BARON (Timothy Watkins) will lend his voice to help in developing young creatives at a concert at the Creative Arts Centre, San Fernando, on December 6.
An Evening of Christmas Voices is in support of improving the Visual and Performing Arts Department at the San Fernando East Secondary School (SFESS).
The "sweet soca man," along with Zuwena, will be joined by parranderos Los Ruisenores, La Divina Pastora and Una Sola Voz, Southern Marines Steel Orchestra, the school's dancers, steel orchestra and arts choir. DJ Dr Desmond will also provide music.
In a Newsday interview on December 2, Paul Julien, head of the Visual and Performing Arts Department, said the funds will be used to repair the dance room, install mirrors and bring it up to a professional standard. He said floor is termite-infested, and the roof has a few leaks.
“In the theatre arts room we will need to repair the stage which is also termite-infested and install electricals for lighting and effects (up to code) and acquire a multimedia projector.
“The music space needs more storage for steelpans and repairs to the wall, roof and floor, which leaks. One of the rooms floods every time there is heavy rain.
“The visual arts spaces need new windows and drawing tables, as the available tables are also termite-infested.”
Despite these drawbacks, SFESS continues to excel in the arts, Julien said.
[caption id="attachment_1124688" align="alignnone" width="614"] Aniyah Jones sings during the Miss/Mr San Fest finals at SAPA on November 2. - Yvonne Webb[/caption]
Last month, two students were among the finalists in the Miss San Fest competition – Aniyah Jones and Amaya London. London was the second-placed overall winner.
“In 2023, our own Amaya London won the 2023 San Fest Calypso Monarch and Naomi Taitt placed second in the spoken-word category.
“We have been a finalist in the San Fest steelpan category on four occasions.
“The school also participated in the just concluded San Fernando City Day Visual Art Exhibition and the Art By Creative Design Evolve visual arts exhibition and workshop for art students.”
Since 2008, SFESS has been championing local icons, recognising and honouring them with a cultural programme and renaming the day after the recipient.
The 2024 recipient was SuperBlue. Those previously honoured were Baron, Scrunter, Calypso Rose, Junior Bisnath of moko jumbie fame and the late Shadow, Roy Cape, Black Stalin and Mighty Duke. Reigning extempo champion Brian London will be honoured in 2025.
[caption id="attachment_1124687" align="alignnone" width="614"] Amaya London placed second in the 2024 Miss San Fest calypso monarch at SAPA on November 2. - Yvonne Webb[/caption]
Julien said he sincerely hopes that through this concert, aspiring students will be able to learn from the masters, as they create their own niche and spaces.
He thanked parents, students, the past pupil association headed by Elton Benjamin, and supporters who have worked to make this venture a success.
The only sponsor on board thus far is Southern
