March 28, 2007 — Wednesday morning's cloudy skies gave way to radiant sunshine in the early afternoon, creating the perfect atmosphere for a lunchtime concert at Emancipation Garden with the swinging sounds of the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School chorus and jazz band.
The "Lunch in the Park" concert series has been held over the past few weeks in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of Transfer Day and USVI-Denmark Friendship Month. In addition to a variety of other events, students from some of the territory's elementary, middle and high schools have gathered at Emancipation Garden to perform a range of musical selections and dance numbers intended to celebrate the islands' rich cultural heritage, history and ties to both Africa and the United States.
Wednesday's event was no exception, as the Kean High chorus performed such numbers as "Prayer for Africa," "Kingdoms" and the South African national anthem. The choir's director, Jeanette Rhymer, said she selected the songs for their historical facts and poignant messages.
"We first worked on these selections when we were preparing for Black History Month," she said after the performance. "And I just love the history that's incorporated into each of the songs, what they were able to teach the students. So I thought they'd be perfect for today."
The choir's clear, harmonious melodies — all sung a cappella — drew in several residents and visitors, who sat down to listen on the garden's benches or sought shade under nearby trees. Several also got up and danced when the school's jazz band took the stage, ending their set with a rendition of the Beach Boys' "Barbara Ann."
"They really are wonderful," said the event's mistress of ceremonies, Dr. Lois Habtes.
Transfer Day events continue throughout the week and weekend with formal ceremonies on Saturday. Events are as follows:
— Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A Community Cultural Night of quelbe and quadrille dancing at Emancipation Garden, featuring performances by the Lockhart Elementary and Prophecy Elementary School Quadrille Dancers, along with the Mungo Niles Cultural Dancers and the St. Thomas Heritage Dancers.
Milo’s Kings, along with the St. Croix Educational Complex Quelbe Band, will provide the musical accompaniment. A quadrille “line dance” will highlight the evening’s activities. Master of ceremonies for this event will be Leo Moron.
— Saturday, 9 a.m. – until
The Committee to Revive Our Culture will host a mini-cultural fair featuring locally made arts and crafts, food and drinks at the Emancipation Garden.
Live entertainment will be provided by the St. Croix Educational Complex Quelbe Band and various quadrille dance groups.
— Saturday
Official Transfer Day Ceremonies begin at the Lawaetz Museum on St. Croix at 10 a.m.
On St. Thomas, the musical prelude begins at 2:30 p.m., followed by a ceremony at the V.I. Capitol Building at 3 p.m. Celebrations continue at Emancipation Garden at 5:30 p.m.
For more information on the activities, contact Myron Jackson at 776-8605.
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