By Alicia Roache, Staff ReporterTHE GENERATION gap at 'Yardstyle 2003' was glaring and wide. The idea of bringing both vintage and new acts on one show seems in theory a good one. In practice, however, it was obviously harder to carry off successfully.
The question that was needed to be asked was how do you put Predator and John Holt, Wayne Marshall and Ernie Smith on the same show on the same night and make it all come together?
The answer obviously was to not make Wayne Marshall close the show. Yes Marshall is a good act, but how can he live up to the standards set by veterans Smith, Holt, and Sibbles. And how can his lyrical content match that of Tony Rebel's? If the organisers had thought about this they would have made he, or Predator open the show and allow one of the other acts to close.
The running order had the Fab 5 band opening the show, followed by Ernie Smith, Leroy Sibbles and John Holt. Tony Rebel concluded the first segment after a band change. They were followed by Barrington Levy, Predator and Wayne Marshall.
Now, there was a stark difference in the show when Tony Rebel and Barrington Levy were followed by Predator. And depending on whom you asked, the performances on the show either took a nose dive or got better after Tony Rebel.
The small audience had a good mix of old and young which showed that the organisers succeeded at least in the first part of their plan to bring both groups together. However, the first part of the show was obviously for the more mature audience while the second segment was for the young and the rotation of the patrons to the front of the stage, as well as their level of participation proved this.
Their were only a handful of people at the show which began promptly at 8:00 p.m. nonetheless, they rocked to the heavy bass and vintage sounds of Fab Five, who entertained with Ska, Rock Steady and Dancehall hits.
Ernie Smith followed with hits like Bend Down, Ram Goat Liver and One Dream and like moths attracted to the flame, the crowd drew nearer to the stage.
Smith delivered an impressive performance and set the standard for the other acts to follow. Leroy Sibbles delivered with his series of hits including Party Time, Come with Me and Book of Rules and had the crowd, both young and old, rocking and grooving.
John Holt delivered 1000 volts of good music with tunes such as Love I Can Feel, Sweetie Come Brush Mi and On the Beach. The patrons enjoyed themselves totally 'dancing and singing and wining and all'.
Tony Rebel followed with his trademark conscious lyrics and witty social commentary with the audience participating all the way.
For many, this segment of the show was the most enjoyable.
The second segment opened with Barrington Levy. He graced the stage to a lukewarm reception from the crowd but managed to pull them to a level that almost matched that of the previous performers. He reeled off hits such as Too Experienced and earned an encore for his ever popular Broadway. It seemed many were waiting for this act to show before leaving as not long after his performance the venue was left with mostly the young.
The small group of young people jumped up and wined to the lyrics of Predator and Wayne Marshall. Mr. 'Nah Nuh Head' showed promise with his lyrics for Serious Joke a tune telling the people that he is indeed sane and had something 'serious' to say about the society. He also delivered his popular Nah Nuh Head to the delight of some ladies present.
Wayne Marshall tried to enforce his 'Marshall Law' but many resisted, and instead stood passively watching him. However, a few others like the 'Craven A' girls seemed to truly enjoy his performance. The show ended at 12:49 a.m.
