Thousands converge at Victoria Park for Rise Up concert

Promoters of the recently held Rise Up benefit concert are hailing the event as a success.{{more}}

On Saturday February 1, thousands of patrons flocked to the Victoria Park to be a part of one of the biggest benefit concerts to ever hit St Vincent and the Grenadines.

From the all-star overseas soca line up of Alison Hinds, Peter Ram, Tallpree and Benjai to SVG’s leading artistes, each held their own and gave the patrons a great show.

Shortly before the event got underway, a moment of silence was observed for those who lost their lives during the passage of the December 24, 2013 trough system.

The event was geared towards raising the estimated $400,000 required to refurbish the maternity ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, which suffered extensive flood damage.

Speaking briefly to SEARCHLIGHT yesterday, one of the show’s organizers, music producer, Alex “Kubiyashi” Barnwell said while they are still in the process of tallying the proceeds from Saturday’s event, he is happy with the support shown by Vincentians.

“I am grateful for those who donated and very thankful to the artistes who performed pro bono… The show ran on time and it went down without incidents,” Barnwell stated.

Barnwell further added that it was great that Vincentians could rise up to the occasion and not have to wait on government to do something worthwhile for their country.

“It is a good sign of love and camaraderie. I am just grateful for all the support and assistance given by all those who contributed,” he added.

The night also saw brief remarks from this country’s Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves and Dr Linton Lewis, chairman of the Opposition New Democratic Party. .

Some patrons braved the intermittent showers and partied in the rain.

The list of local artistes included: The Soca Dans, Skinny Fabulous, Yaphatu, Knetik Band, Bomani, Skarpyon, Recka, Wizkid, Icon, Royall, Keith Currency, Fya Empress, Vykinz Band, Rodney Small, Mystic Vibrations, Prez Madzart and a number of local Djs.

As the show came to a conclusion with a peformance by Skinny Fabulous, all the artistes joined him on stage, hugged each other and thanked patrons for attending and supporting the event.

The other two organizers of the show were businessman Luke Boyea and reigning soca monarch Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle.

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