REMEMBER THE old adage, "The more things change, the more they remain the same"?
When Summerfest Promotions conceptualised and launched Reggae Sumfest in 1993, they promised the Jamaican people a new-look festival. At that time Reggae Sunsplash had already established itself around the world.
However, as the years go by, Reggae Sumfest has taken on, in questionable proportion, the image of the now defunct Reggae Sunsplash. But what measures are being taken by the promoters to ensure Reggae Sumfest lives on.
According to Johnny Gourzong, one of the directors of Summerfest Productions, producers of Reggae Sumfest, the greatest problem facing the festival organisers was production costs. This year, he said, the budget to produce the event was about $30 million.
"We have been slapped with a projected cost of $400,000 by JACAP for copyright. The facility which is rented from the Urban Development Corporation will cost $1 million and we are spending more than $2 million on renovating the site," Mr. Gourzong told Showtime.
In addition, Summerfest Productions has been erecting dressing rooms, medical bay, police post, tents for bars and other facilities on the site. Mr. Gourzong explained that the site was not maintained as a show venue and structures put up each year have to be removed by the producers. He said each year, a number of subcontractors are hired to prepare the site. These include plumbers, painters, electricians, and labourers.
This year the price of tickets has increased significantly from $800 to $1,000 and $1,200.
"The fees are not high in comparison with what is happening elsewhere. To attend a reggae show of this calibre in the US, one would have to pay between US$50 and US$80," Mr. Gourzong explained.
When asked about the increased number of sponsors for this year's renewal, he said: "We have less cash sponsors this year, which is in the region of $7 million. What we have in abundance is trade-off sponsorships. For example, Air Jamaica assists us with tickets and cargo space for artistes; ground transportation is taken care of by Worldtron and Jamaica Tours Limited, while Comtech assists with communication.
Audio, sound and lighting will amount to more than $4 million, with local lighting expert John Sway and Vanco out of Orlando among those who have been contracted. Mr. Gourzong said, the security budget was $1 million.
The organisers of Reggae Sumfest have moved away from traditional labels, such as roots/rock and the number of acts each night has been greatly reduced.
There will be a raised stage and roof this year, featuring 60 rotating lights. There will be an apron stage with risers, where bands will be pre-set for the main stage a move to reduce time spent in band changes.
There will be a VIP section for press and sponsors, positioned close to stage.
Site manager, Sydney Reid, told Showtime said there were no plans to franchise the merchandising area at the festival. He said there would be 76 vending stalls 20 for art and craft and 56 for food and beverage. And he said most of the vendors have been a part of the festival over many years.
- Justin Whyte
Line-up for the shows
Sunday, July 30
Beach Party & Rose Hall Beach Club
MC Jackie Norman
Featuring: Byron Lee and the Dragonaires
Peter Philips Disco Crowd
Monday, July 31
Heavy Weight Countdown Pier 1
Featuring: Stone Love
Sound Waves
Jah Creation
Pieces
Hard Copy Models
Thursday, August 3
Main venue Catherine Hall
Matterhorn/
VP Records Dancehall Night
MCs Ritchie B, GT Taylor
Backing Band Thugs
Featuring:
Baby Cham
Capleton
Bounty Killer
Mr. Lex
Mr. Vegas
Baby Cham
Hawkeye
Harry Toddler
Elephant Man
Junior Kelly
Alozade
B.I.G. Family
Captain Barky and Wickerman
Okonko
Black Lion
Candy Man
Friday, August 4
Main venue - Catherine Hall
International Night I
MCs Elise Kelly and Deon Mattis
Backing Band Sane
Featuring:
Beres Hammond
Wyclef Jean
Beenie Man
Luciano
John Holt
Half Pint
Benji Myaz
Nash Lawson
Saturday, August 5
Main venue - Catherine Hall
International II
MCs Paula-Ann Porter, Barry G
Featuring: Joe, Steel Pulse
Third World
Morgan Heritage
Skatalites
Sunday, August 6
Main venue - Catherine Hall
International Night III
MCs - Francois St. Juste, Ron Muschette Backing band: Gumption
Featuring: Jay Z, Shaggy Lady Saw
Sean Paul, Tanto Metro and Devonte
Zinc Fence, Heather Cummings
Natural
