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

Annual GBPAS Comedy Show to deliver laughs in support of Grand Bahama's performing youth

Freeport, Bahamas - Previously dubbed, the NYC Comedy Club due to talent all hailing from the New York area, the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society has renamed the show the Comedy Show as this year Canadian stand up, Big Daddy Tazz will be in the line up. Joining him is returning funny man Kyle Grooms and the delightful and lovely Gina Brillon.

If you missed previous shows, you've likely heard all about them. This annual favourite was first held at Jokers Wild night spot, and last year at the Treasure Bay Casino. In support of community spirit, the GBPAS is working with a new venue this year, that being the Grand Bahama Yacht Club. The show will run two nights, March 11th and 12th with shows at 8pm.

Get your tickets now, as the show sells out each year! All proceeds support the youth of Grand Bahama who are in the arts .

"I'm really excited to be coming back to The Bahamas, and as former student of the arts it is an honor to be able to give my support to young artists," said Kyle Grooms who is best known for his impersonations of president Barack Obama and for his guest appearances on VH-1, NBC's Last Comic Standing and Chappelle's Show, and appearances in T-Mobile, Sears, Career Builders and Holiday Inn Express national TV ad campaigns.

"I feel very blessed to have been asked to take part in this great event. Laughter, sunshine and coming together for a great cause. Also the fact that I will be away from -38 weather makes it even more appealing!" said Big Daddy Tazz who is also known as "Bi-Polar Buddha", and is equal parts comedian and motivational speaker who likes to enlighten, educate and inspire.

When asked about coming to perform her first time in the Bahamas for free, Gina Brillon said enthusiastically, "Being a comedian is amazing but being able to do it for charity makes it even better." Aside from being a comedian, Gina is also an actress who has been featured in independent film productions such as “The Mime” series, “Consequences”, “Went to Coney Island”, and the “Cyclist”.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and are available at The Seventeen Shop, Island Java, and Antoni's Pizzeria. Drinks and bar nibbles will be available for purchase during the show, or come early and enjoy dinner by the Grand Bahama Yacht Club Pool. The Yacht Club is located off Midshipman Road before Cooper's Gas Station heading east. Dinner reservations required: 373-7616

The Society wishes to thank its sponsors for this event: Thayers Natural Remedies, The Grand Bahama Yacht Club, Pelican Bay Hotel, American Airlines/American Eagle, The Bahamas Weekly, Mackey Media and Keen i Media.

The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society was created to bring professional artists and performers from around the world to audiences in Grand Bahama. Drawing from Bahamian and international talent, a number of performances are planned throughout the year. Proceeds are used for the advancement of Grand Bahama students of the performing arts.


Join the Society: In addition to contributing directly to this success, Membership entitles you to Advance Notice of Events, special Members Only Events, as well as Discounts at participating GBI restaurants. Persons can become afan of the Society on Facebook or contact Dalia Feldman for membership details at 373-2580.

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.

South Carolina cellist set for Trio Con Brio Concert

THE Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society (GBPAS) will present the Trio con Brio concert on Saturday, January 22 at the Church of Ascension at 8pm.
"Brio" is Italian for "full of energy, life, enthusiasm", and the GBPAS said the show promises to deliver that and more with the three visiting musicians.
Participating cellist Kenneth Law, who is the Chair of the Performance Department and Associate Professor of Violoncello at the Petrie School of Music of Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina is one of the trio of performers.
"I am excited to perform for the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society and this will be my first trip to the Bahamas. As a community-minded musician, it is my privilege to help with such a dedicated non-profit organisation."
Returning to Grand Bahama is pianist Dr Christy Lee, Assistant Professor at the College of the Bahamas where she teaches piano, theory, and director of the COB Concert Choir.
Mr Law said he is looking forward to performing with Dr Lee, "who has been a friend since college days."
Dr Lee said: "I am eager to return to Freeport to perform again for the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society. It is exciting to see the growth that is happening in the artistic community in Grand Bahama. This concert should be a great opportunity to hear the unique and appealing combination of flute, cello and piano."
Mr Law and Dr Lee will be accompanied by flutist Christine Gangelhoff, Associate Professor of Music at the College of the Bahamas in Nassau.
"I'm also looking forward to making music with Christine, and what better way to make a new friend, than by playing chamber music," Mr Law said.
In addition to the concert, all three musicians will conduct a master class on Sunday, January 23, also at the church.
Information about the class will be going out in the next few days to music schools and teachers.

