By Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter, Jamaica Gleaner

WESTERN BUREAU:

THIS YEAR’S staging of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest was kicked off with an evening of live entertainment and musical ‘juggling’ at Cornwall Beach in Montego Bay on Sunday.

The show, advertised as a ‘Beach Party’, featured the Fab Five Band accompanied by mainly new and upcoming artistes, including some from western Jamaica.

The crowd that converged at one of the second city’s most popular entertainment venues was of predominantly tourists, who obviously enjoyed themselves learning the latest dance crazes. Fab Five helped them along with a variety of soca and reggae songs.

While the band sampled favourites like Shaving Cream and Jamaican Woman , they reeled off versions of Sean Paul‘s Gimme Di Light and Get Busy , satiating the palates of the more ‘hip’ of the audience.

VINTAGE SECTION

Those who have seen Fab Five in concert know that they never alienate their audience and fittingly there was also a vintage section that centred on hits from Ken Boothe and Beres Hammond.

Veteran deejays Radigan and Finnigan brought the crowd on a sentimental journey with their ’80s stylings of Give a Helping Hand , Mr. Big Man and Hand Inna Di Air.

Deejay Mikey Ranks delivered Tek Yuh Book and Yuh Shoulda Know Why I Stop , a ‘counteraction’ to Macka Diamond‘s Done Already .

One of the only failing acts on the aspiring artistes segment was Serial Killer, whose raunchy lyrics resulted in him being hastily removed from the stage, to the relief of the crowd.

Blue Fox captivated the audience with her strong vocals. She is on her way to recognition with songs like Make Haste , Train Goin’ Come Around , Small Promises and Baby Hold Me , a duet with Aaron Silk.

MUSICAL JUGGLING

The musical juggling by Code Red and Coppershot from Kingston was outstanding and Pieces and Immortal Sound systems, which represented Montego Bay, also pleased with their selections.

There was also an appearance by the Kingston-based Hard Copy models, who teased the men with their daring outfits.

The seven-day festival will continue today with Dance Class 2 to be held at Pier 1, Montego Bay. The festival will climax at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay on Saturday with a performance from international acclaimed singer Lionel Richie.