Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
Turbulence will perform at 'Unity Splash', set for January 1, 2006, at the Llandilo Cultural Centre in Westmoreland. - CARLINGTON WILMOT/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
FROM THE start of the show in 1993 to the entrance price and parking for the 2006 renewal, the community spirit of Magnum Unity Splash was emphasised on Tuesday night.
The line-up of performers, as well as details of the organisation of the concert, slated for Sunday, January 1, at the Llandilo Cultural Centre in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, were given at the Asylum Nightclub in New Kingston.
Slated to perform are Barrington Levy, Jr. Gong, Gentleman, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Beenie Man, Richie Stephens, Sanchez, Cocoa Tea, Turbulence, Wayne Marshall, Fantan Mojah, Macka Diamond, Ken Boothe, Lady G, Chuck Fenda, Voicemail, Len Hammond, Kiprich, Jack Radics, Little Hero, Brahyan Art, Escapade, Whiskey Bajio, King J, Lisa, Mackie Conscious, Copper Cat, Boom Blast and Edge Micheal. MCs are Elise Kelly, Ron Muschette, Jerry D, Million and Michael Hyper.
"We give thanks to the people of Westmoreland and the people of Jamaica for their continued support," said Richie Stephens, who stages the annual event. "The people look forward to quality entertainment at a competitive price," he said.
There was also a decision to improve the quality of the concert. "This year, what we are trying to do is raise the show and get it on the level of any other show ... We are bringing in John Swaby to give it the same level of light and sound and stage as Sumfest or Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues," Stephens said.
PARKING
At the very end of the brief function Roger Allen, grounds manager for the concert, addressed the matter of parking, saying, "We will be making the Reno playing field available. There will be parking in front of the venue. Residents close to the venue make their homes available - at a minimal cost."
Bernadette Stephenson went back to the community roots of Unity Splash in giving an overview of the concert, saying that it started "as a community event to build a basic school in Russia (the community in Savanna-la-Mar where Stephens is from)". After years of struggle the school was completed with the help of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund. The community spirit momentum was carried on to other projects, including the Godfrey Stewart High School, the Savanna-la-Mar Infirmary, Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill and the Pot of Gold Football competition.
The competition goes from October 1 to December 31, and on the night of Magnum Unity Splash 2006 the winning team, as well as runner-up, the most disciplined team and top goalscorer will collect their prizes on stage.
Andrea Bowes, brand manager of Lascelles Wines and Spirits, said that at the show "Magnum will be offered at a very special price to give you all the energy you will need for the night."
Allen said that at the Llandilo Cultural Centre on January 1 "The grounds will be second to none. It will enhance the ambience. When you get there you will be in an area you will feel comfortable to be in. Right now we are working on the grounds, making sure that it will be comfortable for the ladies in their heels."
ENTRANCE
The entrance to the venue will be moved from the front to the side, with six entrances and 10 ticket booths providing for a smooth flow of patrons going in. Ward Power Tools will provide lighting for the grounds and the action on stage will be shown on big screen television.
Vinton King of Atlas advised all to leave their weapons at home, as "Each year we are getting tighter and tighter. Next year things will be at a higher level. When you are leaving the cars will be in place, no cars will be broken into."
The function's guest speaker, Russell Hammond, noted the socio-economic impact of Stephens' community work, from raising the standard of football in the parish to easing the tension among communities. "He has given back to us so much more than we have bestowed on him," Hammond said.
