Earthbound Biodegradables

Reggae Sumfest – More than JUST a Stage Show

Talitha Morrison

Developed in just under 14 weeks, the promoters at Summerfest Productions altered the perception of what it truly meant to receive value for one’s money. Helping to pioneer Reggae music to the forefront, these ambitious directors created the well-established and ingenious week long affair that is Reggae Sumfest. Since its inception in 1993, the festival held annually at the Catherine Hall’s Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, Jamaica, hosts an over 20,000 fans each year. Reggae Sumfest’s considerable impact on Jamaica’s tourism results from the high numbers of patrons of international residency, who travel specifically to Montego Bay for the event.

Each year the festival manages to continuously outdo itself by showcasing the best-of-the-best in music. For sixteen (16) years the Catherine’s Hall venue has staged phenomenal performances from reggae legends such as The Mighty Diamonds, Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown and Tony Rebel. Dancehall greats including Beenie Man, Shabba, Lady Saw, Buju Banton; while at the same time dabbling into the international scene with such acts as Mary J Blige, Destiny’s Child, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Toni Braxton, amongst numerous others. For some entertainers, Reggae Sumfest highlights the initiation of their musical career and for many others its stage has become a comfort zone; acting as a means for release. It’s no wonder there has been no contention for the title of “Greatest Reggae Show on Earth” and now celebrating its 17^th year, the promoters at Summerfest who have previously received the “Best Concert of the Year” and “Best Promoter” awards from the International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRWMA), can stand proud of its accomplishments.

Part of Sumfest’s success stems from the promoters’ ability to attract and maintain a number of significant business organisations as sponsors. Over the years many different companies have aided in the development of the internationally acclaimed event. Red Stripe, Digicel, Oceanspray, The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), CVM, The Jamaica Observer and Air Jamaica are just a few of the corporations that have supported Reggae Sumfest over the years.

The level of accomplishment honed by Sumfest can also be attributed from the hundreds of media representatives that cover the festival annually. In 2009 over four hundred (400) press personnel from both local and international media houses were accredited for coverage, helping once again to boost the awareness of the event.

With the contribution that Reggae Sumfest has made on musical culture, it is difficult to view it as “just” a stage show. The atmosphere not only facilitates for friendly interaction between patrons, it establishes them. It allows connectivity between fans and their favourite musical performers, while introducing them to new ones. The innovatively designed venue displays endless talent in food, art and of course music, which ultimately reflects the true definition of what it means to be Jamaican.

Reggae Sumfest 2010 will take place July 18 to 24. For more information on this year’s event visit the official website at www.reggaesumfest.com

Reflections on a Different Jamaica

A friend of mine shared this with me and I thought I would share it with you…..

"These pictures of a bygone era shows an elegant Jamaican people and transport system - just look at the beautiful cars and clothes in this first picture! Sadly, when we don't recognise the value of what we have; it's easy to throw it away/scrap it as they did with the trams! Maybe as we look back on what we had we can envision a way forward that would be really reflective of who we are as a people" …….Wayne.

The Tramways of Kingston ,Jamaica
by Allen Morrison

The island of Jamaica is about 50 miles wide and 150 miles long. Its north coast is about 100 miles south of Cuba and 100 miles west of Haiti . Jamaica was a British colony from 1655 until 1958; it became a fully independent state in 1962. A steam railroad that opened in 1845 between its capital, Kingston , and Spanish Town was one of the first railroads in the Americas , preceded only by lines in the U.S., Canada and Cuba . Kingston's population was about 50,000 in 1900, is about 100,000 today.

The Jamaica Street Car Company inaugurated a horsecar system in Kingston on 13 November 1876. Trams circled the central area and reached Rae Town on the east, May Pen cemetery on the west, and Constant Spring 6 miles north of the city [see map]. The vehicles came from John Stephenson Co. in New York . No
suitable picture of them could be found, but here is a JSCC token

West India Electric Co., registered in Canada , purchased the horse tramway on 4 December 1897 and began electrification. WIEC's president was an officer of the Montreal Street Railway Co., which seems to have supplied Kingston's first 30 electric trams. (They were similar, but not identical, to open cars that ran in Montreal in the 1890s.) Kingston's first electric line, from the tram depot on Orange Street to the foot of King Street, [see map], was inaugurated on 31 March 1899.

