Harry Toddler and Patrick Roberts JANUARY represents the dry season for entertainers as there are usually fewer shows around. Apart from Rebel Salute which has become a tradition, and Spectrum, show promoters are not taking the gamble this early after Christmas.
Earl Samuels of Cactus Night Club, explains that patrons who normally spend heavily on shows during the festive season have fewer dollars to spend this time of the year. "This is really drought season for artistes," he said.
"After the Christmas and New Year holiday everybody bruk."
Patrick Roberts, CEO of Shocking Vibes agrees that people aren't willing to spend money on entertainment so soon after Christmas.
"Usually artistes never get shows during this time of the year. There is usually Spectrum which is mainly for students and then one must see Rebel Salute as a traditional show. It is a different cultural event and it is a calendar event which people save towards," he explained.
Roberts said that most artistes would be confined to recording studios this time of year. "This is to get their acts together for the coming shows," he said.
Denise Miller of Rassis International knows times are bad for artistes at this time. "January is really a drought season for most artistes at this time. After Rebel Salute and Spectrum there is a lull until the Bob Marley Birthday activities. One has to think about people spending heavy during the Christmas season and with children having to go back to school, the bills are even higher."
Miller explained that shows done in January have to be well promoted and have the reputation to draw large crowds to be successful.
When "True Blue" who promotes "Buzz" at the Asylum Night Club in New Kingston was contacted, he said promoters who keep shows in January should ensure that they have a good package.
"If one has entertainers like Bounty Killer and Merciless, for example, one is likely to pull out the crowds. This is reggae music and people love whatever is happening."
Show promoters like Carla Ashley, however, feel promoters could gamble in January.
"There are still people looking for entertainment in January and its depends on the package."
Entertainers like Harry Toddler, for example, feel that they could not earn as much as they wanted just after the Christmas season.
"There are less shows in January and people have less money. There are kids to send back to school."
