Happy Days Are Here Again
The last few years have been rather depressing with the daily reports from the war; our own unfortunate racial and criminal incidents; dreadful over-development and a general feeling of “it’s not like the good ol’ days.”
Now, suddenly, wonderful things are happening. The election of Governor John deJongh, Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis and our own Senator at Large Carmen Wesselhoft have brought back a feeling of confidence in our representatives.
The Sprauve School Gala at Caneel Bay was a huge success, thanks to the months of preparation by Principal Mario Francis, his outstanding committee who worked night and day, and General Manager Rik Blyth and his dedicated staff at Caneel.
None of us had heard Adjutant-General Eddy Charles sing before — not only was he a great emcee, but oh, that voice. He should sit in with the Jazz Islanders. Dr. Joe deJames was funnier than ever as his co-host. (He plays percussion and sax, I wonder if he sings?)
Governor and Mrs. deJongh added the finishing touch — their presence made the evening the best Gala ever — thanks to Caneel’s staff for a wonderful dinner and to all of the auction donors and winners.
Blues Cruise Topped the Week’s Entertainment
As blues vocalist Joey Gilmore’s song said, “Back to Back and Wall to Wall,” that’s just what the mob scene was at the Beach Bar. You couldn’t see the sand for the dancing crowd.
It was madness. “Steve Simon, you cannot keep bringing such good music to St. John — we’ll all have a nervous breakdown.”
It was wild. Howard, a psycho-analyst from Las Vegas, who was on his 11th Blues Cruise, said “You might as well forget the world and have some real fun.” And, believe me, we all did. The bartenders kept the orders coming, the dollar bills were flying in all directions, the sound system was controlled by Eddie Barry (who returned from Dominica just in time) — the music was so great that you didn’t mind not being able to hear your neighbor’s conversation. Who came to talk?
“Watermelon Slim” hit a high note on his harmonica that I dare Patrick to try. Moe and Bev Poulin, who were in the audience, could never in their wildest dreams have imagined wall to wall people at Wharfside Village (they built it).
When “Grasshopper” Pickering sang “Everything’s Going to Be Alright,” I knew that the old Love City spirit was reborn. It was an afternoon of magic with more music at Mooie’s and Infusions Lounge going on into the evening. The Blues Cruisers may be in St. Barts today but they won’t have as much fun.
Thanks to Yvonne Tharpes and Steve Simon for bringing this giant ray of sunshine to Cruz Bay.
“Let’s Make a Date” Auction Coming Up
February 10 is the date at the Westin — help us raise scholarships money for our talented young people at the St. John School of the Arts.
Alex Dalmida Passes
A very familiar figure on the streets of St. John has gone. Alex was a member of our police force for many years. We all will miss him. My sympathy to his friend and family.
