BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ONE of the most looked-forward-to acts at the annual ‘In the Spirit of Christmas’ event was Her Majesty’s Prison Coral, a musical band popularly known as the Rehabilitation Group Impression. And judging from the crowd’s reaction on Wednesday night (Dec. 11), it was obvious that they were eager to see the band perform.
And performed it did, as the band members rocked the event.
The band members, by far, gave the best performance of the three-night event which was evident in the audience’s response, as they applauded, cheered and screamed for an encore.
Very few people remained in their seats by the time the inmates’ presentation came to an end.
They kicked off their performance with one of the prisoners singing an up-tempo version of 'This Christmas', which was quickly followed by a group presentation of a medley of carols.
As more band members joined the group onstage, they sang an original piece written by one of the prisoners who informed the audience that he had turned his life over to God.
The piece spoke of the importance of serving the Lord.
The band entertained the crowd for nearly half an hour singing a variety of songs. However, the highlight of their presentation came during a calypso-type original piece.
The two lead singers of the band stepped offstage, went to the audience and bounced and waved while they chanted: "Tell dem bout de right life, it's the best life. Praising up de Father is de best life."
The audience did not remain motionless! They got out of their seats and joined the two singers in their bouncing and waving actions.
Another good performance was noted when the same two men, during another song, decided to dance for the crowd. Once again, members of the audience joined them and danced along.
Other songs they sang were 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and 'Santa will you ever come to the Ghetto'.
Another outstanding performance for the night was one delivered by Kittitian Superstar Runner-up Brian Brookes.
Although a teenager, he put on a mega performance, captivating the audience with not only his voice but also his presentation.
He whetted the crowd's appetite with a slower than usual version of 'Away in a Manger' and quickly changed his tune to the upbeat 'Jingle Bells Rock'. Three ladies joined him in dance during that song.
Brookes proved to be a true performer as his moves and voice held the audience's attention to the very end. His reward was a healthy round of applause.
Performances were also had from the bevy of beauties vying for the title of National Carnival Queen 2013-2014 and the contestants for National Carnival Talented Teen Pageant. The older beauties recited a poem entitled 'Peace on Earth/Goodwill to Men' while the teenagers sang 'Joy to the World' and 'Feliz Navidad'.
The St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Band rendered the National Anthem and a number of songs, which included 'O Holy Night', 'O Christmas Tree' and 'Joy to the World', while students of the George Moody Stuart School did a steel pan rendition of 'Come on Ring Those Bells'.
Other performances included carols by the Early Childhood Coral, Methodist Male Choir and Zunike Browne ,while entertainment in the form of dances were delivered by Marcia Jeffers and the All About Christ Dancers.
The Soul Band brought the curtains down on the three-night event with a soul-touching performance of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen'.
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