Shangri-La was the theme for the night as Kes The Band sought to entertain fans and supporters on Thursday Under The Trees at the Normandie, Cascade, St Ann's.
A tranquil setting, spiced up with bands of coloured cloth and the bright red of Kees' sponsor, Digicel, proved inviting to the 400 or so patrons who made their way into the venue for what would be a truly memorable two-hour-long performance. Starting at 8 pm, the Normandie came to life with the sound of sweet soca music, selected by Dr Jay. However, technical difficulties with the backup generator led to a brief transmission pause around 8.30 pm. When generators were switched, music blared through the speakers, prompting many to congregate near the front of the stage. Just about half-hour after, Kees emerged, brought on stage by his sexy dancers to the 2010 hit, Heaven. Dressed in red and white, energy and vibe were the feeling of the moment. Upheld Digicel rags briskly followed Kees' commands of "hand in de air, rag in de air," and even small children, who'd been brought to experience the thrill of Kes The Band, moved to the onstage antics of the super performer.
He went through his repertoire of Carnival hits, from Push Back to Till The Morning, Right There, One Day–a song he said was inspired by David Rudder, Christopher Tambu Herbert and Charlie's Roots–and even Jep Sting. It was at that point that Ravi B, the 2010 Chutney Soca Monarch ran onstage, much to the enjoyment of the crowd. Ravi B, too, gave a taste of his 2010 offering, which copped him the coveted Chutney crown. While belting out lyrics, "yuh know ah was a drinker..." he showcased dances like the Indian-inspired "screw the light bulb," the "fluorescent bulb" and the "chutney butterfly." Amused onlookers, many of whom had come in for the season, followed as commanded. Thursday night's show offered patrons much more than just Kes The Band. There was a rhythm section, which prompted dancing among the mature crowd of Carnival lovers. There was also a duet with Skid Nevely pannist, Andrew McIntosh, on Dave Matthews Band's Crash Into Me. "We are about music beyond borders–Trini to the world," shouted Dieffenthaller, whose music has certainly taken off, with Stalker penetrating overseas markets, topping the USA For Real Indie Charts.
Maximus Dan was also welcomed on stage, inspiring sweet movement with his vocal aptitude and his medleys of love. Maximus led the crowd on a rhythmic journey, making way for the sweet vocals of Kes The Band's lead female vocalist, Nadia Batson. She, too, proved her worth, even bringing onstage The Black Stalin for a memorable moment. Together, Stalin and Kees rendered Stalin's hit single, Black Man Feeling To Party. Later, Explainer was welcomed on stage to much applause. Belting out his classic Lauren, he sent visitors into a frenzy, with many seeming to relate to the lyrics. The show ended promptly at 11 pm, after which the DJ took over, giving music lovers a little something to chip out the door and head home.