From left, President of the Guyana American Heritage Basis, and Curator of the Musician Appreciation Awards, Girl Ira Lewis, Bass Guitarist, Drummer Colin Stewart, Lead Guitarist, Richard Schultz, and President of the Guyana American Heritage Basis, with their Awards. Miss CARICOM, Monica Sanchez, far proper, on the Musician Appreciation Awards, on the Waterfall Lounge, on Church Avenue, Brooklyn, on Sept. 14, 2025.
Photograph by Tangerine Clarke
A Musical Appreciation Awards hosted on Sept. 14 on the Water Falls Lounge at 4703 Church Ave. in Brooklyn, was a heartfelt tribute to stalwart Guyanese artists of jazz melodies whose versatility and abilities had been additionally showcased at a Cornel Veira and Buddies Jazz session.
Girl Ira Lewis, an acclaimed clarinet participant, who has stirred the pot of music by selling the skills of her equal, felt it becoming to acknowledge the abilities, and resilience of a gaggle of entertainers, who had been offered with Lifetime Achievement Plaque, Legislative Quotation from Senator Britinee Timberlake, who represents the thirty fourth District in New Jersey, United Nations Platinum Who’s Who Certificates, and Actor Danny Glover Energy of Dream Appreciation Award.
Cornel Veira, a veteran drummer for over 40 years, acquired the Grasp Musician Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Your Expertise and Perseverance have paid off. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, from Girl Ira Lewis and the Guyana American Heritage Basis,” learn the plaque.
Veira, one of the celebrated, discovered the drums at a really younger age and is masterful on the devices. He has carried out with many famous string bands in Guyana, together with the Telstars, After Darkish, Night time Individuals, and lots of extra. He has performed on tracks It Burns Inside, “Learn it Over,” and “Something I Can Do “ with late Guyanese singer Johnny Braff.
Veira has carried out with Award-winning teams, the Stylistics and the Manhattans. His stirring efficiency on the drums garnered a standing ovation.
Phillip Nichols, a keyboardist and arranger, acquired the Grasp Musician Lifetime Achievement Award from Girl Ira Lewis and the Guyana America Heritage Basis.
Nichols, honored for turning sounds into soul, has carried out with Guyanese bands, After Darkish, Solo Productions, the Nationwide Youth Band, and the Ninja Band. He has additionally toured with the Mighty Sparrow, Most important Substances, Mighty Kitchener, and New York’s Angel Caribbean Band. He has been performing for over forty years.
King Suflantis Edwards was additionally honored with the Grasp Musician Lifetime Achievement Award. The sensible multiple-instrumentalist and charming artist started his profession at age sixteen and went on to play within the Guyana Police Drive Band. He later carried out with the Drifters, the Tamms, and on the World-Well-known Apollo and Cotton Membership. He additionally shared a stage with Billy Paul.
Two years in the past, he carried out on the historic Motown Data in Detroit and wowed the viewers on the jazz session.
Twin brothers Richard and Malcolm Schultz, who started taking part in the guitar at age 17, entertained audiences for over twenty years in Guyana. They’ve performed with the M&R Gamers, Music Makers, and others for over forty years and proceed to play music as Lead guitarists and Bass Guitarists.
Colin Stewart, the unique drummer of Cannon Balls String Band, based by Cecil Haynes within the city of Linden, has been within the enterprise for over 50 years. He has shared the stage with the Untouchables, Ninja Band, and different ensembles.
Trailblazing Musician Promoter, mom, and spouse Girl Ira Lewis informed Caribbean Life that, because the partner of certainly one of Guyana’s most celebrated musicians, she has had the privilege of collaborating and interacting with the nation’s most gifted artists for over 4 many years.
She mentioned her contributions to Guyana’s music scene are simple, inspiring future generations of musicians. She added that she is deeply grateful to have the chance to honor “these Guyanese legends with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their excellent contributions to music over the previous 50-plus years.”
“The dedication, ardour, and dedication to their craft have formed the music panorama and impressed generations of artists and followers alike. This award is a small token of appreciation for his or her tireless efforts, progressive spirit, and enduring legacy. I’m thrilled to rejoice their achievements and legacy with the group, acknowledging their influence on Guyanese tradition and past.”
“The award ceremony celebrated their music, lives, and careers, that includes their performances, tributes, and heartfelt testimonials. It was an opportunity for us to come back collectively and pay tribute to those icons, guaranteeing their legacy continues to encourage and uplift future generations,” mentioned Lewis.
“I wish to lengthen my heartfelt due to everybody who got here to assist and rejoice with us—particular due to Doris, Colette, and Monica for his or her contributions to this big day. Your presence and assist imply the world to us,” she expressed.
For 3 years, Dr. Esther Haynes-Tross, who hosted Sunday Morning Jazz with Dr. Esther T. on 104.3 Energy FM in Linden, praised the ensemble, saying, “I loved the Jazz Session.”
The musicians love what they do, so that they had been in sync and performed harmoniously due to their love, dedication, and fervour for making music. We should give Girl Ira credit score for initiating the popularity and bestowing the awards.
The sounds of the devices stuffed the venue with classics, together with Mister Magic, A-Practice, Mercy Mercy, and others, as younger violin participant Devon Webster of Guyanese heritage, vocalist Kathy Waters, veteran bassist Maxie Gouveia, and Flutist Tyrone Hobbs added to the memorable night of jazz music.
