Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
SHAGGY
BARRINGTON LEVY began his brief address at Weekenz Bistro and Bar, Constant Spring Road, St. Andrew, on Tuesday night with the unforgettable 'woah! seen!' that introduces 'Under Mi Sensie'.
However, although stage ready in full black check suit and tilted hat, it was not song that was on Barrington Levy's mind but 'Dance All Rock 2005'. The concert, which celebrates Levy's birthday and itself will be marking its fifth anniversary this year, takes place at the Alpart Sports Club in Nain, St. Elizabeth, on Saturday, November 19.
On the line-up for the concert are Shaggy, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Assassin, TOK, Macka Diamond, Coco Tea, John Holt, Luciano, Turbulence, Sasha, Richie Spice, Kris Kelly, Fantan Mojah, I-Wayne, Gentleman, Pat Kelly, Jah Mason and more, with music by the Step By Step and Gumption Bands. MCs will be Elise Kelly and Ron Muschette.
"Dance All Rock 2005 is going to be so nice, so beautiful, nuff vibes," he said. "My motto - walk with your queen, leave your machine, come with a positive vibes."
ROCKING MOTION
"It is not something that you come to and stand up," Levy said, doing some of the rocking motion that is expected when the music hits. And he noted that although it is his birthday celebration "I was born in April, but I celebrate my birthday at this time".
He ended on the plea "no weapons please".
At the very brief event, which was short on formalities, Mr. Patmore of Patmore's Hardware, one of 'Dance All Rock 2005's' sponsors, noted that the company has been associated with the concert for many years, from it was being held in the Hartley Hill community, then to the Goshen Sports Complex and now Alpart. "Over the years the show has kept a high calibre of artistes," he said.
"As sponsors we are aware of the development of major sponsors not willing to sponsor certain shows and certain artistes. While we at Patmore Hardware respect their views and rights, we do not want to throw the baby out with the water," he said.
"We are aware of the struggles, but we are with you," he assured Levy.
Ms. Morgan of Big City Brewing Company thanked "Mr. Levy for bringing us on board to make us a part of this great endeavour. It will be a great event".
"Dance All Rock 2005' is being presented in association with Lion Heart Stout.
And there was heartfelt testimony from Ms. Johnson of the Carty Hill Basic School to a purpose of the annual concert that goes beyond rocking.
"I have come a long way to tell you how much the basic school has achieved out of Dance All Rock," she said.
"Children are happy at Christmas at Carty Hill because Mr. Levy makes it his duty to ensure that every child gets a gift," she said, noting that last Christmas there were 92 children on the register. She emphasised that the gift is something educational, which will assist in their psychomotive and cognitive development.
In addition, "he makes sure that they are fed". And well fed too. Ms. Johnson noted that last year he insisted that the children get the same high quality rice that he eats.
"It is a district that most of the people don't work. And when you look at their little faces going home with their gift it makes you happy. I know this Christmas they will be happy," she said.
