NEW YORK — West Indians — people from the English-speaking Caribbean — gathered this past weekend in Jamaica, Queens, to laugh and sway to the highly successful Jamaican musical and comedy production Wheel An' Come Again.
The New York-based Braata Folk Singers, directed by Jamaican singer and producer Andrew Clarke showcased their 2011 hit production at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center on Jamaica Avenue in Queens.
Set predominantly on a vibrant and colorful Jamaican market day, Wheel An' Come Again traces, through song and movement, the activities of a group of vendors and shoppers as they gossip, haggle, socialize and occasionally argue their way through the busy day.
The market backdrop provides a perfect performance platform for many memorable Jamaican and Caribbean folk songs, including Coconut Woman, Ruckumbine, I'm a Better Woman Than You, Don't Touch Mi Tomato, Domino, Under The Coconut Tree and Lionheart.
The Queens appearance continued Braata's commemoration of Jamaica's 50th independence anniversary which began with a show in Toronto and will include performances during the World Choir Games in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 4-14 where the troupe will represent Jamaica.
“Having Jamaican culture on show in Jamaica, Queens, is part of our plans to connect the culture of the Caribbean with the strong Caribbean communities who live in the borough,”said Phillip Willis, executive director of the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning.
Photo:COURTESY OF WIDE VISION PHOTOGRAPHY
FOLK SHOW: The Braata Folk Singers of Jamaica, seen here during one of their performances, took the stage in New York.
No Comment