Black Collar Creative Foundation is proud to announce its inaugural event, ‘The Black Collar Gala: Classics and Calypsos,’ on October 4th, 2024, at 7:00 pm, in The Winifred Atwell Auditorium at Queen’s Hall. In celebration of Calypso History Month, this special evening will blend the sounds of steel, piano, classical vocals, and calypso with some of the finest local talents.
The evening’s performances will feature the world-renowned Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, a twelve-time Panorama champion, celebrated for their dynamic performances and pioneering excellence in the steelpan artform. Joining them will be an all-star lineup of vocalists, featuring:
Natalia Dopwell, soprano and alumna of the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, who has performed on international stages. She gained rave reviews for her portrayal of the “Queen of the Night” in sold-out performances of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and is recognized for her compelling stage presence and versatility in both opera and contemporary genres.
Dr. Edward Cumberbatch, an award-winning tenor soloist, lecturer, winner of the Over 25 Recital Class at the 1997 International South African Eistedfod Festival who has gained widespread acclaim for his performances across the Caribbean. A multiple-time Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival champion, Dr. Cumberbatch is also a noted academic in music, having performed at international festivals and with acclaimed choirs and orchestras.
Alicia Jaggasar, the First Lady of Parang and eleven-time, reigning Parang Queen, known for her musical style and compositions that fuse Trinidad and Tobago’s indigenous genres of Calypso and Soca with Latin, Spanish, and other musical influences.
Alan Cooper, the classically trained pianist whose virtuosity and impressive repertoire spans both traditional classical compositions and contemporary Caribbean-infused arrangements. A Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival winner, Cooper has performed with leading orchestras and ensembles and is celebrated for his ability to bridge classical music with local calypsos, offering unique interpretations of both forms.
The event will be a tribute not only to Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant music history but also to the memory of Janine Charles-Farray, a trailblazer in the creative industries. As a marketing and PR expert, playwright, multiple award-winning TT Musical Festival winner, and Lydians contralto soloist, Janine’s legacy is interwoven with her unyielding dedication to the arts. She was instrumental in supporting artists through initiatives like the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts’ pandemic relief funding.
The Black Collar Creative Foundation, established in her memory, is committed to continuing her work of empowering the creative sector. Incorporated in October 2023, the Foundation’s Patron is the esteemed Ms. Rhoma Spencer, who is herself a celebrated actor, director, playwright, comedian, docu-filmmaker, and cultural advocate.
Speaking on her role, Spencer noted, “The sustainability of our creative artists cannot rest solely on government support. Foundations like ours, along with the corporate sector, play a crucial role in ensuring artists thrive. As Patron of the Black Collar Creative Foundation, I am honoured to lend my influence both locally and abroad to help secure the financial support that will empower creatives in Trinidad and Tobago.”
The Gala serves as a fundraiser to support the Foundation’s mission of providing resources and opportunities for creative practitioners. The funds raised will contribute to the launch of two grants:
- The Black Collar Grant – offering seed funding for artists or creative entities to support start-up initiatives or special projects.
- The J.C.F. Creative Capacity Grant – aimed at schools, non-profits, and NGOs engaged in creative capacity-building projects across disciplines like music, dance, photography, art, and film.
Tickets for this exclusive event are available at a tiered rate through Island eTickets (https://islandetickets.com/event/BlackCollarGALA), Queen’s Hall Box Office, or by calling 355- 7769 or 684-1650. For further inquiries, please email bccreativefoundation@gmail.com.
For those who wish to further support the Foundation’s mission, contributions can be made to the following account:
Black Collar Creative Foundation
Bank: Republic Bank, Trincity
A/C No.: 870 803 124 501
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network 