REGGAE AT THE ROYAL - MAY EDITION

By Coral Consciouslee

29th May 2015 

 

  Last night I was invited as a guest to John Mclean's monthly Reggae Royal event and I must say I enjoyed myself immensely. Audrey Scott and I were greeted at the door by the effervescent Macky Mcpherson who personally escorted us to the VIP area. I thought this was nice as Audrey was not performing last night.

The venue, The Royal Surrey Pub, looked warm and welcoming and larger in space once one entered. The stage area was immediately seen and well presented. The atmosphere was an intimate one with music, conversation and laughter. One had to be careful with the drinks though, the prices were so cheap, I could have left legless!!
The show itself was fantastic! Naturally John opened the show with a selection of songs that got the crowd gravitating towards the stage. The Zane Band were sharp, on point and plainly enjoying themselves. I have only recently met Errol Black Steel Nicholson and was pleasantly surprised to see that not only is he an accomplished singer but a talented musician (where have I been??)!

Amaziah Rose was stunning! Her vocals were sharp and clear. Practically tore up the place with "54 46 Was My Number". Then we had the stylish and so very funny Winsome Burrell who makes singing seem so effortless; this woman sure knows how to engage the crowd. The quality of her voice was beautiful in "Killing me softly". Last but by no means least we had one of my favourite male singers, Don Campbell backed by Klearview Harmonix. Oh my gosh what a performance! The man delivers every single time. I loved his version of "Redemption Song". A natural born singer.

Well done to the team for the concept and especially for keeping UK Artists on the map, very impressed ....I shall come again.

YVONNE SWABY-RILEY FUND RAISER - PART I

By Coral Consciouslee
19th May 2015

YVONNE SWABY-RILEY

How many times have we heard or known of a desperate plight of a friend or loved one and felt so helpless, wishing there was something we could do?? Usually we try to say something positive or pray or both and for many of us that's all we feel we can do.

Not Miss Frederica Tibbs; her love for her friend Yvonne Riley Swaby and her faith in God gave her the confidence, boldness and courage to ask her family, friends and loved ones to DO SOMETHING! She only had to ask once. What took place as a consequence opened up my heart and mind to what can be achieved if we really want something to happen. Unbeknown to all I had been keeping an eye on Miss Tibbs via private message and warning her that unless she looked after herself, she wouldn't be able to support her friend. She hardly slept and kept moving. For this is a woman on a mission.

Pause and consider this: In less than a week a venue, sound equipment, videos, cameras and volunteer staff were secured. Over 30 artists when asked only once said they would sing for the worthy cause. Without waiting outside other events with pre - printed flyers advertising our own, the word was spread. Being at the front at Hootananny last night, I looked behind me and saw people wall to wall!

It gets better: we had credible prizes for raffles and auctioning. Donations were being added as the evening wore on. Egos, self - serving, dislike or current disagreements were put aside and we came together for the greater good. 

By the time I got there after 8pm Derek Février had already organised the sound check, PA system and DJs. Those attending greeted each other with love and warmth, feeling good about being part of something so worthy. Can you imagine stage managing over 30 artists??
I left not my usual bubbly buzzing self; although excited, I started to think of the greatness, love, strength, power, understanding and knowledge we all have inside us and of all the things we could achieve. I realised that we may be looking at things the wrong way round. We need to stop waiting for "one day" for people to come together, for finance etc.
Frederica reminded me that all we have to do is make one step and WE WILL attract what we need to get things done...

I put Yvonne Riley Swaby in the hands of God. Frederica and Derek, I applaud your efforts and determination. You both done good.