When the lights go up on the Ruth Seaton James auditorium tomorrow, concertgoers will be treated to a feast of local talent, ranging from dub poets to singers, dancers, comedians, vocal groups and poets -- and all for a good cause.
Organised and co-produced by Mitchelle Trott and his partner Abdul Simmons, known collectively as A & M Productions, the event promises hours of good, solid, home-grown entertainment.
"The show is all timed, and everything will run smoothly,'' Mr. Trott assures.
Certainly, the co-producer whose stage name is Live Wire knows a thing about show biz. He's been tap dancing since 1991, and together with his partner Abdul has always performed in dancer-choreographer Suzette Harvey's shows. He also sings, writing his own lyrics, raps, acts, and plays tenor sax.
As if that weren't enough, Mr. Trott has the role of Shaft Jr. in the Alan Vincent Smith Foundation commercials for AIDS awareness, and off stage he plays soccer for Boulevard Blazers.
Small wonder, then, that he knows his way around the local entertainers circuit and has lined up 25 acts to fill the bill.
Emceed by Big Daddy Gates, Jah Simmons, Nadan Bailey and Dyke Lawrence, the entertainment line-up, among others, includes rappers Jigsaw and Philly; dub poet Trevor Blackwood, Bully Bunton, Nuclear Weapon Sound System crew, vocalists Early B and Tristan, Nenu Letu Posse of Loquat Jam Productions, Freedom of Expression (poetry, dramatics, vocals), comedians Nadunja Bailey, Dyke Lawrence and Jahrizino Simmons, poet Antoine (Heads) Tuzo, vocal group Hidden Preview, tap dance group Rebels in Disguise, Sia and Kion Simmons, and the "family affair'' -- singer June Caisey, her daughter Phiemma Wilson, her son Clinton (Papa Son), and vocalist/dancer Taitu; Mr. Trott's acting, dance and poetry group, The Eithiops, plus the Salsa Dancers. Reggae presentations will be by Killa Kima, Don Killa and Ninja Cutty. Scratching and cutting vinyls on stage will be DJ Kid Fresh, and the grand finale will be performances by the Hamilton Parish Hot Peppers majorettes and Place's gombeys.
All in all, a lively evening's entertainment with something for everyone.
Explaining how the show came about, Mr. Trott says he has been involved in entertainment since he was five years old and a member of his grandfather John (Pickles) Spence's gombey troupe.
He has now reached a point in his life where, like his co-producer Mr.
Simmons, he wants to make entertainment his life, and to that end the duo plan to further their musical education at performing arts school in the US next September but lack the necessary funds, so part proceeds from ticket sales will go towards their education.
The other part will be given to the Sunshine League as an expression of thanks for all it did for his forebears.
"My father and brothers were in the Sunshine League, and if it wasn't for that place my people wouldn't be here today, and nor would I, so I am grateful to them. You have to look out for people who look out for you,'' is how he puts it.
Heartcore Unlimited will be presented tomorrow and Saturday nights. The entire Sunshine League family will be attending the last performance for free, and at its conclusion a cheque will be presented to the organisation.
"We are looking for everyone to come and support the show because we're doing nothing but good,'' Mr. Trott explains. "The show is all positive -- non-political and non-religious. It's off the hook and bustin' at the seams.'' Explaining why Place's gombeys will bring the evening to a close, the co-producer says: "That's where I started and that's where I will end.'' Tickets for the show (patrons $35, adults $20, students $15 students) are available from cast members, Shannon's Boutique in Windsor Place, Bermuda College Stonington campus gymnasium, where the cast is rehearsing, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., and will also be sold at the door.
Friday night's performance begins at 8 p.m. and Saturday's at 7.30 p.m. For further information telephone Mr. Trott at 292-4439.
