Dobby Dobson for Simply Myrna

Basil Walters

Thursday, February 16, 2012

THE second staging of Simply Myrna is scheduled for Saturday, March 10, at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.

The production starring first lady of jazz Myrna Hague, will this year feature internationally acclaimed cabaret act Dobby Dobson as guest artiste.

Returning for a guest appearance also will be the Carifolk Singers.

Simply Myrna, which had a dazzling debut last year at the same venue, is once again under the distinguished patrons of former Governor General Sir Kenneth and Lady Hall.

The musical, which had its press launch on Thursday evening, showcases various the artistic sides of star performer Myrna Hague.

The effervascent songbird will perform songs from a wide ranging repertoire covering jazz standards, sentimental ballads, reggae/dancehall, dances when she feels like, at times hilarious, at times naughty, all in one novel package.

Patrons will experience yet another musical feast with the expertise of guest arranger/conductor Ralph Holding Jr, who has written and arranged some new works to be performed by Myrna, backed by the inimitable Big Band the establishment for which her late husband, legendary bandleader Sonny Bradshaw, is credited. For this occasion there will be an added string section to the Big Band.

In this the 50th anniversary of Jamaica's Independence, Myrna Hague (and her planning team), once again seized the moment. Just like she did a year ago when she dedicated the Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival to the Year of People of African Descent, this time around, invited a pioneer of Jamaica music to be her guest performer.