Tourism capital to sizzle with Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest

Janet Silvera,Gleaner Writer,WESTERN BUREAU:

More Events JAPEX adds new flavour PM to open JAPEX trade show in Negril JAPEX 17 will be great! Tourism capital to sizzle with Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest

From left: Carlo Redwood, Red Stripe's marketing manager and Margaritaville's Michelle Tulloch chat with Johnny Gourzong, executive director, Summerfest Productions during the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 'Reggae Breakfast' at Coral Cliff recently.

BANNED FROM performing at the 2005 Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, dancehall's undisputed bad boys, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, will reclaim residency at the 2006 event slated for Jamaica's 'Vibes City', Montego Bay, from July 16-22.

The cutting edge, high impact event, tagged 'Jamaica's Best, the World's Greatest' kicks off with a beach party on Sunday, July 16. Seven sound systems, beer inclusive, and 'Reggae on the Runway' fashion show is how the new,
re-organised team at Summerfest Productions describes the opening night.

On Monday, July 17, the excitement moves to Gloucester Avenue's 'Hip Strip' where the vibes reverberates with the 'Mad Monday MoBay Street Jam' when the top selectors of 'Firelinks' 'Passa Passa's Swatch', Stone Love and Pure Playazz bring the energy of dancehall onto the hotel strip.

On Tuesday, July 18, the event heats up with the introduction of 'Revolution ­ The Auto Spectacular', which will allow the island's hottest whips and rides the opportunity to face-off for prizes, honours and bragging rights.

On Wednesday night reggae lovers are given a respite from the excitement, but on Thursday, July 20, 'Stormfront the Explosive' Dance Hall night, arguably the most pioneering in the history of the event is expected to be the biggest. High anticipation awaits the return of Beenie and Bounty, who will share the limelight with fireman Capleton, Elephant Man, Baby Cham, and endangered species Lady Saw and Macka Diamond.

Stormfront commences the three big nights at the Catherine Hall venue. On Friday, the musical engines will ignite with 'Ignition' as Sizzla and a number of international heavyweights take centre-stage.