TAMPA CONCERT UPDATES,June 9'th 2005
click here!!
Embracing Caribbean
family
Editorial, Guyana
Chronicle, March 17, 2005
THE concert held in Barbados last Saturday to garner funds for flood
victims in Guyana was a wonderfully heartening event. Just like the
other concerts and shows conducted in Great Britain and the United States,
the Barbados performances mirrored the ethnic weave of Guyana and the
rich diversity of cultures, whose origins lie in the five continents
of this planet. Singers, musicians, poets and dancers long absent from
these shores found their way to the concert venues to honour their homeland
in song, rhythm and movement and to demonstrate solidarity with their
compatriots.
These massive
demonstrations of support televised over many miles to living rooms
in Guyana were spiritual meat and drink to those Guyanese, who six
weeks ago were battling levels of water ranging from four or five
inches to three feet and more, in their homes and yards, market places,
workshops and business-places. The rising water proved to be an equal
opportunity disaster in that it spared no one or anything in its path.
It was a humbling and frightening experience especially for those,
who lost loved ones by drowning or by disease engendered by stagnant
and unsanitary water and mosquito bites.
For some three
weeks the flood held many coastland communities in its thrall. School
was out and most school buildings were converted into emergency shelters
for those families, who were forced to abandon their dwellings. While
in some areas, the water rose and fell reflecting the movement of
the tides in others the inundation was constant, rippling only with
the movement of river craft and old refrigerators converted to makeshift
boats. The aftermath of the flood brought another set of factors into
the situation, for hundreds of households found their floorings destroyed,
their electrical appliances non-functioning or totally wrecked, and
a range of items including books and clothing unsalvageable. Even
now, long after the waters have receded, items of furniture and even
walls and floorings still retain faint odours of the inundation despite
vigorous washings and sterilising processes.
Thanks to local
and overseas donors, relief items were generously distributed both
by Government agencies and by religious organisations and social service
groups. There were hot meals, drinking water, clothing, blankets,
medication and weather boots during the course of the inundation,
and dry rations, cleansing agents, disinfectants, rubber gloves and
garbage bags when the waters abated. In spite of everything, Guyanese
still have much for which to be thankful since the situation could
have been a great deal worse with staggering loss of lives and great
material destruction.
Guyanese must
be greatly comforted by the evidence of assistance in cash and kind
that continues to flow into the country from caring persons and agencies
thousands of miles away. That is why Saturday’s Barbados concert
was such a gratifying event. It was particularly satisfying to view
talented performances by Guyanese as well as other Caribbean artists,
who gathered at the Frank Collymore Hall in good old ‘Bim’
to make their contributions to the cause.
And Prime Minister
Arthur’s words expressed of a warmth of camaraderie and brotherhood
that erased all the irritants some Guyanese have experienced in the
modern Caribbean. Noting that a large percentage of persons in Guyana
were of Barbados ancestry, Arthur said: “By embracing Guyana,
we are embracing family…Barbados has good reason to be involved
in kinship with Guyana. Much of the development of post-Independence
Barbados was led by Guyanese entrepreneurship, and we must never forget
it.”
March 11'th ,2005
Dear Friends,
The CONCERTS FOR GUYANA Series will continue on Saturday, March 12,
2005 with the Concert for Guyana--Barbados.
Frank Da Silva has announced that The Concert for Guyana--Barbados will
be heldon Saturday, March 12, 2005 at the Frank Collymore Hall from
8:00 p.m. The concert will be held under the patronage of Barbados's
Prime Minister,The Right Honorable Owen Seymour Arthur
The two-and-a half hour concert is described as a partnership between
the artistes and the private sector.
Among theperformers are Aubrey Cummings, Stanley Greaves, Toni Norville,
Red Plastic Bag, Barbados's calypso monarch Kit Site, Derry Etkins Guyanese
Pianist; Smoky Burk, Clem Malony, Michelle Garvey, Birdman, and the
Guyanese folklorist Monika Hinkson.
The Nrityanjani Theatre Group from Trinidad will be performing three
pieces during the concert - Vandana,prayers; Kathak/Orissi dance; Tal
- dance with tassa drumming.
Mr Frank Da Silva who is the coordinator for the concert has indicated
that the Prime Minister of Barbados as patron of the concert will be
making a speech to the people of Guyana.
The Caribbean Media Corp (CMC) will be transmitting this concert live
via the Panamsat PAS1R satellite using the CANA
transponder. Arrangements are being made to have the Concert for Guyana--Barbados
aired live in Guyana.
