David Rudder and patrons on March 16, 2013.
Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
David Rudder and patrons on March 16, 2013.
Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
Trinidadian David Michael Rudder, who is described as a modern calypso songwriter and one of the most successful calypsonians of all time, delivered a 100 percent performance last evening at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community's College (HLSCC) Eileen Parsons Auditorium.
Rudder, whose work has become legendary in Trinidad and Tobago, got the show started with one of his many hits, 'Rally Round The West Indies' and from there took patrons on a musical journey.
"I must warn you; whenever I perform, I warn my audience that your chair is your enemy...Where are the Trinidadians?" he shouted with loud applause from Trinidadians who were present at the show.
He also delivered a great performance of 'Trini To The Bone', stating that it was for Trinidadians to feel nostalgic.
He also commented that when he travels he always tell persons that in Trinidad persons would find out whether the visitor is from the United States and once this is confirmed, they would give the visitors cutlery and tell them "look the pot". He said it's not about bow tie serving, but a true sense and feeling of Trinidad's culture.
The artiste also sang a recently released song which focuses on living your life like you are playing music.
Most of the attendees lined the aisles and also joined the singer at front stage to dance and sing to his music.
One of the highlights was his closing song, 'Give Praise'.
Patrons, which included a large number of Trinidadians, left the auditorium satisfied as they took heed to the singer's belief that "your chairs are your enemies".
Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
Rudder's show was part of the 18th Performing Arts Series at HLSCC.
Rudder, who also paints, sees himself more as an artist, than an entertainer.
Rudder was born in Belmont, Trinidad on May 6, 1953. One of nine children, he spent much of his early childhood with his grandmother, a spiritual Baptist.
He began singing at the age of 11 with a group called The Solutions. In 1977, he joined a brass band called Charlie's Roots. His musical tastes in the past have leaned towards jazz, blues, folk rock and the African sounds of Youssou N'Dour, Salif Keita, Mory Kante and Alpha Bondy.
The HLSCC showcase continues on May 11 with a Classical Showcase featuring 'Opera' with Angela Brown and a Summer Concert on May 18 featuring the HLSCC Chorale, Chamber Players, Woodwind, Brass, College and Jazz Emsembles.
Quality entertainment for a very worthy cause.
Hope to see more persons supporting the vision of H. Lavity Stoutt.