Earth Hour JA celebrates a decade with sweet acoustic melodies, surprise recognition

In 2014 when Alex Morrissey was planning the first staging of Earth Hour JA, bubbling just below the surface of his ambitions was the thought, “I have never put on an event before and I don’t know how this is going to work”.

Now a decade later, the Esirom boss is celebrating their tenth staging with music, giveaways, a fire dance, and touching surprise for supporters who have been with them for the better part of the decade.

Kicking off in the early afternoon with his acoustic melodies last Saturday was Indie Allen, the first of the scheduled acts to take the stage. He was followed swiftly by Alaine.

Catching up with the songbird backstage, she told The Gleaner just how grateful she was to share in the intimate experience.

“I attended last year for the first time, and I just loved it. The whole idea of recognising the superiority, the importance of Mother Earth, and loving on her with musical and loving on her with intentionality, its life, its everything. So, of course, when I was asked to perform, it made perfect sense.”

Performing a slew of her hits, Alaine dazzled in the intimate energy of the afternoon.

Artiste and producer Iotosh took the stage next. With the sun placed firmly below the Kingston hills, the Grammy-nominated musician filled the cups of the audience with almost spiritual renditions of Fee Fi Foe and Fill my Cup.

Still feels like the first one

Maintaining the relaxed vibe that has been cultivated by Earth Hour, Morissey explained how grateful he was that much had not changed.

“Bwoy, every year still feels like the first one, and that’s why I think we try to make it better every year because it’s still fresh, you know. It’s changed over the years, and I really like that it’s still been able to maintain this closeness to the stage and closeness to the artiste and a vibe where you’re just sitting down and relaxing and not jumping up and down,” the Esirom boss said.

As the night moved along, long-time friend of the Esirom Foundation and Earth-ally Dr Terri-Karelle Reid was honoured with a bougainvillea plant, which she has decided to name Alex, along with a sculpture garden of the bloom at a location of her choosing in her name.

As the tearful Reid listened to Morrissey gush about her, both shock and gratitude were etched on her face.

After briefly pulling herself together, she explained, “So Earth Hour means a lot to me simply because I think we need more spaces where we not only appreciate and celebrate the acoustic experience, but because it is in celebration of our Earth. And I think because we represent a small island we know that we are vulnerable, and so the idea that we could take a concert and mix it with consciousness aligned with me, and I have donated my service every single year.”

She continued, ”I am absolutely humbled, and I am at a loss for words, but I am eternally grateful for this very kind gesture and the fact that my daughter is here to witness that as well is beyond words.”

The dry eyes did not last long, however, as Reid’s daughter, Naima-Kourtnae, broke the floodgates once again when she heaped praises upon her mother.

Continuing musically, the Earth Hour was commemorated with a fire dance followed by performances from Alex A-Game and Warrior King. Though initially slated to perform, Etana was unable to make the show.

shanel.lemmie@gleanerjm.com