Reposted - eliteBUZZ
JAMROCK for JAPAN – Mega success
NEW YORK, April 19, 2011
Marjorie Flash PhotosJamrock for Japan held at SOB’s in New York last night, brought the Caribbean and Japanese community together, if you missed it, you missed a spectacular occasion. The event brought the whole vibe of Jamaica’s “Hot Mondays” to New York; and we are sure people all the way in Japan could feel the love. Patrons to the event danced to the mixes of DJ Wayne, Paul Mitchell, Dezzie, Fatta Diamond and others.
King Jam and Yard Beat out of Japan got the party started with “Many Rivers to cross” by Jimmy Cliff, climbing through “Not an easy road” by Buju Banton, and “One blood” by Junior Reid, before blazing the dancehall trail with Lady Saw’s “Man a di least, Beenie Man’s “Wickedest slam“, and the raw version of Tony Matterhorn’s “Goodaz fi dem“.
By 10pm the entire dance floor was controlled by excited patrons anxiously waiting for the live performances to begin, but from all accounts they never wanted to give up the electrifying vibe on the dance floor.
The live performance segment was more than we expected when URI began with a series of Reggae vibrations that still gushes in our minds. eliteBUZZcaught up with the fabulous Miss Michelle Arthurton, who commented that she has “not seen and heard a band deliver such a superior package in a very long time. Simply put, URI delivered; after their set, you would have gotten your $20 worth, but there was more to come“.
While URI completed their set, the magnificent Ed Robinson, Kevin Crown and the event’s headliner Mr. Vegas waited in the wings. It is now official by the way, Kevin Crown is the crown Prince of the turn tables here in New York.
Before the live performers could unleash their musical venom, the event organizer, David “Squeeze” Annakie took to the stage; and like any seasoned artiste, rallied the crowd to support the cause as we have all been moved by the human catastrophe that has visited the country of Japan.
The first solo act on the lineup was Beniton the Menace. After traveling the world with artistes such as Maxi Priest, he engaged the crowd well; Beniton, no doubt has Star Qualities, always on key and hit every note with relative ease, then again those tight pants must have helped his octave. He needs to talk a little less in his set though, as such a performance should not be interrupted by too much chatter. In fairness to him, he performed like a “Sting” veteran and gave the audience a very good show, all factors into consideration.
Baby Chris was a surprise; not billed to perform, he made his way to the venue to an already enthusiastic audience who received him well.
Red Fox and Rayvon from the Big Yard Family at the turn tables, turned SOB in the ultimate dance club, expletives and lewd lyrics rang through the microphone, not necessarily to my liking, but the patrons got wild and didn’t want it to stop. Ironically, Red Fox ended their set with a prayer. Who said dancehall isn’t comical…
Yami Bolo is loved by many, we respect his contributions to the Reggae Music Industry and will always speak highly of his commitment to Reggae; his performance last night however, was far from impressive. It was now left up to the magnificent Ed Robinson to bring the show back on track and he did not disappoint.
Ed Robinson
The incomparable Prince of Lovers Rock Reggae belled “If I followed my heart” and every lady in the venue screamed uncontrollably, as his unique soulful voice could make any female climax. After decades in the business, Ed Robinson is still on point. Lovers locked together as they “rent a tile” on the dance floor to his mega hit “Knocking on heaven’s door“. Ed Robinson is in a class by himself. Who said reggae was dead?
At this point, it was obvious the event was a complete success but patrons still awaited the performance of the headline act, Vegas – they simply wanted more.
Zekedon
New York got a treat last night, before Vegas closed the show, he allowed Zekedon out of Miami to add his flavor to the event. If you have never heard of Zekedon before, he is definitely one of Miami’s best kept secret. Zekedon’s high energy and Star Persona rivaled that of the Energy god and Tony Matterhorn – he’s going places with the right management team.
The moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived, and without Zeke calling his name, the tune “I am blessed” bellowed through the Sound System. Clad in a black and white designer combination and Platinum jewelry, Vegas was greeted like a superstar.
From “I am blessed“, to “We no want no fren from dem“, to Beenie Man selections and some of his earlier tunes “Heads High“, “Hott wuk” and “Tek weh yuhself“. Vegas had the venue at his mercy, SOB literally morphed into the hottest spot in the New York area.
When you thought you had enough, Zekedon and Vegas led an electrifying Soca segment that brought you to the streets of Trinidad. Carnival came to New York as Soca vibrated the room, even the journalists couldn’t contain themselves.
This charity event brought countries together, the patrons where happy to donate as Bob Marley’s “Don’t worry” played and Vegas walked the crowd with a metal bucket seeking donations.
To cap off a great event was the “Jamrock for Japan Choir“, that’s correct, a choir indeed; everyone on stage, in the audience, even the SOB staff sang the legendary “That’s what friends are for” by Dionne Warwick and friends, rocking, waving and hugging each other as the curtains came down on a well thought out event.
We have selected the performer who literally stole the show, but we wont share that in this article, you should have been there. The only drawback to the event as far as eliteBUZZ is concerned, is that no female artistes were booked for the show.