The second postcard shows a similar view on Orange Street at Victoria Garden, also known as The Parade and today called William Grant Park [see map]. Electric trams bore even numbers (10, 12, 14, etc.). Track gauge was 56 1/2 inches. Operation was left-hand on two-way streets [col. AM]:

Jubilee Market was opposite the northwest corner of Victoria Garden [see map]. Tram routes were identified by colored lights and destination boards on the ends and sides of the roof – as in Montreal . This tram is signed " Half Way Tree & Hope Gardens " [postcard, col. AM]:

WIEC's trams did a good business bringing produce from rural areas to the city's markets. Extra cars were placed on the Constant Spring and Hope Gardens lines [see map] [postcard, col. AM]:

Trailer cars bore uneven numbers (11, 13, etc.). In the early years of the 20th century United Fruit Co. ran banana trains over WIEC tracks from Constant Spring to Jubilee Market [see map]. The cars were pulled by electric locomotives at first, but later were attached to WIEC's trams [postcard, col. AM]:

Terminus of the Rockfort Gardens line. The photographer was facing east [see map] [postcard, col. AM]:

Tram 34 at the terminus of the Hope Gardens line at the end of Papine Road [see map]. Note inscription "The West India Electric Co. Ltd." on the side of the car [postcard, col. AM]: A passing siding on Papine Road [see map] [postcard, col. AM]:

An earthquake in 1907 took 800 lives and damaged large sections of the Kingston tramway system. Five cars were destroyed, but partial service resumed within a few days [postcard, col. AM]:

Luckily, WIEC had ordered six new trams the previous November from J. G. Brill Co. in Philadelphia . Here is a page from that company's monthly publication [Brill's Magazine, Philadelphia , 5/1907, p. 91]:

The 1920s brought new prosperity to the city and a new operator to the tramway system. On 25 May 1923 the WIEC was absorbed by a new Canadian organization, Jamaica Public Service Co., which thereafter provided all electric utilities on the island. The McGraw Electric Railway Directory of 1924 [see BIBLIOGRAPHY] reported 39 passenger motors cars, 1 motor service car, 1 motor freight car, 6 trailer freight cars and 2 locomotives operating on 26.62 miles of track in Kingston. The photograph below was taken on King Street about 1930 [see map] [col. AM]:

The World Survey of Foreign Railways, published in 1933 [see BIBLIOGRAPHY], recorded 44 passenger motor cars, 5 passenger trailers and 2 freight trams running on 43 km of track in Kingston. Apparently the company acquired many more vehicles after 1907 (although no more orders were received by U.S. builders). The photograph below was taken in 1939 at the end of the Hope Gardens line [see map].

The last photograph on this page was taken in November 1944. Scene is the terminus of the Constant Spring line, where, 40 years earlier, United Fruit Co. loaded its banana trains for their journey over tramway tracks to the city [see map] [col. AM]:

Jamaica Public Service Co. closed the Kingston tramway system on 10 May 1948. JPSC claimed that it could not afford to maintain the right-of-way or construct needed extensions. The entire system, all lines, ran until the end. Company records indicate that, because of a public protest, the Rockfort Gardens line [see map] continued operation for a few more months, until approximately August 1948.

An unusual aspect of the Kingston tramway was that all its passenger cars seem to have been identical – and remained identical and unchanged throughout their lives. They were superbly maintained, but were all sold for scrap in 1949. What a shame that one of these magnificent vehicles – 50 years old but as good as new – was not preserved!

Sumfest Sponsors Reacting to Economic Crunch

Reggae Sumfest is set to kick off on July 18 at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay. This is the 17th year of this festival, widely known as the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth. Over the years the organisors of the event have been able to keep its high standard with the help of several loyal corporations who have consistently sponsored the event. Some of the major sponsors have been Air Jamaica, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Digicel, the Wisynco Group, The Jamaica Observer, CVM TV, Irie FM, Fame FM and a host of others.

Even with the increasing economic decline which started becoming critical in 2009, the festival was able to hold its own with the help of sponsors. This year it was rumoured that the festival would not take place because of a reduction in sponsorship, however this was denied by Executive Director, Johnny Gourzong who confirmed that it would definitely be on. He admitted that there were challenges due to reduced sponsorship but that creative ways would be found to ensure that the festival would happen.

