Saturday, December 8, at 7 p.m. on the second floor of The Marketplace.
Not immune to the territory-wide economic downturn, local musicians looking for work contacted long-time musician Carl Powell to help organize an event, he explained.
“All these unemployed musicians were asking me to help because they’re not working,” said Powell, who has played the keyboard since he was a teenager. “Back in the day, we would have these talent shows all the time, which we grew up with. So I said, ‘Let’s do a talent show.’”
Powell hosted the first talent show of the season on October 20 at The Marketplace, which proved to be a great night of music and entertainment. The event went so well, in fact, Powell decided to host one every three months all season long.
“Everyone had a great time and we thought maybe the businesses will like it so much that they’ll give one of the musicians a job,” Powell said. “We’re going to try to host this music festival show every three months.”
Powell and his band Paradise People, along with a few special guests, will serve as the house band, backing up a variety of singing talent, from the soulful voice of Margo Dalmida to the reggae stylings of Andrew “Sonic” Orlandini and many more.
The fun takes place in the entrance to The Marketplace on the second floor near St. John Hardware. DJ music will begin at 7 p.m. with a fashion show hosted by 211 owner Kristen Cox, which will feature the latest holiday trends.
Live performances will begin at 8 p.m. and will feature St. John Festival Queen Shanelle Thomas, Linda Grace, Cindy Jurgen, Eric Provost and more.
Attendees can also expect a dance performance by St. Thomas Majorettes, Calypso music from Chaplet and Mahlon Coco Pickering’s old-school songs, Powell explained.
“What we have is a lot of local St. John people coming out to do their thing,” said Powell.
Dr. Joseph DeJames will act as emcee for the evening, which is sponsored by Boynes Trucking, Boyson Inc. and The Marketplace.
There is a suggested donation of $20 and the night, which will also feature traditional and island Christmas music, will be the perfect way to ring in the holiday season, Powell added.
“Come out and get in the spirit of the holidays and support artists so we can continue to make the show bigger and better,” he said.
See you there!
