Stage set for ‘Red Rose’
JUNE Isaacs, widow of reggae singer Gregory Isaacs, is encouraging patrons to come out for a memorable evening of music at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston tomorrow.
The occasion is the third staging of Red Rose for Gregory.
“It will be a sweet, enjoyable evening of music,” Isaacs, event conceptualiser, told the Jamaica Observer yesterday. “Come and help pay tribute to the ‘Cool Ruler’ so we can continue to assist our charity. Wear your red and white … come out, enjoy yourselves and have fun.”
Headliners are Grammy-winning American R&B singers Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle.
“It will be very special. We’ll be having two international Grammy Award-winning acts in Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle with their own band, no tracks. They will be working first as soloists, then together to bring the curtain down,” she said.
Bryson’s hit songs include Can You Stop The Rain, Tonight I Celebrate My Love, and Love Like Yours and Mine. Regina Belle is known for hits such as Make It Like It Was and This Is Love.
Their smash 1992 duet, A Whole New World, won the Grammy Award for Song of The Year.
Local acts include Boris Gardiner, Roots Radics Band, Junior Sinclair, and QQ.
The organiser said the headliners would be arriving today and small reception will be held with sponsors and Government representatives.
She was pleased with preparations, despite challenges.
“I’m pleased with where we are, as my team and I have pulled out all the stops. It’s a labour of love. It’s a pleasure to keep Gregory’s name out there in a good way.”
Gregory Isaacs died from cancer in October 2010 at age 59. He suffered from cocaine addiction for much of his career.
He was the voice of hit songs like Night Nurse, Soon Forward, Tune In, Hard Drugs and Love is Overdue.
Part proceeds from the event will go to Patricia House, which provides rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction.