When he promoted the inaugural Bellevue Music Festival in 2022, Byron Somers had one thing in mind. That was to promote the music and culture from his homeland.

Now a year later and having seen the positive response to the first staging, Somers is gearing up for the second installment on Saturday, May 13 at the Festival Park in Orlando, Florida.

The event 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 much needed,” said Somers.

He added, “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 is originally from a small community called Bellevue District in Portland. He has resided in the states for close to 23 years.

He 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 those challenges.

“There are a lot of challenges but me and my team make it seem effortless. My current lineup 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.

He expressed what patrons can expect at the Bellevue Music Festival.

“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.”

Bellevue Music Festival is sponsored by Sekou Clarke Law Group, The Lifeline Nation, Injury Assistance Law Firm and Negril Jamaican Restaurant.