Freddie, Etana live up to billing
HEADLINERS Freddie McGregor and Etana as well as Ashe Ensemble delivered sparkling performances in front of a capacity audience at Jammin’ on the Lawns — Evening of Excellence held at Shortwood Teacher’s College’s Cherry Gardens campus in St Andrew on Saturday.
The proceeds from the annual event will be used primarily to upgrade the institution’s halls of residence and meeting some expenses of students in need. Last Saturday’s presentation is the college’s third in as many years.
Dr Claudette Barrett March, vice-principal of administrative affairs, was pleased with the turnout of guests. She gave the event thumbs up despite the technical glitches.
“We greatly appreciate the tremendous support of the public and the yeoman effort of the entire team. We look forward to a bigger and better renewal in 2019,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
McGregor, who was the evening’s closing act, was in full control from the get-go and had a set comprising lively sing-along. He encouraged patrons to leave their seats and come in front of the stage, and they complied.
Fan favourites including Just Don’t Wanna Be Lonely, Push Come To Shove, I Will Wait For You, I Was Born a Winner, Loving Pauper, True To My Roots, and Big Ship, were well received.
Etana’s nearly 30-minute set also found favour among the guests. She entered the stage in a brightly coloured pants suit to the strains of I Rise, and patrons joined in.
In addition to new material from her self-produced Reggae Forever, the reggae singer did hits including Roots, I Am Not Afraid, Wrong Address, and The Richest Girl.
Earlier in the evening, following some contributions by Shortwood students, Ashe was the first to bring the capacity crowd to life.
The ensemble’s Shortwood gig was the second in a 25 series of nationwide shows to mark the performing ensemble’s Silver Anniversary. They delivered an engaging, free-wheeling set that took in pop, R&B, gospel (local and American), reggae, and dancehall.
Shortwood Teacher’s College will mark 123 years of existence in September of this year.
