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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates A group of 28 young boys and men ages 5-20 are scheduled to perform rake n’ scrape at various locations throughout New York City during the month of October. Under the stars at the Courtyard Terrace of the new Sapodilla Restaurant last week the youngsters put on a dynamic native show as a fundraising effort to raise $60,000 for their trip to NY. The rake n’ scrape show and silent auction with pieces from artists like John Cox, Toby Lunn and Marco Mullings was held under the patronage of the Minister of Youth, Sports, & Culture. Dr. Daniel Johnson. Nathaniel J. Adams Jr., a 26- year-old music teacher at Gerald Cash Primary School, leads the talented group. Mr. Adams has devoted his life to Bahamian music and empowering the youth of The Bahamas and strongly believes in marketing our distinct culture in our overall tourism product. “Culture is so important, its not just about keeping our culture alive, it’s about sharing it with the world as well,” says Adams. He explained that the performance schedule in New York is intense and the group members have spent countless hours rehearsing and practicing and he feels blessed for the opportunity to have them perform on the world stage. “It’s more than just keeping our young men off the streets, it’s about creating cultural ambassadors for The Bahamas. These young men have a passion for rake n’ scrape and a passion for cultural advancement,” Mr. Adams said. Anthony Watson, a lead drummer and a Bahamas National Art Festival Drumming Champion said, “ This will be my first time in New York, I know that I will love it, I’ve been playing drums for four years and I’m excited to perform.” Beat Schlagenhauf, a financial advisor out of Switzerland, was the main organizer of the fundraising event. Beat first heard the pulsating sounds of the young group during his first Out Island experience on a visit to Cat Island where he attended the annual Rake n’ Scrape Festival. He says he fell in love with them and their music. “They are so talented, they have something in their eyes, and they have passion.” Beat then partnered with Sapodilla Restaurant, a fine dining and eco-attraction that graciously offered their beautiful venue and additional location and support. “Sapodilla is so honored to be apart of this celebration of cultural exceptionalism, these children are amazing and talented and they deserve an opportunity to express themselves and share with the world,” says Gandhi Pinder, host of the event and Sapodilla’s Public Relations Representative. She further explained that Sapodilla is passionate about and committed to cultural development and will continue to lend its support and motivation. Beat feels the group will do well in New York City. “The New Yorkers will love it and it will have an everlasting impact on the boys and it will motivate other young people to become involved in something positive,” he said. For those that wish to donate to the cause please contact the Gerald Cash Primary School located in Flamingo Gardens or call 361-2028 for more information.
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