PEARLY Beach in Ocho Rios, St Ann, became a mecca for lovers of reggae on Saturday as they journeyed to the venue in thousands for the second staging of Cream of the Crop.

The faithful were not to be disappointed as the stellar line-up delivered entertaining sets during the eight-hour event.

The night’s standouts were the self-proclaimed youngest veteran Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, St Ann native Romain Virgo, and ‘Mr Singy Singy’ himself Tarrus Riley. All three were able to capture their audience and had the beach rocking to their sounds.

Despite taking to the stage at 3:00 am, Marley was able to move the audience, some of whom had been on their feet for nearly six hours. He reeled off popular tracks from his breakthrough albums Welcome to Jamrock and Distant Relatives as well as previous and new works. Set Up Shop, Beautiful, Affairs of the Heart, Dis Spear, Promise Land, Move, Road to Zion and a medley of his father’s War and No More Trouble before the signature Welcome to Jamrock. There was even a closing cameo by popular deejay Popcaan to spice the performance. Marley continues to mature with each performance and his showmanship, high energy, intense vocals and thought-provoking lyrics definitey had an impact at Pearly Beach early Sunday morning.

It was instructive that Virgo told his audience that he performs each show as if it is his last. His nearly hour-long set, if, due to some unfortunate circumstance, is his last, then he would have left a lasting memory. The youngster — who first came to prominence by winning the Digicel Rising Stars in 2007 — has come a long way since he ‘rum rammed’ his way to victory in that televised talent show. He is now a certified performer.

He wasted no time once he hit the stage and delivered all the tracks he has become known for and the audience, particularly the females loved every moment of it. I Know Better Caan Sleep, Rich in Love, Who Feels it Knows it, Rain is Falling, Love Doctor all went over well. But it was when he drew for When a Woman Loves, that the man from Stepney district truly showed off his vocal chops. He would close with The System and earned the applause he deserves.

On the stroke of midnight, Riley hit the stage and just like he had done the night before at Sting, sang into the hearts of the people, especially the women. However, for the patrons who may have attended both events, the tune was oh too familiar. Riley’s set at both events was similar, not only in the tracks performed, but in the order as well. Beware, Human Nature, Far Away, Hurry up, All of Me, Stay With You, She’s Royal, Good Girl Gone Bad and One Drop all made his playlist. The major difference in both nights was the inclusion of singer Iba Mahr into the set.

Jah Cure earned his share of ‘forwards’ and adoration but never pushed the audience over the edge his dedication of True Reflection to his fellow artistes Buju Banton and Vybz Kartel was a high point.

Major acts Busy Signal and the closing act I-Octane were hampered by the length of the show. By the time they took to the stage at 4:30 and just after 5:00 am respectively, the battle-weary audience were out for the count. Despite this, they gave a good account of themselves.

It was the converse for Jesse Royal the popular, young member of ‘Reggae Revival’. He was called on to open the event due to an MIA Loyal Flames. With the park sparse, many missed what was another signature workman-like performance from ‘The Small Axe’.

Only in its second year, Cream of the Crop shows great potential; just like their new home at Pearly Beach. However, they must look at the number of acts booked for future shows; Saturday’s event was just too long. Conceptually, a second stage was fantastic as it would provide entertainment during the band changes on the main stage, but it was in execution that Cream of the Crop fell down. The only act to make some inroads from stage B was Nature.

— Richard Johnson