Rural launch of 'Sumfest' tonight By Adrian Frater,
Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU: THE EARLIER decision by top Summer-fest Productions executive Johnny Gour-zong to resign over differences with other directors is now a thing of the past. "That is behind us and we are now moving forward as a united group," a Sumfest representative told The Gleaner. With the cloud of uncertainty that existed earlier in the year, Reggae Sumfest 2001 slated for the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay between July 31 and August 5, will have its rural launch at the Coral Cliff Hotel tonight, starting at 7:00. Sources close to the event say at tonight's launch, details of the festival inclusive of sponsorship, site preparation and the line-up of artistes will be outlined. Based on the acts already confirmed for Reggae Sumfest 2001, unlike the past three years, the organiser seems to be looking at the local reggae marketplace to provide the main drawing card. While no foreign acts have been confirmed, local stalwarts such as multi-platinum recording artiste Shaggy, Beres Hammond, recent Grammy winner Beenie Man, Bunny Wailer and Merciless, the reigning 'King of Sting' are among the confirmed acts. Like they have been doing for the past eight years, Summerfest Productions has announced on their official web site that they are in negotiations reggae icon Jimmy Cliff with a view to having him perform this year. In the past the singer has never shown any real interest in the festival. However, sources close to him seem certain that he will not be in the line-up this year. Contrary to last year's post festival announcement, the promoters were looking at contracting the festival, making it into a shorter and more compact package, this year again the show will span six nights two on the road and four at the Catherine Hall Centre. The festival is set to kick-off on Tuesday, July 31 with Sound System Night at the Pier One Complex. The second night, Wednesday, August 1, will feature the welcome 'beach party' at the Rose Hall Beach Club, featuring the music legends, Byron Lee & the Dragonaires. The four nights at Catherine Hall will be broken down into one Dancehall Night and three International Nights.
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