Before the stage lights were on at the Jazz courtyard, for the last courtyard show of this season, the band headed around the bend to Don Bosco’s high School Panjim, for an afternoon of music, laughter and fun.

This time around Heritage Jazz presented Francois Bourassa, renowned jazz pianist and lovely chanteuse Jeanne Rochette from Quebec supported by two of India’s finest Jazz performers, Gino Banks, accomplished drummer and Sheldon D’Silva, one of India’s best bassists.

The atmosphere in the Indoor Basketball stadium was full of buzz and excitement. The young lads were motivated by the musicians to go up on stage and perform a small act of their own; some played a piece or two on the keyboard, others kept beat on the drums and one boy even sang his heart away. The boys really emanated joy and were undoubtedly inspired by these young talented musicians; for a while they seemed to consider planning a career in the world of music.

This workshop was a platform for these young kids to come and explore the wonders of music and also share a stage with World class performers. The band gave them all a chance to come up and jam with them and the response to that was marvelous; their courage to step forward and face the audience was really commendable. They were really engrossed in the music and refused to let the band leave the stage, constantly cheering them on and begging for more way beyond lunch time.

It was Francois and Jeanne’s first time in Goa and they loved every minute of their time at the workshop. They even danced spontaneously while a little boy entertained the crowd with his special rendition of ‘Oh Carol’; this sure got the cheering louder and laughter and excitement filled the air. Sheldon and Gino were happy to be there and inspire so many young minds especially in a time where kids are pressurized to run a career race rather than doing what they like.

Just as most good things, his workshop too had an end, but it was a happy musical one; the band jammed together on the last song eliciting thunderous applause and lots of cheer from the kids. The boys ran up to the band members for photographs, autographs and some excited chatter, much to the delight of the four performers.

This workshop was another high energy packed, fun filled success and the best part of it all is the kids totally loved it!