THE number of teen shows being staged has drastically increased. Already several teen jams have been staged since this year and there are plans for many more.
Just two weeks ago, hundreds of schoolers packed Doctor Bird Night Club, Half-Way-Tree for a show entitled 'Shake It'. The gates were opened from as early as 6:00 p.m. and the show continued until midnight.
Last Saturday night, Fever Night Club was packed with teens from schools such as KC, Calabar, Queens and JC -- celebrating performances at the Boys and Girls Championships. There was also another after-champs party help at Olympia Crown poolside in Kingston.
Outside the Corporate Area, the Eclipse Night Club in Mandeville recently entertained hundreds of teens who partied for hours. Teen Splash over the years has seen huge crowds.
Teen show promoter, Gregory McFarlane, told THE STAR: "Teens are not allowed to enter the big stage shows which go on to the wee hours of the morning, so you will find them at shows that start early and end no later than midnight."
McFarlane also said several promoters plan teen events because teens represent a large portion of the buying public. "These artistes are glad to take advantage of these promotions by performing at these teen shows."
Suzie Q, radio disc-jockey and promoter of the Reggae Trails Talent show said teen shows are popular because they are safe. "They usually bring out their best behaviour and the entertainment package is usually clean," she said.
Last Saturday, there were hundreds of children at one Reggae Trail show held at Bog Walk. "I would definitely put on more teens shows if only I had the sponsorship," Suzie Q told THE STAR.
Jade Lee promotions is planning a big teen show later this year. Lee says she is hoping to attract over 10,000 teens.
When THE STAR spoke to the operators of Wynters Park, a popular venue in St Catherine, representative, Simone Darlington said they are looking at having more teen events.
It is also the desire of Sting promoter, Isaiah Laing, to attract more teens to his show.