GB Performing Arts Society moves into third year of delivering quality entertainment and musical education

Javan Hunt performs for the 'Boadway Baby' vocal master class conducted by Robert Edwin. (Photo courtesy of the GB Performing Artists Society)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society is pleased to be moving into their third year with much success to look back on. With its mandate to present a wide-range of art forms on the island, the society has lived up to its word. In 2009, they presented pianist Tannis Gibson who also conducted a master class, the NYC Comedy Club, Music for a Spring Evening (piano and flute concert) and master class; and Pam Woods and Friends jazz concert with Woods conducting master classes at three schools.

This past year they hosted the Winter Music Festival with Trio Collage (piano, cello and violin) along with a free concert for children called Carnival of the Animals; back by popular demand and increased to two shows, performances by the NYC Comedy Club; international recording artists, Naturally 7; and the Broadway Baby concert and vocal master class featuring the society's founder, Dalia Feldman, who also produced a CD with all proceeds going to the society. The CDs are available at Island Java, The Silk Cafe, The Mail Drop and Lucaya International School.

A member of the world renown Naturally 7 works with a young student during their Master Class. (Photo courtesy of the GB Performing Artists Society)

One of the ways the Society helps performing arts students with every event they produce is by asking their performers to conduct master classes or workshops. Everywhere else in the world master classes start at $50 per person, but the Society provides this at a minimal cost (usually $10) to local students because they want to provide these learning opportunities that wouldn't exist otherwise and they want to make them available to everyone.

In 2010 the GBPAS brought in Naturally 7 for an unforgettable performance and Master Class. Members of the group are seen here in the master class for school children. (Photo courtesy of the GB Performing Artists Society)

A master class provides students a chance to learn first hand from a master in the field. Students can sign up to perform for the master teacher, who then works with them on technique and performance skills to improve their overall performance, all in front of an audience giving them a wonderful well rounded experience. Both students and teachers benefit tremendously from these classes, whether they participate or just watch. Local students as well as teachers are encouraged to take advantage of these classes which are usually offered before or after the performance date.

Here are some quotes form the last vocal master class conducted by Robert Edwin:

"Being a vocal trainer myself, I was amazed by the knowledge of voice and songs he showed us. There was a quick learn for every one that will stay with us for ever. It was all positive and very enjoyable. Thank you GBPAS for the opportunity!" - Marjoke Twiest
"I enjoyed how each person's chosen genre of music was cultivated and improved upon." - Rouen Robinson

"Being at the master class really showed me that there is more to singing than just singing! We successfully learned how to tell a story using body language and music, it was an excellent experience!" - Javan Hunt

The new year has some exciting things in store for the Grand Bahama audience. On January 22, 2011 a Chamber Music concert will be held with Trio con Brio: (piano, flute and cello, plus master classes). On March 12th, 2011 another great show by the NYC Comedy Club will be coming to town. Adding a new touch to the societies activities, a Talent Competition will be held in April 2011 whereupon two winners will travel to the U.S. to participate in a Performing Arts Summer Camp next year.

Flute and piano master class with Dr. Christy Lee and Christine Gangelhoff, with local music students and teachers. (Photo courtesy of the GB Performing Artists Society)

The GBPAS would like to thank all their members, sponsors and performers for their support, and special mention goes to their major sponsors who have supported them in their first two years: The Harnisch Family Philanthropies; Thayer's Natural Remedies; American Airlines/American Eagle; Pelican Bay Hotel; The Bahamas Weekly; Mackey Media; and Keen i Media.

"We are so thrilled that the GBPAS has grown so quickly in only 2 years. We started out with no money and a dream, and so many have helped us to make that dream come true. In 2011 we will finally be able to do what we set out to do from the beginning, provide funding to the local performing arts community and students in particular. Our funding request form will be available in the new year for anyone who would like to apply for help and we will be sending two high school students to performing arts camp in the summer. We couldn't be more excited about that!" said Dalia Feldman, GBPAS Founder.





If you or your family are interested in becoming members, you can contact the society at gbperform@gmail.com . The Society also has a Facebook page. Annual membership to the GBPAS starts as low as $25 per year for individuals and $50 for families and increases from there for those who wish to give a little more. Sponsorship begins at $500. Donations are also greatly received and appreciated. Membership has its privileges, as membership card holders get discounts at the following locations in Grand Bahama: The Silk Cafe, Island Java, Mamadoo's, Agave, Sabor, the Garden Cafe, and Pisces.

'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.