As usual, it seems as if there are never enough days leading up to and after Christmas for all the stage shows planned for the season. Already there are at least eight shows being advertised for Christmas Day alone , among them, A List at Constant Spring Golf Club, Christmas Party at the Quad, Winter Barrage at the Frostbitten Dreamland in New Kingston, Reggae in the Hills, in Ewarton, Third Annual Ebony Jamboree, Mix Up and Blenda and GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza.

With all this talk of recession one can’t help but wonder what will be the success rate.

Promoters, obviously don’t worry their heads too much about such things, because they know that they have their crowd. And so, the season’s sessions are nearing fever-pitch and with these come long lines (we hope) outrageous outfits and memorable acts that will have patrons talking well into the New Year.

Here’s a quick look at some of the Christmas shows…

Renaissance All White Christmas Eve Party

Dec 24 Go Kart Track (Palisadoes by the Airport)

This annual celebration staged by sound system, Renaissance, definitely has its crowd and has proven over the years to be a popular theme party. By the way, is there a prize for the best dressed couple in white?

Island Explosion Christmas Eve at Halso Hall Sports Club in Clarendon

Annual show with a long list of acts who are sure to turn up for the event.

Mix Up and Blenda

December 25 – National Arena

If you see large lines gathered at the National Arena on Christmas Day it’s proprably the thousands turning out to enjoy another staging of the popular Ragashanti series of events. It is safe to say anything goes at this show and, as the name says, it’s all about taking ‘almshouse’ to a whole new level. We say … tambarine!!!

Reggae In The Hills

Sugar Minott’s annual gig takes place at Bramwell Clarke Park and Sports Complex in Ewarton, St Catherine. This is one of the many events taking place on Christmas Day. With the heavy competition from other events on this day, patrons will have to decide on the best bet for their dollar. The lineup includes George Nooks, Josey Wales, Luciano, Little John and Tristan Palmer. It’s perhaps the only show Luciano is doing locally for the season, and we all know that the Messenjah hasn’t been around for a minute.

GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza

@ Independence Park, Black River December 25

Irie FM disc jock, GT Taylor, has worked hard to ensure that his show has a reputation for delivering on its promise. It’s no fault of his that headline act, Buju Banton is likely to be a no-show. But, the show must go on and with the calibre of artistes on the line-up, GT, should have a great extravaganza.

Ity and Fancy Cat Show Live

@ The Grand Ballroom, Hilton Kingston

‘Laugh till you can’t laugh no more’ ought to be the theme for this event. Comedy comes in all shapes and sizes … and then some.

Pepsi Teensplash

The annual event takes place at James Bond Beach, St Mary on Boxing Day, December 26 and has a really strong lineup. This could easily be the show of the season as the headliners includes Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel and Mavado. According to the promoter Linval Gibbons it’s a showing of peace and unity in the biz.

Sting 2009

@ Jamworld Entertainment complex, Portmore

With over 120 artistes on the line-up, patrons are advised to turn up early. The promoters are saying ‘peace’ and have Vybz Kartel and Mavado as headliners, along with Alliance CEO Bounty Killer. Providing comic relief will be the ‘clash’ between Goofy and dancehall jester, LA Lewis and already there is some talk that the salacious Stacious and the cocksure Lisa Hype will have a face-off of sorts. There has been some tune-fi-tune lyrical warfare beween these Gully/Gaza protégés and one publicist we know has been caught in the crossfire. But we are keeping off the ‘ray-dar’ with this one. It doesn’t look like the Ele/Flippa clash will be a reality, but don’t forget the “clean clash” between selectors Sky Juice and Tony Matterhorn and the drumming clash between Bongo Herman and Mama Kaffe from Africa. Definitely tons of fun in store.

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@ The Gardens, Hope Road

After an epic premeire on the party scene, this event has established itself as a staple on any and every party-goers calendar. With the theme Live From Times Square! December 31 will see Kingston converging on the grounds of The Gardens, on Hope Road.

Dancehall Jam Jam, December 31

@ Jamalco Sports Club, Halse Hall Clarendon

Singer Coco Tea is back with what used to be his annual December event. The singer and his friends will bring the curtains down on 2009

Black & White New Year’s Eve Affair

@ National Arena, Kingston

Sell off … what else can we say about this annual event that attracts patrons from all corners of the earth.

Family Funday and Stage Show

@ Somerset Falls, Portland, January 1

Now in its fifth staging, this is one of the kick-off events for the new year and features headline acts Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel and Merciless. Kartel actually does a good radio ad for this event promoed by Gadaffi, who has been putting a lot of energy into the promotion. Gadaffi leaves nothing to chance and has been going around with loudspeakers on his vehicle making the announcement like the official town crier.

Trelawny Family Fun Day

@ Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium, Falmouth, Trelawny

Another annual New Year’s Day event, this is staged by deejay Anthony B. Last year’s show was a success and we expect that this year will be no different.

Shaggy and Friends I Dare You Concert

@ Jamaica House January 2

Hats off to Shaggy for staging the charity event of the decade. All proceeds are in aid of the Bustamante Hospital for Children, which for years was Shaggy’s pet project, until the need became so great that he decided to stage a fund-raiser. This year’s inaugural concert was a winner and Shaggy is back with his friends daring us all to care.