Marcia McDonnough, Sponsorship Manager of the event explained, "Our sponsors are definitely reacting to the economic crunch and so they must ensure that their expenditure will be a worthwhile investment. With less cash available it has been much harder to get the sponsorship commitments, and in some cases sponsorship has been reduced. It has therefore become even more important for us to work closely with the companies to creatively mould the partnerships so that it creates a win-win situation in the end, and it becomes critical to ensure that the benefits promised are delivered and that these benefits will give the return on investment that the companies expect.

Ms McDonnough also confirmed that Sumfest is still inviting companies to partner with the festival which brings thousands of music lovers together, giving sponsors the opportunity to have direct contact with a very wide audience. "Whether you are launching new products, offering staff or customer incentives, or simply wishing to educate, and create more awareness for your brand, there is an opportunity for you", she added.

There are several options available for investing in the event,and organisors are willing to sit with each partner and work out the package that will suit them best. For those persons who wish to attend the festival with a bit more style, there are skyboxes available which sit high above the rest of the audience, offering excellent views of the stage as well as all inclusive service. These can be bought by individuals or corporations. There are also opportunities for persons to purchase booth spaces for art and craft as well as food stalls.

This is your chance to get involved and more information can be obtained by visiting the website at www.reggaesumfest.com, emailing touchstonenet@gmail.com or calling the office at (876) 702-0536. Keep tuned to this blog for more information.

It's Time for Reggae Sumfest 2010

You've waited long enough and now it's time to get ready for Reggae Sumfest 2010.

Catherine Hall, Montego Bay Jamaica will explode once again as the heavyweights of Dancehall, Reggae and Hiphop take the stage between July 18 to 24. Summerfest Productions, organisors of the festival, confirm that plans are in high gear and promise that this year's event will surpass all others.

The festival kicks off with the sizzling Beach Party on Sunday July 18, continuing with a firestorm of the top Dancehall performers on Thursday July 22, with International Nights 1 and 2 on July 23 and 24 showcasing the very best in local and international stars. Organisors have been so far tight-lipped about the line-up but promise that when it is announced the Sumfest fans will be extremely excited.

Over the years the festival has continued to grow with the 2009 event seeing exceptional attendances. The 2009 festival made the global headlines after dedicating the festival to superstar Michael Jackson, and with the performance of Micheal's brother Tito Jackson who performed at the event, and accepted a Lifetime Achievement award on behalf of his brother.

2010 will mark the the 17th staging of this world renown event which has come a long way from that memorable night on August 11, 1993 when a group of Montego Bay’s businessmen launched the first of what has now become known as the "Greatest Reggae Show on Earth".

So book your airline tickets and hotel accommodation and make your plans to be in Montego Bay July 18 - 24, 2010. Tickets are now available for purchase online. Visit the official website at http://reggaesumfest.com/ for more information, and keep tuned to this blog.

Greenfield Stadium-The New Home of Jamaica Jazz and Blues

The announcement last December to move Jamaica Jazz and Blues from Rose Hall, Montego Bay to the Greenfield stadium in Trelawny, was met with very mixed reactions from its patrons. Jazz fans were worried that there would be not many places to stay that were close to the venue, while others thought that the move would detract from the usual sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance associated with this hallmark event. On arriving at the venue however, all fears were allayed and it was discovered that the new venue offered many advantages for patrons and the organisors alike.

Here are just a few facts about the new home:

1. The Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny is just 9 miles away from the previous festival venue in Rose Hall and so with the beautiful and scenic North Coast highway, it takes just 15 minutes to get there from all the major hotels on the Rose Hall strip.
2. It is also very easily and quickly accessed from several major hotels in Falmouth, Silver Sands, Discovery Bay and Ocho Rios and thus opens a lot more options for places to stay.
3. The venue has amazing views of the coastline of Jamaica, offers excellent parking facilities for parking , it is secure, and provides a spacious atmosphere for patrons to completely relax, dance, and enjoy the vibes of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues.
4. It has a capacity for 25,000 persons and so offers a great opportunity for the festival to grow.
5. Bathroom facilities are excellent and so especially the female patrons will be much happier about this.

