Emerald Elegance concert dubbed an overwhelming success!

The reviews are in for the much-heralded Emerald Elegance benefit concert presented by Michele Henderson and the Freewinds Band! The concert took place on Wednesday, January 8^th 2025, aboard the MV Freewinds, which was docked at the cruise ship birth at Dame Eugenia Charles boulevard.

The completely sold-out event saw scores of immaculately dressed attendees, boarding the vessel in anticipation of a special evening in aid of a good cause. Held under the Distinguished Patronage of Her Excellency, Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Mr. Burton, the evening featured remarks from Mike Napier, Captain of the MV Freewinds, as well as remarks from representatives of Premium Home and Residential Care Services and the Dominica Infirmary, the two beneficiary institutions. 

The audience was treated to a variety of music from the genres of musical theatre, Jazz, soul, pop, Cadence-Lypso and more! Jade Johnson on the flute, accompanied by her father, Tyson Johnson on acoustic guitar, opened the evening’s entertainment with the well known jazz standard “Autumn leaves”.  They were followed by a stirring vocal rendition by Vernella Henderson, two-time winner of the DBS Christmas Song Contest.

Then came the expertly delivered performances of Michele Henderson and the Freewinds musicians, marked by a spell binding rendition of “This is the Moment” delivered by Jody Zagury of the Freewinds Band.  Michele’s own band further excited the audience with two of her original works, “Home” & “The Beat Goes On”. The concert ended with an awe-inspiring vocal performance of “Purple Rain” by Michele Henderson. The audience was brought to its feet as the curtains came down on what could be described as an unforgettable experience.

Patrons leaving the show described it as “Excellent!”, “Splendid!”, “Well Done!”.  Social media posts and comments lauded, the event as an “Awesome Show!”, “Classy and professional”.  Many expressed their desire for another opportunity to attend a future event of its kind.

One attendee wrote on Facebook, “Thank you for such an unforgettable, impeccable concert, worthy of the best stages in the world…”

The MV Freewinds has been calling to Dominica for over 30 years and has contributed significantly to charity efforts on island over that period.  The Freewinds was instrumental in providing aid to Dominica in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Maria, sending volunteers to assist with cleanup as well as a container load of relief supplies valued at over two hundred thousand US dollars.

The Captain of the Humanitarian ship, Mr. Mike Napier, states: “It is

always a pleasure and an honor to help the community of Dominica. We feel it is

our duty to share and help those in need. The Freewinds has many years of

involvement with the community and will continue to do so. ”

Thanking the sponsors and the audience, Henderson said, “I hope each and everyone of you leaves here tonight with your hearts full because you started the year right, by giving of your time and money to the worthiest of causes, caring for your fellow man.”

Proceeds from Emerald Elegance, including donations from corporate partners, will be split between the Dominica Infirmary and PHARCS. Presentations will be made at a press conference on Wednesday 15^th January 2025.