The Night of Legends Concert set to create history in Guyana

The Night of Legends Concert promises to be a night to remember with artists like Eddy Grant, Terry Garaj, Mighty Rebel and Dave Martins, set to grace the stage on August 9 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The Guyana Festival Committee on Monday announced the more than 16 artistes who would be performing at the concert as part of the inaugural Guyana Festival – set to be the country’s showcase – during a launch at the Housing Ministry’s boardroom.

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali stated that the four-hour concert will showcase everything Guyanese and will make history in Guyana.

“It will be the renovation and revoking of the characteristics and personalities of what we ought to have as Guyanese. It is now time for all of us to embrace the opportunity of loving who we are, celebrating who we are, sharing who we are, and endearing others to be who we are,” the Minister stated.

In brief remarks after the announcement, some of the artistes stated that they were very happy to be part of such an event and hoped that it continues. They noted that they were waiting for such an event to take place so that they can showcase their talent.

Some of the other names that will be performing include Teddy Jones, Sash Persaud and Aubrey Mann. Guyana Festival Coordinator Tameca Sukhdeo Singh and Chairman of the Night of Legends Concert Lennox Canterbury were also in attendance at the launch.

Cost

Meanwhile, the Minister was questioned by media operatives about the cost of the Guyana Festival, which will be held August 8-10 under the theme “Sound, Soul and Taste of Guyana”, but he said “if we worry about costs for the event, the event will not happen”.

He, however, noted that the Festival carries a lot of expenses and thus far the private sector has played a very big role, as 10 entities have already given the Ministry their commitment to the Festival, “which is a very good sign”.

Ali also announced that they are collaborating with Fly Jamaica Airways for special packages for Jamaicans to come to Guyana for the Festival.

Around 20,000 Festival Passports are presently being printed and will be sold in countries around the world including the United States of America, Canada, and all Caribbean Countries. The Passports will be sold for Gy$3000 each at venues to be announced shortly. In respect to the Festival Coins which are being designed by Kings Jewellery World, production will begin shortly.

The family-oriented event will take the format of an exhibition during the daytime showcasing local craft, art, and culinary delights, in addition to celebrity and demonstration tents, with concerts in the evenings. There will also be a children’s playground.

On Friday, August 8, the opening ceremony will feature an air show by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and will see a fusion of Guyanese cultural items comprising dramatic performances, poetry, and dance, etc. On Saturday, August 9, before the concert, games and various community competitions will be hosted in the day. The event will culminate with a culinary cook-off competition of traditional Guyanese foods, such as duck curry, pepper pot, cook-up, metemgee and black cake, followed by a grand concert aimed at promoting the next generation of Guyana’s musicians  and developing new/young talent. Performing will be Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Adrian Dutchin, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, and others.