On Saturday, December 11, I attended my first live event since the 2020 National Panorama finals on Saturday, February 22. It was the first live concert staged at Fiesta Plaza, MovieTowne, at Invaders Bay, Port-of-Spain, since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it featured Los Alumnos de San Juan.
Before commenting on the performance, PULSE BY BLOODLINE must compliment Heathcliff West and the management of Fiesta Plaza, and surrounding restaurants, for their strict adherence to MoH Covid-19 protocols. Establishments like Trader Jack, J Malone, Tommy's Beer Garden and Rizzoni's maintained social distancing between dining tables and waiting staff were perfectly masked.
The actual performance began almost an hour after its advertised scheduled 8.30 p.m. start but it was well worth the wait. Los Alumnos de San Juan, led by 11-time National Parang Queen Alicia Jaggasar, was a sight to behold, its female members elegantly wearing hibiscus-red gowns with layered frilled skirts.
Los Alumnos de San Juan really warmed up an overcast night by performing some popular ditties, including Cantando Gloria, Vamos a Belen and Muchacha. The group also went into parang archives to perform covers of some vintage classics by Daisy Voisin, Lara Brothers and Sharlene Flores.
The icing on the cake however was its finale, a cover of Despacito and a Baron medley.
Los Alumnos de San Juan was fronted by Jaggasar, Lauren Birot and Stachelle George. Adding to the group's beautiful music were bpTT Renegades pannist Emmanuel Joseph, keyboardist Jeanine Ruiz and percussionist Carla Sayers.
For more of Los Alumnos de San Juan, you can catch this dynamic parang act at Monarchs, located at 10 Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, on Friday, December 17, with STEEM the band, at Parang on Deck. Strict Covid-19 protocols will be observed at this event.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Los Alumnos de San Juan has cancelled its December 19 concert that was scheduled for Naparima Bowl. But, the group will headine its December 20 "Cantando Gloria" concert, scheduled for Estate 101, located on Saddle Road, Maraval. Opening for Los Alumnos de San Juan will be BB Serenaders and award-winning singing sensation Neval Chatelal.
There's much more live Christmas music at Fiesta Plaza on Saturday, December 18, at 8.30 p.m., when acclaimed composer/recording artiste Kevon Carter is presented in concert.
