Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer
'DJ Heinstein' doing her thing on stage at the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest's 'Mad Monday' in Montego Bay, on Monday night. - PHOTO BY NOEL THOMPSON
WESTERN BUREAU:
IT WAS a Monday night like no other judging by the massive turn out of thousands of partygoers at the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest's 'Mad Monday' on Montego Bay's Hip Strip on Gloucester Avenue.
A clear signal was sent that the festival remains a perennial favourite of music lovers here and abroad.
The Old Hospital ground, which served as a nerve centre for the event, was crammed with both tourists and locals, who revelled until 2:00 a.m. Tuesday.
Police estimated that more than 10,000 people were in attendance.
Traffic came to a halt along the Hip Strip for hours, as the carefree reveller jammed to reggae favourites and current hits.
Despite the free concert just a stone's throw away, the popular Margaritaville sports bar held its own, entertaining scores of patrons.
Three heavyweight sound systems, Pieces Music, Swatch and Pure Playazz, took turns working the crowd, spinning the latest dance hall anthems.
Entertainers Sexy G from the Bon Fire Productions crew, Squeechie and Jah Pickney, fresh out of Ontario, Canada were well received by the crowd.
EXCITED LIONESS
Later, female DJ Heinstein 'skanked' her way on stage and roared like an excited lioness. Her stint was, however, short-lived as the microphone constantly cracked up.
Technicians sorted out the fault and minutes later she was back at it. Although her lyrics were not audible, sections of the crowd cheered her on.
While the majority partied through the night, vendors were busy selling on the streets and in the crowd. Craft items, artefacts, souvenirs, neon lights and even marijuana were among the items being traded.
When the show finally ended, it took no less than an hour and a half before the Hip Strip became totally accessible to vehicular traffic once more.
