“Overwhelming!”

That’s how promoter of the Startime series Michael Barnett is describing Saturday night’s staging of the popular event.

According to him, the crowd support which numbered in the thousands drove home the fact that this series was well needed.

“We brought back Startime simply based on the feedback we have been getting in the streets. Everywhere I go over the years, people ask, ‘when are you bringing back Startime?’ So, it was based on demand, and we were not disappointed. Timing was everything and originally we wanted to have the show in December during the holidays. But when we went to Mas Camp the only available date was was Saturday, January 9 and we took it.”

For Barnett, the only low point of the night was the bar service. He explained that his team did not expect such an overwhelming turnout and, as a result weren’t prepared for the numbers at the bar. As a result, there were long lines and some products ran out.

He added that Saturday’s show will be a dress rehearsal for what will come during the second staging of the series for 2016. This will be held on July 9 at Juici Patties Complex at Clarendon Park in Clarendon.

Reggae songstress Marcia Griffiths has already been confirmed as the headline act.

“Marcia Griffiths is an international star. When you put her on a show, half your battle is won in terms of sponsors and crowd support. The truth is about 50 per cent of the people who came on Saturday night came to see Marcia Griffiths. So it’s really a no-brainer,” Barnett stated.

Last Saturday’s line-up included acts such as deejay Dillinger, whom Barnett said had not performed locally for some time and has a strong catalogue which made him perfect for the event.

“My work in radio and entertainment puts me in a great position to see what the people want. So, in planning , I really look at the vintage acts, see who is popular and go after them.”