This year's event officially began with a "Beach Dance" at the Walter Fletcher Beach complex where the crowd, especially the men, were enthralled with Althea Laing's Onyx dancehall models parading in the latest fashions while three of Jamaica's top Sound Systems: Stone Love, Metromedia and Electro Force dispensed the latest dancehall singles and dub plates. Then it was on to Catherine Hall for the remaining four nights of music.

It rained all day Wednesday: not just a drizzle, but in torrential proportions steadily throughout the evening until about 8:30 p.m. By then, the damage done to the equipment was obvious. Production manager Ricki Chin and his support personnel could be seen drying out the lights and monitors. Hence, Wednesday's "Vintage & Soca Night" livicated to the Blues Busters, did not begin until after 11:00 p.m. with the Fab Five, famed Jamaican band. FF went from Soca to Reggae as they backed Gem Meyers, Morvin Brooks and Lovindeer. Bajans Spice and Company followed with a scintillating performance to cap the Soca portion of the show.

For the R&B portion, a soulful Billy Paul entertained the nostalgic crowd with hits like "Only the Strong Survived", "Let's make a Baby" and the evergreen "Me and Mrs Jones". The Temptations came, sang, and slew the audience with their choregraphed footworks and distinguished harmonies which included classics like "My Girl".

After a quick set change, Lloyd Parks and We The People were on backing up Hopeton Lewis. Toward the end of Hopeton's performance he was presented with a plaque livicated the the memory of the Blues Busters: Philip James and LLoyd Campbell. Hopeton's musical tribute to the BB's was well received as we were remeinded of their musical artistry and recording legacy.

Delroy Wilson, Leroy Sibbles and Dobby Dobson all gave fantastic performances, but it was John Holt who first brought the firecrackers and screams from the crowd. The crown prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown was the one who stole the show though. The crowd lit the way with lighters and torches held high as Dennis mesmerized the crowd and brought John Holt forward and together they made "Wildfire". We finally left Catherine Hall minutes to 7 a.m.

The next night was Dancehall Night. Lady Saw, dressed in black leather shorts and a translucent top was at her macimum raunchiness, a performance which precipitated the hypocritical Montego Bay political establishment banning her from performing in the "fair" city! Bull, especially when one considered how much SummerFest Productions paid (JA$1,400,000) and the welcome extended to two-time Grammy winner and exalted emissary of punnany culture, Shabba Ranks. Sex discrimination if you ask me. And to top it off, Sane, the band designated to back her, refused to do so. Gentlemen, a contract is a contract; deal with it.

Beenie Man ignited the crowd with a conflagory performance, the resulted in three encores. The night continued to ebb and flow, with some great performances from Pinchers, Stitchie, Future Trouble, Bigga Haitian and Spragga Benz (who closed the show after the unexpected departure of Bounti Killa.) Dancehall Night finished at around 6:30 p.m. and I again went in search of lodging - a place to rest my weary head.

Friday night's presentation, Singer's/International Night Part I, started late, but it was well worth the wait. Freddie McGregor was superb. Luciano caught many by surprise with his selections and vocal prowess. Maxi Priest wooed the crowd with favorites like, "Close To You" and "Wild World". Everton Blender proved that he was no fluke - this is one youth to keep your eyes on. Mystic Revealers, Wayne Wonder, Sanchez and Tony Rebel also gave excellent performances.

Despite these great performances, the night belonged to Garnett Silk and, Dancehall's crown prince. Buju's appearance on stage was greeted with banners of fire. "Dreads" growing, the Penthouse/Loose Cannon recording star presented a spiritual performance that had the crowd delirious as he reeled of hit after hit: "Deportee", "Murderer" and "God of My Salvation" to the delight of the crowd. Firecrackers greeted Garnett's appearance on stage as he went into hits like "Splashing and Dashing", "Blessed Be The Almighty" and "Zion in a Vision" during a performance that left the crowd mesmerized. Tony Rebel closed out the show with an exhibition that left Catherine Hall sated and primed for Saturday's performances.

Saturday's presentation began with the righteous sounds of Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus in a very spirited display of nyabinghi culture. 809 followed and provided the groove which complemented the performances of E.T. Webster, Yami Bolo, Judy Mowatt, Richie Stephens and Mykal Rose.

Beres Hammond came, saw and conquered with a dazling set, dishing out gems like "Double Trouble", "Step Aside" and "One Dance". The Marley Clan was more than adequately represented by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. In a set that lasted over an hour, the MM dispelled any ambivalence regarding their musical pedigree.

Red Fox, Shaggy and Rayvon, Little Mandela and Cobra did their part in keeping the vibe strong for the much anticipated return of the Grammy kid. But as the sun climbed into the Sunday morning sky, Shabba Ranks was unable to push the energy up one more time. The crowd had had a wonderful four nights and days and they gladly headed home as Shabba played some exit music.

The preceeding report was taken from an article by Lauren Drummond written for Dub Missive Magazine. It is presented with permission from Dub Missive Publisher, L. Adams.

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