Peace
posted @ 2.00 pm
March 5,2005
Concert
for Guyana raises over $1.3M Concert for Guyana raises over $1.3M
posted @ 3.00 pm
PRESS RELEASE - LONDON
March 3,2005
Dear Friends
The Concert for Guyana--Barbados (Sunday, March 12, 2005) Frank Da
Silva has announced that The Concert for Guyana--Barbados will be
held on Sunday, March 12, 2005 at the Frank Collymore Hall from 8:00
p.m. The concert will be held under the patronage of Barbados's Prime
Minister, The Right Honorable Owen Seymour Arthur.
Joining Frank Da Silva at the press conference to announce the concert
were Dr.Marion Williams, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados;
Chris deCaries, head of the Private Sector Association, and Satcha
Kisson of the Barbados Guyana Association.
The two-and-a half hour concert is described as a partnership between
the artistes and the private sector. John King, Derry Etkins, Monica
Hinkson, Clem Maloney, Vere Browne, and Michelle Garvey are coordinating
the concert.
Among the performers are Aubrey Cummings, Stanley Greaves, Toni Norville,
Red
Plastic Bag, and Barbados's calypso monarch Kite Site. The Nrityanjani
Theatre Group from Trinidad will also be performing during the concert.
Da Silva has also reported that that he is working with the Caribbean
Media Corporation (CMC) and the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation
(CBC) to ensure that concert will be delivered live by satellite to
Guyana on Sunday, March 12, 2005.
According to Da Silva, "This is another example of the movement
towards Caribbean unity and CARICOM Single Market and Economy at work."
All of the funds raised from the concert will be sent to the Guyana
Red Cross. Sources: E-mail from Elsie Young to Vibert Cambridge (March
3, 2005) "Concert to help Guyana." Daily Nation (Barbados),
Thursday, March 3, 2005, p. 18. Flood Music When the story of the
music and Guyana's 2005 flood is written we will have to give a special
place to John "Slingshot" Drepaul's "You're Not Alone."
That song composed by John and Ingrid Drepaul was recorded before
the floods. Actually, the song which features many of Guyana's leading
singers was created to express solidarity with HIV/AIDS victims in
Guyana. The song has a particular transcendental quality. The lyrics
express a solidarity that has resonance across all the challenges
facing Guyanese at the moment.
To hear this song, please visit THE CONCERTS FOR GUYANA web site (http://concertsforguyana.ohiou.edu/)
and click on "Listen to Music Now!" "You're Not Alone"
is the first selection. We have been advised that Wrickford Dalgetty's
has penned a new song--"Guyana Crying." It is now in production.
posted @ 11.20 am
March 1 ,2005
Dear Friends:
Greetings and best wishes for the new month!
Guyanese artistes and cultural leaders continue to support flood relief
efforts. What follows are some of the details from New York and Tampa.
NEW YORK
The Dance for Relief Concert organized by Rose October and Verna Walcott-Whyte
was held on Sunday, February 27, 2005 at the New Life Center, 2400
Snyder Avenue, Brooklyn. The concert was a success. It is reported
that more than $1,000 and 20 barrels of non-perishable items, books
and new clothes for children were collected.
In New York, several community organizations are also planning fund-raising
concerts and celebrations around Phagwah 2005. Dr. Rudy Jagopat recently
shared the following list of projected events:
01) 5.00pm Friday, March 18, 2005: Phagwah Celebration
at NY City Hall Chambers, Sponsored by Gifford Miller, Speaker of
NYC Council and coordinated by Gyanda Shivnarain. This is a free event
which includes a free concert, awards ceremony and free refreshments
for all in attendance.
02) 8.00pm Saturday, March 19, 2005: Annual Phagwah Show at Royal
Arcadia Palace, 206-12 Hillside Avenue, Hollis, NY 11432. The Angels
Band led by Vinod Bisram, along with Terry Gajraj, Dheeraj Dance Group,
Vashni & Dance Group, Saxophonist Ramesh Mahraj and Tassa Group
and others. Admission $15. The organizers are: A P
Productions
03) 3.30pm Sunday, March 20, 2005: Grand Guyana Flood Relief Concert
at Junior High School #226, 121-10 Rockaway Blvd. South Ozone Park,
NY 11420. All of the proceeds go to the victims of Guyana's recent
flood. The event is coordinated by The Association of Concerned Guyanese-USA--President:
Dr. Rajendra Singh, Secretary: Indra Hardat: 718-843-7232 or Indytax@aol.com.
The concert will feature New York's
Caribbean artistic cream, including The Natraj Center for the Performing
Arts, Impressions Dance Theatre, Wrickford Dalgety, Rose October,
Marlyn Bhose, Prakash Gossai, Davendra Pooran, The Company of Four
(Former members of Guyana National Dance Company), The New Hope Worship
Dancers, The Nritya Kala Kendra Dance Academy, Amrita Persaud, Lalchand
(Mohamed Rafi) Singh, The Raajavidya Cultural Group and many others.
