Year-end hotspots
IT IS that end-of-year season again, when there is a mixture of family and fun – staying home for dinner with the family and heading out to party. Despite a decline in the number of large-scale concerts, or stage shows, including the absence of Sting for the second year running, there are still quite a few options to enjoy Jamaican music in the great outdoors this holiday season. Here are a few of them.
1 GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza – Monday, December 25, Luana Sports Complex, Black River, St Elizabeth.
Line-up includes Beenie Man, Richie Spice, Sanchez, Sizzla, Half Pint, Masicka, Tommy Lee, Admiral Tibet, Shenseea, D’Angel, Professor Nuts, Laden, Iyara, Jabez, Anthony Cruz, and Singer J. Drive-in option available.
2 Galliday Bounce – Saturday, December 30, White River Reggae Park, Ocho Rios, St Ann). Line-up includes Bounty Killer (Di General), Beenie Man (Di King), IOctane (Conquer di Globe Ras), Richie Stephens, Tommy Lee (Sparta Boss), Aidonia (JOP Boss Genna Genna), Masicka (Young Genna), Sugar Bear, Ravon, Kippo, Iyara, Tifa, Chuck Fendah, Iba Mhar, Stone Love, Ricky Platinum, Johnny Kool, Illusion Sound, Niney Badness. Backing band: Ruff Kutt.
3 Stone Love 45th Anniversary – Saturday, December 30, Sabina Park, Kingston. Featuring Stone Love Movements, Digital Chris, Krazy Kris, Cha Cha, Boom Boom, Chris Dymond, Sizzla, Mavado, I-Octane, Admiral Bailey, Ginjah, Short Boss, Agent Sasco and more.
4 Sound the Alarm – Sunday, December 31, Dinthill Sports Complex, St Catherine. Line-up includes Iba Mahr, Lutan Fyah, Freddie McGregor, Popcaan, Sizzla, Capelton, Luciano, Junior Reid, and Bugle. Part proceeds go to the Linstead Hospital.
5 Winter Splash – House of Dancehall, Cargill Avenue, St Andrew. Four events on consecutive days. Friday, December 29 – Dance of the Year: Tribute to the Legends with Killamanjaro, King Jammys and Black Scorpio, Josey Wales, Admiral Bailey, Yellowman, Charlie Chaplin, and General Trees. Saturday, December 30 – ’90s Reunion Link Up, featuring Renaissance, Silverhawk, Exodus Nuclear, King Addies, Metro Media, Wayne Wonder, Frisco Kid, and Terror Fabulous. Sunday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party with Ragashanti, and L.U.S.T. Monday, January 1 – Inner City Dub with Sizzla, Kabaka Pyramid, Pressure Buss Pipe, Aza Lieage, and more.