Hey Folks! Well I have to tell you that we at TJJ couldn't wait for this event. You know we are always in the mix, and to be privileged to be attending an event such as this, was just all we could stand. Pan Jazz is something our parents would rock back and listen to when we were younger, so we have definitely grown to appreciate the art.

For those of you who haven't heard, the weather in NYC has been eerie to say the least with rain almost everyday for months. This day was no exception. We all had umbrellas in tow hustling through the city as the rain was torrential. Hey we made it on time, and well, sort of dry.

The reception was filled with mostly a mature crowd milling about as they sampled the various hors d'oeuvres and sipped on Shandy, Carib, Royal Extra and Fruit Punch. The appetizers were sooo scrumptious that the line seemed never ending because people kept returning for seconds and thirds. The live jazz trio also added to the ambiance of the evening. There were also lots to check out as there were representatives from various Caribbean islands with tons of literature from where to stay to what to do.

Photos By Rae L.
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Soon it was show time. The line up was stellar. Everyone quietly took their seats and readied themselves to enjoy the sounds from the Othello Molineaux Quartet and The Caribbean All Stars featuring Etienne Charles, Pedro Martinez, Manolo Badrena, Ray Holman, Nicholas Brancker and Kees. Arturo Tappin was scheduled to perform also but was unable to as he fell ill before the show. We certainly hope he has recovered.

The show began with the host for the evening, Jeanille Bonterre of BET J giving us a warm welcome as she introduced the Othello Molineaux Quartet. That set was so beautiful. I felt so proud to once again experience the pan being played ever so heavenly. It's such a switch from panorama. I love panorama with the heavy rhythms of soca and all of the liming and action, trust me, but this was fabulous! I was just tapping my pretty feet the whole time.

At intermission, folks were making bar runs etc. As for us, we just couldn't wait to see what was in store next. When everyone was settled for the second half, we were treated with the honor of an appearance from the incomparable Geoffrey Holder. Actor, dancer, costume designer, voice artist and vocalist extraordinaire. Can you say standing ovation? Oh and he can command an audience like no other I've seen.

He was quite funny and teased the audience a bit because they left the children at home and reminded us of how important and precious art is to our youth. Amidst the jokes, my favorite was his reference to his cane being a magic wand. Lol! He was in such great spirits that he put the "wand" down and did a little dance for us.

The show continued with the Caribbean All Stars. Kaiso, Kaiso! It was certainly refreshing to hear ole time someting! Oh people, Etienne can blow the heck out of a trumpet! Whooooohoooo! Pedro Martinez on the congas was phenomenal. The entire band made you want to just do the chair dance! You felt the drums in your soul. Kees Dieffenthaller (KES the Band) was a treat as usual. That dude can SING in case you all forgot.

Etienne chatted up the crowd a bit and spoke fondly of his old high school teacher, Ray Holman, who was his mentor and now a colleague and also of his friendship with Kees. It was also impressive to see a young man with such an appreciation for the art of Kiaso.

This was an evening well spent. It was chock full of Caribbean rhythms and culture. Love it! Thank you so much Ralph (Abstract Entertainment Inc.) and Wayne. We are definitely looking forward to the next event like this.

Le Petite for the TJJ fam