“Smiles win out always”

Infused and refreshed with copious amounts of locally made sorrel and lemon grass tea, hundreds of persons sat in awe of what could only be described as one of the greatest showcases of Bermudian talent for the summer of 2015

Berkeleyite Elton Richardson was joined in duet by fellow Berkeleyite Connie Simmons-Hill, giving a spine-thrilling rendition of My Funny Valentine. At one point in time, Ms Hill lovingly touched Mr Richardson’s bald head and teasingly sang to him, “Elton, don’t change your hair for me.”

Guitar maestro Dayton Wharton opened with a remarkable solo, in which he reminded the crowd of why he is considered one of Bermuda’s “guitar gods”. Riff after riff lured the crowd into a near-hypnotic trance. He was later joined by Lolly Darrell, who sang the Bob Marley standard Turn Your Lights Down Low. Some couples were seen to hold hands during this performance.

“We owe you such a debt that we never can forget”

Any Berkeleyite knows that we have a rich tradition of musical excellence, spanning multiple generations. Many of Bermuda’s finest musicians were hand-picked and groomed by Major Kenneth Dill and Eustace Jones, who, coincidentally, was honoured at the school’s Founder’s Day in October 2014.

The baton of this legacy has now been passed on to the man who wrote what could arguably be called our present national anthem, Proud to be Bermudian. I speak of no one else but someone I am proud to share a bloodline with — Johnny Woolridge.

Mr Woolridge’s dedicated work was evidenced in the performances of a few of his mentees. First up was a young man destined to be one of Bermuda’s masters of the ivory and ebony keys, Berkeleyite Malik Alick. He was joined by violinist Berkeleyite Shadaunte Tucker. Together they provided the crowd with their beautifully unique version of Danny Boy.

Next up was Berkeleyite Shawn Herman a protégé of his uncle Wendell “Shine” Hayward. For some reason, he “handicapped” himself by declaring he was a former Green House captain. Irrespective of this one “flaw”, he stood and delivered a sexy saxophone solo that would bring tears to the eyes of Miles Davis himself. Mr Woolridge then took to the keyboards to provide musical background to two of Berkeley Institute’s newest R&B songstresses, Darlene Darrell and Kiana Medeiros.

It was during these two performances that emotions came crashing down among the hundreds in attendance. Perhaps it was the haunting words of Nina Simone. Or that some of the greatest hopes of Berkeleyites and Bermudians were being vocalised by these two young ladies. One will never be able to put a definitive answer to these question, yet the one singular result was tears of joy by many in the audience.

The legacies of Major Dill, Eustace Jones and now Johnny Woolridge have prevailed beyond measure.

“Sing of the days that are dear to all”

The night was ended in true Berkeley fashion, with a singing of the third verse of the Berkeley school song.

A song that can never be forgotten by anyone who has ever donned that green-and-gold school tie. It was a sight to see Berkeleyites ranging in age from 17 to 77 and above singing at the top of their lungs those words embedded into their soul.

I write all this not only as a proud Berkeleyite, but more so as a proud Bermudian.

This annual concert organised by the Berkeley Educational Society encompasses several key principles in how we have moved forward and must continue to move forward as a people.

First, the purpose of the event was to raise scholarship funds for deserving graduates of the Berkeley Institute.

Second, the event was an all-volunteer effort in which everyone participating did so from the heart.

Third, the event showcased a mixture of seasoned and upcoming Bermudian musical talent.

Fourth, the event pulled together a multi-generational crowd of hundreds, thus making it truly a community event. In summation, this event will surely become an annual extravaganza. Music lovers, Bermudians and Berkeleyites, in particular, must mark their calendars for next year’s event, scheduled for July 3.

The local sorrel and lemon grass tea alone demand your presence.

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