Last Saturday’s Hennessy Artistry show drew a disappointing turnout at the Old Coal Wharf in

Port Royal.

The event featured a diverse line-up ranging from classical violinist Jessica Yap to deejay Bounty Killer. But not everyone was impressed by the promoters.

“An entry fee of $2,000 is too much, then patrons have to buy Hennessy drink mixes. Plus, it takes at least $3,000 to charter a cab from Kingston to Port Royal. The organisers need to realise these are hard times, no wonder there is hardly anyone here,” said Maxine Gooden, a patron.

By 1:00 am, the gathering of about 300 huddled close to the stage when it was announced that singer Romain Virgo was about to perform.

During the first half of his set, he thrilled with popular songs like The Rain is Falling, Taking You Home, Love Doctor, and Rich in Love. Virgo had the ladies undivided attention as he did soulful renditions of R Kelly’s When a Woman Loves and Adele’s Don’t You Remember.

He delivered I Know Better and Feel Like Letting Go before making his exit.

Headliner Rodney ‘Bounty Killer’ Price also did a

great job.

“Dem say dem book Rodney Price and not Bounty. So tonight it’s all about Rodney,” he said.

His show was built around favourites like Poor People Fed Up, Book, Down in The Ghetto and Babylon System. Minutes into his performance, an emotional Bounty Killer paid tribute to his late mother. Fighting back tears, he saluted her with Mama You Deserve a Pot of Gold (a collaboration with singer Richie Stephens) and Mama’s Love.

Earlier performances came from Dance Expressionz, Nitty Kutchie and Richie Stephens.