Richie Spice, Duane Stephenson, Capleton to ignite summer ENCORE LIVE series
The live music scene on the island’s north coast is about to receive some much-needed adrenalin with the summer staging of a three-part series called ENCORE LIVE, which is presented by Midas Entertainment.
The first event kicks off on June 28 at 8 Rivaz Ultra Lounge in Ocho Rios, St Ann, and it will feature reggae artiste Richie Spice.
“I’m just looking forward to performing for my people and spread the message of love and positivity with a good vibe,” Richie Spice told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.
The singer is best known for the hit songs Earth a Run Red, Grooving My Girl, Brown Skin, The Plane Land, Youths Are So Cold, among others.
The second event is scheduled for July 26 at the same venue, and it will be headlined by journeyman reggae artiste Duane Stephenson, whose catalogue includes songs like Ghetto Pain, Cottage in Negril, August Town, Rescue Me, and Fairy Tale.
The explosive Capleton closes out the series on August 30 at Plantation Cove in St Ann alongside saxophonist Dean Fraser, and the “Man with a Dream” Nesbeth.
The highly anticipated reggae and brunch live show will also feature musical selections by DJ Delano of Renaissance Disco, setting the perfect vibe for what promises to be the ultimate summer reggae finale.
According to Ornella Smith, head of branding, marketing and sponsorship for the ENCORE LIVE series, the event was created to provide a world-class live music experience while celebrating the artistes and sounds that have shaped Jamaica’s musical legacy.
“The vision behind ENCORE LIVE is to create a premium live music experience that celebrates the best of Jamaican culture, music, and entertainment. We saw an opportunity to bring quality reggae shows back to the north coast while creating a platform that supports our artistes, attracts visitors, and gives patrons an authentic and memorable experience. Ultimately, we want ENCORE LIVE to become a staple on Jamaica’s entertainment calendar and contribute to the growth of cultural tourism,” Smith told the Sunday Observer.
Asked how the artistes were selected for the line-up, Smith said: “The artistes were carefully selected based on their contribution to Jamaican music, their ability to deliver exceptional live performances, and their appeal to a diverse audience. We wanted a line-up that represented different generations and styes of reggae, while maintaining a strong focus on authenticity and cultural relevance. Each of the acts who will be performing on the series brings a unique sound and loyal fan base that aligns with the vision of ENCORE LIVE.”
While this is the first staging of the event, Smith already has plans for years down the road.
“This is definitely not intended to be a one-off event. The summer series is our launch platform, but the goal is to grow ENCORE LIVE into a year-round entertainment brand with multiple stagings and experiences. We want to consistently create opportunities for patrons to enjoy quality live music while providing a platform for both established and emerging Jamaican talent,” she stated.