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
steve@stevehigginsproductions.com
; Tel (954)673-5885

Follow on Facebook @singerstevehiggins or log onto http://www.stevehigginsproductions.com