'Simply Myrna' returns in March

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

On March 10, Simply Myrna 2012: Myrna Hague in Concert returns to the Courtleigh Auditorium. And patrons who experienced the inaugural show in 2011 should expect to have another exciting musical ride.

This and more was revealed at the media and sponsors' launch held last Thursday at Argyle Road.

In a very relaxed atmosphere, after welcoming her guests, Myrna Hague said, "Simply Myrna, last year, was an exciting adventure. It was not only an adventure, but it was stepping out in faith. You came along with me and made it a success."

And following the announcement of the date for the 2012 show, she promised, "It will be very exciting."

In addition to Hague, there will be other acts. The Big Band, with added string section, and special guest, Jamaica's Dobby Dobson, are two of the acts which were mentioned.

Dobson, known for Loving Pauper, has not performed in Jamaica for a while. The colourful Carifolk Singers will be returning.

"You know how I love to dance and I love to get naughty with my audience. I am not going to leave any of that out ... . You will be seeing my 'Dancing with the Stars' routine."

And Hague will be dancing to Ralph Holding Jr's newly written and arranged works.

Representatives of the sponsors gave brief speeches about why they chose to be part of the show.

Suwanne Stewart of Grace Foods said her organisation was happy to support events that were tasteful and graceful, and that Grace considered "Myrna Hague to be of the utmost gracefulness", and "endorsed her concerts as she brings great music to people here and abroad". The Gleaner's Karin Cooper also expressed great pleasure in being apart of the programme. "Myrna represents an area covered by The Gleaner. She represents that high point of Jamaican music. Myrna is a class act and we are pleased to be associated with a class act."

Other companies on the list of sponsors are Lascelles Wines & Spirits and Chicken & Tings, while former Governor General Sir Kenneth and wife Lady Hall will once again be patrons of the concert.

Lady Hall shared the reason for her patronage. "I have always admired Myrna's singing. I just enjoy hearing her and I think she is just a worthy person to support. She has come through very strong after the death of her husband. I think she deserves every support."

Len Crooks, organiser of the launch and MC of the programme, revealed that the show will become an annual one.

"It is a good product and we are getting the sponsors, so we are keeping it," he said.

"We got very good response from the first show, and we decided we were going to try it again. We are thinking of making it into an annual event. So every year around March, we will be doing Simply Myrna."

Entertainment for the evening came in the form of recorded music and the viewing of the DVD, Simply Myrna, 2011.