Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Left: Singer Gem Myers performs at 'Foundation Music Showcase', at Constant Spring Golf Club, Constant Spring, on Saturday, January 6.   Right: Singer Noddy Virtue delivers a stirring rendition during 'Foundation Music Showcase', held at Constant Spring Golf Club. - photos by Winston Sill/ Freelance Photographer

The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into rhythm and blues singer Peabo Bryson's no-show at Saturday's 'Foundation Music Showcase' in Constant Spring.

For many patrons, it was a dream to see the superstar and when that dream was not realised, they were furious.

According to the FTC, the promoters are in breach of Section 37 of the Fair Competition Act, which speaks to misleading advertising and representation.

"It is a pretty blatant breach ...We (will not) be holding back anymore. This is a poor trend that is being developed in Jamaica," said Sasha Shillingford, senior legal counsel for the FTC.

"We are going to be pursuing it with the full force of the law."

According to Shillingford, the commission held seminars in 2006 to sensitise promoters on how important it is to deliver on what they promise. She said that Saturday's show is particularly significant because of the magnitude of the headliner.

Warning

"I hope others putting on shows will see this as a warning ... It has an effect on competition. This is our main concern," Shillingford said.

"They could have spent their money on something else. People don't have endless money to spend. They have to choose."

But according to event promoter, Errol Bailey, the situation was beyond his control.

"We contracted Mr. Bryson to perform and paid him all the money in full. We were informed that he had some problem with his band. We were hopeful until Friday that he would show up," Bailey said.

Upon realising that Bryson's band would not be available, Bailey drafted and faxed a contract to Bryson to appear as the MC. That plan also fell apart.

Bailey said he recognises that there might be legal implications and is preparing to face the FTC.

"I have to try and explain my problem to them. Anything with the law, we have to comply. We are are not bullies," he said.

Refund

With $2.5 million to be returned by Bryson, The Gleaner asked whether the patrons will be refunded their money, but deciding who gets refunded might be difficult, as the event had a 'no re-entry' policy, which meant the ticket stubs were taken away from the patrons.

Shillingford said the FTC's mission will be to ensure that the promoters are fined for the breach but cannot guarantee that patrons will get their money back.

Meanwhile, the promoters say they are appealing to the fans to remain as loyal as they have been over the event's four-year history.

Patrons are focused on action on the stage during 'Foundation Music Showcase', held at Constant Spring Golf Club.