US Embassy celebrates

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

The sounds of jazz, merriment and fine cuisine were the hallmark of the Kingston Embassy of the United States of America's (USA) Independence Day Celebration, held on Monday at the embassy's Old Hope Road location.

The compound boasted colours of the US flag, supported by photos lining its corridor.

Inside, after a period of mingling to the sounds of prerecorded marching bands, guests were invited to view the Embassy's art collection, depicting aspects of Jamaican life through the lens and brushes of Americans. Among the art collectors delight were three Kate Simon photos of the legendary Bob Marley performing, reflecting and simply profiling.

The programme continued with a short formal ceremony that began with the Presentations of Colours by the US Marine Corps's Colour Guards, followed by a beautiful rendition of Jamaica's National Anthem by the just-more-than-a-year-old US Embassy choir.

After their performance, The Gleaner spoke with Mark Foga, a member of the choir. He explained that the 16-member choir came about after a discussion among friends; they got permission and performed at an award ceremony for their first event. Since then they have performed at funerals and have been invited to perform at churches. There are plans to allow the choir to grow. Now he hears "talks about taking the group to Washington."

true entertainment

But the evening's true entertainment was served on the platter of jazz. Maurice Gordon and his three-member band (Kenrick Lawrence on keyboard, Andrew Ayre on bass and Peter Samru on drum) were the servers.

Away from the 'food court' with its wide array of mixed culture cuisine, in the only space where seats were provided, the musicians dished out fulfilling songs like Some of My Favourite Songs, Summer Time and Fly Me To The Moon, from the US song book, to an ever-expanding and contracting audience.

The band concluded its more-than-an hour-long performance with another American classic Georgia; thus ending the celebration of the 235th anniversary of the Independence of the USA.

Earlier in the formal ceremony, very brief speeches, reinforcing the theme of the Independence celebration: 'A Call To Service' were given by Ambassador Pamela Bridge Water and The Honourable Kenneth Baugh. Both speakers reiterated the long history of both countries working together to overcome challenges.