The city of Manhattan, New York, came alive last Tuesday when Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest was launched there at the Sounds Of Brazil Nighclub. Scores of reggae fans, media practitioners and friends were in attendance.

Located on Varick Street, the club was illuminated in bright festival colours of red and white with a large-screen television for everyone's viewing pleasure. Guests were able to watch highlights from past festivals.

Emcee for the evening was Irwine Clare who declared: "Everyone benefits from Sumfest: hotels, booking agents, restaurants and bars."

Jamaica's consul general to New York, Ambassador Dr. Basil Bryan, and New York City Councilman Leroy Comrie welcomed the gathering and encouraged all to go to Jamaica to enjoy the upcoming event, while Tourism Minister Aloun Assamba congratulated the organisers for the festival's continued growth.

Johnny Gourzong, executive director Summerfest Productions, the organisers of the event, said: "The festival has overcome many hurdles to reach this point of being a world-class music festival with the biggest names and production that is unmatched."

Great festival

He also highlighted the association with title sponsor Red Stripe, which has afforded Summerfest the opportunity to bring the world such a great festival. He disclosed the upcoming line-up and artistes to be honoured this year for their contribution to reggae music.

Tim Szonyi, sales director at Red Stripe, said the popular brand was proud to be the title sponsor of the festival and additional excitement would come from the VIP treatment for all patrons under the banner 'Bredrin fi Life'.

George DeMercado, vice-president of Air Jamaica, revealed that additional flights would be added to the New York route during July to satisfy the high demand.

Guests mingled and drank copious amounts of Red Stripe between bites of cheese, grilled beef, chicken and vegetables with a spicy peanut sauce, olives and assorted fruits.

We spotted David Shields, Robert Russell, Godfrey and Odette Dyer, Rich LaMotte, Shaun Walsh, Felicia Persuad, Djenny Passe-Rodriguez, Tony Cobb, Ken Williams, Kaylin Whittingham, Chris Dobson, Marcia McDonnough, Tiffany May, Wanda Fisher, David Levy, Nadine Sutherland, Ken Williams, Charles Miller, Deon Brown and many others.