Studdard comes through
Published:Wednesday | February 16, 2011 | 12:00 AM
'American Idol' star lives up to billing
Janet Silvera • Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU::
His teachers, friends and acquaintances told him he wasn't going to become a singer, and he proved them wrong.
Last Saturday night, the 2003 winner of 'American Idol', Ruben Studdard, again had the proof anyone needed; he proved he was the perfect choice for The Palmyra Foundation dinner and dance benefit.
Combining his talent with a Jamaican woman whose diverse repertoire spreads far and wide, Myrna Hague, and Dwight Richards, who is fast overtaking the island's other party bands, the three burnt hot, creating a rich inferno at the fabulous Palmyra Resort and Spa in Montego Bay.
Studdard's cool operator attitude, was almost too cool for the poolside event, but he hit the jackpot and lit the first match stick when he paid tribute with Al Green's How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, Luther Vandross' So Amazing and his own What If, the second single that made it big in the United States.
It came as no surprise that the singer, who won the hearts of voters with the winning song Flying Without Wings, had literally invited the audience into his living room as he caressed them musically.
"I want Jamaicans to feel as if they are in my living room," he told The Gleaner a week before arriving on the island.
He did just that and much more.
Quenching audience's thirst
His music was like water quenching the thirst and when he opened his larynx, he had patrons revelling in his personal experiences, as he worked at getting them totally engrossed in his set.
No, Ruben Studdard did not disappoint and neither did Hague.
In her 30-minute set, during which she earned an encore, she moved seamlessly and comfortable from jazz to smooth reggae and back.
She sang What About Me, a reggae ballad and jazz standard, Falling in Love with Love.
But it was Dwight Richards and his band that caused the elegantly dressed women to take off their shoes and rock as if there was no tomorrow.
Energising the beautifully Tai Flora decorated venue, Richards' unprecedented showmanship said it in no uncertain terms, 'Welcome to JamRock'.
JamRock, the home of reggae music had once again shown why it was so loved by those who visit its shores and Dwight Richards was the conveyor.
The Palmyra Foundation had outdone themselves this time around, putting on an event packed full of action food stations, lots of drinks and a silent auction.
The pride on the face of executive chef, Scott Simpson was apparent, Ragni and Bob Trotta, of The Foundation were in their elements and emcee Fae Ellington was having a ball.
Last Saturday's event formed part of a fun-filled weekend aimed at raising money for books for four and five-year-old schoolchildren for the 2011-2012 school year.
The weekend kicked off with Tropical Reggae Beach Concert with headliner Third World Band, beloved singer Tarrus Riley, saxophonist Dean Fraser and singer Tessanne Chin, who all rocked the white sand beach at the resort last Friday.