It might have been frigid outside but inside the Hardrock Casino Ballroom, Jerry “Iceman” Butler and Jamaica’s golden voice, Sanchez warmed the hearts of fans with romantic interludes. Sunday, March 26 was a splendid evening when it opened with Host, ZOII presenting the hottest fashions by New York’s designer Michael Gilling. Fans started to whet their appetites when the opening act, South Florida’s very own, Michael Russell, with a similar voice as George Nooks, had them snapping their fingers to his latest love tunes. Backed by the Millennium Band, songstress Fiona joined Michael on stage offering soothing blends to open a night of pure “nostalgia”.

Clad in all white, Jerry “Iceman” Butler graced the stage with such melodies as “Moon River, Make it easy on yourself” as he mesmerized patrons. Humming, moving heads, swaying hands were the popular actions as fans enjoyed the warmth of the “Iceman” cool tones. Jerry, Illinois’ Cook County’s Commissioner was surprised with a plaque from one of South Florida’s Commissioner’s Hazelle Rogers and expressed his gratitude by simply saying, “Thanks, thanks, thanks.”

As Sanchez sang his crowd favorite, “Oh I Lift up my head to the father,” it incited a sing-along with the audience enthusiastically matching him word for word, like they did all the others. After Sanchez serenaded the audience with a number of love tunes, he took off his hat, jacket, and effortlessly got his fans to jump up in their seats and clap their hands to revival songs.

The evening’s producer and MC, South Florida’s Vonnie McGowan was given a key of appreciation from Commissioner Rogers for her outstanding commitment and efforts in the community. On a whole, the evening of “nostalgia in gold” sent home all attendees in a frenetic stew of love.

Joan Savoury