Reggae Sumfest is a far cry from the 80s when Sun Fest was the swing in Mo Bay. However, this year, Catherine Hall was an ideal location. This was, by far, the largest reggae festival in history. It drew a spectrum of international people. It drew a great variety of artists, masters and mistresses of ceremony, spectators, fans, workersand vendors. Even the police force was the best. There were a few unfortunate incidents, but nothing worse than loss of a vehicle.

The event kicked off at 2:00 on Sunday, August 2. It was a wet, wild and rocking beach party until the break of dawn down at Rose Hall Beach. This was approximately 15 miles out of town (quite a distance from the local walk-ins). This beautiful location was invaded by beautiful people who jammed to the music of Errol Lee and the Bare Essentials. The vibes were right.

Monday's Street Jam showed a general increase in the attendance as more people were arriving. It was on Gloucester Ave, which was converted into the "Hip Strip" and for the first time, a free party was on. The ambiance was charged; live, free entertainment in the heart of Jamaica's Tourism capital. Wow! Strolling down the strip, we were entertained by the Mystic Vibes who bellowed out the words of the late, great Bob Marley while an enthralled Rastaman jumped and danced below the stage to show his delight. People moved in and out of clubs along the strip, places like PJ's, and demonstrated why the street is called "The Hip Strip." The vacant field across from the Pelican Restaurant had been transformed into a mini-festival area. Vendors, higglers, jerk chicken, and peanut carts all milled into an area where the Unique Vision Band provided a mixture of reggae anthems which rocked the crowd. Good vibes were experienced by all.

On Tuesday, August 4th, The Heavyweight Countdown was at Pier One; again the vendors and their sophisticated stalls formed a perimeter around the festival area. The stage show began with lively, vibrant local MC's, such as Satta Ranks and many other talented artists, performing under the moonlit, star-filled night. The mood lifted as Yourz Truly gave a splendid harmoneous deliverance to all. Cunny Flex, an Asian student (hence the name), gave us her greeting to Rastafari in the Oriental way. The Hot Shot Crew was terrific. Jaggy D was articulate with a far fetching positive vibe. The back up band was excellent during this event.

Sister Cindy (center) and crew

The mood changed as the sound systems took center stage. Killamanjaro and Traveller gave an enjoyable clash. The fans loved it and rocked under the cascade of the moon-lit sky. The system Pieces gave us a piece of all the current thrillers and the crowd was given their money's worth in the exclusive atmosphere of Pier One with nuff pizza and good vibes.

Wednesday, August 5th. The show was late starting. The band opened the set with a dub of Norweigian Wood and followed with astring of Studio One classics. The stage lights dimmed to give the stars and the full Issachar moon a chance to shine.

Brigadier Jerry came on to entertain and get the people into the vibes. Pat Kelly & The Techniques thrilled the lovers in the audience with a version of "Queen Majesty" and a medley of other love songs. Marcia "Immaculate" Griffiths, Lady Songbird, followed and was backed by an all-female band. These ladies took the stage and brought us all back with nostalgia for the 60s. Barrington Levy was stunning, not only in appearance but in voice as well. MC's Barry G and Norma Brown did the performers justice. Barry had to make mention of the beautiful night as he announced that we had broken an attendance record that night. Looking around from the press section, I saw an ocean of around 20,000 people in the place all moving to the riddims. Gregory Isaacs was good. There was a slight drizzle but Leroy Sibbles' deliverance must have charmed even Mother Nature, because it let up. John Holt came on and thrilled us with his many hits. The band changes were competently done, quick and clean. In between sets, the MC's gave prizes to those who could answer trivia questions.

Sister Cindy with Barrington Levy	Brigadier Jerry

Thursday, August 6th, was the Dancehall Bashment. This is what we had all been waiting for all week. The press conference earlier in the day for Bounty Killer and Third World was a good appetizer, whetting our appetites for the music of the evening. It rained again that night-a light, refreshing shower.

Innocent Blood took us on an exhilirating, dancing hip hop and exotic music trip. Dutty Cup Crew were entertaining. Lady G came and made us feel good with her selections. Goofy had the crowd going with his riddims. Scare Dem Crew surely scared us as one member of the group jumped on some equipment and flew out into the crowd-he landed on the fence, proceeded madly into the crowd and on his return, managed to once again jump onto the stage. Spragga Benz turned the house out. Lady Saw, although fully clad in a black pin-striped pant suit, was still provacative as she clutched to a cameraman's crotch and introduced a host of scantily-clad dancers, including the Dancehall Queen herself, Carlene, who showed us all her wares. Then the real climax came as Beenie Man and his choir took us to the highest thrills with his latest hits, rocking and moving us in the name of Jesus. Wearing a white suit, and adorned with dreads, his good personality gave the fans a thrill as he bounced all over the stage. We were royally fed and well satisfied to receive Bounty Killer as a desert. All were smiling as the thousands milled out of Catherine Hall early the next morning.

Tony Rankin and Bounty Killer	Lady Saw	Tony Rankin and Tony Rebel

Friday, August 7th. This was the Roots Rock Jam-the big band style, again with the full moon overhead and smiling down on us. We were given a smorgasbord of music, as Charlie Cruz from T&T was drenched as he performed for us. Tony Rebel was outstanding in carrying his cultural message which has prevailed through the years and is still going strong. Anthony B gave us joy. Morgan Heritage, with Daddy Simeon, closed the show and they were very entertaining.

For those of you who have not had the pleasure to see Luciano in the flesh, you must see him someday. He has the most lively and captivating butterfly-like stage presence. He was an incredible performer.

Saturday, August 8th; Worl-A-Reggae. The time had come for our guest artists Boyz II Men and K-Ci & JoJo to enjoy our Jamaican hospitality. K-Ci might have been very hot as his exposure was almost embarrassing to all. The audience did appreciate their musical performance however. The teenagers in the crowd were also thrilled as Boyz II Men took them on a romantic interlude-they sang along to every song.

It was truly a fantastic Sumfest. I have memories for days. Next year should be even better. There were so many attractions and personalities to see and meet. We look forward to returning.