Talent Xposition sets the night alight at the Harquail Theatre

By Christopher Tobutt

The annual Talent Xpositon of the Arts is an annual explosion of local talent, live at the Harquail theatre. There was singing, dancing, and music from many different artists, and it is always popular. Run by the New Self-Help Community Foundation and organized by JC Connor for two decades now, and funds raised go to help all kinds of good causes in the community, with a focus for helping young people develop their talent and take it up to the next level. It’s a wonderful evening, and it doesn’t matter if you are five or fifty-five, there is always room onstage for people with a gift for the performing arts, and everyone who goes there loves it.

MCs for the evening Lloyd Barker and Andrel Harris introduced each of the acts. The very first act was the Williams Quartet, a family of brothers and sisters who sing gospel music in perfect four-part harmony, who sang the National Song.

Harpists Eugenio and Sebastian – a father and son Duet enchanted the audience with “Melody of Harmony,” and “I Can’t Help Falling in love.”

Next was a complete change, with a group from the Centre Pointe Dance Company – “Where ya from?” which was a high-energy, fast-paced dance. Then came Butterfield Young Musician of the Year Gabriella Best who played her violin very beautifully, before singer Zariah Anglin sang a Celine Dion song. The Dream Chasers dance group were next with an up-tempo dance to Proud Mary – “Rolling, Rolling, Rolling on the river.”

Reyah Stewart sang “Shallow,” by Lady Gaga. It was heartfelt and soulful: “Crash through the surface where they can’t hurt us. We’re far from the shallow now…” Cayman Arts Festival Elite String Ensemble, with a cello and violins, played a beautiful medley of some classical music favorites – including Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy.

Duncan Anderson took to the stage with his euphonium. He played some classical music, and it was lovely to hear how expressive he was. Jardae Barnes came to the stage next with her guitar, singing a beautiful song, “Ready to Fly,” she had written herself. It was all about having the courage to set out from the safety of the nest and fly high in life. “This little bird’s grown up to find her blue sky,” she sang.

Centre Pointe Dance came back onstage with a dance interpretation of “Cry me a River.” Everyone was in for a real treat next when the very youngest of the performers took to the stage. It was the George Town Primary School’s Violin Ensemble, with ‘Crocodile Medley.’ Arianna Anglin sang a beautifully sad ballad next, before the UCCI dancers lifted everyone’s spirits with an energetic interpretation of the praise song, Alleluia.

After the intermission JC Connor took to the stage with Eric Clapton’s ‘Knocking on heaven’s door.” Rico Rolando – sang several songs, and Centre Pointe Dance came back onstage with “Only Us and you Will be Found.” There were also musical offerings from Capo Fitz, Terry Williams, TEO –Song, and Dequan Smith who played the Cello very beautifully.