It will be a trip down memory lane when a group of men, members of a band in Guyana some 35 years ago, come together for just one night in Toronto, Canada to give patrons a taste of what they dished out musically in their young days.
The July 3 event is not being taken lightly by the former members of the band — ‘The Graduates’ — as they have been meeting, even though they live in different countries, for practice sessions.
Bobby Hunter, one of the ex-band members, recently told The Scene that while the group will be performing for the enjoyment of being on stage again, there is also a serious aspect behind the reunion as all proceeds from the event will be donated to charity.
The proceeds will go to the Guyana Christina Charity, a Toronto-based non-governmental organisation, which sends money and other items to help those in need in Guyana.
According to Hunter, ‘The Graduates’ was formed in 1968 but it folded in 1975 after which all of its members migrated to different countries.
He said recently some of them got in touch with each other and the idea of a reunion was born and while some of them have not been involved in music for many years they are all buoyed up to be performing on stage again.
“We have not found all the members of the group but the main players are going to be at the reunion,” Hunter said.
The seven ex-members who will be performing are: Hunter, organ; Ivor Lall, lead guitar; Cliff Simon, rhythm guitar; Joey Wong, base guitar; Terry Lall, drums; Owen Parris, saxophone; and ‘Fluff’ Miller, lead vocals.
“We had not seen each other for many years and we just thought it would be a good thing,” Hunter told The Scene while adding that they have had four days of practice in Miami. There will be another practice session come next month and they hope to put in a few more before they step on stage in July.
The event, set for the Grand Baccus Banquet Hall, will be in a form of a “party and a dance” and is billed as ‘The Graduates of Guyana Reunion: An evening of Memories’. Tickets cost Cdn$45 before the event but there would be something added if a patron decides to purchase one at the door.
Toronto was not chosen because two of the ex-members live there, the rest are scattered about the US and one in Jamaica, but because it is felt that many of the persons who followed the band in its days live there. Also the event is being held around Caribana, which is a celebration that many Guyanese travel to Toronto to be a part of.