Getting into the swing
of things: One of the acts at Tuesday's concert. (Photo by
Tony Cordeiro) |
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By Nancy Acton
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They came in droves and most stayed until the very end. In between,
visitors and residents alike were treated to four hours of non-stop
entertainment few are likely to forget.
Under threatening skies, musicians, singers, dancers and entertainers
- 17 acts in all - from the cruise ships Norwegian Majesty and
Norwegian Sea gathered in the Town Square, St. George's
yesterday afternoon to give their all in a special fundraiser for the
badly damaged St. George's Preparatory School and the bereaved
families of the Causeway victims following Hurricane Fabian.
The event, the brainchild of Norwegian Cruise Lines entertainers
Marcus Dagan and Chad Brennan, marked the culmination of weeks of
planning and coordination with such local bodies as the Corporation of
St. George's, the St. George's Marketing Group, Spanish Town
International, Cafe Latte and more.
As the concert progressed, the donations flowed. Some passengers gave
$1,000 each, many gave $500. Local merchants, St. George's residents,
seniors and children all chipped in to swell the donation boxes. One
of the entertainers auctioned a pair of found sunglasses for $50, and
later raised hundreds more after agreeing to be ducked by the Town
Crier.
Among the many spectators who danced, sang, clapped and swayed the
afternoon away was a Down syndrome visitor who had the time of his
life wearing the Town Crier's hat and ringing his bell. A deeply
tanned Irish lass, elegantly encased in Spandex, became an
increasingly enthusiastic supporter as the contents of her disposable
cup took hold. For the passing octogenarian granted a dance or two, it
was a brief glimpse of a second spring.
Much later, students of St. George's Preparatory School joined the fun
in the Square until it was time to for them to sing. When they did,
the crowd pressed close, forming a solid, enthralled wall.
The Mayor of St. George's, the Wor. Henry Hayward, presented
certificates of appreciation to each of the performers, who had so
willingly given up their free time to rehearse and share their
talents, and Mr. Dagan ended the concert with a song he wrote in
homage to the Island for which he and his colleagues have such a deep
affection: 'All My Dreams are Safely Gathered In'.
Later, when asked for his reaction to the overwhelming success of
event, the singer/songwriter simply said: "The title of my song came
true."
An equally tired by happy Mr. Brennan confessed he was "completely
overwhelmed".
"The ships' entertainers are the real heroes and I thank them. Thank
you Bermuda. I hope the spirit of the show continues."
