TARRUS Riley delivered a commanding two-hour performance at the latest staging of the Lovers’ Leap Lighthouse Series, leaving organisers with the difficult task of finding an act capable of matching the reggae star at the next instalment.

Approximately 2,000 patrons turned out last Saturday night at Lovers’ Leap in St Elizabeth for the event, where Riley, affectionately called “Singy Singy”, transformed the audience into what organisers described as a massive choir, working his way through a catalogue filled with familiar favourites.

For the organisers, Riley’s performance was the undisputed highlight of the night.

“I’ve never seen a performance where every song on set was a hit. The 2,000 patrons in attendance at Lovers’ Leap became a choir and Tarrus was the director,” Jason Ricketts, communications, marketing, logistics, and creative director for the event, told the Jamaica Observer.

Beyond his performance, Riley also earned praise for his interaction with patrons after leaving the stage. He remained at the venue to take photographs and videos with fans, an interaction which organisers said demonstrated his appreciation for those who supported the event.

“I’m particularly impressed with Tarrus Riley’s professionalism, his demeanour and passion placed in his craft, which was quite evident in his delivery. The fans loved every moment and he showed gratitude and bonded with the patrons afterwards,” Ricketts added.

The staging also provided another boost for the organisers’ efforts to establish St Elizabeth as a viable destination for major entertainment and cultural events outside of Jamaica’s traditional entertainment centres.

Organisers were equally pleased with the atmosphere created by patrons, noting that attendees embraced the occasion by turning out in fashionable and elegant attire.

Tarrus Riley.

The latest instalment was described as another step forward for the Lighthouse Series, with lessons from previous stagings helping organisers improve the overall experience.

“The Lighthouse Series just gets better and better with each episode. We learnt things from the previous stagings which were corrected in this one, getting it closer to perfection,” the promoter said.

Feedback following the event has also been overwhelmingly positive, according to organisers, with commendations coming from across the south coast and on social media.

Patrons gave high marks to the marketing campaign, production, lighting, screen effects and photo opportunities, as well as the level of security at the venue. The Lovers’ Leap cuisine, cleanliness of the property and ease of access to bars and other amenities were also among the areas highlighted.

Planning is already under way for the next instalment, although organisers admit Riley has made selecting his successor considerably more challenging.

Several of Jamaica’s biggest names are being considered, including Beres Hammond, Damian Marley, Shaggy, Buju Banton and Mikey Spice.

“It’s always hard to find an artist that will top the previous performer, and Tarrus Riley has made that so difficult by raising the bar very high,” the promoter said.

While no artiste has yet been confirmed, organisers say the focus will remain on delivering mature entertainment while further positioning St Elizabeth as a destination for quality live music and cultural experiences.