THE Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) had promised the ‘gala of galas’ to round out this year’s independence celebrations, but what unfolded at the National Stadium on Thursday, though entertaining in parts, failed to live up to this billing.

The event did not deliver the awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping event befitting such a description. Instead, what was presented on the stadium’s in-field was a cultural presentation very much the same and, in some cases, less than Jamaicans have become accustomed over the years.

However, JCDC executive director Delroy Gordon told the Jamaica Observer that he was pleased with what the agency delivered, not just for the grand gala but for the Festival, Emancipation and Independence celebrations.

Similar sentiments came from culture minister Lisa Hanna, who expressed satisfaction in the work put in by the JCDC and her ministry .

“One of the great things is that we were efficient with costs. Everything was done in-house. We are capitalising on the model since 2012 and we are sticking with it going forward,” said Hanna.

Thursday’s event was staged in front of a near-capacity audience and showcased traditional folk forms, through to current, popular forms of entertainment. What seemed lacking was the pageantry associated with grand gala.

That was almost achieved when nearly 600 students — JCDC dance gold medalists — performed to music composed by Jon Williams. Despite filling the area with colour, the presentation was disjointed as each group performed separate movements, and it only came together at the end when they attempted to simulate the maypole. The decision to place the stage in the middle of the field interrupted a full view of the performers.

Things livened up with the introduction of popular music. Past Festival Song winners Eric Donaldson and Roy Rayon with their stack of winning songs got the audience on its feet in a patriotic, flag-waving sing-along.

Donaldson’s renditions of Sweet Jamaica, Cherry Oh Baby and Land of My Birth, and Rayon’s Another One Come, Come Rock, Love Fever and the revival-inspired Give Thanks and Praises, were well-received. Not so, the current festival song, Celebration Time by Ancient Priest.

The 150-voice children’s choir also lifted the event with their medley of favourites. The excitement rose for gospel artiste Kevin Downswell, particularly when he delivered You Make Me Stronger. It was then up to singjay I-Octane to entertain, and that he did. Dropping some of his popular tracks he had the venue swaying.

This year, show band Fab 5 was honoured by the JCDC for their contribution to music. It was, therefore, up to them to bring the curtains down and they enlisted singers Noddy Virtue and Lloyd Lovindeer. To the strains of their soca hit, All Night Party, and fireworks, the event came to a close.