Admission: Adults $10, Children: $5
04) Sunday, April 3, 2005 (Awaiting Police Permission): Massive Phagwah
Parade (This parade normally attracts about 40,000-50,000 people)
on the streets of Richmond Hill, New York. This event is being organized
by a Phagwah Parade Committee comprising of
representatives from numerous Hindu Mandirs. This event will be free.
The Street Parade and playing of phagwah culminates with a massive
open-air concert at the famous Smokey Park located around 125 Street
& Atlantic Avenue in Richmond Hill. This event will also be a
venue for
fund-raising.
THE CONCERT
FOR GUYANA--NEW YORK (May 2005)
This will be last concert in the CONCERTS FOR GUYANA Series. Information
on the day and venue will be provided later
TAMPA
According to Ray Seales, "The Tampa Concert is picking up speed."
He has reported that Keith Waithe, one of the originators of the CONCERTS
FOR GUYANA project, will be participating in The Concert for Guyana--Tampa,
scheduled for May 1, 2005.
Seals has also reported that The PHASE 11 Band from Toronto, Canada
has also
confirmed that they will be appearing at the Concert for Guyana--Tampa
on May 1, 2005. The members of band are:
Vic Shim..Sax/Vocals
Bhim Singh.. Guitar
Terry Jervis.. Trumpet
Rudolph Rampaul.. Bass/Vocals; and
Martin Grimmond.. Key Board & Drums
In addition, Reggie Paul and the Miami crew, including Jimmy Ray and
Mickey Dee also Phil (Bumpy) Dino are also on board.
Ray Seales is currently in conversations with Dave Martin and The
Trade Winds and Terry Gajraj.
He is also ensuring that the best equipment and technical crew will
be available. In a recent e-mail he concludes, "We are going
to create history and suggest that every Guyanese living here in North
America come to TAMPA on May 1st to be a witness."
posted @ 2.02 pm
February 27, 2005
Dear Friends,
Greetings and best wishes for the new week. What follows are recent
developments on THE CONCERTS FOR GUYANA Series:
BARBADOS THE CONCERT FOR GUYANA--BARBADOS is confirmed for
March 12, at the Frank Collymore Hall, at 8:00 p.m. Artistes will
begin rehearsals starting Friday, March 4, 2005. Information on the
artistes and other details will be circulated later.
TAMPA DADDY FIRE, one of Guyana's foremost Hip Hop/ Reggae
Performers, has confirmed that he will be making an appearance with
one of his boyz "Big Dawg Sinista." Ron BobSemple has also
confirmed that he will MC the concert.
Ray Seales has reported that the concert is attracting significant
support from Caribbean artistes, including dancers and folklore story
tellers from Jamaica.
Conversations are also taking place with other leading Guyanese and
Caribbean musicians. The details will be shared as they become available.
THE CONCERT FOR GUYANA--TAMPA is scheduled for May 1, 2005 at the
University Of South Florida--Tampa Special Events Center.
NEW MUSIC Terry Gajraj has released a new single--"Flood
In Guyana." The song expresses thanks to those who have contributed
to the flood relief and calls upon us to continue in the effort.Tthis
is probably the first song created in the post-flood era on this topic
by a Guyanese.
posted @ 10.30
pm
February 25, 2005
"Breaking
news" on two upcoming concerts
The first two CONCERTS FOR GUYANA were presented on Sunday, February
20,2005. The planning and organizing for the others continue.
1. OTTAWA:
This Black History Month/Guyana Flood Relief Fund raiser concert is
organized by The National Council of Guyanese and is scheduled for Friday,
February 25, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. at the Library and Archives of Canada.
CNCUFM 93.1 and CHUO FM 89 are the sponsors. For further information
contact Rachael Exeter (613-8823-8322) The concert was originally planned
for Black History Month. All proceeds will go to the Guyana Flood Relief
Fund.
2. TAMPA
This concert is scheduled for Sunday, May 1, 2005. The venue is the
Special Events Center of the University Of South Florida (Tampa Campus).
The coordinators are Angela (angelaseales@hotmail.com) and Ray Seales
(raygems@msn.com). The are currently mobilizing an impressive list of
Guyanese and international performers for the concert.
Concerts are to be organized in: Barbados, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Toronto,
New York, and Washington,D.C. The details will be shared as they become
available.The first two concerts demonstrated what is possible. The
organizers are working to deliver the complete package of CONCERTS FOR
GUYANA.
posted @ 12.30
pm
