FROM all accounts, the annual Rupununi Festival at Annai Village met and surpassed expectations, and this year, fans were in for quite a treat when they were delightfully surprised by the riveting performance of Georgetown pop group, ‘Behold the Jury’.Buzz reporter Alex Wayne caught up with band members early one morning last week over tea and cookies, and together they discussed their just-concluded exploits in the north Rupununi.
Word reaching the Buzz is that although there were other entertainment bands at the festival, it was the members of the ‘Jury bandwaggon’ that brought patrons to their feet.
As band leader Marquis Khan noted, the band, while not placed on the programme initially, was specially invited to perform as guest artistes. They are especially grateful to the folks from Air Services Limited for actually flying them into the Rupununi in their private aircraft, and to the promoters for accommodating them in grand style.
It was a welcoming addition to the programme, as the band was able to exchange and fuse cultures with the Brazillian ‘Reggae Jazz’ band that was also in attendance.
The ‘Jury’, which has been performing around Guyana, comprises four very talented musicians who continue to raise the musical bar in Guyana with their astounding skills and creativity.
Comprising of guys who were randomly chosen from varying locations, based on their talents, this outfit also brings to the platter a rich serving of enticing ‘ethnic mix’ which is the tool used to keep their fans begging for more.
Not so long ago, they made their debut at State House, where their performance was televised by the National Telecommunications Network (NCN). That was actually their first televisied performance.
It was this same ‘Jury’ that provided musical accompaniment to some of the contestants of the recently concluded 2015 Princess Karaoke Star Competition promoted by Princess Hotel and Suckerpunch Promotions.
They continue to shine at other private functions promoted by Suckerpunch, inclusive of sweet sixteen parties, birthdays, and even weddings.
Bringing ‘musical magic’ to you in this band are the band leader Marquis Khan (Rhythm Guitarist/Lead Vocalist), Ryan Roberts (Base/Rhythm Guitarist/ Backup Vocals/Co-ordinator), Shoghie Boodhoo (Lead and Rhythm Guitarist/Base/Backup Vocals), and Avinash Roopchand (Drummer/Base/Keyboard/Producer/Mixer)
These talented lads urge other musicians to persevere amidst controversy, since there is room for stardom in any genre of music. They also encourage others to learn wisely from their experiences and ultimate success will be assured.
Why not savour a taste of their ‘tantalising flava’? You can do so by calling phone numbers 665 6441, 658 3697, or 673 4792. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter by typing in ‘Behold the Jury’. They can also be contacted by email @: beholdthejury@gmail.com