NYC brings gospel fever to homeless

What was organized as a talent show turned out into a gospel festival for the folks at the Grotto Home for the Homeless, as members of the National Youth Council and others from the Catholic Youth Christian Club, engaged the inmates in a spiritual encounter.

For almost two hours, the walls of the building trembled from the voices of the youth and homeless (mostly elderly/abandoned persons). Poetry and singing took centre stage but the highlight of the activity occured when the young persons engaged in a sing off with their audience. For about forty five (45) minutes gospel favourite after favourite was chanted out by the crowd and performers.

In the true Dominican spirit, calypso was also given a "brief" moment to shine as calypsonian Yolie shared her tune as well as that of Singining Sandy. Two (2) tunes from local favourite Tarina also made its way unto the impromptu program.

I also had an opportunity to perform my latest poem: I'm stuck.

A wonderful moment for all, both performers and those in the crowd.

Although the Council had planned to have a Walk for Youth 2K9 for that date, because of poor private sector support among other logistical issues it had to be posponed, but still it was time well spent on Global Youth Service Day.

The Youth Council is already putting plans in place to have a big fundraiser with the Home for the Homeless to raise funds for their activities including setting up of a Chapel.

Look out for that one.

Nesta

Youth Council to put on talent show for homeless

It's April and what we normally look forward to is April's Fool Day on the first of the month, however there is also another reason to appreciate that month: Global Youth Service Day (GYSD). GYSD is held during a weekend every April in over 100 countries in every region of the world.

Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is a time in the year when we come together to focus the world’s attention on what young people are contributing every single day.

GYSD is organized by Youth Service America with the National Youth Leadership Council, the Global Youth Action Network, and with thousands of partners in the U.S. and across the world.
During Global Youth Service Day, millions of youth around the world organize community service projects to address the needs of their local communities through service, to be recognized for their contributions, and to be a part of a global youth service movement.

This year the National Youth Council of Dominica is hosting a talent show at the Community Hostels Inc (Grotto Home for the Homeless) on Saturday May 25, 2009 from 10:30 a.m. The Youth Council members and other youth will portray their different talents dancing, singing, poetry, etc.

Upstart calypsonian and singer Yolie is expected to perform at the show also.

Invitation is opened for other young talented persons to also showcase their talents at the activity.

Carnival and Calypso come in with the New Year

Happy New Year to one and all if i didn't already say it. I've been off the net for a little while but i came back on to spread the good news.

Yes, it's January and if you live in the Caribbean, particularly Dominica and Trinidad then you know it is Carnival and Calypso time. Nothing bigger than the calypso artform in either of these countries.

The action has already started in Dominica for last night was the elimination round of the calypso competition for 2009. I am so elated, not just because it is carnival season but because my very good friend, closest of female friends, Yoland "Yolie" Dorival made it through the elimination round with her song Unfortunate. It is even more amazing when you find out that she only had the song 4 days prior to the competition and decided to enter just a few days before the cut off period.

The song tackles the need for increase diversity in the daily vocabulary of Dominicans and points it out as something unfortunate. As a Dominican, I can tell you that when a word becomes popular here, you hear it all over and from every one. Last year, the word diaspora took a beating because of the reunion celebration.

But let me get back to the competition, only two newcomers made it passed the elimination round, Beetle J being the other calypsonian to make it to the quarterfinals. Former calypso finalist De Booplay who had taken some time off from competing, is also among the twelve selected to go to the next round. Bassy, Senator, Delah, Comforter, General Kendes, Son of De Saint, Jamma B, Educator, and Iration are the other quarter-finalists.

I am looking forward to that show to give full support to all the calypsonians but especially Yolie as she belts out another tune, look out for it too. I've read the lyrics and it promises to be a crowd pleaser, we could just go all the way and yes i said we, cause i intend to support her to the maximum. It is not everyday that a close friend of yours has a chance of making to the cream of the crop of competitions in Dominica, especially since she would never go up for the National Queen show. Hopefully i will be able to share the lyrics with those of you checking out my blog.

Nest@