A Jamaican Christmas with Ainsworth Rose and the Sunshine Band at the Timbers

A Jamaican Christmas will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at the Timbers of Shorewood retirement community, 1100 N. River Rd. Ainsworth Rose will provide entertainment for residents and the public with his Sunshine Band.

Rose has been performing the music of his homeland, Jamaica, across the Midwest for over 15 years. In August 2010 he transitioned from a solo performer to the Sunshine Band, adding a colorful flair to his presentation.

The self-taught musician plays two keyboards with built-in drum machines and steel drum sounds. Combined with his electrifying singing, an exotic steel band and reggae performance emerges. Spontaneous audience participation is also a highlight of this island act.

Rose release his first CD, “Sweet Jamaica,” in 2000 and has since released six more, including “Spanish Reggae,” “Sunshine Music” and “A Very Reggae Christmas.” He was also the 2001and 2002 winner of the Calypso Performer of the Year Award, presented by The Chicago Music Awards.

The band’s extensive repertoire includes reggae, calypso, soca, Latin, Hawaiian and American songs. With sunny smiles, harmonious singing and beautiful rhythmic movements, Rose and his band are very contagious.

The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents, whose needs may change, are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate care.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Shelly Goggins at 815-609-0669.