GBPAS Comedy Show Delivers a Rich Mix of Humour in Sold Out Third Annual

The 4 visiting comedians arrive in style via Brice Limousine Service. Each comedian donated their time to assist the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society. Left to right: Big Daddy Tazz, Kyle Grooms, Gina Brillon, and Ricardo Aleman. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

 By The Bahamas Weekly News Team

 Freeport, Bahamas - The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society hosted the third comedy show in three years and their 2011 production was said by many to be the best one yet! The event ran two nights, both selling out at the Club House at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club.

A rich and varied mix of comedy was provided by the three visiting headliners: Gina Brillon, Kyle Grooms, and Big Daddy Tazz. MCing the event was local funnyman Trevor Russell along with American comedian Ricardo Aleman who each year assists in lining up the high caliber entertainment. "I had a great time. This was our best year, and it will keep getting better! said Aleman.

Gina Brillon, the first female comedian to appear in Grand Bahama at these series of events, gave a slice of life in stories from her home in New York as well as touching on her Latino heritage. "I had a blast! The show was amazing and so were the people! I was treated like royalty and who doesn't like that!" said Brillon.

It feels good to give back! Comedians of the 3rd annual GBPAS Comedy Show from left to right standing: Kyle Grooms (New Jersey), Gina Brillon (New York), Ricardo Aleman (New York), and Trevor Russell (Grand Bahama) and seated is Big Daddy Tazz (Winnipeg). Photo: The Bahamas Weekly 

 Returning to Grand Bahama was Kyle Grooms of New Jersey who once again pleased the crowd with his Barack Obama impersonations and references to being a 'non-threatening' black man due to his need to wear glasses. "I love performing in The Bahamas! The hospitality, the food, and the energy from the crowd was top notch. I felt like Barack Obama," said Grooms.

Two sold out performances were enjoyed by all those that attended at the Grand Bahama Yacht House's Club House. Photos: The Bahamas Weekly

 Bringing down the house was Canadian, Big Daddy Tazz who not only is a hilarious comedian, but a motivational speaker. Tazz reflected on many funny family stories, as well as life in Canada. "The hospitality and friendliness of Freeport was second only to the amazing crowds and the magic breadbox at Pelican Bay Hotel! I wish all at the Performing Arts Society and its supporters bright blessings, warmest wishes and silliness," said Tazz.

Dalia Feldman, Founder, Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society gives thanks at the end of another successful comedy show to assist the youth in Grand Bahama. Left to right: Big Daddy Tazz, Kyle Grooms, Gina Brillon, Dalia Feldman, Ricardo Aleman, and Trevor Russell. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

 Funds generated from the shows will go toward the youth involved in the performing arts in Grand Bahama.

The comedians enjoyed their stay in Grand Bahama sponsored by Pelican Bay Hotel, and were able to see some of the sites and enjoy the beaches before heading back to their busy work schedules.

Two of the comedians, Ricardo Aleman and Big Daddy Tazz made a visit to Lucaya International school, where they spoke to a the Grade 5 Class who happened to be studying the Performing Arts and stayed longer to speak to an assembly of the school's high school students. Big Daddy Tazz does motivational speaking on bullying and was able to incorporate this into his talk.

Comedians Ricardo Aleman and Big Daddy Tazz speak to the 5th grade class about the performing arts at Lucaya International School on March 14th. Photo: Dalia Feldman, GBPAS 

Comedians Big Daddy Tazz and Ricardo Aleman visit Lucaya International School to talk to the children. Aleman's nephews attend the school and one of them was studying the Performing Arts. Big Daddy Tazz also spoke about bullying. Photos: The Bahamas Weekly

 The Society wishes to thank the comedians who donated their time for the third annual show; its major sponsors for this event, Thayer's Natural Remedies, Pelican Bay Hotel, American Airlines/American Eagle, Grand Bahama Yacht Club, The Bahamas Weekly, Keen i Media and Mackey Media; the restaurants who fed our funny people, The Grand Bahama Yacht Club, The Garden Cafe, Agave and Banana Bay; the businesses who sponsored our ads, provided discount services, or services in kind or sold tickets, Sunny Isles, Coldwell Banker-James Sarles Realty, Macal Electronics, and Bahamas Island Info, The Seventeen Shop, Island Java and Antoni's Pizzeria; and the many GBPAS members and sponsors who keep the society alive!

