2012 marks Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee, and one of the first events to kick-start the celebrations is this third instalment of the Shaggy and Friends charity show at Jamaica House on January 7.

TEENage caught up with members of the production team to give you a behind-the-scenes preview of what to expect from this star-studded production.

According to producer Sharon Burke, this year’s production will host many exciting and surprising elements “We have two huge surprise acts that have not been disclosed as we like to do things out of the box for our patrons.”

Burke attributes the success of Shaggy and Friends over the years to the amalgamated effort of corporate Jamaica and the service industries.

“This year especially, we have received significant support from the top companies and individuals in the service and other industries so as to guarantee a simply amazing experience for patron. We have support from competing companies such as Digicel and Lime — a testament to the way corporate Jamaica has put away rivalry for the common cause of charity.”

Event planner Jacque Tyson, has pledged an “exquisite gastronomic experience”.

According to Tyson, platinum-tier patrons will have to their satisfaction an unlimited array of local and international beverages and spirits, hors d’oeuvre and great food from Jamaica’s best chefs in a first-class ambiance.

Gold-tier patrons will be in what Tyson refers to as “the party zone”. According to Tyson, “this area is designed with a premium party atmosphere in mind”. Patrons in gold will also be feted with a bevy of local cuisine and drinks.

“The Silver-tier is a drinks-inclusive laid-back family atmosphere that all members of the family will enjoy,” said Tyson. A wide array of food will be on sale in the silver tier.

The major selling point of the event is the fact that all proceeds of the event goes to the improvement of the Bustamante Children’s Hospital.

“Our focus this year is on the cardiac unit at Bustamante, and we’re really trying to ensure we get a great turnout and raise as much money as we can for the hospital,” said Rebecca Packer, a director of the Shaggy Make A Difference Foundation and producer of the show.

Packer also highlighted a key component of the evening, the auction. Persons with platinum tier will be able to bid for more than 20 items which, according to Packer, “will entice people to make a bigger difference and save more lives”.

Items on auction include, a diamond watch from celebrity jeweller Chris Aire; exclusive clothing designs from Carlton Brown and Lubica; tickets to the highly rated Michael Jackson Immortal Cirque Du Soleil tour in Miami; a one-on-one surprise experience with the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt; a VIP Black Card from Fiction Nightclub; art pieces; a catered dinner for four to six people done by chef Brian Lumley; spa and villa experiences; signed memorabilia; HD cable boxes courtesy of Flow and more. Additionally, the Foundation will also be auctioning cardiac surgeries, where participants in the auction will be able to contribute directly to the cost of heart surgeries for those children at Bustamante Hospital who are in need.

According to PR Director for Shaggy and Friends, Angela Thame, all is set for a world class production come next Sunday.

“Patrons will be blown away by the high-quality nature of the show as well as the ambiance the team will create in executing a first-class production for every member of the family.”

Shaggy & Friends 2012 will see the likes of Shaggy, Lauryn Hill, Eve, Half-Pint, Coco Tea, Maxi Priest, I-Octane, Gyptian, Mr Vegas, Wayne Marshall, Tami Chynn, Deniece Williams, Assassin and Romain Virgo.

With such a star-studded line-up and such a worthy cause, it is the ideal event to kick start the new year.

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