Lyrics, Laughter and Love … that’s how the Reichhold Center for the Arts should have billed its season opener with R&B superstar Brian McKnight. And for some in the audience, there may have been another l-word – lust! McKnight took to the stage after a lengthy delay, but for most patrons in the packed house, it was worth the wait.

Part of the delayed start was caused by many introductions, including meeting the new director of the Reichhold Center, Nissa Copemann, who has taken hold of the reins of this valued part of the University of the Virgin Islands. Copemann is originally from St. Croix and pledged her commitment to “ensure the center continues to be a source of education, entertainment and enlightenment … and a beacon of pride.” Her enthusiasm was infectious. We wish her well in this new undertaking.

Denise Humphries who has served as interim director for the Reichhold Center, was called on stage by Dionne Jackson, UVI’s vice president of institutional development, and commended for her dedication in holding down the fort while UVI searched for the new director. Denise has happily returned to her original position as the center’s technical director. Jackson presented Denise with a UVI construction belt and a hard hat, as well as a gift certificate for a well-earned massage. Thanks, Denise! You are appreciated!

Then the stage went dark and a spotlight brought the headliner forward. Dressed very, very simply in a rust colored T-shirt and what looked like light colored jeans, McKnight opened with an a capella rendition of one of his hits that pretty much set the tone for the evening. It was Brian with one of his instruments or another – grand piano, guitars, electric piano, or sometimes just his amazing vocal instrument. Some attendees would argue that his mere physical presence was instrument enough, particularly when he raised his shirt to wipe off what he called his “sexy sweat.”

For at least one patron the evening was extra special. Stella Saunders was invited on stage to sit on a stool while McKnight serenaded her. And he sweetened the surprise by having her presented with a bouquet of roses and baby’s breath. Stella blushed and fanned her self often during the serenade.

After the brief intermission, we were disappointed that McKnight chose to come back on stage in the same sweaty tee shirt. Brian my dear, what were you thinking?

Among those who seemed to enjoy the evening were Reichhold regulars Raul Carrillo who generously offered me one of his seats, Eric and Madonia Blake, Ron and Angela Belfon, Ed and Lucia Thomas, Larry and Linda Benjamin, Noreen Michael, UVI president David Hall with his wife, Marilyn, Ron Nimmo, Hans Eisler, Felipe Ayala with his mother, David Edgecombe and Yvonne Thraen. We also caught glimpses of Allie and Beverly Petrus, Roi Simmonds, Jennifer Nugent-Hill, Jomo McClean, Louise Baa and had brief chats with Robert Chen, Anita Davis, Lorraine Cranston, Trevor Connor, Louellen Brown, Joanne Bozzutto and Amalie Parrott.

After the concert patrons were invited to purchase McKnight paraphernalia, including signed T-shirts with his image and for those who did so, they could have their photographs taken with the superstar. This delighted many of the women attendees.

Next up at the Reichhold Center for the Arts this coming weekend is the annual concert by the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, who will be joined on stage by the Rising Stars Steel Orchestra, led by Eltino Pickering. This marriage of steel and classics should be an exciting evening of music. The event is being hosted by The Forum. Hope to see you there.

Invitations to public and private events can be sent to June Archibald at [email protected] or [email protected]