See more photos at:Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society on Facebook

Trio con Brio performs for a sold-out audience

The Trio con Brio visiting artists from left to right: Christine Gangelhoff(flute) of Nassau; Ken Law (cello) of South Carolina; and Christy Lee (piano) of Nassau. Also performing was Afrika Karamo-Miller (violin) of Grand Bahama. Photo courtesy of the GBPAS

 Freeport, Bahamas - The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society (GBPAS) presented Trio con Brio on January 22nd at the Church of Ascension. Over 180 people, including 45 students enjoyed the the intimate concert with the sounds of Christy Lee (piano), Christine Gangelhoff (flute), both from Nassau, and Ken Law (cello) from South Carolina.

Trio con Brio performed piano and cello duets, as well as trios with flute and violin featuring local musician to Grand Bahama, Afrika Karamo-Miller.

The Trio con Brio concert at the Church of Ascension on January 22nd, presented by the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society. The GBPAS will next present their annual favourite, the NYC Comedy Club in March 2011 Photo courtesy of the GBPAS

 Dalia Feldman, President of the GBPAS said this about the concert, " We were so thrilled with the audience turn-out on Saturday, and equally thrilled to see how much the audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves, young and old alike. Every piece was wonderful, one after the other. My personal favorite was the piano, flute and cello trio, and I'm sure it was an audience favorite too because I heard some "Bravo's!" among the crowd after that particular number. The musicians received a house wide standing ovation in the end."

 

Christy Lee on piano with Ken Law on cello at the Trio con Brio concert at the Church of Ascension on January 2nd. Photo courtesy of the the GBPAS

 

The Master Class held on Sunday, January 23rd for 20 students from Grand Bahama Island. Photo courtesy of the GBPAS

 Ms Barbara Chester, a GBPAS member shared this remark about the event, "Christy Lee... is, of course, an exceptional pianist and Saturday night's playing was beautiful. And... Kenneth Law... this charming, sensitive gentleman caressed his cello with an exquisite tenderness producing the most perfectly loving musical vibrations; his playing is truly 'an affair of the heart'. The entire concert was magical! So very special that I was not surprised that on my way out the Church of the Ascension to hear the remark, 'We could have been at Carnegie Hall!' "

 

Over 20 violin, cello, woodwind and piano students had the opportunity to perform and work with the three musical experts. Photos courtesy of the GBPAS

The next day (Sunday) all three visiting musicians gave a triple Master Class at the Church of the Ascension. Over 20 violin, cello, woodwind and piano students had the opportunity to perform and work with the three musical experts.

"Our Master Class gave students the opportunity to work with Dr.'s Lee, Law and Gangelhoff, and fine tune their musical skills and performance. It's events like this this that validate what we do and drive us to want to continue to bring these wonderful programs to our local audiences and help local performing arts students in any way that we can," said Feldman.

 

Next on the GBPAS calendar, is the 3rd annual Comedy Club Show scheduled for March 12th.

The Society wishes to thank it's major sponsors for this event, Thayer's Natural Remedies, Pelican Bay Hotel, American Airlines/American Eagle, The Bahamas Weekly and Keen i Media.

Joie de Noel delivers Christmas Spirit to Grand Bahama

The cast of Joie de Noel. Left to Right: Javan Hunt, James Roker, Marjoke Twiest, Dora Brown, Nathaniel Lewis, Dalia Feldman, Anthony Hanna and Jackie Blower. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

The Bahamas Weekly

Freeport, Bahamas - Close to one hundred people came out to the Garden of the Groves as the full moon was rising in the sky on December 21st to enjoy and participate in Joie de Noel on and around the Grand Bahama Labyrinth.

Bundled warm on a clear and chilly evening guests were treated to piping hot chocolate with whip cream served by Dalia Feldman's family. Song sheets, candles and Christmas cookies were gratefully received as people sat around the Labyrinth on the park benches.

