CHUM and BTA do it again!

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Members of the hit Boy Band New Kids on the Block.
CHUM and BTA do it again!

4/30/2010

By Erica Lazare

The annual CHUM FM/Barbados Tourism Authority Breakfast In Barbados concert at Holder’s House recently, amply quenched the thirst of the patrons who were lucky enough to secure a ticket for the sold-out event.

The show was headlined by none other than a US multi-platinum boy band that warmed the hearts of teenaged girls around the world in the late 1980’s, early 1990’s, New Kids On The Block, along with supporting acts Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies (BNL) and Barbadian pop artist, Jaicko.

The open air venue, with 104.5 CHUM FM and Barbados Tourism Authority flags fluttering in the night’s breeze, provided a lovely intimate atmosphere for the show, but came second to the open bar that was heavily patronised well into the night.

Dressed in a red jumper, grey jeans and sunglasses, Capitol recording artist Jaicko opened the concert with his song “Two Piece”, then proceeded to instruct the audience to say his name. The teenager was duly obliged as the patrons responded to his every word. Next, he sang his reply track to Rihanna’s “Rude Boy”, “Rude Girl”, which was quite popular, evidenced by the hundreds of synchronised moving lips.

Jaicko’s voice was crisp during his performances, especially in his rendition of his new single “Fastforward” from his summer release album “Can I”. After interjecting his performances with a light banter with the crowd, he finished his set with his most popular song, “Oh Yeah”, backed by sprightly and stylish young dancers who showed off all the latest moves.

Coming onto the stage second, the Barenaked Ladies needed no introduction as it was clear that they were who the majority of the mostly Canadian crowd came out to see. Screams and loud cheers reverberated around the venue even before the four men played a single note.

Having been on the international music scene since they formed in 1988, it was obvious to see that the BNL were experienced figures on stage. They conversed expertly with their audience and improvised a song about Barbados with lead singer Ed Robertson stating that the island is a beautiful place and whoever lived here was a lucky person.

They began with “The Big bang Theory”, which they recorded for the hit television show of the same name. Its energy whet the appetite for what was to follow. Next was their 1996 hit, “The Old Apartment” followed by “Falling For the First Time”. The band moved onto “Four Seconds” from their new album “All In Good Time”, the popular “Sound of Your Voice” and then changed pace by downing their instruments to sing an a cappella song about Barbados.

Their biggest hit “One Week”, which spent time at No. 1 on the Billboard charts came next, much to the delight of the crowd. Grammy nominated song “Pinch Me”, then the popular “If I had a $1 000 000” preceded their free-styled finale, which focused on the nearby polo pitch, Bajan ladies and beaches. It was accompanied by a jig and beat-boxing and ended with Jim Creeggan jumping into Tyler Stewart’s hands.

With voices so silky smooth, it was as if the New Kids on the Block picked up where they left off after disbanding in 1994. The five were a picture of elegance in assorted white suits soaking in the atmosphere of screaming women, especially from the front.

They started with the well-known “Full Service” from back in the day before moving onto the 2008 track “Summertime”. Smooth moves accompanied the excellent harmonised voices of the group during the performance of “My Favourite Girl”, followed by the 1988 hit “The Right Stuff”.

Backed by a live band, they continued with “Dirty Dancing” and an especially good performance of “Tonight”. Solos were then sung by Joey McIntyre and Donnie Wahlberg, incorporating auto-tune and rap, respectively. The very successful “Step by Step” was next, followed by the penultimate song for the night, Queen’s original hit “We Will Rock You”. From the first beat of the song, the crowd was on its feet, clapping and singing along word for word. The guys then thanked the organisers for welcoming them to “such a beautiful island”.