Fighting Back & Moving Forward - Concert Promo

Three Amigos

Fate placed the three of them at The Lodge School in 1979. Anderson Blood Armstrong, George Jones and Terry Mexican Arthur would actually meet each other a year later through a drive by Mac Fingall for the start of their destiny. The trials of school, the end of almost two decades of working with a top band, and more recently George’s illness have not torn their bond of over 30 years asunder. Mexican will be the first to tell you that he and the other two were not the most diligent of students, but each of them continues to hold fast to the motto of their alma mater: They Can Because They Think They Can.

There is an unshakable loyalty and friendship among the three that they say run deeper than the music, and bridge any distance that circumstances and geography might throw up. Blood and George found themselves in the same class at third form level and they would meet up with Mexican in the music room at every available opportunity to practise on the various instruments, and the only thing they have lived to regret was not taking their Spanish classes. They all smiled fondly as they recalled that prediction from the Spanish teacher. “The music was the common denominator, the gel. I guess over time it would evolve into what it is now,” George explained.

“I remember the three of us – just as we’re here – used to sit at the piano. I play bass, sometimes George, Andy hold the chords, or we would interchange,” Mexican said, with nods of approval from the other two. “One big piano,” Blood interjected. They would soon form a band that would play for concerts at school. Mexican hit the seas shortly after school as a musician and Blood got involved in Gabby’s First-Timers tent and later the Richard Stoute Teen Talent competition, joined the Untouchables Tent and did some overseas tours.

While Blood was pursuing his solo career, George was approached by the Country Theatre Workshop to perform at the Christmas concert and he looked to his buddy Blood. Blood brought in Paul Slater and his old St Giles’ schoolmate Cecil Oshaka Riley, who were both involved in Richard Stoute. That was the beginning of Square One and they would be joined by Alison Hinds and Winston Beckles a little later. Mexican heard the band at the Steel Shed on a trip home from the ship and without checking with the guys, he sounded his intention to quit after the six-month tour to join.

Source: www.nationnews.com

Lodge School Wins Under-15 Title By 29 Runs

For the third time in its long and stellar cricketing history, Nature Valley Lodge School hoisted the LIME Schools Under-15 trophy, after defeating Garrison Secondary by 29 runs at the BET Ground yesterday afternoon.

After resuming from their overnight score of 168-9, Lodge was eventually dismissed for 174, leaving Garrison to make 189 for victory. Garrison, however faltered during their run chase, falling 29 runs short of the target on 160 all out.

Lodge School coach Clifton Philips praised his players for holding their nerve and never faltering under pressure, especially after they were dismissed for just 106 in their first innings.

“When you are coming into the final day there is always pressure. But I believe most of that pressure is the one you put on yourself. I thought that once they managed to get up to 189, I thought that we could get home. But obviously Garrison, this being their first time in the final they wanted it very much, so we knew we would have to fight,” said Philips.

Philips, who has coached Lodge School for the past 19 years, noted that while they did not play Garrison in any of their preliminary games, he asked the guys to remain focused and to not underestimate their opponents.

“I asked them to focus and stick close to the basics, don’t go to far away from them; keep focused on the job on hand and to take each moment as they go and work from there” said Philips.

A visibly upset Garrison coach Elvis Howard, lauded his players for not only making it to the final but for also playing with grit and determination during the three days of competition.

“I told the guys from the outset that we are not only going to the final. We want the record to also show that we played very well in the final. I am so happy for my boys, obviously we are a bit disappointed that we didn’t win, but the fighting spirit showed today by my school was tremendous and I think the boys will be happy with the way they fought today,” said Howard.

Howard praised the Lodge School on their victory, but admitted his team let the game get away from them, after having their opponents on the back foot.

“After having Lodge on 126 for nine, we lost the plot in the last 45 minutes of the game and it really showed, because I thought that with 126 for nine the most we would be looking to chase is 150. And it came back to haunt us, those 28 runs that we lost by,” said Howard. (PH)

Motorcade Scheduled To Promote Concert

Please note the count down is on for Saturday, August 21st, 2010.

The organizers of the Fighting Back and Moving Forward concert have scheduled a Motorcade for Saturday, August 14, 2010 which will involve several of the artiste performing for the concert; Biggie Irie, Terry Mexican, Allison Hinds, Peter Ram, Salt, Mexican, Blood etc.

The motorcade leaves the Party Stand at 10:00 a.m. sharp with the group Freekz Customz leading. The convoy will make its way around the City of Bridgetown and its environs before heading back to the Party Stand. From the Party Stand the group will proceed to Wisers on Brandon's Beach for a lime from 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.