Party like it’s 1973!

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

Break out your bell bottom pants, your tie-dye, your headbands and your colourful scarves, because tomorrow night at the Baha Mar Convention Centre, guests will be asked to party like it’s 1973 in honour of the country celebrating 50 years of independence.

This “Golden Oldies Soirée” will feature entertainment by T-Connection and Friends, a funk and disco group who scored two hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in the ‘70s, as well as by the bands Visage and Bahama Rock.

Guests are being asked to attend in their best ‘70s-inspired attire with shades of gold.

D’Asante Small, the creative director of the Independence Secretariat, said after the country’s 49th anniversary of Independence, their team had conversations with different groups of people and shared posts on social media, asking what type of events they wanted to see to celebrate the 50th.

“We saw that a lot of the seasoned generation wanted something that was just for them; a party that really took it back to the music, the style and everything they were looking for,” she told Tribune Weekend.

D’Asante said when they were looking at what type of artists to include for this kind of event, and the team thought the T-Connection would be a perfect fit.

“We have people from around the world that are travelling and are really excited about this one party. All of the Family Islanders are really excited as well,” she said. For those that who have never attended a ‘70s party before, D’Asante encourages them to do their research and really get into the theme.

“Some people are doing the afros, and they are getting the colours together. I have heard that some people are looking for bell bottoms. So find something that is ‘70s-inspired or golden and just come to have a good time, man, that’s all it is. Let down your hair and enjoy a great evening of live music and entertainment,” said D’Asante.

She believes with all of the festivities surrounding this golden jubilee, it is important to balance both the observation of the historic significance of reaching 50 years of independence with simply having a good time.

“Can we have amazing conversations about historical accomplishments and achievements, yes., but can we also let down our hair and celebrate the fact that we have gotten this far as a country, absolutely. So I think this event is going to be one of those things where you can just have fun to celebrate such a great nation,” said D’Asante. Serving as the creative director of the Independence Secretariat, she said, has been an amazing experience.

“I think for me, it has been a gift just to have the opportunity. I am just grateful to serve my country in this capacity. Ambassador Leslia Brice has truly led a great team, and she has allowed us to express our ideas and share our talents with the country in such a way,” said D’Asante.