It is being dubbed a night in 2013 that the audience will not forget, the ‘All about Love’ Pre-Valentine’s Day concert set for Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.
Headlining this first concert for the year is renowned reggae singer Tarrus Riley, who organizers, New Era Entertainment said, insisted having Bahamian artists share the stage with him.
Spokesman Peter Adderley said that New Era Entertainment, with this concert, intends to revolutionize concert going on the island.
“Not only is this concert also being inclusive of the country’s 40th Independence celebration, which has a year –long calendar, but New Era Entertainment is committed to taking concerts to another level. Meaning, shows are going to start on time, artists will appears at the time slot as advertised and families will be able to enjoy the event in a safe atmosphere and leave to go home at a respectable hour, said Adderley.
“So no long delays before the feature artist comes on, a safe family environment and an on time event is promised,” he added.
Riley, a Caribbean son, who is well known for his love ballets, including ‘She’s Royal’ was excited to be invited to headline this All about Love concert, particularly as it was part of the independence celebrations for Grand Bahama and that the less fortunate on the island will have an opportunity to attend the event, through New Era Entertainment partnering with Urban Renewal 2.0 Grand Bahama for the concert.
“As a Caribbean son he wanted to be a part of The Bahamas’ celebrations and he made it mandatory that local Bahamian artists are a part of the celebrations and sharing the stage with him,” Adderley reiterated.
So joining Riley on stage will be Grand Bahama’s Jah Hem and Dano Rolle, and out of New Providence will be Sammi Starr.
Speaking to Omese Lightbourne, Urban Renewal representative, she was excited to hear that Riley insisted on having local talent share the stage to give Grand Bahamians an opportunity to hear their own entertainers perform, particularly as the country celebrates this milestone.
“On behalf of Michelle Reckley, deputy director of Urban Renewal here on the island, we are so pleased to be a part of this event and to give persons in our community who may not have the chance to attend an event like this the opportunity to do so,” said Lightbourne.
She thanked the organizers and the artists for having Urban Renewal onboard to share in this event.
Sammi Starr Poitier, known for piping out tunes like – I’ll Never Leave, For you, Send your Light and Anything Everything – noted that he was grateful to be a part of the event and appearing with Riley, Jah Hem and Rolle.
“It’s just an awesome opportunity to be able to come to Grand Bahama and represent,” he added, noting that he was extremely excited to learn about Urban Renewal’s involvement in this concert.
“It is a good thing to see them come on board to assist with people who probably wouldn’t be able to come enjoy a function like this, to see their own perform; and as you know it is in preparation for Valentine’s Day a day all about, and that’s my area.
“So, I was grateful to get the call to be a part of this and I look forward to giving Freeport an awesome show,” said Sammi Starr, noting that this would be his first official time performing in Freeport. “So I will give Freeport an awesome show … Freeport, get ready!”
Giving press conference attendees a taste of what the audience will get on February 9, Grand Bahama’s Jah Hem bellowed one of his world-wide played singles, Come Here Girl.
Having left all the females in earshot with goose bumps, Jah Hem said, “I just was to bless up New Era Entertainment for putting on this function and Urban Renewal for coming on board. It is a blessing to be on stage with Tarrus Riley and our own local talented artists and I just want people to know to look forward for a good performance.
“So come out relax, dress right and nice … and we will give you the proper thing.”
Rolle, who is known for his single, Trading my Sorrow, collaborating with other local artist and thrilling audiences of weddings and funerals – too is excited about the upcoming concert not only because he will be appearing with the likes of Riley, Jah Hem and Sammi Starr, but because he is a Valentine’s baby.
“I’m just excited to be on the stage with these men and show Grand Bahama the talent that is here. So those attending the concert can look forward to a night of love, and being a Valentine baby myself I want to encourage Grand Bahama to share in this event and support us.”
A concert of this magnitude with the kind of talent organizers engaged to headline the show, the lighting and sound must be top notched and to handle that area New Era Entertainment contracted MICAL Electronics, which is headed by president Henry ‘Juice’ Outten.
“MICAL Electronics is here to put that wow factor in the event,” said Outten. “Whenever a promoter is serious about an event like this, with performers like the ones slated for this show he wants to give the audience and the performers the best in sound, the best lighting.
“And that is what we are here to do, provide the sound and lighting that rivals the entertainers and gives everyone that wow factor, so when the audience leaves we want them to feel as those they got more than they expected,” Outten added.
Also joining the artists is DJ Teko T, who noted that he will be adding the extra, extra flavor.
“It is always blessed to be a part of an event like this, especially with Bahamian entertainers,” said Teko T. “I can’t sing like them and I wouldn’t even try, but I will say that it is going to be an awesome show and I’m here to add that little extra, extra flavor for the audience.
“So, Grand Bahama come out, support this event and enjoy this night that is all about love.”
New Era Entertainment’s chief, Emelike Fountain thanked Urban Renewal for partnering with them in this event, the artists for agreeing to share the stage with Riley and bringing Grand Bahamians this event that is expected to take events like these to a higher standard.
“Safe and quality is our primary focus,” Fountain stressed.
“We just want to say thanks and to let Grand Bahama know they can come out, enjoy this event as we celebrate our country’s independence and spread love,” said Fountain.
By Barbara Walkin
Freeport News Night Editor
