New Category : Music

Junkanoo Jazz Concert To Debut At Regency Theatre

Fri, Mar 15th 2024, 12:22 PM

Conceived less than a year ago, the inaugural Junkanoo Jazz Concert, ‘Through the Music’, will debut at the Regency Theatre in Grand Bahama on March 23, starting at 6pm.

Concert Director and Event Producer, Jens Sweeting, aims to showcase Bahamian talent and artistry through the unique fusion of junkanoo and jazz. "When jazz encounters diverse cultures, those cultures inherently express themselves through the music’” said Sweeting who has his Master Degree in Music, from Manhattan School of Music in New York.

“This phenomenon gives rise to various jazz sub-genres like Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban jazz, Japanese jazz, Ethiopian jazz, and countless other variations. As a jazz musician from The Bahamas, Junkanoo jazz naturally emerged as the fusion of cultural influences.”

The inspiration behind Junkanoo Jazz is the desire to merge culture and passion, a concept Sweeting believes is a natural manifestation of exposing jazz to diverse cultures.

Sweeting's band, Forces of Nature, featuring Erica Weir, Dontae Dames, and AJ Francis, will participate alongside local musicians Wannessa Hanna, Zhivargo, and Jade Moya. Guest artists trumpeter Mansa Campbell and saxophonist Gardener Stewart from New Providence will also present original compositions and well-known pieces.

"The event will serve as a significant platform for individuals to showcase their compositions and share their narratives through music, which is the focal point of the gathering.” Sweeting explained. “Every featured musical piece will narrate a story, encompassing themes such as nostalgia, tragedy, resilience, overcoming challenges, and love. As the show unfolds, these themes intertwine, with each song paving the way for exploring the next theme.”

Trumpeter Mansa Campbell is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase this new genre to the Bahamain public. “I’ve heard about Jens for a while, and this is the first time I’m getting to share my music with him. It will be a great opportunity for the Bahamian public to hear what we have to offer and to witness first hand the fusion of Junkanoo and Jazz and expose them to something new. Jazz is not really popular amongst Bahamians, but with the addition of Junkanoo and our stories through music, I’m sure it’s going to connect with them.”

To enhance the musical performances, the event will also feature a live painting by artist Matthew Wildgoose, interpreting the performance in real-time. The painting will be raffled at the end of the show for a lucky audience member to take home.

Sweeting envisions turning this showcase into an annual event with hopes of expanding to include more acts, other islands, and eventually international locations. He was quick to thank the sponsors for his inaugural concert, who are helping bring this exciting fusion to the island, including The Bahamas Distilling Company, Pizza Hut, Island Bedding Furniture, Lash & Leisure in New Providence, B&B Galaxy Waste Management, Joyful Morning Coffee Cafe, Remor Media and the Ministry of Tourism.

"We're aiming to turn this into a yearly thing. We've got two guest artists from New Providence, and we're really looking forward to possibly hosting similar events there and on other islands like Eleuthera, who have already had a jazz event,” beamed Sweeting. “We're not putting any caps on our plans, so if we can take this show to other countries, that would be an awesome opportunity, too.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $60 for general admission and $75 for VIP seats, available online at forcesofnatureband.com, in person at Lignum Vitae Market & Café, or by calling 242-804-7777.

Conceived less than a year ago, the inaugural Junkanoo Jazz Concert, ‘Through the Music’, will debut at the Regency Theatre in Grand Bahama on March 23, starting at 6pm. Concert Director and Event Producer, Jens Sweeting, aims to showcase Bahamian talent and artistry through the unique fusion of junkanoo and jazz. "When jazz encounters diverse cultures, those cultures inherently express themselves through the music’” said Sweeting who has his Master Degree in Music, from Manhattan School of Music in New York. “This phenomenon gives rise to various jazz sub-genres like Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban jazz, Japanese jazz, Ethiopian jazz, and countless other variations. As a jazz musician from The Bahamas, Junkanoo jazz naturally emerged as the fusion of cultural influences.” The inspiration behind Junkanoo Jazz is the desire to merge culture and passion, a concept Sweeting believes is a natural manifestation of exposing jazz to diverse cultures. Sweeting's band, Forces of Nature, featuring Erica Weir, Dontae Dames, and AJ Francis, will participate alongside local musicians Wannessa Hanna, Zhivargo, and Jade Moya. Guest artists trumpeter Mansa Campbell and saxophonist Gardener Stewart from New Providence will also present original compositions and well-known pieces. "The event will serve as a significant platform for individuals to showcase their compositions and share their narratives through music, which is the focal point of the gathering.” Sweeting explained. “Every featured musical piece will narrate a story, encompassing themes such as nostalgia, tragedy, resilience, overcoming challenges, and love. As the show unfolds, these themes intertwine, with each song paving the way for exploring the next theme.” Trumpeter Mansa Campbell is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase this new genre to the Bahamain public. “I’ve heard about Jens for a while, and this is the first time I’m getting to share my music with him. It will be a great opportunity for the Bahamian public to hear what we have to offer and to witness first hand the fusion of Junkanoo and Jazz and expose them to something new. Jazz is not really popular amongst Bahamians, but with the addition of Junkanoo and our stories through music, I’m sure it’s going to connect with them.” To enhance the musical performances, the event will also feature a live painting by artist Matthew Wildgoose, interpreting the performance in real-time. The painting will be raffled at the end of the show for a lucky audience member to take home. Sweeting envisions turning this showcase into an annual event with hopes of expanding to include more acts, other islands, and eventually international locations. He was quick to thank the sponsors for his inaugural concert, who are helping bring this exciting fusion to the island, including The Bahamas Distilling Company, Pizza Hut, Island Bedding Furniture, Lash & Leisure in New Providence, B&B Galaxy Waste Management, Joyful Morning Coffee Cafe, Remor Media and the Ministry of Tourism. "We're aiming to turn this into a yearly thing. We've got two guest artists from New Providence, and we're really looking forward to possibly hosting similar events there and on other islands like Eleuthera, who have already had a jazz event,” beamed Sweeting. “We're not putting any caps on our plans, so if we can take this show to other countries, that would be an awesome opportunity, too.” Tickets for the event are priced at $60 for general admission and $75 for VIP seats, available online at forcesofnatureband.com, in person at Lignum Vitae Market & Café, or by calling 242-804-7777.

