Review: Live Vibe September 2009

Alas the final curtain has fallen on the last of the Live Vibe spectacular.

Words: Belinda Nimo

There were moments of deep reflection as I watched the acts perform for the last time on the Lillian Baylis stage this year. Images of previous performers whizzed through my mind as I was reminded that this is not the end but the dawn of a new beginning.

The Best of Live Vibe is about to storm the city and tear the Mermaid Theatre roof down bringing with it the best acts of the season in a one off show-stopper. For anyone who missed previous shows be sure to read on and reserve that ticket for the 7th November……

The host Mr Impact was joined by the graceful and elegant Annaliese Dayes successfully embarking on her debut as the Live Vibe co-host. As always, DJ Mikey J set the scene for the sell-out show as the audience made their way to their seats, drink in hand – expectations high.

The ever energetic Prototype opened the floor with their polished dance moves paving the way for Clencha in the Open Zone. He wowed the audience with three grime tracks all hyping on the positive. With a fearless energy he took to the stage and successfully engaged the audience in his lyrical onslaught. Debut film and TV appearances in Life & Lyrics and Dubplate Drama have allowed him to expand his acting portfolio. Listen out for Clench State The Mixtape featuring his massive hit Get Busy!

Young Melissa took us back in time covering Tina Turner’s River Deep, Mountain High. She swept the audience away with her vocal ability and friendly aura. Her power grew as the song progressed and with her she carried the audience who revelled in her laid back style and attitude. SOX continued dancing down the ‘old skool’ road in true Michael Jackson style to his classics Bad, PYT, Rock With You and many more.

Zoonation Youth reset the tone with a varied dance set choreographed by the ingenious Katie Price – choreographer and founder of Zoonation. With a range of ages the group moved outside of comfortable street dance zones allowing for more expression and freedom of movement, truly touching the audience.

Audra looking every bit the Natural Woman sung the entitled track. Having won the BBC unsigned act with a group called Sweet Tooth she produced a strong upbeat vocal.

D-Youngaz reminded the audience that street dance transcends all nationalities. The choreography was fun and diverse even including a Double Dutch skipping set!

Eventually Audience got Talent brought out its finalists who fought hard for the trophy. But the winner Redinho received his award in this close battle and gave the audience a brilliant sample of his beatboxing ability. Not only is he a beatbox genius – he’s a ‘one man DJ set’ and will also be showcasing his skills in November.

The Open Mic section produced raw talent but it was Marlon who stole the section. “See it’s hard to break the tarmac that the government has laid” he charged with a poetic flow full of realism. His lyrics are tight and his arguments on point!

Prototype stayed true to the art of effective street dance choreography fused to a backdrop of unhurried musical tones and beats before the show ended with Floetic Lara who “writes for the wanton, the weak and the warriors”. She’s a versatile young lady who flexes between the rough and the smooth in terms of her lyricism and vocal ability transcending the genres of jazz, hip hop and soul.

Floetic left the audience wanting more but the night had to end. Mikey J stepped to the decks and the party begun afresh! Remember this is by no means the end of Live Vibe!

Best of Live Vibe 2009 >>

<< Back to Live Vibe page

Live Vibe reviews:

2010:

2009:

Best of Live Vibe 2009

Live Vibe July 2009

Live Vibe August 2009

Live Vibe September 2009