The following report of Heather Headley’s concert was written by Leiselle Maraj for the Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday, Dec. 19, 2011.
Thousands of ticket-holders packed the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of-Spain on Saturday evening to witness a stellar performance from internationally acclaimed Trinidadian songstress, Heather Headley.
The singer, known for her powerful voice, was the headline act in a concert sponsored by energy company, BGTT, working in collaboration with United Airlines and Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre.
At the end of the evening, BGTT handed over proceeds of the concert to the non-governmental organisations, Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) and United Way. The concert was held to raise funds for the two organisations.
Neal and Massy All Stars opened for Headley, performing a mix of musical genres. A little over an hour later, they made way for Headley and her band.
The Broadway star, who hails from Barataria, entertained for almost two hours beginning with her rendition of “Home” then selecting music from her own albums, “This is Who I Am” (2002), “In My Mind” (2006) and her gospel album “Audience for One” (2009). She explored her versatility, chosing music from her time on Broadway to her time spent touring with operatic master Andrea Bocelli to Calypso and Christmas carols.
Headley opted to keep things mostly local, utilising the talents of Lydians’ tenor, Edward Cumberbatch; violinists, the Alternative Quartet; pannist, Johann Chuckaree; Neal and Massy All Stars and the joint choirs of Bishop Anstey’s and Sixth Form Polytechnic. After several standing ovations, Headley ended the night with a tearful rendition of “If it Wasn’t For Your Love” , a song she dedicated to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for their continued support of her career.
For original report: Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday : newsday.co.tt :.