Here are some approximate driving times from some of the major hotels and the airport.

Iberostar (8 - 10 minutes)

Rose Hall Hilton (12- 15 minutes)

Half Moon (12- 15 minutes)

Ritz Carlton (12- 15 minutes)

Holiday Inn ( 15 - 20 minutes)

Riu -Montego Bay (15 - 20 minutes)

Breezes Starfish (3 - 5 minutes)

Pebbles (3 - 5 minutes)

Bahia Principe (25 - 30 minutes)

Montego Bay Airport (25 - 30 minutes)

Faced with the need to increase the numbers of passengers traveling to the island, Allen Chastenet, the then Vice President of Air Jamaica envisioned an event which would solve his problem by encouraging visitors to come to Jamaica.

Enlisting the support of well established and experienced producer Walter Elmore, he put together a team and in November 1996, with an audience of 1,500 persons, the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival was born overlooking the sea, on the beautuful lawns of the historic Rose Hall Great House. Over the next three years, the festival presented a variety of exceptional musicians including George Bensen, Erykah Badu, Najee, The Isley Brothers, Black Uhuru and many more.

In 1998 the festival moved to James Bond Beach in Ocho Rios, a new venue not yet known by the public, and where it remained for five years. During this time it featured the likes of Gladys Knight, Kenny G, Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires, Kool and the Gang, Chaka Khan, Eric Benet, Al Jarreau to name a few.

In the first years, the festival was held in November and October, dates chosen to fulfill the objective of increasing visitor arrivals to the island during the soft tourist season. In 1999 there was no festival as this proved to be a decison year as to the future of the festival. Rain had haunted the event year after year, resulting in either cancelation or shortening of performances, and this combined with the worry about decreasing sponsorship for the event, created grave concerns for the organisors. Hence after serious consideration the decision was made to postpone the festival. January 20-23, 2000 became the new dates , a period which now marks what is now considered to the kick off of the Jamaican entertainment calender.

In 2001 the festival was lured back to Montego Bay by a group of hoteliers and the move was made to what was soon to become the favourite venue for the event, Cinnamon Hill golf course. For five years, many unforgettable experiences were created under the magical Jamaican skies on these precisely manicured lawns surrounded by hillside bonfires. Patrons were thrilled with the performances of Kenny Rogers, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Alicia Keyes, John Legen, Nora Jones, Bo Diddly, Monty Alexander, Third World, Shaggy, Pattie Labelle, Al green and others. They sang and the people came, and under the guidance of Walter Elmore, the current owner of the event who took over the reigns in 2004, it became Jamaicas largest festival, bringing thousands of visitors to the islands and thousands of Jamaicans to Montego Bay.

As the reviews about the festival got out both locally and internationally, the attendance grew to over 35,000, forcing yet another move and in 2006 the Aqueduct at Rose Hall became the new home. At this venue patrons were treated to legends such as Earth Wind and Fire, Diana Ross, Chicago, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker, Spyrogyra, Randy Crawford, Koko Taylor, plus new entrants such as Nikki Yanofsky, Matisyahu, Estelle.

In 2009, the national airline relinquished the title and the event became the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival with the Jamaica Tourist Board as the new title sponsor.

Not to be stop by challenges and never afraid to be the trend setter, the festival once again pulled up its roots in 2010 and moved to the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny. Amidst much criticism and skeptism, the organisors worked tirelessly to ensure that the festival would retain the ambiance and style that it has become known for, and on opening the gates of its new home on January 24, 2010, their efforts were rewarded by unanimous approvalof the new venue by the patrons. The new home provided convenience and comfort and resulted in one of the best festivals in its 14 year history. Hall and Oates, Joss Stone, Machel Montano HD, Jon Secada, Babyface combined with crowd favourites Gladys Knight, Monty Alexander, Third World and Billy Ocean, made for three nights of mindblowing musical delights.

Plans have already been set into gear for the 15th anniversary celebrations. The organisors, now satisfied that the festival has found a permanent home, have puled out all stops to ensure that the 2011 event surpasses all that has gone before. The Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival is growing up and promises to kick off its next 15 years with a spectacular bang!!