An Open Heart and Open Mind. At Open House

It’s now Tuesday (when this article was written) and the events of Open House lay fresh on the minds of all who attended and viewed via live streams.

‘Biggest free event for the year!’

‘None like it…it was well executed’

‘It was the best stage that I’ve ever seen in Gospel events’

‘I wish that all Gospel events could be at this standard’.

Those were some of the comments made about the event that caused nearly 3000 flock toward Trinidad and Tobago Urban Ministries (TTUM) compound.

The event was packed with many surprises that had patrons stuck at the front of the stage. Starting off with JJ and Friends, the energetic tots danced with passion and immediately got everyone’s attention. With their side of ministry over, there were a number of children that stood about listening to the music that DJ Chirstchild played and lined up for the bouncy castle.

MCs Adana, Don Juan and Kameel then came on with a hearty welcome and got the cast a-rolling. New band Firm Foundation came on with much energy that had their posse shouting and showing their love and support. The band brought a uniqueness that I hadn’t seen a quite a long time. I commented continually that they were one of the rare few that got me to be into their songs on the very first listening.

Kerwin Alexander took stage right after with a twist. Many were used to seeing him with just a guitar but he brought a band with him. Everyone couldn’t deny that that added the extra spice to his worship, that was heartfelt and sincere.

J Prince made his way on with an outstanding white jacket he took things up a notch with his raw flavour and exceptional style. I too enjoyed the band’s performance but little did I know that it was just the beginning of greater things in store.

Elisha (Kerron Duncan) aka ‘D’ Amp Up Man’ did his set with new artiste Reynard Rawlins with as we say ‘Hard’ beats and forceful style that got the attention of a number of young men. Keron Ramsey then followed with his wonderful R&B flow and immaculate vocals.

Shy Crew with Javed Bachew gave praise like I hadn’t seen in a long while. It was lively, direct and interactive. While doing my job, I had to stop and rejoice with them. I loved every moment of it! What a way to prepare things for the dance competition!

There were a number of young men that took part and baffled the audience with their daring stunts and ‘scants’. It took one girl however, my sister might I add, to take the crown of best dancer. As another sister and myself stood on her side and demanded the crowd’s support, some others just looked on in what I think was shock and astonishment.

The tall and ever handsome Rizon and band had a great stage presence as many patrons hollered and screamed his songs word for word. The same was done for Broadway Boys and Gitta Dan as they brought the ole school with some new. Gitta especially was shown appreciation with a special introduction by Javed and was acknowledged as the one whom stood there with him in every step of the way in planning and promoting.

Girls were called to represent with Nehilet Blackman and her band as they sang. With dancers that modeled their way on stage, they put the icing on the cake with the band’s set. Koen Duncan of course kept things up with his hard core style and mixture of worship. Notably one of the crowds favourite everyone joined in signing as he brought chune after chune!

Shy crew did again this time with more pageantry as we saw the confetti being missiled into the air and gerbs going off. They brought down the house with Michael Jackson who had everyone questioning his purpose then, but it was all fun as the wanna be mimicked the King of Pop.

With a fascinating introduction of Monty G, he brought on his friend Yankee who had the opportunity to perform for the first time ever in Trinidad. Yankee made an impression on me with his different style from his hard core Bahamian compadres.

Mr Lynx also came on with CYI and begun his opening act with none other than ‘Shine your light’; a most appropriate song for the night. He sang classics and new songs and had the crowd’s support as they recited it line for line.

The night ended off well with many pleased patrons that got hampers and giveaways from b- mobile and many other sponsors. Personally it was one of the best events that I’ve attended/worked in a long while. I for one am highly anticipating next year’s Open House. Out of curiosity who should they bring next year? Leave your comments and I’ll pass message to the promoters.

Written by :

Esther James

 

Features - Events