Chat-bout.net - Lady Saw, Levy, Isaacs, Yellowman Standout Performers at Brooklyn Music Festival

Lady Saw, Levy, Isaacs, Yellowman Standout Performers at Brooklyn Music Festival

In stark contrast to last year’s Brooklyn Music Festival where it rained none stop, the weather at this year’s 3rd annual event was blistering hot, as thousands of Caribbean-Americans in the New York Diaspora lined up on the steamy 4th of July independence weekend at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn to enjoy memorable performances from reggae stalwarts like Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs, Yellowman, Assassin, Tanya Stephens and Lady Saw.

With the heat pelting hot, patrons did whatever they could to keep cool. Some enjoyed Jamaican Sky Juice – the choice drink of the day – while others shaded the harsh sun under umbrellas as they waited to see their favorite stars.

The vintage acts…the heart of the show commanded the stage and when it was all over, lips were abuzz and tongues wagged positive vibes all over the tri-state. Gregory Isaacs delivered one of his best performances stateside, warming hearts with staples like “Night Nurse,” “Rumors,” “Soon Forward,” “Red Rose” and “All I Have Is Love, Love, Love.”

Multi Platinum reggae star Shaggy and Barrington Levy wooed the ladies with their vintage hit songs while King Yellowman rocked the house with classics like Mad Over Me, Mr Chin and others. The crowd did the electric slide with Marcia Griffiths while Lady Saw gave the audience another raunchy set. When the dancehall queen pranced on stage, the crowd roared in anticipation as she immediate got to work.

The legendary dancehall diva, sporting a new hair do and a sleek, slender body, showed very little restrain in her song choice but still earned a warm reception from fans who lapped up her every word.

Singing vintage dancehall favorites and her version of Gyptian’s mega hit song “Hold Yuh,” she invited a young male fan to join her onstage and seduced the timid fellow. She encouraging him to ‘touch’ her – to which he obliged – and she returned the favor which left the audience gasping at the occurrence.

Assassin who performed in the early afternoon worked a strong set and was easily one of the best acts of the day. Other strong performances were delivered by New York acts Mikey Jarret, Linkz & Benny Bwoy, Kayla Bliss and New Kingston.

Shabba, who was making a return to the NY outdoor stage brought the curtain down on the event. Looking dapper in his three quarter pants, red felt hat, and studded shoes, the Dancehall Emperor was just getting warm when time fell short and he had to leave the stage. He however got in some good licks with hit songs from his vast catalogue and had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hands. Hip Hop fans left disappointed as rising star B.O.B did not perform as time did not allow.

According to event organiser George Crooks, “it was a memorable event that showcase the genre’s top performers, both past and present. Unfortunately we ran short of time and two of the acts got rushed at the end. The day was extremely hot which caused us to delay the start of the event but patrons loved the facts that they had ample free parking which is always a major issue at many of the outdoor events in NY” he said.

Part of the proceeds from this year’s festival will be donated to the American Foundation of the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) scholarship fund.

Jammins Entertainment, the organizers of the Brooklyn Music Festival would like to thanks the sponsors….JETBLUE, WESTERN UNION, LIME – the new Cable & Wireless and GRACE KENNEDY BILL EXPRESS SERVICES for their kind support this year. They also extend a special thanks to Advanced Audio Inc, Aviator Sports Complex and special thanks to the staff and voluntaries for helping to ensure the success of this year’s festival.

text by IMAGES LLC & C King
photo credit – Roland Hyde

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