THE ‘Night of Legends’ at the Guyana Festival, slated for August 9, was officially launched yesterday at a press briefing in the South Road, Georgetown boardroom of the Ministry of Tourism.
The best local musical bands and artistes are in an exciting line-up to perform at the event and give patrons an experience of a lifetime to witness all Guyanese artistes belt out renditions that were only talked about.
Coordinator of the Night, Mr. Lennox Canterbury explained that the festival has some nostalgic sectors and this event will be one part of it.
Artistes such as Dave Martins, Sammy Baksh and the Yoruba Singers are a few who will be creating the atmosphere for patrons on that night, Canterbury said.
He mentioned that scheduled to perform at the concert, will be a number of both recording and non-recording Guyanese artistes who would have made an impact on the music industry in Guyana.
This event will give especially the younger generation a glimpse of what this country has to offer and “they will have a better appreciation for our music after this event” Canterbury emphasised.
Long awaited
Speaking briefly on the occasion, Martins, Baksh, Mighty Rebel, Yoruba Singers and Sash Persaud confirmed that they will showcase the talents of Guyanese and they all congratulated the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Tourism on the long awaited initiative.
Acting Minister of Tourism, Mr. Irfaan Ali expressed his gratitude to the artistes for coming on board with the Guyana Festival and also acknowledged and applauded Martins for his immense support in assisting with making the occurrence a reality.
Ali said: “It will be a celebration as never before. It would be a moment of sharing a song through our music, the taste through our food and soul through our culture and history.”
He reported that the festival is receiving tremendous backing both locally and internationally and is presently being marketed in the Caribbean, New York and Miami; in the United States, Toronto, Canada and London, England.
The Guyana Festival Passport, costing US$15 as well as a Festival Coin, from King’s Jewellery World will be available soon, as well as other branded memorabilia, such as water bottles, pens, t-shirts for sale both locally and internationally.
Minister Ali also highlighted that several high ranking players have confirmed their participation in the Guyana Festival Cricket Match between a Masters Team and a President’s XI.
He said that “before now you heard about these players but now you will be given the opportunity to meet them.” Players joining the teams include Derek Kallicharran, former first class cricketer; and his brother, Alvin Kallicharran; ex-West Indian batsmen Faoud Bacchus, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Travis Dowlin, Neil Mc Garrell, Clyde Butts and current West Indies cricketer Clayton Lambert.
This historic happening in the calendar of events within the Tourism Sector, the inaugural Guyana Festival – Sound, Soul and Taste is slated to take place at the National Stadium Providence, East Bank Demerara, from August 8 to 10.
(By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)