Braata Folk Singers

I was the little girl with the Grandfather who took her to Grand Gala at the National Stadium in Jamaica. My mother and grandmother would dress my wriggling and squealing little body which could not keep still from sheer excitement. Each August I would look forward to Grand Gala, The Mento Bands the Mello Go Round and Pantomime at the Ward Theatre in Kingston, Jamaica.
An Evening with Braata Folk Singers was refreshing and beautiful. Andrew Clarke’s production did not disappoint. A company of thirteen singers performed to a packed house at the Brooklyn Music School on Saturday, October 22, 2011. In true ode to Jamaican theater the props were simple and colourful, and the theatrics and personalities became the star of the show. Opening to a Jamaican market scene which could take place anywhere in Jamaica, the audience was treated to vendor calls of wares from everything from shoes, coconut to bleaching cream.
I would not recommend going to this concert hungry, as the Breadfruit song so articulately described the various ways this mouthwatering food can be prepared. Other lively acts were the «Better Woman Than You» which performers Dianne Dixon and Vinette Guthrie-​Matthew performed brilliantly with a mix of singing and acting. The men had the chance to shine with a moving rendition of «Liza». and the entire Lover’s Suite as performed by the cast was amazing and heartwarming as well.
The second act featured a denoument with more somber acts and dimmer lighting. The entire Lover’s Suite as performed by the cast was amazing and heartwarming. As an audience our evening ended with a church scene, featurign hymns and Andrew Clarke addressing us as a Pastor. In true Jamaican theater form, we as audience were never forgotten and were often drawn into the action with call and response.
You will laugh, you may get a little sad, but most importantly you will be entertained. Each touch in this production is meant to be personal, with jerk chicken and patties served in the lobby during intermission, available to each audience member for a donation of his/​her choosing. This is truly a family show where both kids and adults will enjoy especially older Jamaicans living so far away from home can almost feel a «warm refreshing breeze» on their cheeks. And you will marvel at the work a handful of people, when they come together for a common goal and with no ego can have an audience leave being thoroughly delighted.