UK millionaire Sir Richard Branson and three lovely ladies were having fun in the rain. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO

Huddled under umbrellas and some in raincoats, a modest crowd turned out to see the likes of Shirazette Jazz Experience, Arturo Tappin, the St. Mary’s School Youth Chorale and BVI Showcase featuring Dalan Vanterpool and Kamau Georges.

Some patrons even danced in the rain, notably United Kingdom millionaire Sir. Richard Branson and his guests.

Starting off the evening was the St. Mary’s School Youth Chorale who delighted the crowd with their innocence and impressive vocals, they even had back-up vocalist and pianist Bobby Hinton, who in his raspy voice, sang Louis Armstrong’s “What A Beautiful World”.

Shirazette Jazz Experience is a group out of the USA. Photo: VINO

The Youth Chorale wrapped up their performance with “Thank You”, an original number by R&B group Boys II Men.

Next on stage was Mr. Hinton on piano. He took the crowd to New Orleans as he crooned some classic jazz songs that were popular in the 1970s era.

Shirazette Jazz Experience was definitely an experience. The group from Brooklyn, New York showed off their versatility with some good old fashion jazz and Afro Peruvian flavour. An original number composed by the drummer was also performed.

Meanwhile, two of the Virgin Islands (VI) top saxophonists Kamau George and Dalan Vanterpool enthralled the crowd with some of the popular songs of our times. The duo has been creating a buzz in the VI and overseas.

Ending a wet but enjoyable evening was Bajan born saxophonist Arturo Tappin who brought down the curtains of the evening in fine jazz style.

He is based in New York City, but is strongly linked to his homeland. In the late 1980s he organized the International Barbados/Caribbean Jazz Festival, which he performs at for many years.

He began his musical career, with formal training at Berklee College of Music. Described as a cross between the Teddy Pendergrass and Kenny G, Arturo is referred to as the smoothest, saxiest horn man the Caribbean has to offer.

Making VI proud Dalan Vanterpool (left) and Kamau George. Photo: VINO