Shaggy and Friends returns with big names

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

After a brief break, locally produced international event Shaggy and Friends returns tomorrow night. The event was originally planned for December.

Public-relations director Angela Thame said the show had been put off for different reasons.

"In 2010, Shaggy and his wife were having twins and, due to the pregnancy, they could not put the show together because she is also very integral in the planning process. Then in 2011, due to the election we had to push back the date," she said.

According to Thame, this year the concert on the grounds of Jamaica House will feature some of the biggest names in the international music arena, who are expected to give grand musical displays.

"We have a lot of real credible international acts to showcase this year. Eve is already in Jamaica and Lauryn Hill has been here a few days now," she said.

The charitable event will this year raise funds to provide the heart-care facilities of the Bustamante Hospital for Children with much needed resources. This is a part of a collaborative effort with the Chain of Hope, which has been working with the hospital to provide additional training for doctors dealing with children's heart problems.

"It is very expensive to compensate the doctors and so many babies die because of heart complications. So we want to outfit that particular wing of the hospital with well-trained doctors and good equipment," Thame said.

According to the public-relations director, perhaps the next staging will be in 2013.

"It is too early to say, but I doubt that we will have it twice this year. It is a lot work, plus we have to get corporate sponsorship. The next staging could be 2013," she said.

Incentive to turn out early

The concert should start on time and there is an incentive to turn out early.

"We will have an auction at 6:30 p.m., which will be extended to patrons with platinum tickets. Unless that runs over, we should start on time because we believe in keeping with correct timing," Thame said.

Platinum tickets cost $25,000, golden tickets $10,000 and silver $5000. Ticket outlets include Liguanea Drug and Garden, Music Mart, LG Service Station (Constant Spring Road), Susie's Bakery and Coffee Bar, Sun Island outlets islandwide and selected LIME outlets. Designated parking will be available and security will be provided by Jamaica House in collaboration with Atlas Security.

"The event is one that should be supported because it is for children with needs and the Bustamante Hospital for Children needs the help. Buy a ticket and save a life," Thame said.

Artistes billed for the concert include Shaggy, Ms Lauryn Hill, Eve, Half-Pint, Coco Tea, Maxi Priest, I-Octane, Gyptian, Mr Vegas, Wayne Marshall, Tami Chynn, Deniece Williams, Assassin and Romain Virgo