Caribbean Seabreeze Festival Leaves Crowd Mesmerized

When the 5th annual Caribbean Seabreeze Festival ended at minutes after 11 PM on Sunday, July 14 in Long Beach, California, patrons appeared to have been satisfied with the day's proceedings.

Performances from Lovindeer, Luciano, and Glen Washington whipped up the nearly 3000 strong crowd into a frenzy, leaving patrons mesmerized.

Anthony B, the duo of Delly Ranks and singer Christopher, Belizean artiste Chico Ramos and Monsterrat artiste Arrow also turned in good sets, which kept the musical aspect of the festival on a high.

The Queen Mary Park in Long Beach was decorated with strategically placed tents and stalls, which catered not only to Jamaicans, but also other Caribbean nationals, and other American residents.

"The Jamaican music is what brought me here. I like the food, its just different," Patrice Middleton, an England native who now resides in California, explained as her reason for attending the event. This was her 4th year attending the festival.

The smell of jerk chicken, and other Caribbean delicacies hung over the venue and kept stall operators busy most of the afternoon and straight into the night.

The children were not left out of the festivities, as a play area with bounce-a-bouts and various rides and toys, catered to their needs.

Patrons trickled into the venue as the day progressed, but the numbers swelled as soon as the sun went down.

Opening acts Super G and Chico Ramos did well, so too did Caribbean Xchange.

Delly Ranks and Christopher kicked off the dancehall segment, and easily connected with the crowd, as they moved through songs such as "Them Vex Now," "Who's Holding Donna Now," "That Way," "Headache," and "What a Gal Can Wine."

Lovindeer's performance was not only well accepted by the crowd, but it was among the best of the night.  The veteran toaster held court and took fans down memory lane, as he unleashed monsters that included "Wild Gilbert," "Pocomania Day," and "Best Customs Officer." Lovindeer proved that even without a current hit song, he can easily hold down any stage.

"More Fete," "Party People Rock," and "Hot Hot Hot" were among the hits that kept bodies moving and hands waving during Arrow's energetic stint. The calypso star, backed by his able band, worked up a frenzy that left patrons in a party mood.

Glen Washington was quite the lover as far as the women were concerned. The singer displayed charisma and professionalism during his stint, as he sang his heart out to the women. The screams were deafening, as he belted out "Kindness for Weakness," and "Heaven Must Have Sent You," among others.

Before Luciano's culturally empowering performance, which ended on a climactic note, Anthony B revved the crowd in a frenzy, with songs such as "Fire Pon Rome," and "Good Cop."