A LONG line-up and a few extended performances were the only downsides to 'Everton Blendah's Birthday Bash' at the Wembley Sports Complex in Hayes, Clarendon on Saturday.
There were to be 27 performers, including Anthony B, Baby Cham, Bob Andy, Frisco Kid, Ninja Man, Bling Dawg and Chuck Fender, as some of the main acts. In addition, there were cameo appearances from Zumjay and Captain Barkey and Wickerman. When The Gleaner departed at 6:00 a.m., three of the billed acts in the form of Baby Cham, Anthony B and Capleton were yet to perform.
Nevertheless, the early going was good in parts. There were excellent performances from Abijah, Bob Andy, Leroy Gibbons, Carl Dawkins, Flourgon, Daddy Lizard, Red Dragon, Captain Barkey and Wickerman as well as Eddie Fitzroy.
Abijah, who appears to be developing into an excellent performer, was in top form, singing several songs made famous by Bob Marley. He defended his decision to do covers of Bob Marley's songs by saying that it was better to cover the works of 'the king' than those of foreign acts. He then performed Jimmy Cliff's The Harder They Come before closing his set with Revelation.
Bob Andy, in his 30-minute stint, 'bus di place' with his hits. The singer took the time between songs to inform the audience which artiste had done a cover version of the song he was about to perform. Andy was spectacular in his delivery as he unleashed numbers such as Unchained, Too Experienced and Fire Burning. He closed off with I've Got To Go Back Home.
At one point Andy prevented the band from 'pulling up' on a song. However, later in his stint he would yield to the temptation, much to the delight of the patrons.
His ability to converse with the crowd made him a favourite.
Carl Dawkins and Leroy Gibbons took the audience back to the pre-1990s era with hits that both the young and old appreciated. Leroy Gibbons' Four Seasons Of Love struck the right chord with the patrons and followed up with his other hits such as Cupid and This Magic Moment.
Carl Dawkins earned an encore with his beautiful lovers' rock lyrics and his on stage-antics. Of five songs, Baby I Love You and Part Time Lover were among the most memorable.
Flourgon, Daddy Lizard and Red Gragon were entertaining, especially Flourgon who said his 'mouth was chipping out' due to a minor accident. The trio from the 1980s performed the tunes that made them famous such as Ku Kum Kum and Run Gal Run.
Their introduction of Captain Barkey and Wickerman brought shouts of jubilation and the two further energised patrons who were unable to keep still.
Eddie Fitzroy's performance of his popular tunes was enough to continue the vibe that Captain Barkey and Wickerman had left behind. However, there was noticeably less enthusiasm from the patrons during his performance.
While the above-mentioned artistes were crowd pleasers, several others did not help to make the night any shorter.
Junior Kelly started off well but faded midway during his performance. He was also inaudible at times and perhaps performed too much unfamiliar material.
Linval Thompson overstayed his welcome by a song or two. Anthony Cruz and Chuck Fender spent more time 'pulling up' their songs than actually performing.
