Introduction: Go to REGGAE SUMFEST '95 with Ras John from Reggae12.com

August 8-12, 1995 Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre Montego Bay, Jamaica

1995 was the third year of "the festival of choice", Reggae Sumfest. Summerfest Productions Limited's Godfrey Dyer and his talented and hard working team created a spectacular music festival that secured the support of a great group of sponsors, the MoBay business community and Reggae Music fans from around world. The previous year's festival was top notch in every way from performances and production values to ital nourishment's and clean restrooms. This year's festival was even better. Read on for highlights of each night.

Reggae SumFest '95 began with a BEACH PARTY SOUND CLASH on Tuesday night, August 8 at Montego Bay's Walter Fletcher Beach. The Clash brought together three of the today's top Sound Systems: Bodyguard and Pieces out of JA and Waggy'T' from Miami. For the uninitiated, the System's go head to head to play the best music selections. Anything goes from rare tracks to special dub mixes in a competition to be the best with the crowd voicing their opinion with each new track that pumps out of the speakers. The crowd was also invited to get involved with a Dancehall-Fashion Dance Contest to add to the fun of a great night on the beach.

RasJohn's "Report from the yard on the 8th"

On Wednesday, August 9, REGGAE SUMFEST '95 moved to Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre for the first of four nights. This first night, VINTAGE/SOCA NIGHT, was a tribute to the life and music of Delroy Wilson. Featured performers included the legendary Ken Boothe, John Holt and Leroy Sibbles & The Heptones.

RasJohn's "Report from the yard on the 9th"

Buju Banton at Reggae SumFest 95

Buju Banton - Friday Night, August 11,1995

Carlene Davis at Reggae SumFest 95

Carlene Davis - Friday Night, August 11, 1995

Thursday night, August 10 is Dancehall Night, livicated to living legend, U ROY. The night featured Beenie Man, Spragga Benz, Sanchez, Papa San and Lt. Stitchie.

RasJohn's "Report from the yard on the 10th"

Friday night, August 11 is International Night I. This show was a celebration of the life and music of Garnet Silk. Featured artists included Dennis Brown (who replaced Beres Hammond), Buju Banton, Tony Rebel, Frankie Paul, Freddie McGregor and Chalice.

RasJohn's "Report from the yard on the 11th"

Dennis Brown at Reggae SumFest 95

Dennis Brown - Friday Night, August 11, 1995

Freddie McGregor at Reggae SumFest 95

Freddie McGregor - Friday Night, August 11, 1995

The festival had a grand finale on Saturday night with International Night II. It was a Roots Rock Reggae spectacular in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the birth of Bob Marley. Featured performers included international superstars, Steel Pulse along with Ini Kamoze, Shinehead, Carlene Davis, Sayoka (from Japan), Leejahn (from Canada), Cidade Negra (from Brazil) and a special performance by Julian and Damian Marley.

RasJohn's "Report from the yard on the 12th"