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JOY LIT UP THE NIGHT

Arts and Culture 09 Jul, 2025 Follow News

By Catherine Tyson, MSW

Last weekend, the 24th annual Talent Xposition of the Arts held at Harquail Theatre Organised By The New Self Foundation, delivered a Night of Dazzling Talent and Unforgettable Performances and as cliché as it may sound, the words, they surely outdid themselves, is the only fitting sentiment of this year’s spectacular show and performers.

Young, gifted and Caymanian; hailing from all districts, got together for one night only, sharing the stage to display talent that could have very well been a part of any Broadway production.  Each year for the last 24 years, Event organiser and  founder and CEO of the New Self Help Foundation J.C. Connor, the man behind the show, brings one of the biggest audiences together to cheer on the largest show on island for all things Caymanian artistry in action.  Hosted again by the duo of Anikka Conolly, who brought the colorful, and Lloyd Barker, who brought the hype, the evening was filled with show stopping moments that left you clear why the theme this year was simply JOY.  

From Classical Strings to musical numbers and lots of dance, the entire community of young people shone at this year’s Vibrant Showcase of the arts.  The atmosphere was set by the dynamic William Siblings who opened the evening with a riveting rendition of the National Song and then came back with a few other numbers, including Jesus Saves and The Prayer, which was safe to say, one of the best arrangements of that classic.

Starting out the night, The John Gray Elite Strings,  with their perfect pitch, captivated the crowd with  precise arrangements and strings in unison followed by Dequan Smith and Christa Bevilacqua taking center stage with a stirring composition on the piano and violin. The night shifted seamlessly through genres and moods with the little ones bringing in the dance followed by a soulful arrangement of Alicia Keys, If I ain’t got you, by Moniesa Farquaharson that had the crowd swaying.  Moonlighting host of the evening, Lloyd Barker traded his hosting hat for a performance hat and, and ever the selecta, surprised the audience with a brilliant medley of our favorite reggae old skool tunes.  Not to be outdone, Radiance Dance and their sparkling red sequins lit up the stage, their movements echoing the music’s pulse followed by a magical solo performance of the Wizard and I, by Abby Jervis, whose voice control and talent was such a joy to witness. The heartfelt ballad rendition of the song Please Stay, by Leah GC, who also debuted her new song at the end of the evening with the catchy single When, was one of many standout moments, and Jaide dixon singing You make me feel like a natural woman.  

The incredible yearly variety show always brings the brightest up and coming young artists and this year there was no difference because for the first time ever, gracing the stage was a powerful opera performance by Iyanla Powell that took the audience by surprise reminding all of the diversity of talent hidden within the Cayman community. The evening’s collaborative spirit was alive and well as the performances by The UCCI Dance Company where a love triangle existed between two female dancers, one in a stunning red costume, the other in a white dress and one man in the midst, entered for a duet that built to a rousing finale and an unexpected outcome that was followed by a loud applause by the audience.

Growing up on the Talent Xposition stage and gracing the night with incredible, jaw dropping performances were none other than Erica Assai with her song Glow Up, and Caitlin Tyson, doing her much anticipated nod to musical theater with the hilarious and perfectly delivered performance of “Nothing” from A Chorus Line.  Cayman’s very own superstar Rico Rolando gave us his star rendition of Nina Simone’s hit “Feeling Good”.  These amazing young veterans who come back each year to showcase their talents, are a prime example of how impactful the program is.  A poignant poem done by Johanna O’Connor, I Hate Being the Strong One,”  echoed with vulnerability and courage  made way for our very own Lebron Mekhi, fresh off the University circuit, offering a performance in modern dance indicating how much he has grown since studying abroad.  Another long time favorite back from University that has not been seen in some time but fit right into the groove was Zariah Anglin with “What you Won’t Do for Love”.  The crowd was left breathless by a soul-stirring performance of “Never Enough” from the talented Collindra—Rodericka, who also joined one of the Williams singers for the amazing performance of The Prayer. 

And then there were the dancers, dancers, dancers that kicked up their heels and kept JOY flooding the stage the entire night. From Centre Point, to Dreamchasers, to 345 Dancers, Radiance Dance, UCCI Dance Company and the Bailamos Dance Studio, absolutely no crumbs were left on stage and definitely no stones unturned.  There were young and “old” dancers that began with 2 and then 3 and then 4 and 5 and more, transforming the stage into a thrilling street scene and energetic soca rhythms that ended up dancing in the aisles of the Harquail Theater.    As the curtain fell, the Talent Xposition of the Arts once again proved itself to be a beacon of creative expression, offering unforgettable artistry that continues to be a staple between performers and the local Caymanian community.

This year’s show not only showcased established talent but also nurtured the dreams of the next generation; the true magic of the arts, alive and thriving in Cayman. If you were not there, then you sure did you miss out.  And to think, you only have 12 months to wait for it to come around again!

Photographs by David Goddard


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