Kesi Asher, Staff Reporter
LEFT: Singer Angel Shalome in performance. RIGHT: Allie McNab (left) and members of the group Ashé perform during 'Professionals In Cabaret' at Morgan's Harbour Hotel, Port Royal, on Sunday. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
PROFESSIONALS IN Cabaret was a grand celebration of energy and excitement, but due to the lateness of some of the performers, the show was stretched to a late finish.
The show was held at the Morgan's Harbour Hotel on Sunday.
The show got off to a dazzling start with Fab 5, the backing band, tickling the fancies of the early patrons with songs like Ken Boothe's The Train Is Coming.
Fab 5's performance was flawless and the band kept the show together for the duration of the night.
The tickling continued with Robert "Robby" Robinson, attorney and talk show host of First Edition on KLAS FM and member of 50/50 band. He opened the performances with a rendition of Sparrow's Congo Man. His jovial demeanour kept the crowd amused as he moved into Judy Garland's Somewhere Over The Rainbow and impersonations of Lloyd Lovindeer, Papa San and Tiger.
'BACKING' AND PERFORMING
The show then took a sour turn when the MC, Totlyn Oliver, called Shirley McLean to the stage. However, McLean was not yet present at the venue. This trend continued throughout the night until the members of Fab 5 took matters into their own hands.
"Ah better we play until dem line up back stage because this stop stop thing don't mek nuh sense to me," said a Fab 5 member.
The absenteeism of some of the 'professionals' annoyed the audience, who agreed with Fab 5, that the tardiness was unacceptable.
Instead of only 'backing' the performers, Fab 5 filled the empty slots until the professionals got their act together. Noddy Virtue, Allie McNab, Ian Andrews, A.J.Brown among others who were present awaited their turn on stage.
Noddy Virtue shifted the show into high gear with Jimmy Cliff's Rebel In Me, and Delroy Wilson's No More Heartache and Feel Like Crying. The insatiable crowd cried for more, and on his encore performance, Noddy sang to them Marc Anthony's Sing To Me.
The evening continued with the beautiful singing of Marsha Smith, attorney-at-law. She sang The Winner Takes All, Perfidia and Heartbreaker to the appreciative crowd.
SPLITTING LAUGHTER
Dr. Michael Abrahams continued with comical and sharp witted, original songs, Uptown Story and Sorry fi di Woman Dem. His version of Uptown Story caused side-splitting laughter among the patrons.
Barely recovering from Dr. Abrahams' performance, the crowd listened to Shirley McLean who did a medley of Mi Country, Tek Yuh Time, How Can I Love Someone and Stick By Me.
As the show continued, other professionals were Angel Shalome, who gave a magnificent performance, Hugo Barrington, Sheila Hylton and Charlie Chaplain, who made a guest appearance.
Dr. Garth 'Shaka Pow' McDonald surprised the crowd with Independent Girl, a collaboration with Irie FM's Heather Cummings, and back up from Rising Stars' Renae.
Another doctor in the house, Dr. Michael 'Medikal' Godfrey entertained the crowd with Barry Manilow's Mandy, Luciano's Over The Hills and a medley on the Drop Leaf rhythm.
Other performers on the show included the magnificent A.J. Brown and Ian Andrews, Allie McNab with his back up singers and dancers from Ashé.
A fashion show featuring pieces from Madison Collections also added to the entertainment value of the show.
