Fashion, music and tea
Published:Sunday | March 30, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Songbird Karen Smith created musical waves, Tetley served up immensely delicious tea, and the Silver Birds Steel Orchestra placed the icing on the cake at the St James Parish Church Fashion, Music and Tea at Bellefield Great House last Saturday.
Smith, whose stage appearance should become a template for all live performances, had the audience eating out of her hands, while the Silver Birds added energy to an already electrifying and satisfying setting.
The
stage was already set by Weston Haughton, whose sole purpose these days
is to preserve the country's rich cultural heritage. Haughton, known for
coordinating events throughout the island, was the perfect host as he
showcased fashion pieces from Ann-Marie Cadogan's Elegance
Boutique.
Off stage, a traditional form of fashion was
highlighted by the hostesses who wore bandana costumes, depicting an era
at the Bellefield Great House, which was built in the
1600s.
Head cook and bottle washer Lisa Watt and her
team, which included Jennifer Hepburn-Lee and Carlene Duhaney, provided
the ideal setting for good food, fun, and fabulous
entertainment.
Their aim: to rebuild the historic
church hall, which has been in existence since 1775. One of the most
beautiful edifices in the parish of St James, the church is constructed
of white limestone and is of the Greek cross plan with a bell tower at
the west end. The building also has large, round-headed sash windows and
an elaborate Palladian window. According to the Jamaica National
Heritage Trust, it was severely damaged in the earthquake of 1951.
Repair work has resulted in minor departures from the original design,
but it still represents a part of our
history.
Photos by Janet Silvera