THERE was no shortage of talent at the Evening of Culture hosted by the St Andrew High School for Girls (SAHS) at its Garden Theatre in Kingston, last Sunday.

“The 15th staging of the Evening of Culture is an integral part of our 90th anniversary celebrations,” said Sharon Reid, St Andrew High School for Girls principal.

There was little lull in the programme as the first section started off with a high reflecting the diversity and the scope of talent at the institution. Once the early performers shook off their stage shyness, it was full speed ahead as patrons were delivered everything from the humorous performance piece Mi Help Put Yuh Deh by Yasheka Johnson to the classic Ave Maria done in both English and Chinese.

The highlights were plenty, but the SAHS Dance Troupe’s African Dance was one of those that moved easily to the forefront, as the mass of colour, sizes and ages, all moving in unison, created a visual spectacle. This was then repeated by the SAHS Choir with their piece Dry Weather House.

Once into the second half of the programme, it was the voice of Seretha Thomas performing a stirring rendition of Foot Prints that sat above all. Her voice was enough to give the professionals a run for their money when the celebrity parents hit the stage. The all-female group Adahzeh drummed up the classic reggae feel to lead in Heather Cummings and daughter Oniela’s duet. Dwight Richards trumpeted his way into the hearts of the many adults in attendance paving the way for Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel, who both kept the older folks going with their extensive catalogue of hits.

— Rory Daley