Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
Richie Stephens (left) speaks with Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Desmond McKenzie, at the launch of 'Take Me Away', held at the Visitors' Lodge, University of the West Indies, Mona, on Wednesday evening. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
HOWARD BAKER gave a few notes of caution at the Mona Visitors' Lodge, University of the West Indies, on Wednesday evening, as plans for the second 'Take Me Away' concert were announced.
"Do not, for any reason, miss this event," he said. "Do not be late. The production starts at 8:00 p.m. sharp," he continued.
"Last year, two days before the event, there were no tickets on sale. More people were outside last year than those inside. Next caution - do not be among those who were shut out," Baker said.
'Take Me Away' takes place on Sunday, May 28, at the National Indoor Sports Centre, St. Andrew. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, May 16.
EXCITING LINE-UP
Richie Stephens, organiser of the concert, which bears the name of his 2005 ballad, announced a line-up which includes himself, Maxi Priest, Freddie McGreggor, John Holt, Chevelle Franklyn, Wayne Wonder, LUST, Brian and Tony Gold, George Nooks, Cindy Breakspeare, Ernest Ranglin and Dance Xpressionz, with music provided by a 14-member Masterpiece band which Stephens said would comprise the finest musicians around.
"'Take Me Away' is not about what is at the top of the chart. It is about artistes who can really perform and entertain people," Stephens said. He expressed his appreciation for dancehall and roots music, but said that because of the tendency to play mostly high energy music "when yu go a dancehall is jus' one bag a bway a dance all night. One bag a man a sweat pon de dance floor.
"The selector jus' a bawl out them throat an naa play the music that you and your girl can hug up and feel nice," Stephens said.
"Not enough is being done today to promote the love side of reggae in Jamaica," Stephens said, adding that 'Take Me Away' is a singers showcase that will reintroduce the love side of our music.
There is another kind of love involved though, as the Bustamante Children's Hospital in the capital, as well as the Savanna-la-Mar Infirmary and the Russia Basic School in Westmoreland, will benefit from the show's proceeds. "It is fitting that it will fall in Child Month - May," said Senior Medical Officer Sonia Thomas of the hospital.
HOLT, MCGREGGOR TO BE HONOURED
The evening's guest speaker, Mayor Desmond McKenzie, described Stephens as "a wonderful Jamaican persona-lity" who over the years has displayed "a high level of professionalism."
At 'Take Me Away', two performers who have also displayed great professionalism will also be honoured.
"The KSAC will be paying special tribute to John Holt and Freddie McGreggor for their contribution to Jamaican music. Both will receive the Gold Medal of the city," McKenzie said.
Brief performances from LUST, Ray Hitchins, Dance Xpressionz and Freddie McGreggor added song to speech on Wednesday evening.
