Captain Beres Hammond steers all-white concert at sea

While Beres Hammond is affectionately called ‘The Captain’ by his fans and supporters, that nickname got a literal meaning on day two of the Love and Harmony Cruise.

The six-day, five-night excursion, which set sail from Miami last Saturday, promised over 30 events all around the Caribbean to its over 4,000 passengers.

With famous headliners like Hammond himself, on night two of the journey, the Rock Away singer took charge of the vessel with an intimate yet extravagant all-white concert.

Engulfing the upper pool deck with his sweet sound, for two hours with only a short break about midway through, Hammond performed hit after hit in what can only be regarded as one of his signature white button downs.

Heartfelt gratitude

Though he is no stranger to praise, during the latter section of his set, Hammond got intimate with the crowd, sharing his heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you for even liking one of my songs, even one.”

When the crowd erupted in cheers he added in his usually jovial tone, “All of them you say. That’s even more, far more than I could ever ask for.”

Typical of a Beres Hammond set, by the time the I Feel Good singer vacated the stage, the audience was still clamouring for more.

“I have seen him way too many times to count, so when I see he’s performing somewhere I gotta book the ticket. I don’t even like boats but here I am. I just love me some Beres,” Kerry-Ann James, who said she travelled from New York City to join the cruise, told The Gleaner.

As Harmonizers lauded the music legend, public relations manager for the cruise, Ronnie Tomlinson, says this is just the reaction they had hoped for.

She said, “Last night ( Sunday night) we kicked off with our captain Beres Hammond with a stellar performance. And Harmonizers can only expect the momentum to only go up from here.”

Seemingly reliving the moment, she told The Gleaner, “The pool deck was filled and a true example of why we call ourselves Love and Harmony. The crowd sang from start to finish. We are definitely pleased with the performance as it sets the tone for the amazing performances and vibes to come aboard Love and Harmony Cruise.”

Day four is poised to follow the example of the previous performances.

“[Last night] we had ‘Singers in Action’ with Tarrus Riley and Chris Martin, followed by our school uniform party. And [today] we will have a performance by Buju Banton and Ghost. And many are looking forward to the International flag event with Alison Hinds’ performance.”

After docking in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on day three, the cruise sets sail for the Bahamas then a return to the port of Miami.

shanel.lemmie@gleanerjm.com