Page 15 - Florida Sentinel 2-26-16 Edition

Features
Popular Musician Loses Battle With Kidney Failure
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Basil Powell was a renowned jazz musician who toured with some of the top mainstream artists in this coun- try. He recently had been per- forming with NJ Ladyfingers as their lead guitarist. He was also a well versed Bible teacher.
Powell had been on dialysis for years due to his kidneys, and last Thursday, he passed away at Florida Hospital, two days be- fore his 62nd birthday.
Powell’s wife, Geraldine, said her husband was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and his family later moved to Tampa.
“We were married for 17 years, and when I met him, he was already an accomplished musician.
“Although he started having problems with his health later on, he never gave up his passion for music.”
Mrs. Powell said her hus- band talked about one day own- ing his own motorcycle.
“I was fine with it. I didn’t have any problems with his rid- ing a motorcycle, because I
BASIL POWELL
know he always makes the right decisions.
“We have a son, Steven, and we will miss Basil for the joy and love he brought into our lives, and his passion for music.”
A memorial service for Basil Powell will be held Saturday, February 27th, 11 a. m. at North- side M. B. Church, 5706 North 40th Street, across from Big John’s Barbecue.
The family requests all atten- dees wear blue, his favorite color. Musical tributes will be held at the repast at the request of the family.
Tampa Woman To Host Dance Competition
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Saturday, February 27th, beginning at 1:30 p.m., a Tampa woman will host the “Last Team Standing” Dance Compe- tition. The event will bring together, com- petitors from various cities to vie for the coveted title.
The event will take place at Jefferson High School. Rick Davis of Brickhouse BBQ is one of the event sponsors. Ms. Erika Casteel, founder of Diamond Heel’z, is hosting the event.
Ms. Traci Brown, of Universal Records will be on hand to serve as the MC of the show.
Ms. Casteel said, “This competition is to bring exposure to the City of Tampa and to let people know that we are one of the most competitive cities in majorette dance. There are so many influences and activities in which children can partake, but we are looking to make a positive impact on our society by teaching our children majorette dance and allowing them to compete.”
The competition will focus on 13 teams competing for the title. But, Ms. Casteel said the event is about more than compe- tition.
She said the dancers learn discipline, professionalism, sportsmanship, and dedi- cation through hard work. The reward is
MS. ERIKA CASTEEL AND RICK DAVIS
walking away with the championship. And, although there can only be one winner, Ms. Casteel said the participants have an opportunity to bond, network, de- velop a sense of sisterhood, and on some
occasions, they create lasting friendships. Having launched a career in majorette dancing nearly four years ago, Ms. Cas- teel has hosted other competitions within
the state and has had great success.
For members of the community who are looking for an afternoon of fun and ex- citement, Ms. Casteel said, “If you like the show, “Bring It,” then this is the
show to see.”
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 3-B