All-female line-up honours men
With showtime less than one week away, Gem Myers is calling on patrons to support Gem: With A Little Help From Her Friends.
Not because she is the headline act, but to send a strong message that men are still respected in Jamaica.
“Bring out yuh father, yuh husband, an’ yuh bredda. Jus’ come out and have a good time,” said Myers.
The concert takes place at the Gardens of the Pegasus on June 17, one day before Father’s Day.
The all-female cast also features Carlene Davis, Pam Hall, Mary Isaacs, Shirley McLean, Maria Myrie, and Keddy Ann Batson.
They will be backed by the Fabulous Five Band.
Even though he died in 1999, Myers retains fond memories of her father Rudolph Myers, a farmer/butcher who helped raise 11 children with his wife Ethlyn in Cheesefield district, St Catherine.
“I grew up in a time when fathers took care of the family and mothers, for the most part, stayed home and raised the children. My father was a loving person, not the most demonstrative, but we now know that he truly loved us,” she said.
Noting that the father’s role in Jamaica has changed “drastically”, with “mothers carrying the load”, the veteran singer believes it is critical to laud men who live up to their responsibilities.
“You have to show them love, because every father who plays his part should be respected,” said Myers, who was the ninth of her parents children.
Gem: With A Little Help From Her Friends is a production of Stage Records.