Jamaica Vintage Music Festival Presents: The Love and Togetherness Jamboree

Review and Photos by M. Peggy Quattro

March 19, 2009 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL One of the most popular fests in South Florida, the Jamaica Vintage Music Fest was moved indoors for the first time this year. The super large Club Cinema in Pompano Beach was surprisingly spacious inside. There was a beautiful, huge stage, several bars, and plenty of space, including four different levels, insuring that there was not a bad seat in the house.

The line-up, which included Leroy Sibbles, Half Pint, David “Becky” Morrison, Lukie D, and Papa Michigan, was a lively combination of Dancehall and Rocksteady. In addition, fans were treated to a dose of R&B from JR Evans, a hot new singer on the scene; the comedic timing of Professor Nuts; and the rock energy of Tessanne Chin, who surprised the crowd with a rousing duet with Ky-mani Marley. Driving the show was the super tight Code Red band.

Following a strong opening set from Code Red, Becky Morrison hit the stage. Former lead singer with the popular Sudden Impack band, Becky is an accomplished solo artist as well a vocalist with the Abyssinians. JR Evans is a young artist with the voice and stage presence to go far. His soulful R&B had the young girls rushing to the front of the stage. Papa Michigan (of Michigan and Smiley fame) came onstage and delivered hits like “Diseases” and “Rub-a-Dub Stylee.” He entertained the crowd with humor, song, and conversation.

Tessane Chin is one of the most commanding female voices in reggae today. She brought along her own rocker guitarist and showed the befuddled crowd what Alternative Reggae is all about. The place exploded when she was joined by Ky-mani Marley for one powerful song. After the second band break, Lukie D from LUST fame came on for an extended set that included his hit “Just As I Am.”

Bringing greetings and a million-watt smile, Half Pint came bounding on stage to cheers and the entire Club Cinema singing his anthem, “Greetings.” The veteran singer was churning out hit after hit before hitting a snag with the bass player over the tempo. After a few words were exchanged, the popular performer continued with more hits like “One Big Family,” “Level the Vibes,” and “Mr. Landlord.” But it seemed it was Leroy Sibbles they people came to see. The ever-smiling Rocksteady and Ska vet went through a catalogue of hits, including “Fattie Fattie,” “Love Me Girl,” and ‘Pass the Dutchie,” singing to and reaching out to the women who had crowded the front of the stage. Leroy talked to the crowd before taking the bass from Code Red’s bassman to play for his adoring fans. Always the consummate entertainer, Leroy Sibbles puts the word show in showman.