A magical setting at Joie de Noel at the Grand Bahama Labyrinth on December 21st. Photo; The Bahamas Weekly

Dalia Feldman sings O Holy Night at Joie De Noel Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

Founder of the Labyrinth, Barbara Chester opened the evening with a heartfelt introduction about the journey that Mary and Joseph made the night the Christ child was born, and how the Labyrinth itself represents that journey. Her story-telling was so enchanting and detailed that one felt as if that night could have been the same night experienced so long ago. She definitely infused the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.

14 year old Jackie Blower sings I'll Be Home For Christmas Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

The choral group, led by Marjoke Twiest came silently onto the Labyrinth carrying lit candles as their heavenly voices sang Silent Night. Seasoned professional, Dalia Feldman sang Ave Maria to candlelight with her angelic voice filling the Labyrinth with stillness and anticipation. A large Acacia tree, deep in the ground on the side of the Labyrinth, was lit to signify the Tree of Christmas, and when done so oohs and aahs were heard from the audience.

Marjoke Twiest, choral director sings Where Are You Christmas? Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

The choral group continued with solo numbers of Christmas classics new and old. James Roker sang Peace on Earth, followed by Panis Angelicus by Dora Brown, Marjoke Twiest and Javan Hunt. The strong singing voice of Javan Hunt delivered Mary Did You Know, and after that Marjoke Twiest sang the popular modern song, Where Are You Christmas? Fourteen year old newcomer Jackie Blower confidently sang I'll Be Home For Christmas.

Javan Hunt sings Mary Did You Know Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

A star was lit signifying the Star of Bethlehem while the choral group sang We Three Kings. Next the duo of James Roker and Dora Brown delivered a delightfully played out rendition of Baby It's Cold Outside.

The crowd, eager to light their candles, did so next and the whole area became a magical place of light. The audience was invited to sing Christmas Carols along with the vocalists to complete the evening. After the carols guests were invited to send their written Christmas wishes to heaven by placing them into a lit urn in the center of the Labyrinth.

Dora Brown sings Panis Angelicus Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

Event organizers would like to thank Marjoke Twiest's son Chris, a sound technician visiting from Holland for his assistance, as well as Jerry Hill, who created the star and was responsible for providing the sound and light equipment along with operating the lights for the show. The night was a joy to behold!
Original Article HERE

'Broadway Baby' wows audience and brings master voice class to Grand Bahama singers

Dalia’s former voice teacher, Robert Edwin joins her on stage. (Photo courtesy Dave Mackey)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Dalia Feldman and Friends wowed the audience at the Regency Theatre last Saturday night, September 25th, with classic Broadway songs just released on her new CD, Broadway Baby, which benefits The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society and their scholarships for local performing arts students.

Delighting the crowd with favourite show tunes that sparked memories of falling in love with live theatre attending Broadway shows as a child, Dalia Feldman performed hit songs accompanied by Dr. Christy Lee on the piano, and sang duets with international baritone Robert Edwin—her long time voice teacher. Robert Edwin is a singer, composer, teacher, and writer who has sung all over the world, from New York’s Carnegie Hall to Bach cantatas in European cathedrals. Edwin’s diverse performing career is matched by his equally diverse teaching credentials.

A lucky handful of local voice students were able to attend his Master Class on Sunday, 26 September, following the Broadway Baby concert. A singing teacher and coach since 1975, Mr. Edwin teaches voice technique, repertoire development, and performing skills and presence as part of his dynamic and personalized approach that helps students discover and cultivate their own creative gifts.

  

 Dalia Feldman performed hit songs accompanied by Dr. Christy Lee on the piano. (Photo courtesy Dave Mackey)

Providing the beautiful arrangements and accompanying these talented singers on the piano at both events was The College of The Bahamas’ own Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Christy Lee. She is also credited with lending her musical skills in working with Dalia Feldman on recording the songs in the new CD, which is available at The Mail Drop, The Silk Cafe, and soon at www.cdbaby.com. Proceeds from the Broadway Baby CD sales will go to The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society scholarships. Catch updates on the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society Facebook page.

The cast presented Feldman with a birthday cake following her dynamic performance Saturday evening. 

