Hundreds converged at the Warner Park Stadium for the event, and with a packed and exciting lineup in store for reveler, the curtains of the event opened with Nevis’ Gharlic, backed by the Kore Band which also hails from Nevis. As he promised at the press conference held earlier that day, Garlic delivered and entertained his audience from start to end.
The pace set by Gharlic, was matched and increased by another Nevis entertainer, XMan who performed, among others, his popular soca tune, “Food All Over”.
Performing their recently-release single “Crush on You”, was the Kore Band which featured vocalists Rochelle and Duane.
Even if the audience did not want more energy and excitement, it was fed a heaping serving when St. Kitts’ Soca Monarch 2011/2012 King Konris burst onto the stage and unleashed the “Unstoppable Force”. He performed a reggae version of the hit and flowed into a number of his other popular tunes before performing the usual upbeat, soca version of the “Unstoppable Force” to which many have grown accustomed and love. King Konris – with his usual charisma – exited the stage to interact with his audience and at different intervals, the massive crowd could be seen moving in accordance with his direction.
First timer to the Music Fest scene – as a solo and featured act – Mic Stokes delivered a performance that – according to some – he himself will have difficulty topping. Stokes had promised that he had some surprises in store and that he was more than ready to deliver a wonderful performance, and that he did. He reminded of old favourites such as “One Shot Man”, All Kinna Tings”, Ellie Matt’s “Cousin Annie” and Good Neighbour before making a snappy wardrobe change and returning to the stage for the second part of his routine. As an added attraction, dancers were scattered across the stage during Stokes’ routine and dramatised parts of certain songs.
The conscious vibe was heightened when the legendary Bunny Wailer, one of the founding members of The Wailers, hit the stage and the sound of reggae flooded the atmosphere, with the strains of Cool Runnings, Blackheart Man, Bob Marley’s “One Love” and “Don’t Worry” and Peter Tosh’s “Legalise It”.
Ali Cambell – former of UB40 – and his “Dep” Band, picked up where Bunny Wailer left off and kept the reggae vibe flowing and performed Her I Am, Red Red Wine, Cherry oh Baby among others. The Music Festival patrons were so pleased with Cambell and an encore performance was requested…and given.
Sometime after 3:00 a.m., the energy level was bumped up several notches and the Small Axe band took centre stage delivering a consistent and constant flow of energy, singing among others – their “Drink As You Like” and “Creep Up” songs, much to the massive crowd’s pleasure.
The curtains of the opening night fell just minutes shy of the 5:00 am hour, after an equally energetic performance by d Sugar Band, the Nu Vybes Band International. Included in ther playlist were their “Band Stand” and “Sugar” hits.
MiyVue.com spoke with a number of individuals during the event and while some expressed concern about the late start and length, all indicated that it catered to a various musical tastes and gave the event a general two thumbs up.
The festival continues this evening (24th June) and artistes for this leg of the event include Gyptian, Coco Tea, Maxi Priest and Yellowman.