identity,” she said.

The concert is part of UCCI’s 10th Charter Anniversary Celebrations and seeks to raise funds for our Million Dollar Initiative. As UCCI celebrates its 10th charter anniversary, it faces the challenge of making the campus accessible to all of our nation’s citizens, including those who are physically challenged. Other challenges include ensuring emergency power, lowering operational costs, improving classrooms and facilities, and providing state-of-the-art educational tools that will permit our young people to compete and excel in the 21st century.

Dr. Lawrence encouraged the public to support this event saying, “We as a community must raise our children together. We are depending on your support as we groom our students into the future leaders of the Cayman Islands.”