Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Richie Stephens thrills the crowd. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

As storm clouds threatened Jamaica, the harmonious voices of Boyz II Men, John Holt, and Atlantic Star, among others echoed across the night from the Port Royal Music Festival last Saturday.

The event, which was scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. at the new Port Royal Entertainment Centre, did not begin until 8:30 p.m.

Despite bad weather conditions, fans came out to see their favourite acts perform. However, not even the lure of dynamic group Boyz II Men could draw a huge crowd. At 8:30 p.m. the venue was scant, with patrons trickling in throughout the night. At the end of the night, only a quarter of what would have been a substantial crowd turned out.

First on the line-up was upcoming songstress Tessanne Chin with her surprisingly powerful voice. As she sang a few notes, patrons started paying attention, moving away from the various food booths to listen to her jazzy, rock, reggae style.

Jamaica depends on God

George Nooks commanded more of the crowd's attention. He sang gospel tunes that the more mature patrons enjoyed, such as Bridge over Troubled Water and God is Standing By. Nooks was the first to speak of the upcoming storm but reminded the patrons that Jamaica depends on God and music to deliver.

Patrons did not have to wait long, for Boyz II Men came on earlier than expected. The women clamoured closer to the stage, to see the R&B act in full swing. They started off with new songs such as Music is my Everything and then went into the classics spanning their 15-year career. The ladies in the crowd sang as the first notes of On Bended Knees pierced the airways. The group continued to deliver with impeccable vocals, songs such as I'll make Love To You, Mama and Goodbye.

Tanto Metro and Devonte put up a good effort following Boyz II Men, with songs such as Everyone Falls in Love Sometimes and I've Got News For You. Their performance was lively but not everyone in the crowd appreciated it. According to one woman, "Dem don't belong here."

The loving feeling

Richie Stephens brought back that loving feeling with a number of his hits and John Holt, another crowd favourite, took the audience back in time. Holt thrilled the crowd with hits such as the late Culture's version of Zion Gates. After his performance fans begged for, but were not given, an encore.

Atlantic Star followed and although they gave a good performance, it seemed many of the patrons were not familiar with many of their songs. Only when hits such as Secret Lovers and Forever were performed did fans truly start enjoying their performance.

Luciano was the last to appear and gave an excellent performance as usual. Gumption band was the backing band for the night.

Left: Boyz II Men in performance at the Port Royal Music Festival Main Show, held at the Port Royal Entertainment Centre, on Saturday.   Right: Tanto Metro and Devonte came on after Boyz II Men and performed well.