The Editor, Sir:

The audience at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival on Saturday night (January 26) did not get the best of Diana Ross.

Coming to a crowd that was more than ready to receive her, presumably without any intent to harm or unfairly capitalise on her presence, Ross chose instead to keep her distance, to restrict the vision of much of the audience, to insist that not even a projected image of herself be broadcast, to refuse to grant interviews, and to insist that a four-foot space be maintained from the edge of the stage - with 'security' personnel trying in vain to impose this essentially meaningless demand. The presence of what appeared to be computer monitors on the edge of the stage further deleted any goodwill and credibility the artiste might have enjoyed.

What possible motivation could she have had for such behaviour, in the face of a group predisposed to receive her favourably? Commercial interests? Fears for her personal safety? A desire not to have her time-ravaged visage too widely seen? A combination of all of the above? It hardly matters.

Many who left the venue in the wee hours of Sunday morning were cursing the investment of time and money they had made - of which Ross was a substantial beneficiary.

Short-changed

It's one thing when circumstances keep an artiste from fulfilling his/her obligation, but to deliberately and so contemptuously short-change an audience is truly reprehensible. The chorus of boos was well deserved.

A cautionary word to 'Mizz Ross' as she reposes to enjoy the fruits of her 'labour': Today's diva can very easily become tomorrow's has-been.

Remember that your first obligation is to your audience, and even with all your number-one hits, life can change dramatically in the blink of an eye. Be thankful that the phone is still ringing.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL A. EDWARDS

Kingston 6