Shelly-Ann Thomspon, Freelance Writer
( L - R ) Crochet classic, Awesome threesome, Trendy fashions from Sumfest held last week in Montego Bay, St. James. - CLAUDINE HOUSEN/Staff PHOTOGRAPHER
Everyone seemed to be present at last weekend's Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest. From the onset of Vibes Island, the beach party, the opening Sunday night that kicked off the event, to The Summit, on Saturday, several converged on Montego Bay to rock to the musical greats of Jamaica and the world's best.
On the Hip Strip, from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, the traffic was bumper to bumper getting into Catherine Hall, the main venue. On the other hand, several stilettos, pointed toe shoes and thong sandals marched the sidewalks to the venue.
However, the lights and music filtering onto the streets from Blue Beat, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville and Coral Cliff proved that Catherine Hall was not the only place to get your groove on.
Back at the venue, the hip spots were definitely the VIP area and the Ocean Spray and Digicel VIP booths. Those without special invitations or armbands cramped the entrances to get in while trying to get a glimpse or a hand shake from one of the entertainers.
On the closing night, which featured Damian Marley, Missy Elliot, Gentleman, Beres Hammond and others, the Ocean Spray and Digicel VIP booths were cramped to capacity. With drinks flowing freely, music blasting, plush sofas, meals, split level floors, and all, these VIP booths were definitely a hit.
Flocked for autographs
Oh, if you have not yet tasted Vitamin Water, you should.
Still, the night belonged to the stars. Each night, the musical greats were flocked for autographs by visitors to our shore. Mr. Vegas, after exiting the stage on Friday night, two Japanese raced behind him with T-shirts begging, "please, please can you sign this for me". He obliged.
So, if you wanted to rub shoulders with the musical greats and chit-chatt with the movers and shakers of Jamaican businesses, Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2006 was the place to be.
The Gleaner spotted some special people including: Denise Gray-Gooden of Touchstone Productions; Carlo Redwood of Red Stripe; Don Creary and wife Ayesha; Tshani Jaja of Digicel; Tamika Silvera of Social Development Commission; Temoy White of KLAS; Kimberly Lawson-Lew of Wisynco; and the fabulously clad women of Red Stripe who paraded the venue nightly.
The outfits looked hot too and we share our picks with you.
