Adrian Frater, Staff Reporter
Singer Kareen of PACE band performing at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest's Welcome Beach Party, held on Sunday night in Montego Bay, St James. - PHOTO BY ADRIAN FRATER
WESTERN BUREAU:
FOR PARTICIPANTS, it was fun and frolic galore as after soaking up the early afternoon pleasures of the scenic white sand beach, they were treated to music from sound systems such as Code Red, Soul Faith Hi Fi and Soul 2 Soul. There was also riveting live band music from the Ocho Rios based PACE band.
HAPPY TO BE SPARED
"We are happy that the hurricane did not affect us as we were quite worried two days ago," said Johnny Gourzong, executive director of Summerfest Productions, the promoters of the annual music festival. "We are hopeful that we will have good weather for the remainder of the festival."
With DJ Squeeze (Mega Jamz) and Arif Cooper (Fame FM) manning the turntables during the early segment, it was like a journey through Jamaica's music as patrons were treated to a wonderful mix of ska, rocksteady, roots rock and hardcore reggae.
In one of the hardcore reggae segments, several florescent bulbs fell from the roof of the main building as the drum and bass in the rhythms engulfed the beach.
Shortly after 8:00 p.m., the sound systems made way for the PACE band, which was positioned on an exquisitely decorated stage mounted in the sand close to the main building.
The band was in awesome form, exciting the patrons with their predominantly reggae set, which was interspersed with a generous sprinkling of soul and R and B selections.
DANCE DEMONSTRATIONS
The band's female lead-singer Kareen, who showed remarkable versatility, led the charge unleashing reggae classics such as, It Was Written, Underneath It All, Justice, Earth A Run Red, Leave The Trees, Angel and Strength of a Woman, which had the tourists going wild.
Kareen also proved to be an exceptional dancer, giving the patrons a clinic as she demonstrated the proper techniques in mastering the various moves now rocking the local entertainment circuit. She was joined by two equally talented sidekicks in delivering some of the dancing lessons.
DANCEHALL ROCK
When PACE ended the first of their two stints on stage, the sound systems again took charge. This time around the hot songs of the dancehall ruled supreme.
The festival, which is now in its 13th staging, will continue on Wednesday with 'Rocker's Night' at the Pier One Complex.
This package will feature a veteran cast headlined by the likes of John Holt, Gregory Isaacs, Alton Ellis, Judy Mowatt, Mighty Diamonds, Charlie Chaplin, Josey Wales, General Trees, Pinchers, Brent Dowe and Jimmy Riley.
