Understanding poetry is to go beyond syllable count or formal definition. It can be described as an organic living illustration, and Jus A Trace Production of Red Light Night delivered just that last Sunday night – an illustration of a love story performed through highly crafted words in poetry blended with song and music, mixed with freestyle and comedy.
With seasoned poet Sunrokk paired with Trace (Tracy Moore) as the only two featured poets on stage, a story of lust, betrayal and love was told through poetic verses and freestyle, backed by the Red Light Project Band led by trombonist Jomo Slusher alongside trumpeter Kevyn Lynch – both members of the Nicholas Brancker Band – keyboardist Andre Clarke, formerly of 2 Mile Hill, bass player Gavin Miller of the Arturo Tappin Band, percussionist Chad Ifill of 2 Mile Hill and singer and trumpeter Kweku Jelani.
Patrons found themselves both in stitches and in awe of the production which was held at the new Corky’s Lounge on Worthing Main Road where they also had opportunities to win prizes, see new faces with an open mic session and witness a sexy lingerie fashion show.
First-time attendee to the show Nicholas Clarke said: “We really enjoyed the show. Jus A Trace is really good, and the tone of her voice is ‘wow’. The band was also very good and in tune with the poets. It can’t be easy holding an event like that.”
Another attendee, Tia Sue said Jus A Trace “continues to bring its own brand of sexiness and sensuality to each production”.
“Having attended all three shows, I can confidently say each one is a new experience. Red Light Night was a production composed as a love story, with Trace and Sunrokk bouncing off one another effortlessly and keeping the crowd entertained with the amazing Red Light Project Band. The night was pure vibes and well executed.”
Repeat patron Tara Franklyn agreed that it was a top-tier production, adding that “it keeps getting better” and she was looking forward to the production in October.
Moore explained that she intends to continue to put poetry – especially the themes that are tabooed like sexuality, sensuality, ageing and even depression – on a grand stage to bring it to the forefront.
“Since our debut in February 2023, we have been working to curate an immersive journey through intimate and sensual poems, poems that you wouldn’t normally hear on a national stage, poems that would provide audiences with fresh and unforgettable experiences. We are now at our third production, and I think we have been able to provide that so far to our audience,” she said.
“The knowledge offered on the Jus A Trace stage is humorous, earnest, open and practised. We’ve seen some of Barbados’ absolute best in poetry and freestyle like RhyMinister and Sunrokk, both of whom have performed at two of the three productions, as well as upcoming stars in poetry like Carmen and T’afari – all performing to crowds of 100-plus in attendance. We all compose lines that breathe life into the theme of the Red Light Project and the feedback has been very encouraging. We are also very lucky to have some of the island’s incomparable musicians who participate in the Red Light Project Band to provide and infuse live music into our words. It’s a beautiful blend of poetry and music” the producer and poet added.
(PR)
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