THE Art of Reggae Music Festival is set to unfold on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8 at the Vizcaya Park, Miramar in Florida.

Slated to perform are reggae singer Marcia Griffiths, Freddie McGregor, Singing Melody, Wayne Wonder, and Chino McGregor.

Alanzo “DJ Stretch” Miller, conceptualiser and promoter of the event, explained the concept.

“The Art of Reggae Music Festival was conceptualised to showcase the power of reggae, its longevity – in one of its truest forms – through legends in the industry. Being in the music business, ourselves, and being on the younger side, we appreciate the full impact of good music and its ability to bring people together. Mother’s Day is the perfect day for such an event, because the women in most families keep everyone together. This event is really to give the entire family a day that every single member will find memorable,” Miller told the Jamaica Observer.

He gave an insight into what patrons should expect.

“Patrons can expect to be entertained with great music throughout the day, with DJs playing music from the gates open, until showtime in the evening. We have activities to entertain the kids, as it is a family event, and great food will be available from the various vendors on location – all Jamaican, of course. Our guests can expect an electrifying evening from our line-up of performers,” he said.

Asked whether it was challenging to secure the artistes for the line-up, Miller said: “Through the power of the right kind of partnership, with WZPP Radio, securing the artistes was not difficult. As always with such events, the early discussions centred around confirming each performer’s availability.”

Miller also shared some of the challenges with hosting an event of this magnitude.

“Some of the challenges in putting together an event of this nature has to do with making sure that every single detail of every single aspect is covered. Finding the right venue, getting all required permits, finding the ideal suppliers are some of the things that can cause heart palpitations. It’s all worth it though when we see it come together,” he said.

Miller, originally from the Fort George district in St Ann, migrated to Florida 14 years ago. He had made his name within the entertainment circles as an events promoter and disc jock.

Along with his brother DJ Brad, they started their sound system Extatic in 2019. Prior to that, they were members of Firm Music. For a short time, Miller was a member of the West Palm Beach-based Black Supreme sound.

Miller is involved in other ventures. He has a tax preparation office and he also handles credit repair as well as personal and business funding for his clients.

“It is the first that we are doing an event of this magnitude. Along with Champion Squad, we host a weekly Friday night series called Seduce Fridays at Moments Bar and Grill in Tamarac, Florida. We have also done events in South Florida such as Extatic Sound Anniversary, Colors Music Fete, Blue Rave, Red and Black Soiree, among others,” said Miller.