Having first experienced Broadway shows when her generous older brother treated her to performances as childhood birthday and Christmas gifts, Feldman was “... overjoyed to be able to give back some of the magic I experienced in the theatre at an early age. It is my sincere hope that this new album will help open doors for a new generation of talented singers, dancers, musicians, and production talent to finely develop their own unique gifts and love of theatre.”

 Robert Edwin (right) gives Walter Parker Primary School Music teacher, Erika Weir, some vocal pointers at Sunday’s Master class. (Photo: Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society)

Robert Edwin (right) works with local singer, Javan Hunt, at Sunday’s Master Class. (Photo: Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society)

Broadway Baby was a joint production of the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society and the Freeport Players Guild. Both groups wish to thank the sponsors of this event for their very generous support: Pelican Bay Hotel, American Airlines, Thayer’s Natural Remedies, The Bahamas Weekly, Keen i Media, Butler’s Food World, and Antoni’s Pizzeria as well as those who provided meals and gifts for our visiting artists: Agave, Banana Bay Restaurant, The Garden Café, Italian Specialty Imports and Cocoa Plum Chocolates.

Broadway Baby concert to feature Dalia Feldman and Friends, September 25th

Dalia Feldman to perform on September 25th at the Regency Theatre Photo: Lyndah Wells

 By The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society

Freeport, Bahamas - The bright lights of Broadway have beckoned Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society founder and president, Dalia Feldman, since she was a young girl. As a child, she celebrated special birthdays and holidays with much-anticipated excursions into Manhattan where unforgettable performances awakened her love of singing and live theatre magic. That same sense of excitement surrounds her upcoming one-night-only special concert on September 25th at 8 p.m. where favorites from her newly recorded album of classic Broadway showstoppers will be presented in celebration of the CD’s release. Album sales will benefits local performing arts students and help keep a vibrant variety of local and international talent performances happening on the island.

 The September 25th show will also feature Robert Edwin

Sharing the stage will be an international singer, composer, and writer—Robert Edwin—whose diverse career has seen him performing in New York City’s Carnegie Hall, with jazz legend Duke Ellington, in NBC Christmas specials, and with opera star Jerome Hines. Edwin also has extensive teaching credentials and will be conducting a Master Voice Workshop for local students on Sunday, September 26th, together with Feldman—who also happened to be his student for seven years while growing up in New Jersey. Adding even more pizzazz will be pianist Dr. Christy Lee, Assistant Professor of Music at College of The Bahamas/Nassau, who will accompany Dalia and several guest artist friends she has worked with over the years in many productions with the Freeport Players Guild.

Pianist, Dr. Christy Lee, Assistant Professor of Music at College of The Bahamas/Nassau, will accompany Dalia and several guest artist friends at the special one night only concert

Dalia Feldman will share her talents on September 25th by performing some of the most popular show tunes of all times, including songs from top shows such as Cats, The King and I, Phantom of The Opera, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and My Fair Lady.

This extra-special concert will be a combined celebration of Dalia Feldman’s long-time love of Broadway, her work to help the next generation explore their theatrical talents, and a new beginning for sharing her own musical magic on a date that will bring her full circle—her birthday—September 25th!

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets are going quickly and are available at Antoni’s Pizzeria, Island Java, and the Seventeen Shop. Broadway Baby CD’s will be available for $15 the night of the concert. Presented by The Freeport Players Guild and The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society, Broadway Baby In Concert: An Evening with Dalia Feldman & Friends is a don’t-miss one-time show.

Broadway Baby in concert with Dalia Feldman & Friends, September 25th

To celebrate her album’s release, a special concert will be held on Saturday evening, September 25, 2010 at 8 p.m. at The Regency Theatre. Dalia Feldman will perform songs from the new CD, including classic tunes from Cats, The King and I, Phantom of The Opera, Thoroughly Modern Millie, My Fair Lady, and other popular long-running Broadway shows. Proceeds are to benefit the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society. Photo: Lyndah Wells

 By Paula Boyd-Farrington

Freeport, Bahamas - Born into a family that loved the performing arts, Dalia Feldman grew up just a short bus ride from the bright lights of Broadway, and celebrated countless childhood birthdays with trips to shows in Manhattan—gifts from her generous older brother.