Brenda Lee Eager thrills at Ode To Love

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

The Ed Gallimore-produced concert, dubbed Ode To Love, lacked nothing last Wednesday.

By being in the audience, one could literally feel the love in the air. The performances were excellent, with little to complain about unless you were begging for more.

The Gleaner arrived at an elegantly decorated Courtleigh Auditorium and the team was greeted with champagne and tea, and early patrons made proper use of the time by building conversations while admiring the beautiful décor.

At 7:22 p.m., former Governor General Sir Kenneth and Lady Hall arrived.

They were welcomed by photographers who snapped pictures as they graced the red carpet.

Sir Kenneth also joined the mingling, greeting fellow patrons on the outskirts.

At 7:50 p.m., it was showtime, and what better way to start an evening of love than to be led by a child?

Abigail Gallimore, granddaughter of Ed Gallimore, did the welcome, and she impressed, eloquently greeting the guests.

The show began with a dance tribute to incarcerated reggae icon Mark 'Buju Banton' Myrie.

The piece, choreographed by Natalie Gallimore, was a splendid opener, with the soulful message of Buju Banton sending love to the mother country through his song, African Pride.

Fae Ellington and Ruth-Ann Ho Shing delivered an articulate rendition of St Paul's first letter to the Corinthians.

"Love does not reside in iniquity - but in the truth - love never fails," they reminded the audience.

Couple Stephen and Stephanie Maxwell followed, and manifested their love through the arts.

The duo performed I Look To You by the King of R&B, R. Kelly.

The performance was on point as Stephen sat behind the piano and punched notes which caressed the soothing vocals of his wife.

D'Arcy Williams was next and she performed All I Ask Of You by David Norbet and Mary David Callahan.

The song triggered some deep meditation as she repeated the words.

"All I ask is to forever remember me loving you," the essence of tranquility oozing through her voice.

The headliner was Brenda Lee Eager, and she did not disappoint.

The international singer and songwriter has worked with the likes of Ray Charles, Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin, and she showed her class, if ever it was doubted.

She also told the audience that Jamaica was like her second home because of the climatic similarities to her hometown, Alabama.

"I sweat when I'm in Jamaica and I like that, it reminds me of Alabama," she said.

She then sang songs such as Joy, and Ray Charles' Night Time Is The Right Time, which she dedicated to the late singer.

The audience was wowed at her ability to deliver the songs to perfection. Every high note was delivered with quality.

Other notable performers were reggae singers Alaine and Nadine Sutherland.

The ladies were both impressive, even though they were singing songs outside of their genre.

There was also a presentation of the 2011 fall collection of Bridal Designs, courtesy of Petals and Promises.

After an evening dedicated to love, why not get married?

The event was sponsored by Tetley, Supreme Ventures and Caribbean Dreams.