Tanola Jackson, Gleaner Writer

Pembroke Hall Primary choir entertains the audience at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Musicfest, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Wednesday.

The chairs at the event provided shelter from the rain, rather than seating, for many of those attending the National Festival of the Arts Concert Series, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Hope Road, St Andrew, last Wednesday.

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) event, dubbed 'Musicfest', saw an evening filled with performances from various school choirs as they displayed a diversity of musical styles and genres.

Before the rain started 'Musicfest' was lively, as patrons were treated to several hilarious jokes by host Jerry D.

Papine High opened the show with their rendition of Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley's Welcome to Jamrock.

Colourful performance

The Port Antonio Theatre Group was one of the many groups that performed at Wednesday's Musicfest.

They were followed by St Thomas Kinder Prep choir, which consisted of children ranging from six to 10 years old. All decked out in bright red, green and gold, the group made a fair attempt with their performance of Me Love.

Another entertaining performer was Sherona Forrester of Glenmuir High. She had the members of the audience in stitches with her piece One Thing Leads To Another.

But the most memorable performances of the night was that of visually impaired Kimiela Isaacs. She pleased the audience with her performances of Joshua and At Last.

Amazing rendition

Merl Grove High School choir during their performance of the song 'Shadowland' at last Wednesday's Musicfest.

Tenth grader and violinist, Michelle Ann Gabbadon, might not have sang, but her rendition of You've Got A Friend was absolutely amazing, with thunderous applause from the audience at the end of her performance.

Among the special guests who turned out for the National Festival was Hon Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, minister of information, culture, youth and sports.

The other groups which took part in an entertaining 'Musicfest' were Paradise Preparatory, Liberty Learning Centre, Gordon's Memorial Prep, Old Harbour Primary, Pembroke Hall Primary, Merl Grove High, Glenmuir, St Jago, Cross Keys High, St Andrew High and the Port Antonio Theatre Group.

The recorder requires deep concentration.

A kiss on the hand is well deserved.

Little Brettania Gordon sings 'Open the eyes of my heart' for the audience at the National Festival of the Arts Concert Series Musicfest.