{xtypo_dropcap}L{/xtypo_dropcap}ivvi Franc, the Barbadian artist who was recently signed to Jive Records delivered a dynamic performance this weekend at Royal Westmoreland at an awards ceremony for the Barbados International Film Festival (BIFF). The performance was Livvi’s first since the announcement that she was signed to the globally recognised music label whose roster includes the likes of Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Pink, Chris Brown and Usher.{multithumb}

Livvi performed on Saturday, December 08, at the Clubhouse of Royal Westmoreland in St. James, Barbados, for an intimate audience that included sponsors of the Film Festival, local and international journalists, and filmmakers from around the world.

A smiling Livvi Franc took to the stage like the proverbial fish takes to water -- performing with a confidence which would normally be associated with a veteran singer with years of live performances under her belt. The 19-year old delivered a seamless set of three powerful songs– a cover of Killing Me Softly, and two Livvi Franc originals: Underground Sunshine and Bliss. The familiarity of Killing Me Softly added an element of audience participation, with many of those present singing along while Livvi put her own spin on the classic tune.

While Livvi’s rendition of Killing Me Softly was fully enjoyed, the two original numbers, Underground Sunshine and Bliss, were perhaps even more well-received, as those present anticipated experiencing tracks fully put together by Livvi and her team. Since the news broke in November that the talented 19-year old had been signed to an international recording deal, word has spread of Livvi’s unique musical stylings, which incorporate various genres, including pop, R&B, folk and country music. Saturday night’s performance of Underground Sunshine and Bliss gave those present a perfect insight into Livvi’s style. Underground Sunshine was produced by SRP, the production unit responsible for discovering Rihanna, and developing her sound prior to her being signed to Def Jam. Bliss was produced by Barbadian production unit Classic Soul, and was one of the tracks on a very strong demo CD produced by Classic Soul and presented to various record labels while Livvi was shopping for a record deal. Bliss is also one of the tracks which Livvi has posted on her myspace page www.myspace.com/livvifranc.

Commenting on her performance, Livvi said, “I felt tonight what I always expect to feel when I perform -- pure bliss. I am in my element when I am on stage. I sometimes wish I could stay there forever! I feel blessed to have been given the gift of song.”

Livvi performed with an all-Barbadian backing band that included Melvin Alleck on drums, guitarist Scott Galt (better known as one-half of the producer unit De Red Boyz), Julian Griffith from Classic Soul on bass, and Kirk Layne on keyboards. Vocal support was given by Indra Rudder and Karen Griffith, with Classic Soul’s Eliseus Joseph as sound engineer.