Pastor Kim Burrell is expected to headline the start of this year's HLSCC concert series. Photo: ronepraisephilly.com

A section of the HLSCC chorale performing at last year's concert series. Photo: VINO/File

The 18th season of the HLSCC concert series is scheduled to be launched on Saturday October 27, 2012. The event start features a gospel show with Pastor Kim Burrell, who will be here for the first time in the Virgin Islands (VI).

This was revealed last evening, October 18, 2012 on the Umoja talk show, which was aired on a local radio station.

Guests on the evening’s programme were Mrs Lynette Baa, coordinator of auditorium events and special projects at the HLSCC as well as Mrs Florence Phillips, a senior administrative officer in the Registrar’s office of the College. Ms Phillips also coordinates the ‘HLSCC on the Road’ programme.

Mrs Baa explained that Pastor Burrell is referred to as the ‘Ella Fitzgerald’ of gospel singing and was widely respected in her field and outside of it. There will also be local singers performing at the event, including Andre Brathwaite who will be supported by Trinity and a number of other local band members.

She noted that the event offered an opportunity for local musicians to become exposed to international artistes such as the grammy nominated gospel singer.

After Kim Burrell, there will be a ballet company in November as part of the concert series, an annual Christmas concert with brass, woodwind and jazz ensembles as well as other featured performers such as the Chorale Band .

Tito Puente Jr. is also expected to be featured in January as part of the Latin Jazz segment of the concert series. He will be part of an interactive outreach programme with the students of the college and various schools in the Territory. Teachers interested in having their students attend the sessions can contact Mrs Baa at the college on 852-8223 or lbaa@hlscc.edu.vg.

There will also be the VI Showcase, which is scheduled for February and artistes such as David Rudder in March and Angela Brown in May 2013 as well.

The VI Showcase will feature female vocal performers such as Nicole Donovan and Monique or Monea?? next year and was expected to be very well attended as it was in the past.

Tickets for the event are already available at the HLSCC bookstore, the bakery on Main Street in Road Town, Sunny Caribee, UMI Fashions and LIME.