NEW YORK – S.O.B’s nightclub in Manhattan came alive Wednesday night (June 13) with the hot sounds of Jamaica as ‘”The Greatest Reggae Show On Earth” rolled into the Big Apple for the annual New York kickoff of another Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest.
Media practitioners joined sponsors and Summerfest Productions officials in marking the 15th year anniversary of the festival, which gets underway in Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 15-21, by toasting with Red Stripe beer and feasting on a spread sponsored by VP Records and catered by SOB’s.
Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, Johnny Gourzong thanked guests for joining the festivities and voiced excitement that the festival is already in its 15th year. “It’s stood the test of time. We’ve earned a reputation for resilience since 1993,” said Gourzong, who is especially thrilled at this year’s line up that includes R&B’s reigning queen, Mary J. Blige and LL Cool J, along with the return of Tigga, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Lady Saw, Elephant Man, Shaggy, Cham, Bounty Killer, Movado, and Soca’s Allison Hinds, among others.
Gourzong was joined by Jamaica’s Minister Of Tourism, Entertainment & Culture, Aloun Assamba, who congratulated the Sumfest team for growing the event from “strength to strength.”
Also bringing greetings was George DeMercardo, vice president of sales of Air Jamaica, who revealed that the carrier will be adding more seats in July to cater to the needs of travelers to the island for the festival. Tim Szonyi of Red Stripe/Diaego and Rich LaMotte of VP Records, also brought greetings on behalf of their brands.
Irwine Clare of the Caribbean Immigrant Services served as the evening’s master of ceremonies while Counsel General of Jamaica to New York, Dr. Basil K. Bryan and Jamaican-American Councilmember, Leroy Comrie, joined in welcoming the Summerfest team to New York.
Emcee Irwine Clare, far right, welcomes guests as Johnny Gourzong, executive director of Summerfest Productions, second from left, looks on along with Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Aloun Assamba, left; Jamaica’s Counsel General to NY, Dr. Basil Bryan, third from left and NY Councilmember, Leroy Comrie, second from right. Photo by:(CARIBPR Image)
The schedule for Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest is as follows:
On Sunday July 15th, the event will get underway with a Beach Party featuring the Fab 5 band as well as popular sound systems and deejays.
Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest will continue on Thursday July 19th with Xplosion featuring a stellar line-up of the hottest reggae stars under the sun. They include Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Cham, Elephant Man, Movado, Lady Saw, Vybz Kartel, Vegas, Anthony B, Chuck Fenda, Wayne Marshall, Macka Diamond, Ninja Man, Voice Mail, Busy Signal, Aidonia, Gyptian, Lutan Fyah, Kip Rich and Munga Honourable.
On Friday night, July 20th, fans can get ready for Evolution, with LL Cool J, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Buju ‘The Driver’ Banton, Morgan Heritage, Richie Spice, Da’Ville, Etana and Christopher Martin.
The curtains come down on the reggae party of the year on Saturday July 21st with Mary J. Blige, Tanya Stephens, Tarrus Riley, Cherine Anderson, Tessanne Chin and Bajan sensation, Alison Hinds.
