Light and power at Celebramos 3

The November 24 showers didn’t dampen Celebramos 3 at St Theresa’s Parish, Woodbrook. Swathed in shadows softened by the sanctuary’s dusky violet glow, almost 300 patrons grew more animated with each passing performance.

From ‘d Piano Girl’ Johanna Chuckaree’s controlled, but oh so exuberant vocals that filled the church to its vaulted ceiling, to Frenz in Muzik’s earthy tippy-ting-a-ling offerings that proved ole time band sweet too bad!

Raymond Edwards’ deep caramel vocals warmed the way and there was silence as John Thomas’ tenor trembled the timbers.

Dr Ray Holman’s double seconds verily sang, as did his former student Anthony ‘Tony Paul’ Woodruffe’s sultry saxophone. Natasha Babwah-Tim Kee sang from the soundtracks of her life in an ivory ensemble that rivalled her smile. The host parish’s Combined Choir hinted that ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’, and if you needed a second clue, proclaimed ‘Christmas Coming’. None like Marcia Miranda to whip up a crowd and Johann Chuckaree’s tenor pan to set the soul to soar.

Deacon Derek Walcott boasted a new collection of MC jokes and unpacked a few of his own that kept the audience tittering. Producer Johann Chuckaree expressed gratitude to our Confirmation candidates who served in various capacities throughout the night, performers who all appeared pro bono, HADCO, and Okazions, Westmall, who sponsored several door prizes and every person who had served and sweated unseen.

Parish priest Fr Carlyle Guiseppi CSSp blessed all who came and those who couldn’t. And God blessed us with a sign of His love and concern. After a power outage blackened the surrounding streets and churchyard, the lights came flooding back at the sounds of ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ in a Johann Chuckaree/d Piano Girl steelpan/piano duet. A reminder of who, truly, is the Light of the World. — Laura Ann Phillips