The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

FOR 59 years the E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival has been a place for young Bahamians to showcase their skills in the performing arts. The festival has inspired some of the best Bahamian artists and performers.

Since March, when adjudication began, students across the length and breadth of Grand Bahama and Nassau have been continuing the tradition. So far, judges have been impressed by the display.

The gospel competition in Grand Bahama and Nassau has been one of the most noteworthy segments, said Dr Linda Moxey-Brown director of culture.

"The gospel section was just amazing. The students have grown and developed in the terms of their vocals and their articulations. There was one girl who sang a popular gospel song, and you could actual feel the anointing coming out of her. It got to a point where you just had to shout. What was also so shocking was the little body such a big voice came out of," said Dr Brown.

Across the board, Dr Moxey Brown said there have been impressive performances.

"There was rake n scrape group at one of the schools in Grand Bahama, and they were just spectacular. The Lassie Doe Boys better watch out because that group has a lot of talent. But overall in Grand Bahama and Nassau there has been so much improvement and the adjudications have been a tremendous success," she said.

The next judging stop for the festival is Abaco and Eleuthera. Over the years the Family Islands have produced many talented young persons in the various categories. Festival organisers are looking forward to witness what the Family Island students bring this year.

"The art scene on the Family Islands is always different from Nassau. On the Family Islands the students are limited in what they can see internationally because some of them do not have access to computers as students in Nassau do. But some of them are very good when it comes to the visual arts," she said.

While talent is emerging from every angle and the festival is moving rather smooth, Dr Moxey Brown said more Bahamians need to pay closer attention and show more support.

"So far we have only held adjudications in Nassau and in Grand Bahama. In Grand Bahama the adjudications were held at the hotel and visitors staying there would pop in sometimes and say how they enjoyed watching the students perform. In Nassau usually parents and the school teachers were the only ones in the crowd. We would really love to get the general public to see how much talent we have," she said.

Ms Moxey-Brown also said the festival is not only for high schools students but also open to any individual who wishes to showcase their talent.

The competition will continue until June.