YOU have to hand it to Dale Butler. He’s a man who not only knows what to do, but gets things done and often in a superlative manner. For the third time in as many months he managed to pack St. Mary’s Church Hall, Warwick, on this occasion for his debut as a video documentarian.

As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of his Atlantic Publishing House and the production of thousands of books under scores of titles, he took the plunge into a new realm, with his big-screen musical, Five Profiles in Harmony.

It’s a tribute to five sensational seniors who, in their own inimitable styles, showed as well as told just how they made their dreams come true as musicians, and in the process, entertaining generations of local residents and visitors alike.

And, of course, they won the spontaneous applause of the audience attending the premiere.

So did Mr. Butler, in his capacity as executive director, photographer and script writer working on the lowest of low budgets, and on his own ingenuity, was given a standing ovation for his efforts, and his promise of more, soon to come.

The five sensational seniors profiled are drummer Kenneth Smith; Ross Tuzo, Earlston Smith and John (Sonny) Phipps, all tenor saxophonists, and pianist Earl DarrellK>Their<$> stories were as much about themselves and their dogged determination to eke out a living and excel as musicians, as about the indisputably great bandleaders, musicians and entertainers of yesteryear, including the indomitable Vernon (Ghandhi) Burgess of St. David’s, as well as Ernie Leader, Cecil (Pot) Gilbert, Al Davis, Al Harris, Sid Ottley, Maude and Albert Fox, Sidney Bean, Talbot Brothers, Hubert Smith and family, Red Smith, Peter Tucker, Mark Williams, Clifford and John Darrell, Winslow Fox, Norma Brown, Rudy Ford, Moira, Gene and Pinky Steede, Lance Hayward, Catherine Hart, Prof. Anderson, ‘Cat’ Ratteray, Brinky Tucker and Sr., Gilbert Rowling, to name only a few.Their reflections also brought to memory such lively entertainment centres as the Colonial Opera House, Alexandrina Hall, ‘Chili’s’ Patio, Unity Patio in Happy Valley, Clay House Inn, the Sheds on Front Street, Old Colony Club and New Windsor Hotel. At the same time they scored what we can only call the stupidity of the major hotel operators in discriminating against or placing a cheap premium on the predominantly black, versatile and highly professional Bermudian musicians and entertainers.

Mr. Butler, in his high profile and energised capacity as MP for Warwick North East and Minister of Social Rehabilitation, was unsparing in giving credit both on the screen and otherwise to persons contributing towards the production of the documentary.

First singled out was Mrs. Vernelda Douglas, whom he called the spark behind initiation of the project as far back as five years. The movie concept was credited to Rodney Smith, graphics to Sole Design Studios, to young Alex Dill of New Atlantic Films for the superb video production, Glenn Blakeney of Hott 107.5 for the film title, Eugene Stovell for sketches, Hilton (Buddy) Hill for commentary, and Milton Rapaso for the profiles in music themBK>A big<$> buzz was generated at the church hall well before the big show got under way. It was generated by Mr. Butler and his staff, ensuring that those present, who could metabolise ice cream and cake, got as much as they could handle from the outset. A volume of tickets for door prizes was handed out. And at the end of the show the staff were just as busy selling the DVD of the Five Profiles in Harmony, that are only available through Mr. Butlermself.Our pictures show Dale Butler (above right) enjoying the spontaneous accolades he got at the premiere of his first ever movie, Five Profiles in Harmony at St. Mary’s Church Hall. Above left are four of the musicians who were profiled as ‘sensational seniors’, Ross Tuzo, Kenneth Smith, Earlston Smith and Earl Darrell. John (Sonny) Phipps was indisposed and unable to attend. On the right is musician Wendell (Shine) Hayward, Government’s Education Officer for the Arts, who presented the honourees with their gifts. Centre, are wives of the four honourees, who were presented with flowers. From the left are Mrs. Kenneth Smith, Mrs. Earlston Smith, Mrs. Earl Darrell and Mrs. Ross Tuzo. Mrs. ‘Sonny’ Phipps received her flowers by special delivery. Below left are some of the audience at the premiere.