St James Senior Citizens shine in concert

Karrie Williams, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Gerline Nelson and Geneva Woolery were without a doubt the top two performers at the recently staged St James National Council for Senior Citizens rising star concert held at the New Testament Church of God in Montego Bay.

Nelson, who led the group, Conqueror, performed her hit single, Wash Out Yuh Mouth, and kick-started the a capella-style concert. The unique message contained in her song, which she performed to much fanfare, kept the audience enthused throughout her set.

The talented golden-ager told Western Focus that she had been writing her own gospel-inspired songs since 1980, and to date, had written 53 songs. She shared that her lyrics were "directed by the Holy Spirit", adding that she fully intended to continue to use her talent for composition to "inspire others to come to the Lord".

While Nelson provided the initial jumpstart to the concert, Woolery's one-of-a-kind dance moves proved to be the icing on the cake. Performing with two other members of her fellowship club, Wollery's animated moves kept all eyes focused on her and had everyone in stitches.

Not to be outdone by their colleagues, other clubs also gave good performances. The event saw each club performing two songs, at least one of which was an original.

Occupy golden-agers

The four-hour long concert saw performances from more than 50 different clubs, including Can't Miss a Thing, Blessing and Honour, Love, Golden Orchard, Jubilee, Rain Drops, Unity and Mighty Throng.

Parish organiser for the St James National Council for Senior Citizens, Merah Salmon, said the concert was staged in a bid to keep the golden-agers of the parish occupied and entertained. She said in addition to music, sports and craft were also integral elements of the St James golden-agers' programme.