Vincentian-born, renowned international recording artiste Judy Boucher will be the featured artiste at “Bliss Love Fest” this fall at Amazura, 91-12 144th Pl., Queens.
“The main aim of the event is to offer fans the opportunity to see Judy Boucher with a live band, along with a great line-up of musicians”,” Toni Johnson, the Vincentian-born founder and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn-based Kinetic Bliss Promotions (KBP), host of the October 13 event, told Caribbean Life on Tuesday.
“KBP also aims to give flowers to Ms. Boucher as a recognized and celebrated Vincentian cultural icon in reggae, R&B and lovers rock, with a number hit singles on the UK charts,” she added.
Johnson, a journalist and former radio personality in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, said Boucher, a Caribbean cultural icon, who has recorded over 500 songs, will perform hit singles from her wide repertoire, such as “Dreaming of a Little Island” and “Dream Maker”, among others.
She will be backed by a live band, comprising top musicians, and harmonized by veteran back-up vocalists, who work on the Beres Hammond Forever Giving Thanks Tour 2024, Johnson said.
“Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to allow for ease of access and for folks to dance longer,” said Johnson, also a performing artiste, stating that the event will also feature Garifuna drumming and opening performances by Elijah Rocq, a Jamaican-American reggae and R&B recording artiste.
“We aim to set the stage for a diverse evening, with performances from Abena Amory and other artistes, such as Chanique Rogers, Curty Banton and members of the Harmony House Singers,” she added.
In addition, Johnson said a line-up of DJs, including Bobby Konders, will bring “the lovers-rock, remixed R&B and reggae energy to the patrons.”
She said the show will also bring “added support for Ms. Boucher after she suffered the effects of Hurricane Beryl,” disclosing that A Go Fund Me, managed by Boucher, will be launched at the event.
Johnson said that KBP will request that the Queens Borough President award Boucher a proclamation as a Caribbean cultural icon, along with another undisclosed icon “who has given back to Caribbean music for over 40 years.”
“Amazura, dubbed the renaissance venue for Caribbean music since 1985, will be transformed into a beautiful party, concert and Cabaret-style, all-inclusive VIP Red Carpet event,” she said. “You can ‘Stand On Love’, play ‘Musical Chairs’ or be a part of the ultimate hospitality experience for ‘The Two of Us’ and ‘Platonic Love’”.
Johnson KBP is “turning skills and networks to bring the ultimate love experience as 10 percent of the “Stand on Love” tickets will go toward Hurricane Beryl Relief for “people in shelters.”
“We will also sell Judy Boucher’s merch and offer a pay-per-view option, so viewers worldwide can share in the evening,” she said.
Visit @kinetic_bliss_promotions or Kinetic Bliss Promotions on Facebook or call 929-410-4322 for more information.
More about Judy Boucher
Hailing from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Boucher migrated to High Wycombe, England, around 1970, and later joined her musician brother Bruce’s band, evolving into Judy Jack and the Beanstalk.
Transitioning to a solo career, Boucher achieved a number one hit on the reggae charts in 1985 with “Dreaming of a Little Island,” followed by her debut album, “Can’t Be with You Tonight”, in 1987. The album, “Tears on My Pillow”, was recorded in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1992.
Boucher – who is renowned for her international hit single, “Can’t Be with You Tonight”, which reached No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart in April 1987 – holds the record for being the first female from the Caribbean to have the longest stay in the UK national charts with 14 weeks in 1987.
In recognition of her achievements, Boucher said she was invited by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as their special guest of honor.
Boucher said her Belgian tour remains one of the highlights of her long career, noting that an appearance at one stadium drew 40,000 people, with lighted candles, chanting “Judy Boucher.”
She said she toured several African countries, including Swaziland and Namibia, as well as Middle Eastern countries, and appeared on TV, radio and in clubs.
Boucher is currently managed by the US-based Genius and Genius.
