by Nigel Telesford
Three-time International Soca Monarch, Aaron "Voice" St Louis supplied the surprise wave of energy after sunset and simultaneously put the proverbial "icing on the cake" that was the UWI Garden Party held on the grounds of the Principal's Office last Sunday. The singer, songwriter and always impeccably-dressed3 trendsetter wasted no time in churning the dancefloor full of fun-loving patrons into a maelstrom of unbridled enjoyment as he performed hit after hit song with supreme confidence and exuberant energy.
The final ingredient in the carefully-crafted slice of sophisticated jazz-friendly garden party cake, "Voice" re-ignited the audience's thirst for fun and frolic and apparently sent quite a few patrons scurrying off to Winerboy's unofficial after-party at Nube Nueve in nearby Valpark Shopping Plaza once the authorities discontinued the riddim section sendoff.
Voice interacts with the UWI Garden party audience during his closing performance. Click on this image to follow him on IG.
La Fiesta in Giardino
The atmosphere was oppressively hot and humid all afternoon, but the organizers had been more wary of forecasted rain ruining the grounds, decor and vibe of the event. With the dress code theme of "Hats, flats and flows", the ladies came out in their numbers immaculately dressed for photos and selfies and the UWI Development & Endowment Fund and Pepper Advertising teams made sure to craft various backdrops, picnic scenes and other photographically-pleasing aesthetics to inspire and enable even the most moderate social media maven to create whilst in the space.
Fashion, food, family and fun could be considered the watchwords of this event as the mature assembly of alumni and supporters checked off each of those boxes in turn, whilst the stellar cast of entertainers provided the requisite and most applicable soundtrack throughout the evening.
This female patron is interviewed against the backdrop shortly after arriving at the UWI Garden Party. Click on the image to follow the @uwifetesta account on IG.
From Vaughnette Bigford's smooth and sultry jazzed up covers, versions and original pieces, to Nishard M's chutney-tinged renditions, the awesome stage presence of Farmer Nappy and the classic, undeniably-moving sonicscope of D All Starz band with College Boy Jesse leading the charge and special guest from Tobago, KV Charles, alongside a mini appearance from Viking Ding Dong and the aforementioned Daryl "Farmer Nappy" Henry.
From Jazz to Soca action...
Some patrons were already heading for the exits when MC Jason Williams announced the arrival of the Vibes With Voicey captain, but pandemonium broke out as "Voice" rushed the stage in a white suit and proceeded to turn the place upside down in quick time.
The "Penthouse" singer's presence continues to grow tremendously, cementing his position as one of the leading entertainers. Making his surprise appearance just in time to close the event and following after the rich live band sound of D All Starz, "Voice" still managed to turn up a mature UWI crowd while performing on pre-recorded tracks - no easy feat to achieve and one reminiscent of the legendary stage commander, Machel Montano to whom comparisons draw him ever closer and more frequent.
Jazz songstress, Vaughnette Bigford onstage with her band. Click on this image to follow her on IG.
