UWI Benefit Gala Toronto 2010

There will be special guest performances by:

Joy Lapps

Joy Lapps began studying the steel drums in 1997 at the Anglican Church of the Nativity under the direction of Mr. Vince Cato. As a prodigious talent, she was soon dubbed "The Princess of Pan". Her efficiency with the tenor pan and her diverse performance range have led to great audience receptions, and flattering recognition from seasoned professional pannists. Joy has released 3 CDs. She performs as a pan soloist and also with her jazz trio. Joy is the founder and program director of The Steel Pan Experience (SPE). SPE offers a steel pan summer camp in the Ajax Pickering area during the month of August. Other services include steel pan workshops, presentations and lessons.

For more information on Joy and the Steel Pan Experience, please visit www.steelpanexperience.com
or www.joylapps.com

AJ Brown

Born in Montego Bay, AJ Brown ranks among Jamaica's greatest vocal talents. From Reggae to Jazz, World Beat to R&B, Pop to Classical, his vocal style transcends genres, musical eras, and generations.

.AJ, a child prodigy, began singing ballads and reggae at an early age, earning him the respect and admiration of the city of his birth. His incredible talent drew international attention in 1980 when he outshined all his competitors at a German talent contest and won the coveted trophy. Catapulting into the spotlight, AJ went on his first tour of Germany where he captivated audiences in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt.

His superior talent was undeniable, his charm untouchable and his success unstoppable! At the invitation of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) in the 1980s, AJ toured Europe, Canada, and the United States promoting Jamaica. In 2006, he was again invited by the JTB to promote Jamaica at the 35th Houston International Festival (iFEST) in Texas.

For more information on AJ Brown click here

Lance_UWI toronto gala special performance

Lance Anderson

Lance is a successful producer, with recording credits such as Leahy (double Juno, Platinum Virgin Music recording artists) and a number of recent recordings under his own label, Make It Real Records. These include the internationally acclaimed 2B3 the Toronto Sessions, Live at the Wolf by Garth Hudson (The Band), My Regeneration by the Prima Donnas, and All Play and No Work by the Cameo Blues Band. Lance also initiated and co-produced the Oscar Peterson Multimedia CD ROM, now treasured by jazz fans and players worldwide.

In addition to his work as a producer and keyboard player, Lance has an extensive credit list of original compositions and arrangements for TV, film and orchestra. His maple Blues nominated solo piano CD, Shorthanded showcases his talents as a Blues piano artist. And his latest recording Footwork by Anderson/Sloski, features his virtuoso playing on the Hammond B3 organ.

For more information on Lance Anderson click here

Shawna-Gae Turner

Vocalist A doctoral student of the UWI in the area of Biotechnology, Shawna has proven to be a very versatile vocalist having sung with groups such as the UWI singers and doing solo work in various genres of music. Shawna has also done work on stage as harmony Vocalist with the likes of Alton Ellis, George Nooks, U Roy, Little Roy and Leroy Sibbles, and has done stints with the UK based Group “Black Voices”.

Rory Frankson

Rory Frankson, Baritone, was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and trained by noted Jamaican Musicologist, Noel Dexter. His passion for music and his outstanding talent as a singer shine when he is on stage. As an artiste, Rory has high standards for himself. His visionary approach to classical music in Jamaica is to create a new sound that represents Jamaica, and revolutionizes music by pushing boundaries and therefore enriching and broadening the spectrum of Jamaican music. He performs Arias, Ballads, Standards and Jazz, setting the mood for a pleasurable evening.

For more information on Rory Frankson click here