GROOVIN SUCCESS STAR LINEUP
By: C. Harrison/July 14, 2015/6:26PM
New York, NY…..Jamaica Queens, is a part of the broader New York City land mass and although North East Queens, is a smaller section of this pie, we in this corner of the world have been privileged. Northeast Queens for the past 14-years have turned out some of the biggest concerts in New York State ever without incidents via the Caribbean community. The 2015 Groovin In The Park Concert carried over, making it that much a statement.
This year’s show success I believe was due to the stellar lineup. From the announcements on the flyers, to the outsourcing to people—finding out that Michael Bolton was on the roaster; along with some of the biggest names in Reggae on the international level, tickets sold out immediately. It couldn’t get any bigger than that.
When a promoter authorize an amelioration, basically putting amenable personnel’s together- a colossal of mavens; you can only get one out come, efficient and effectiveness- combinations for success. And judging from previous years concerts, (not to say they weren’t successes) but, the 2015 Groovin concert showed off the improvements….not to the naked eyes of patrons but to trained eyes, or anyone looking for such improvements. Great job.
Forever a modest person, the Promoter & Producer of Groovin In The Park, Christopher Roberts–owner of the Door Restaurant, which sits a block away from the concert venue…stated that , “The concert turned out magnificent. But we need to ensure that our gates are opened on time at 11:00 am Sharp.” He said, “even though the opening of the gates were hampered by the setup via delayed by rain, regardless; I wants to make sure that the gates are always open on time. ” As long as people are satisfied I have accomplished my goal, We did good,” Chris Commented.
The excitement began when Luciano (the messenger) came to the stage, it felt unreal. He gave an outstanding performance and even joined patrons in the crowd–at which point we could not see him. I felt it for him when he mentioned that people have been trying to kill him. He said, “I got hit with a iron pipe.” My first though was who would want to kill this beloved. He got standing ovation. He was followed by the trailblazer from Clarendon Cocoa Tea, who shell down the Park. And who always travel with his catalog: if attention is not pay to him. he will stay on stage for the duration–to which no one would complain. He said, “Because of the racial issues in America, we have to come together. And when you come to a Cocoa Tea’s show, you have to come with energy.” Tea paid homage to Berris Hammond and Shabba Ranks. He also got standing ovation and calls back to the stage. He gave his all as usual-magnificent.
Honing the stage thereafter was the fire man himself, Capleton and of course he blaze-up the crowd. A sound performance-wonderful. He belt out “Jah Jah City.” “Every great nation needs vision but, if you don’t have profits there is no nation,” Capleton said. Capleton also pointed out that Marcus Garvey, Bob Marley, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. all got gun down–a political statement on guns. Right after he wilded the crowd with “Legalize Marijuana burn it.”
Following Capleton, was a surprise on stage to the shock of 30,000 thousand fans, Stephen Marley; who send the crowd into a frenzy. We don’t get to see this ever, a nice surprise indeed. Then they did something on-heard-of and we will be talking about it, in the history books forever. They brought: Luciano, Cocoa Tea, Capleton and Stephen Marley on one stage together, this, took the cake. I don’t think there was one person in that crowd who didn’t take a picture of the group, historical. Whoever stage the lineup, needs to be recognize.
At intermission we listened to the sound of Bobby Condor and Jabba, who paid credence and tribute to Buju Banton, Damain Marley, Jah Cure and Berris Hammond and others. Next up was the family of love Morgan Heritage, who set concert goers in a trance. They also came with their a list of songs and began with “Strictly Roots” and “Don’t Afe Dread To Be Rasta.” They make tributes to Toots and The Maytals and to Buju Banton also. A stellar performance.
Another intermission saw D.J. Inferno, who hold is own. And then there were two, mega superstars left—of which, first came Billy Ocean. He entered with a catalog of some of his biggest hits and he did not disappoint us. It was good to see a legend on stage. Clad in full white he gave us “There will Be Sad Songs” “One Of Them Nights” “Love Zone” “What Is The Color Love” Suddenly” “Get into my Car” “Caribbean Queen” a new song “Here You Are” these among so many other favorites, excellence performance.
Lastly the man of the hour Michael Bolton, the toast of the evening; came with his A-game and showed his love to the Caribbean community. His song favorite s were “Sold Survivor” “If I Ain’t Got You” these amongst his monster hits. The crowd loved him, The concert was money well spent everyone went home happy. There were something for everybody. Hosts for the evening was famed radio announcer Barry G, out of Jamaica, he got a legend award—very fitting. The last time I saw Barry G, was on vacation in Jamaica, 1982, on Red Hills Road at a street block party—where it was all about the girls on bikebacks and Clem, a New York radio announcer.
All Photos Credit: C. Harrison
