Submitted by Ron Licorish
On October 12, Thanksgiving Sunday, friends and supporters gathered at Caribbean Paradise in LaSalle to enjoy another Spotlight Sunday put on by Black Moses Promotions.
Eight-year-old Jenna Noel took over and delivered a scintillating performance with two songs, “By the Rivers of Babylon” and “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.” She rocked the house and was most assuring. Her melody and exuberance bore out the notion that the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.
(She is the daughter of local songbird Jenny Noel.)
She was followed on stage by the “Spotlight” artiste, Liz Charles, who was accompanied by backup singers Shantal Jones, Jenny Noel and Verdelle Charles-Douglas. The veteran singer thrilled the audience with a variety of selections that included John Lennon’s “Imagine”, “What do I do to Make me Love you?”, “Sorry is Got to be the Hardest Word” and “Turn the Lights Down Low.”
Cool and captivating with a range that exhibited elasticity, Miss Charles also offered “It’s been such a long, long time” and “Heaven knows I tried.”
After intermission, Lady Joyce provided a titillating comedy routine and Jenna Noel returned to provide two more songs: “The World will be a Better Place” and “Put a Little Love in your Heart.” Jenna’s return did in no way foreshadow the first song.
Miss Charles was warmly embraced when she reappeared and treated the audience to a repertoire of timeless hits, including Brenda Lee’s “I’m Sorry,” Bob Marley’s “Natural Mystic” and “No Woman, no Cry” followed by Nat King Cole’s “Pretend You’re Happy When You’re Blue.” She ended with Frank Sinatra’s anthem, “My Way.”
Evelyn Huston served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. The always-energetic Edges Band backed the performers.
Liz Charles brought a powerful performance to the stage in a unique and tasteful manner and in so doing is setting the stage for youngsters like Jenna Noel and Verdelle to follow.
