Cadence-lypso pioneers, Exile One, will perform in the United States for the first time since 1989, when they appear at a chic awards gala in New Jersey, at which group founder Gordon Henderson will be honoured by the Association of Dominicans in the Northeast USA (ADNExUS).
The performers will include Vivian Wallace, Fitzroy Williams, “Sty” Larocque, Frankie J and Gordon Henderson, who will be the first-ever recipient of the association’s Legends Award.
“Dominicans are making significant contributions to, and shedding the spotlight on, our still relatively unknown island, so it is always rewarding for our group to honour trailblazers and humanitarians like Gordon who continue to play their part to promote Dominica and support Dominicans”, says Sylma Brown, a spokesperson for ADNExUS.
The appearance of Henderson and Exile One has generated great excitement among members of the Diaspora in the North-East United States, both among those who have a nostalgic feeling and the younger generation who have heard about the group and have been longing to experience their performance.
“It’s been over 25 years since Exile One performed in the United States and we are happy that they chose to come back to support our event. We anticipate that Dominicans, friends of Dominica and Exile One fans in the North East will show up in their numbers to celebrate Gordon and support the band as well as the charitable efforts of the association,” Ms. Brown added.
The historic Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair at 200 Cooper Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey will again be the venue for the 4th annual Dominica Cultural Awards Gala, a fundraiser to assist with developmental programmes and provide medical and educational assistance to Dominican communities in New Jersey and back home.
Dubbed “The ultimate Dominican Cultural Event”, the September 24 gala will also feature the incomparable Know Your Culture and popular DJ Bolo. The invocation will be delivered by Pastor Peter Piper, with Dorian Shillingford bringing the motivational message.
The gala which is sponsored by SF Pathway, is being organized in collaboration with the Dominica United Cricket Club, Know Your Culture Dance Troupe and the Northeast USA Wesley Chapter.
Donations may be made to any member of the participating group and tickets may be purchased through group members, by calling 973-763-1546 or by emailing dominicagalatickets@gmail.com.