4th May 2016
It’s easy to be an armchair critic or profess to be an “expert” in what should and should not be done when bringing a concept to life.
One person decided to do more than sit back and talk. She decided to spearhead a project taking positive action to address the lack of opportunities for artists.
Enter Hostess/MC /Actress/Voice Over Artist/TV & Radio Presenter and Singer Allison Mason. As you can see, her qualifications for leading on such a project are solid and extensive. She has been on stage at the Blue Mountain Theatre, performed voice overs for the BBC, has compered many events and she also has a musical background. Her career dates back to 1994 and she has performed as recently as September 2015 in the play “Black Spartacus'. If you want to know how to seek out opportunities but you're not sure how to go about doing this, Allison is your expert.
Earlier this year Allison launched the 'Shining Stars Event Management Team'. In her words:
"SHINING STARS MANAGEMENT/ENTERTAINMENT was formed to provide top quality professional artists within their chosen fields - whether singing/dancing/acting or hosting - a platform in which they can be promoted and also perform to the highest standard. Every artist is a SHINING STAR and together we are a dynamic package ready to thrill any crowd".
To highlight this, Allison presented the Shining Stars Showcase at Hootenanny, Brixton on Thursday 28th April 2016. The Shining Stars consisted of: Wayne “Dibbi” Rollins, Jason Junior Johnson JayJayBorntoSing, Mandee Singer, Andrew Sloley, Claude Darroux and Clarke. They were supported by opening act singer Subajah, The Maximum Heights Band and backing singers, Michelle Creese, Tonica Howe and Angenita Blackwood.
The atmosphere for me was perfect. DJ Pd Coolie provided an excellent party vibe which I would have been content with on its own before embarking on my journey home. He played a most impressive selection of songs on the night.
Nonetheless, no event comes without its hiccups and due to circumstances beyond the organiser's control, the event was late in starting. This was a pity because Wayne "Dibbi" Rollins performance was hampered by technical difficulties, whilst Clarke and Claude Darroux did not get the chance to perform their songs in full. However, despite their performances being cut short, I heard enough to suggest rave reviews in the near future where they are concerned. Eagerly anticipated was JayJayBornToSing, who did not disappoint. Like a seasoned veteran, he delivered his songs with versatility and a vocal range which was seemingly effortless. His new single “Let Them Talk” had the crowd roaring with an expressed understanding! Then came Singer Mandee. I have heard one DJ describe her as “up and coming” but I would disagree. Mandee showed how established she is and surprised me with her “soul side” not to mention singing my current favourite song “The Feeling”, delivered like a true star. These performers did not appear nervous or new to the circuit – they knew their stuff. We were visited by “Grandma Sloley” who praised the “Shining Stars” despite her ailments. The show was closed by crooner Andrew Sloley who pleaded, caressed, lamented and moaned about thelove of a woman song after song – and he was on point as acknowledged by the cheering crowd.
It was also pleasing to see that the event was well supported; I felt the crowd were “willing” the success of The Shining Stars. It was a pleasure to see faces I had not seen since the beginning of the year.
Such is the array of talent on the circuit with many different events, I have little time or opportunity to attend them all. There are several talented artists looking for exposure and the opportunity to showcase their abilities and I commend Allison for providing such a platform. As I indicated at the start of this blog, it is easy to sit back and say what should be done; it is much better to do it. So, look out for 'The Shining Stars', support them and Allison Mason, who is on to a good thing.
** Pictures of Subujah and Pd Coolie used by kind permission of Courtney Anglin**
** Pictures of Subujah and Pd Coolie used by kind permission of Courtney Anglin**
