Abrupt end to Boston Jerk Music Fest
THE 15th Tropical Lagoon Boston Jerk Music Festival, held last Sunday at Boston playfield in Portland, was beset by challenges.
Its musical section, scheduled to end at 8:00 pm, dragged until 9:45 pm when police ordered proceedings closed with Bushman on stage.
The Fabulous Five, led by bassist Frankie Campbell, performed hours after being involved in an auto accident in Port Antonio.
Four members of the band were in the two-vehicle collision and suffered injuries. Trombonist Romeo Gray came out worst with a broken right wrist. Campbell spoke to the Observer about the incident.
“The accident did not affect the performance as such and obviously some of the members were in pain on stage. Grub (Cooper) was in the accident and our lead singer Andrew Castelo also; he is suffering some pain. We had to soldier it out for the people and perform,” he said.
Campbell added that Gray may be unable to play for as long as five weeks.
Fab Five did well with their range of reggae, soca and ballads including Otis Redding’s I’ve Been Loving You, sung by Cooper.
Veteran singer Gem Myers, who performed with the band, went through a medley of reggae and love songs.
In the gospel section, Ann-Marie Laing, Vennica, Pastor Brimstone and Rondel Positive set the pace for George Nooks who kept the crowd rocking with signature songs like Zion Gate and Tribal War before going into spiritual songs.
He was followed by Hezron and 11-year-old Wayne J who earned an encore. Baby Trish, also 11, and six-year-old Likkle D were also well received.
Nesbeth, Admiral Tibet and Doctor Fish followed. They preceded Bushman who was well into his set when the police stepped in. Singing Melody did not get to perform.
Some vendors did brisk business in sweltering conditions, others did not. Malik from Royal Maroon had a good day.
“I expected more people and I’m not sure what the outcome will be due to the economy as yet, but I’m smiling. I would love the festival to remain here but they are taking Boston like it’s not a part of Portland,” he said.
Another vendor, Donna, from Mikeys, said, “It was bad, the crowd is not here and business not bright. They could have some better artistes and it is not a good spending crowd. I think the late planning affected the festival,” she pointed out.
