Last year, when he had the inaugural staging of the Bellevue Music Festival in Orlando, Florida, Byron Somers said he wanted to highlight the music and culture of his homeland.

Originally from the community of Bellevue District in Portland, Somers migrated to the United States more than 20 years ago.

“I started this event to showcase reggae/dancehall music and Jamaican talent as well as my production company Bellevue Entertainment. As a yaadman I’m playing my part to spread our music and culture across the globe.”

Somers brings a wealth of experience to events promotion, having worked on several events over the years. He is also one of several Jamaicans involved in Bellevue Entertainment, a record label based in Florida.

“I was one of the promoters for the Alkaline Live in Tampa, Florida, two years ago. But I have also worked on events on a smaller scale over the years,” said Somers.

Somers said putting on an event such as Bellevue Music Festival does come with some challenges but, along with his team, they have managed to navigate their way around them.

“There are a lot of challenges, but me and my team make it seem effortless. My current line-up was very easy to book. However, trying to book most of the major dancehall acts was very difficult, which led me to venture into the international market,” Somers revealed.

The second staging of the Bellevue Music Festival takes place this Saturday, May 13, at the Festival Park in Orlando. The line-up of acts features Billboard-chart topper Sean Kingston, Rotimi, Louie Culture, Shaneil Muir, Iyara, Badda General, Bencil Clickstar and Star Martin from the US Virgin Islands.

“The event is still relatively new but, due to the lack of quality shows of this magnitude, patrons are hungry for it. Right now we are filling a void in quality events that is very needed,” said Somers.

He continued, “You can expect great ambiance, a secure and fun-filled event with great music, best of food from the Caribbean and a display of our culture at its best.”

Sean Kingston says he is looking forward to performing for his fans.

“What I’m looking forward to most about this event is seeing the fans — an engaged high-energy audience and all my beautiful girls. The fans can expect high energy with lots of feel-good and happy music,” said Kingston.

Former Alliance member Iyara said: “I am looking forward to a superb response from the crowd, because Iyara will definitely deliver for his audience. The patrons can expect an energetic performance from Iyara with my versatility and creativity at its best.”

Top Gyal singer Shaneil Muir is just as excited to be on the event’s line-up.

“I am glad I could be able to perform for another live audience. It’s always a great feeling. The fans can expect nothing but my best,” said Muir.