Hundreds gather at hospital to mourn death of Joe Arroyo | El Heraldo Barranquilla Con Joe

Hundreds gather at hospital to mourn death of Joe Arroyo | El Heraldo Barranquilla Con Joe

Hundreds of fans gathered outside a Barranquilla hospital Tuesday to honor Colombian salsa legend Joe Arroyo who died in the medical earlier that day. The Archbishop of Barranquilla announced "El Joe" will be buried Wednesday afternoon, as his hometown of Cartagena decreed two days of official mourning.

According to Barranquilla newspaper El Heraldo, singer Willy Calderon joined the crowd at the hospital to sing in honor of the deceased "god" of salsa.

The death of one of Colombia's greatest salsa artists caused a wave of grief throughout Colombia.

"All media mourn the death of Joe Arroyo. El Tiempo brotherly embraces his friends and family," the country's leading newspaper tweeted. Numerous prominent Colombians expressed their grief over the death of Arroyo through the social media website.

The city of Cartagena, where the singer was born, declared two days of official mourning and ordered all flags to immediately be hung half mast. Music from the artist will be played in the historic center of the walled city to honor the city's "eldest son."

The governor ordered the official city banner to be brought to Barranquilla to be put over the coffin of Arroyo, whose body will be displayed in the cathedral of the port city where the archbishop announced a wake starting at 4PM.

"The Archbishop of Barranquilla calls on the whole community touched by the artist to respectfully and serenely live through these moments of sadness in which the best tribute we can offer is to unite the prayers of Colombians so that the soul of our beloved and always remembered Joe Arroyo may rest in the peace of the Lord," the Archbishop announced. Read More

Negril Beach, Jamaica

At a time when many a Jamaican is concerned about the death of traditional art forms, the Braata Folk Singers reminded us that we can relax, as that will not be happening anytime soon.  The New York based group presented ‘Wheel an Come Again’, which could not have been a more appropriate name for only their second concert season.  The twelve member group delivered folk song after folk song with such poise and passion that it is obvious why they got their name, as they left the audience wanting more…Jus a lickle braata.

Led by the talented Andrew Clarke, who performed as a chorus member, the group walked us through classics such as “Liza”, “Sammy Dead”, “Banyan Tree” and “Love is a funny likkle ting”.  Songs such as “Betta Woman Dan Yu” and “Why Woman Grumble” had the audience in laughter. 

Andrew Clarke (Director), getting into the spirit.

The stage was cleverly designed to incorporate many typical elements of Jamaican culture, such as the coal stove with the dutch pot on it, the coconut stand, and various simulations of market stalls.  The use of colour was adequate and the costuming very appropriate.

The twelve singers delivered a balanced sound, and neatly executed the choreography with great expression.  Outside of a few missed entries, the blend of voices was exceptional.  Soprano, Dianne Dixon, seemed to have the crowd in the palm of her hand with every antic and expression she shared.  Andrew Clarke featured many times with his clean tenor voice.  This was supported by an ensemble cast of church goers, and shoppers in the market, not to mention the cute Matthews sisters, Courtnae and Joelle.

The singers could not have done so well without the support of the amazing and competent band, comprising of keyboardist, Garnet Mowatt (who contributed to some of the arrangements created by Andrew Clarke), Matthew Silpot (Keyboard), Marcus Williams (Percussion), Palomin Hassad (Percussion) and the legendary, Carrot Jarrett (Percussion).

Overall I give the Braata Folk Singers an ‘A’ for a concert well done.  I definitely got my money’s worth, not to mention the complimentary food provided in the intermission, and the souvenir program provided on entry to the theatre.  I would encourage you to support this talented group as they move forward, ensuring the maintenance of our heritage in the New York/Tri-state area, and I’m certain soon to the rest of the world.  The group also has CDs and t-shirts available at a minimal cost.  Mi definitely waan braata of the Braata Folk Singers.

Find Braata Folk Singers on Facebook (Like their page): http://www.facebook.com/pages/Braata-Folk-Singers/220816651267952

Photos Courtesy of Wide Vision Photography (marcia@widevisionphotography.com); Band photo by Mario Guthrie Photography (http://megphotos.tumblr.com)

You can’t go wrong with a remix of the news.

been drinking at least 3 bottles of these for the past two days, seems to get me sleeping earlier, :)

Negril Beach, Jamaica