Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

Amid a lively and relaxing atmosphere, Rocksteady Meets Reggae and Dancehall was launched last Wednesday at Cuddy'z Restaurant and Bar.

The event will present all three famous Jamaican musical genres as one package with smooth transitions in between. Despite the relatively short list of artistes, MC Clyde McKenzie said he was optimistic "it would be first-class entertainment" and would provide an "unquenchable appetite for music", a sentiment shared by subsequent speakers Leroy Sibbles, Dean Fraser and Frisco Kid.

Guest speaker, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, lauded show producer Freddie McGregor for taking such a bold step, "especially when people are cutting back with traditional events".

Grange used the opportunity to appeal to artistes to send their memorabilia to the Institute of Jamaica for preservation. She also noted that some artistes are not able to capitalise on viable European markets because they are not properly certified. "Do not see music as a production but as an industry," she said.

Rocksteady Meets Reggae and Dancehall, which was first staged in Florida, will be held at Jamalco Sports Complex in Hayes, Clarendon, on May 23.

McGregor sees the staging of the event as a job creation for hundreds of people. He said he hopes that it will become popular and help with development of Clarendon. He plans to make it an annual event.

One of the activities planned for the day will be a Twenty20 cricket match, which pits entertainers against media personalities and celebrities.

Courtney Walsh, former West Indies fast bowler and owner of Cuddy'z, explained that "music and cricket go hand in hand". He informed the audience that Tony Rebel would be one of the bowlers on the card, and that former West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose has confirmed his participation, while confirmation is expected from West Indies great, Brian Lara.

Performers

The artistes billed to perform include Ernie Smith, John Holt, Leroy Sibbles (rocksteady), Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, McGregor (reggae), Beenie Man, Anthony B, Vybz Kartel and Elephant Man (dancehall).

McGregor said he is also expecting several impromptu performances and expects each to observe the family-affair theme.

Rocksteady Meets Reggae and Dancehall was first held in 1995 in Miami. In succeeding years, the venue changed to other cities in Florida. In 1998, the event was held in the islands of St Thomas and St Croix, both on Father's Day in June.

Three institutions will benefit from the staging of the show. They are Hayes Primary School, Haile Selassie High School and the Courtney Walsh Melbourne Cricket Club in Kingston.