A short notice change in the venue had no impact on attendance at last Sunday’s staging of Sandz Caribbean Music Festival in New York.

The event was a massive success as patrons came out to enjoy the musical offerings and the vibes associated with the four-year-old event. It was the first staging in New York.

“Our main objective was to give the New York City market a taste of the authentic Jamaican entertainment that Sandz brings. We were able to execute this well,” said Jermaine “Jigga” Davis, a director of Yung Kingz Entertainment — promoters of the event.

Davis and his team were surprised at the turnout.

“We were surprised, but only because of the change of venue at short notice. It was held on a native Indian settlement in South Hamptons, New York,” he said.

Slated to be held in Long Island, the venue was switched to the South Hamptons due to the overwhelming demand.

David “Phreshprince” Matthie, another Yung Kingz director, shared what he thought was the highlight of the New York staging.

“The highlight of this New York staging was the last-minute change of venue and that we were able to pull it off. Everyone had a great time,” said Matthie.

He assured fans in New York that they haven’t seen the last of the event.

“Sandz will be an annual event held in the Big Apple. We are thankful of the support and we will continue to deliver a top-class event to our patrons all over.”

With musical stylings from the likes of Code Red (featuring DJ Lank and Chris Dymond), and New York’s DJ Cali B and DJ Stacks, patrons were taken on a joyride as they danced to current dancehall, reggae, hip hop, and EDM treats.

With the success of Sandz in New York, the team is now preparing to entertain the Jamaican and Caribbean Diaspora in Canada.

“The next overseas staging of Sandz is slated to be held in Toronto, Canada, on August 19,” Davis added.

— Kevin Jackson