SUNDAY’S Evening of Musical Memories and Excellence at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston, certainly lived up to its billing.

Tap dancing, opera singing, Michael Jackson impersonations and a fine performance from soul legend Ben E King, ensured patrons got entertainment of the highest order.

Presented by the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica’s Kingston Chapter, the show drew a strong turnout.

Whereas King was typically cool and laid-back, the locals gave energetic performances.

Norma Brown-Bell introduced King for the 22nd time to a Jamaican stage and although there was no fancy footwork this time, his voice was robust enough on soul standards such as Spanish Harlem, Count The Tears, Save The Last Dance, Don’t Play It No More and Stand By Me.

King was at his witty best in a 70-minute performance that left his audience totally satisfied.

Earlier, the Harold Davis and Friends band got the hall jumping with Warren Harris on trumpet blowing up a storm.

Opera singer Carole Reid’s rich, beautiful voice filled the auditorium — a performance complemented by her talented student Rory Baugh.

Even more variety came from Ouida Lewis who started on the drums then moved into tap dancing which the audience totally ate up.

Onaje Bell did justice to Michael Jackson — dance moves and all. Paulette Bellamy and Jon Williams on violins were divine while Maria Myrie thrilled the house with her powerful vocals.

Capping the local segment was veteran lovers rock singer Boris Gardiner who did it in style with songs such as Let’s Keep It That Way, I Wanna Wake Up With You and Love’s Been Good To Me.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston