Celine sizzles at Jazz Fest

Sunday, January 29, 2012

"HELLO, Jamaica!" shouted Celine Dion to the huge crowd that turned out for her performance at Jamaica Jazz and Blues, at the Greenfied Stadium in Trelawny on Friday night.

After her opening number I Drove All Night at minutes after midnight, the Canadian singer expressed appreciation for the love and support she got from her Jamaican fans.

Every sentence was greeted with claps and loud cheers as she continued to shower praises about the island.

"I'm so excited to be here. We have been enjoying the beautiful weather, the friendliest people, the food," she said.

"I have some making up to do for all that lost time. I can't believe we're really here in your beautiful country; the home of the great Bob Marley, the best place on earth to get an amazing plate of jerked chicken!"

"Happy birthday Jamaica on 50 fabulous years of independence," she said, before getting back to the real business at hand - thrilling fans.

For many, the Dion experience began at the main road leading up to the stadium. From as early as 8:15, the main car park at the stadium was full to capacity due to the overwhelming turnout. Patrons had to make the long trek to the venue having parked some distance away.

Dion delivered Where Does My Heart Beat Now, then Because You Loved Me, which from its first musical strains were greeted with loud screams, many singing along their hands outstretched. A few couples used the opportunity to slow dance.

It was more musical thrill when Dion sang It's All Coming Back To Me Now, Power of Love and one she did in honour of Ella Fitzgerald who died in June 1996, Mr Paganini.

The musical journey continued with Beauty and the Beast and Gold Finger.

The singer had four quick costume changes during her hour-long set and was accompanied by her band, which was on queue throughout her performance. The superb lighting served to enhance her performance.

Local artiste Diana King shared stage with the star performing the song she penned Treat Her Like A Lady, then it was back to more solos. I'm Alive, All By Myself, River Deep, Mountain High and My Heart Will Go On brought the curtains down on a performance that was interlaced with screams, shouts, dancing and lots of love from the fans present.

Earlier in the evening, there were some enjoyable performances from Bryan Art, Jully Black, Tami Chynn, Tessanne Chin, Richie Stephens, Gentleman and a powerful set from Nicole Henry.

It also saw two more awards being presented to local artistes for their contribution to the music. This time, it was to Richie Stephens and Shaggy for promoting Jamaican music across the globe.

The festival climaxed last night with performances from Temptations Review, Damian Marley, Cee Lo Green and Heads of State.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston

Do you feel buying into Facebook now is a good investment for the long-run?
	Yes
	No

View Results
Results published weekly in Sunday Finance

Username:
Password:

GCT to go down, white rum prices going up

Celine sizzles at Jazz Fest