Educator, song writer and performer Dale Butler has done it again. Superseding himself with his talented troupe in a fantastic transition from a highly successful biblical stream with their variations of Climbin’ Jacob’s Ladder and leanings toward The Second Last Supper into a totally secular production Celebrating the Life of Hubert Smith, Sr.

Hubert Smith when singled out for a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 by the Bermuda Arts Council was cited by Charles Webbe as a ‘quintessential Bermudian of iconic stature whose achievements in Bermuda and overseas in the entertainment world are indelibly etched in the pages of Bermuda history.’

Dale in the play he wrote titled Hubert Smith presented it in a widely promoted theatre/dinner directed by Rotimi Martins at the Four ways Inn. Part proceeds from the $70-a plate event (reduced for seniors and students) go towards a scholarship and foundation in Hubert’s name.

Drawing on his own archives Dale in collaboration with the Smith family, brought the late Hubert ‘back to life’. Featured in this effort were performers from his sterling Climbin’ cast and remaining legends from back in the legendary days of Choy Aming’s fabulous Clay House Inn The play continues until October 5.

The play features the live Masterpiece Band led by Dexter Dillas, comprising Quinton ‘Tiny’ Burgess, and the great Jade Minors with special guest Veronica ‘Lolly’ Darrell, impersonating the late Violetta Carmichael singing her famous song ‘This will be my Shining Hour.

Also there were legends like Gene Steede, June Caisey, Stan ‘Lord Necktie’ Seymour, Duke Joell, Cleveland ‘Outta Sight’ Simmons. Also ‘The 4 Ripe Loquats of Pond Hill led by announcer Gerald Simons with Cleveland ‘Outta-sight’ Richardson, Denny Richardson, and Dale Butler himself.

Actor Charles Jeffers gave an outstanding performance, as did his real life son Jermaine Jeffers who personified Hubert Smith. New to the Butler cast were young Marq Rodriguez-Philip and Doreen Juliet, both most promising actors

Hubert Smith was born May 9 and died December 3, 2001. At age six he was playing around with his ukulele, and at nine was writing jingles about his friends. At 15 local band leader Mark Williams took him under his wing after him play and sing at the Colonial Opera House. In 1951 Hubert formed his own colourfully-dressed band called the Coral Islanders.

He was such a hit at Clay House Inn that Hamilton Princess invited him to play there. He eventually became the hotel’s music director. Hubert wrote more than fifty songs, the most famous being Bermuda is Another World. He performed for US President John F Kennedy and the Queen at Government House. Hubert was founder and first president of the Bermuda Musicians Union.

Also he was a music ambassador for the Department of Tourism when ever it went to the USA to drum up business. He was a keen golfer and a founding member of the Ocean View Golf Club. At six every morning, year round, he used to take a swim.

It was snippets from many of those facets of Hubert’s life that Dale Butler highlighted in his fabulous new play which yours truly hails as absolutely fantastic.