"Summer Sizzle" Launched in Style

Gearing Up for the August 27, 2005 EVENT

By Cecelia Campbell-Livingston

The venue was specially chosen as it provided “easy access” from Kingston with the new highway making it a mere 25 minute journey, according to Shocking Vibes' Clyde McKenzie.

Among the artistes slated to perform at Summer Sizzle 2K5 are Jimmy Cliff, Beres Hammond, Rupee, Bone Crusher, Kevin Lyttle, Bunji Garlin, KMC, Coco Tea, John Holt, Leroy Smart, Cobra, Baby Cham, Beenie Man, Assassin, Macka Diamond and the Shocking Vibes roster of artistes.

In giving an overview of the show, Shocking Vibes executive Clyde McKenzie stressed that patrons had better come out early as “with a large line-up like this the concert will kick off at 6:00 pm, with gates opening at 4:00 pm.”

Guest speaker Minister of Finance, Dr. Omar Davies, acknowledged the power and influence that artistes possess and urged them to use it in a positive way. "Artistes have much more power than even politicians; you have influence over young people. I want you to take that seriously,” the minister stressed.

In addressing the promoters, Dr. Davies reminded that the production on that day should be first class, "There is no place for mediocrity; it’s either world class or no class,” he said, adding that the event should start on time and deliver a first class production.

If the launch was anything to go by, that should not be a hard task. After all, Shocking Vibes has never been short of imagination and creativity as was evidenced by the beautiful set up of the room.

The launch read like a "who’s who" of the entertainment industry as many turned out to hear the exciting plans for the Summer Sizzle show. Attendees included label executives, artistes, journalists, and many more.