A star-studded line-up is slated for the Karen Smith Memorial Scholarship Concert scheduled for the Vera Moody Concert Hall at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts campus in St Andrew on Sunday, September 25.

Organised by the college’s School of Music and Friends of Karen Smith — a group set up to celebrate the late Jamaican cabaret act — the fund-raising event is being staged to fund the Karen Smith Memorial Scholarship and the refurbishing and soundproofing of a practice room at the School of Music, which will be named in Smith’s honour.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the life and work of this great Jamaican figure. Karen Smith has contributed so much to Jamaican music and was also very involved here at the School of Music where she took classes and held rehearsals, so we are just thrilled to be the host of this concert,” said Andre Adman, acting dean at the School of Music.

Adman said that over the years there has been a growing number of students unable to complete their studies due to financial constraints and, therefore, having a scholarship to assist some of these students is most definitely welcomed. The scholarship will be made available to deserving students majoring in vocal performance who are facing financial challenges and who have a strong record of academic performance.

“A fund-raiser of this nature will help our students in a great way. The truth is, there are students who are unable to fund their education and this will help to meet their financial needs. This takes on added significance as it is the 45th anniversary of the college, as we along with members of the music fraternity rise and respond to the needs of the students,” he said.

An impressive roster of stellar Jamaican singers and musicians have pledged their support for this benefit concert, which is under the distinguished patronage of former Prime Minister PJ Patterson.

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, Myrna Hague, DiMario McDowell, Peter Ashbourne, Pam Hall, Junior Tucker, Seretse Small, Dwight Richards, Keisha Patterson, Rosina Christina Moder, Maria Myrie, Charmaine Lemonious, Dr Kathy Brown, Harold Davis, Everton Pessoa, and Ozou’ne.

Karen Smith’s widower, renowned bass player Jackie Jackson, and their daughter Courtni are also scheduled to deliver a special performance for patrons.

Judith Jones, representing the Friends of Karen Smith, noted that the late performer’s infectious personality and kind-hearted spirit were among the reasons the event was conceptualised to assist students and to memorialise the unforgettable artiste.

“I first met Karen in the 1980s when she was working in the banking industry. Since then, I have come to know and love her effervescent personality — always bubbly, always upbeat, always positive, and always bringing light into a person’s space. No matter how you felt down and in the dark, once she came into your presence there was light. In addition, she was always seeking to help someone who needed the help, and caring about what another person was going through. This was why I felt that someone like Karen Smith, so unforgettable and so caring, we had to do something to memorialise her,” Jones expressed.

Jones noted that the idea of the concert and scholarship was co-conceptualised with her husband, renowned drummer Desi Jones, and the response from the local music community has been nothing short of encouraging.

“It was during COVID that we discovered that she was ill, and we had hopes, and then suddenly she was gone. We just can’t forget Karen like that; what better way to remember Karen than as a giving person? Everybody I spoke with was on board immediately, positive responses all around. There was nobody who had an iffy response. This is such as testament to who Karen Smith was and how she lived,” said Judith.

Karen Smith was a popular cabaret performer and recording artiste. She died on September 11 last year after a battle with colon cancer. In addition to her prowess as an individual act, she was also one third of the trio PaKaGe, which also featured Gem Myers and P’Tricia Edwards. Smith was also an advocate for the rights of singers and musicians and served as president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians and Affiliates Union (JFMAU).