Adrian Frater, News Editor

Stephen Marley is slated to perform in Negril soon.

WESTERN BUREAU:

While Negril is best known for its seven miles of exotic white sand beaches and refreshing ambience, the resort town, made famous by American 'Hippies' close to three decades ago, has long added music to its list of attractions.

The town comes alive every night of the week, and regardless of the weather, it a safe bet that you can always find three or four stage shows, featuring top acts including international stars, going on at separate locations every night.

"We are definitely the entertainment capital," said businessman Clive 'Cubba' Pringle, the owner of the renowned MXIII Entertainment Centre. "We are presently putting plans in place to become not only the entertainment capital, but the cultural hub of Jamaica as well."

Rich in entertainment

Bunny Wailer was one of the outstanding performers in Negril so far this year. - File photos

On entering Negril by road, by virtue of the large number of posters and billboards which are prominently displayed on utility poles and buildings, it is quickly evident that one is entering a town rich in entertainment.

"Negril is tailor-made for entertainment, especially live shows," said noted promoter Worrell King, noting the need to satisfy our visitors. "Presently we have more top artistes performing in Negril than anywhere else in Jamaica."

Between January and February this year, Negril played host to Tarrus Riley, Etana, Luciano, Mikey General, Terry Linen, new sensation, Iyahblazz, and reggae icon Bunny Wailer, among others. For March, Assassin, Beenie Man, Shaggy and the 2007 reggae Grammy-winner Stephen Marley are among those slated to perform.

Unlike in Montego Bay, St James, where the nightlife revolves around what is available on the city's hip strip, in Negril the entertainment spreads from the bustling West End to the so-called strip on Norman Manley Boulevard, which houses the major hotels. In fact, entertainment venues come by the proverbial dime a dozen.

"Negril is just a blast," said Anna Swanson, a visitor from Denmark, a repeat visitor to the resort town. "Whenever I am here, it is all fun because I sleep in the day and party all night."

Popular joints

Among the more popular entertainment joints are the Jungle Night Club, Bourbon Beach, Alfred's Ocean Palace, Roots Bamboo, Wavs Beach, Negril Escape, Long Bay Beach Park, Bella Donna, Norman Manley Beach Park, Sam Sara Hotel, On the Rocks, MXIII and Margaritaville Negril.

Popular Montego Bay police corporal, Clive 'Karate Georgie' Lawrence, is one person who has discovered the magic of nightlife in Negril. According to him, when he feels the need to go out and really enjoy himself he usually heads there, especially to his favourite haunt, the Jungle Night Club.

"Negril is a good place to relax because it is pretty safe and secure and you don't run into a lot of the regular people," said Corporal Lawrence. "I don't want to offend anybody in Montego Bay, but personally I think Negril offers the right environment for entertainment."

While Negril has all-year-round entertainment, the party barometer usually goes up several notches during the popular Spring Break period when American college students, looking for a good time, flood the town in large numbers. During this time almost every inch of beach space suddenly becomes a show venue.

"During Spring Break we host the 'Miami/New York Link-up here in Negril and the excitement is generally quite high," said Pringle, "During Spring Break you will find almost every single property doing something for themselves."

Independence celebrations

Another of the peak periods in Negril usually come during the celebration of Jamaica's Independence when the town play host to the ATI (Appleton Temptation Isle), which generally attracts between 8,000 and 10,000 persons, predominantly local and overseas college students.

"The ATI period is my favourite period of the year," said craft vendor Selvan Morris. "I basically just take the three days off and party with my friends. It is an amazing experience that every reveller should enjoy, especially the party-hopping when we cover all six parties one night."

Apart from its high-profile stage shows and other events such as the annual Bob Marley Bash at MXIII and Hott Sat at Bourbon Beach, Negril is also fast becoming a favourite location for artistes doing music videos, who find the scenic beaches, breathtaking cliffs and wonderful ambience excellent backdrops.

As many persons from far and wide continue to savour Negril experience, from an entertainment perspective perhaps the most fitting tribute came courtesy of the late reggae singer Tyrone Taylor, who penned the reggae classic, Cottage in Negril, which vocally captured the beauty and charm of the resort town.