Junior Junkanoo set for January 25th - See the Lineup

Thu, Jan 25th 2024, 09:33 AM

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg joins officials and staff of his Ministry, representatives of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and various Junkanoo stakeholders, on January 19, 2024, at the order picking and cheque presentation for the upcoming Junior Junkanoo Parade.  Sol Petroleum, a long-time sponsor of the event, also presented a $50,000 cheque in aid of the upcoming Parade.  

According to the Ministry, The 2024 Junior Junkanoo Lineup is as follows:

Preschool:
1. One on One Preschool
2. Refresher for Kids Development Center Preschool
3. Two by Two Preschool

Primary:
1. C.W. Sawyer Primary 
2. T.G. Glover Primary
3. Yellow Elder Primary
4. Carlton E. Francis Primary
5. Albury Sayles Primary
6. Marjorie Davis Institute 
7. Woodcock Primary

Junior:
1. T.A. Thompson Junior
2. C.H. Reeves Junior

All Age School:
1. Saint John’s College 
2. Discovery Learning Centre
3. Jordan Prince William 
4. Lyford Cay School

Senior:
1. Anatol Rodgers Senior
2. Government High School
3. C.V. Bethel Senior High

Community:
1. Flourished Again Youth Group
2. Genesis Youth Warhawks 

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg joins officials and staff of his Ministry, representatives of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and various Junkanoo stakeholders, on January 19, 2024, at the order picking and cheque presentation for the upcoming Junior Junkanoo Parade.  Sol Petroleum, a long-time sponsor of the event, also presented a $50,000 cheque in aid of the upcoming Parade.   According to the Ministry, The 2024 Junior Junkanoo Lineup is as follows: Preschool: 1. One on One Preschool 2. Refresher for Kids Development Center Preschool 3. Two by Two Preschool Primary: 1. C.W. Sawyer Primary  2. T.G. Glover Primary 3. Yellow Elder Primary 4. Carlton E. Francis Primary 5. Albury Sayles Primary 6. Marjorie Davis Institute  7. Woodcock Primary Junior: 1. T.A. Thompson Junior 2. C.H. Reeves Junior All Age School: 1. Saint John’s College  2. Discovery Learning Centre 3. Jordan Prince William  4. Lyford Cay School Senior: 1. Anatol Rodgers Senior 2. Government High School 3. C.V. Bethel Senior High Community: 1. Flourished Again Youth Group 2. Genesis Youth Warhawks 

Snapshots of an Exciting 2023 Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade

Thu, Dec 28th 2023, 12:43 PM

It was an exciting and competitive 2023 Boxing Day Parade on Bay and Shirley Streets in the heart of downtown Nassau.  Results for Division A:

Saxons
Valley Boys
Roots
Genesis
One Family

Pictures show intricate craftmanship of the costumes, and exuberance of the pageant. 

It was an exciting and competitive 2023 Boxing Day Parade on Bay and Shirley Streets in the heart of downtown Nassau.  Results for Division A: Saxons Valley Boys Roots Genesis One Family Pictures show intricate craftmanship of the costumes, and exuberance of the pageant. 

One Cry Presents "Emmanuel: An Advent Prayer & Worship Encounter" Celebrating its Third Year on December 1st

Sun, Nov 26th 2023, 05:00 PM

One Cry, the transformative worship and prayer series founded by gospel artist Stermon Rolle, is set to celebrate the third year of its annual event, "Emmanuel: An Advent Prayer & Worship Encounter," at the Church of God Life Transformation Centre on December 1st. Doors open at 7 pm.

Established three years ago, One Cry aims to create a sacred space for individuals of all ages to unite in worship and lift their petitions to the Lord. This advent-themed event promises to be a night of breakthrough in prayer, encouraging attendees to refocus their hearts and posture themselves in God's presence.

"At One Cry, our slogan is 'One Sound with many expressions (The Sound of the Redeemed),' emphasizing that, regardless of individual worship styles, we all serve one God," says Stermon Rolle. "As His children, we have a collective responsibility to give Him the worship, praise, and adoration that He deserves."

The scripture focus for this year's event is Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

The event welcomes anyone in need of prayer, with the belief that gathering together invokes the presence of God and invites answers and responses from heaven. The impressive lineup of ministers includes Pastor Oslien Jadorte, Antonia Lightbourne, A'Lethia Sweeting, DéVaughn Rolle, Sabrena Green, and the host, Stermon Rolle.

Connect with One Cry on Facebook or reach out to Stermon Rolle for more information. The event extends an invitation to church youth groups, worship teams, musicians, and individuals seeking a space to recharge this advent season. Donations are also welcomed to support the ministry's ongoing work.

Join One Cry on December 1st at 7pm for an unforgettable night of worship, prayer, and divine encounters.