A new date has been set for the inaugural Karen Smith Memorial Scholarship Concert.

The event, which was originally slated for Sunday, September 25, had to be postponed due to the inclement weather associated with the passage of Tropical Storm Ian, which skirted Jamaica but dumped inches of rainfall on the island. The fund-raising concert has now been rescheduled for Sunday, October 9 at the Vera Moody Concert Hall at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

Starting time is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

Acting dean at the college’s School of Music Andre Adman noted that the organisers were left no choice given the weather system which began affecting the island as early as Friday night.

“We just had to take a decision given the possibility for thunderstorms and flooding. The last thing we would want it to put any of our performers or patrons in a position of danger due to the possible flood rains,” Adman stated.

“Everyone was ready, we were having rehearsals on last Friday when the decision was taken to postpone. We just want persons who are already holding tickets aware that these will be valid for the new date,” Adman continued.

All the acts who were originally billed to perform at the event have committed to the new date.

Among the acts who have given their time and talent gratis to this effort are Ernie Smith, Dean Fraser, Boris Gardiner, Desi Jones, Gem Myers, Jon Williams, Carlene Davis, DiMario McDowell, Peter Ashbourne, Pam Hall, Junior Tucker, Seretse Small, Dwight Richards, Keisha Patterson, Rosina Christina Moder, Maria Myrie, Charmaine Lemonious, and Ozou’ne. Karen Smith’s widower, renowned bass player Jackie Jackson, and their daughter Courtni are also set to deliver a special performance for patrons.

The concert is under the distinguished patronage of former Prime Minister PJ Patterson and will be guided by veteran broadcasters Fae Ellington and Michael Anthony Cuffe who will be the evening’s comperes.

The Karen Smith Memorial Scholarship Concert, which is among the activities to mark the 45th anniversary of the college, is being staged by Friends of Karen Smith and the School of Music at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. The proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for vocal performance students at the School of Music as well as refurbishing and soundproofing one of the school’s practice rooms.