Three-time International Soca Monarch, Aaron “Voice” St Louis, supplied a surprise wave of energy after sunset and simultaneously put the proverbial “icing on the cake” that was the UWI Garden Party held on the grounds of the principal’s office last Sunday.
The singer, songwriter, and always impeccably dressed trendsetter wasted no time whipping fun-loving patrons on the dance floor into a frenzy as he performed hit after hit songs with confidence and exuberant energy. The final ingredient in the carefully crafted slice of sophisticated jazz-friendly garden party cake, Voice re-ignited the audience’s thirst for fun and frolic as quite a few patrons scurried off to Winerboy’s unofficial after-party at Nube Nueve in nearby Valpark Shopping Plaza once the authorities discontinued the riddim section sendoff.
The atmosphere was oppressively hot and humid all afternoon, but the organisers had been more wary of forecasted rain ruining the grounds, decor and vibe of the event. With the dress code of “hats, flats and flows,” the ladies came out in their numbers immaculately dressed for photos and selfies, and the UWI Development & Endowment Fund and Pepper Advertising teams made sure to craft various backdrops, picnic scenes and other photographically-pleasing aesthetics to inspire and enable even the most moderate social media maven to create while in the space.
Dansteel Ltd. CEO Terry Bhagwansingh chats with Canadian visitors, Tage and Vivian Singh
NIGEL TELESFORD
Fashion, food, family and fun could be considered the watchwords of this event, as the mature assembly of alumni and supporters checked off each of those boxes in turn, while the stellar cast of entertainers provided the requisite and most applicable soundtrack throughout the evening.
The evening’s entertainment ranged from Vaughnette Bigford’s smooth and sultry jazzed-up covers, versions, and original pieces to Nishard M’s chutney-tinged renditions, the awesome stage presence of Farmer Nappy and the classic, undeniably moving sonic scope of D All Starz band with College Boy Jesse leading the charge and special guest from Tobago, KV Charles, alongside a mini-appearance from Viking Ding Dong, and Daryl “Farmer Nappy” Henry. Some patrons were already heading for the exits when MC Jason Williams announced the arrival of the Vibes With Voicey captain. Still, pandemonium broke out as Voice rushed the stage in a white suit and proceeded to turn the place upside down in quick time.
The “Penthouse” singer’s presence continues to grow tremendously, cementing his position as one of the leading entertainers. Making his surprise appearance just in time to close the event and following after the rich live band sound of D All Starz, Voice still managed to turn up the mature UWI crowd while performing to pre-recorded tracks—no easy feat and one reminiscent of the legendary stage commander Machel Montano to whom comparisons draw him ever closer and more frequent.
UWI Division of Student Services director Dr Deirdre Charles with Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox.
NIGEL TELESFORD
Patrons were well nourished with an all-inclusive Italian-themed fare complete with various pasta stations with delectable options like spaghetti in golden coconut cream, spicy three-cheese tortellini, antipasto grazing boards, as well as Italian handheld delights like polpette, al sugo and arancini. Italian desserts such as mini cannoli cups and tiramisu in shot glasses completed the menu and helped to evolve the iconic UWI Fete into The UWI Garden Party.
Designed to assist the Development and Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships and bursaries for deserving students, the Italian-themed cuisine and desserts available were enjoyed by patrons, but the heat prompted an interesting suggestion: “I know this is a fund-raiser for the school,” suggested one mature female patron who wished to remain anonymous, “so imagine if they had a nice cool zone and you could pay $20 for five minutes and they gave every one of those alarming digital timers and kept the numbers down so it would stay cool and people could just pay for a 5-minute cooldown and then go back to the party. I think that would be, for want of a better word, very cool!”
D All Starz lead vocalist, College Boy Jesse raises his fist in solidarity with the audience.
NIGEL TELESFORD
The event ended promptly at 8 pm. Special attendees included Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox, business magnate Sieunarine Coosal, and members of the Bhagwansingh, Mohammed, Rampersad, Bachew and Ramadhar families, among others.
Vaughnette Bigford and her band opened up the live performances promptly at 4 pm with a jazzy set full of funk and pizazz.
NIGEL TELESFORD
Enticing meal at the UWI fete.
NIGEL TELESFORD