EMERALD COMMUNITY SINGERS PRESS RELEASE
The tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat is one of the few remaining British Overseas Territories left in the world and has a population of just 5000. Particularly beautiful , it has stunning coastlines and mountain ranges. It is the home of the Soufriere Hills Volcano which has been erupting for over 16 years giving residents and visitors alike spectacular views of the eruption.
It is also the home of the longest established Caribbean folk group, The Emerald Community Singers. (Emerald because the first European settlers in Montserrat were Irish , fleeing the reign of Oliver Cromwell). The well travelled group is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and to celebrate this important milestone they are touring England, Wales and Ireland. They will appear in Liverpool on Monday 15 August at 7.00 pm at St. Anthony's Scotland Road, Liverpool
The 25 strong group's repertoire of Gospel and Folk Songs includes over 1000 pieces and they will present a selection of these at the Liverpool Concert.
The Caribbean group’s manager, Richard Aspin hails from Lancashire but has lived in Montserrat for nearly 40 years. He served as the "The voice of the volcano" in the earlier days of the eruption bringing information through the airways to both local and international radio and TV audiences. He told reporters "They were very difficult times as there had been no volcanic eruptions on the island in recorded history and people did not know what to expect. Around 60% of the island was destroyed and the population dropped drastically as folks moved away." Mr Aspin added "Montserratians are a resilient lot and we are re-developing the north of the island in style with a new capital city at Little Bay."
He pointed out that the eruption had led to a cultural awakening with music, prose, painting and photography all produced with a volcanic theme. "It was difficult for the group to keep performing during the eruption but we managed it and are now moving from strength to strength" said Mr Aspin.
This will be a great chance for Liverpool residents to witness a slice of Caribbean life in all its colour
