The Bonner brothers strike a pose for The Gleaner's camera following their performance at the Bonner Brothers and Friends Concert at Zinc Shack, along Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, last Friday. From left are Snatcha, Richie Spice, Spanner Banner and Pliers. - Photo by Noel Thompson
WESTERN BUREAU:
There was just a handful of people who turned out to watch the Bonner Brothers and Friends in concert at the Zinc Shack enter-tainment spot along Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay, on Friday.
It was a night when reggae crooner Richie Spice dedicated the wee hours of the morning to the women in the house. Releasing a barrage of songs, he rocked the venue non-stop - billowing his crystal voice along the length of the Hip Strip, as women screamed and men shouted their approval.
Slated to start at 9 p.m., the show kicked off at 12:30 a.m. and featured other acts including Spanner Banner, Pliers, Snatcha and a few upcoming artistes.
Timmi Burrell did not seem to mind the low turnout. He came with the intention to entertain and he did.
Coming out of the Kendah Entertainment stable was 'Tall P', a young DJ. He gave patrons a taste of his new single, Everyday, which producer Courtney Daley said is receiving some airplay.
Singjay Ras Tuz travelled from Portmore to show the people of Montego Bay that although he is mature, he still has the skills to woo an audience, sharing his songs - What's Wrong With the World, Talaban and Jailhouse Life.
The rains came just after 1 a.m., and a few patrons trickled into the venue. Although few in numbers, there was a feeling of intimacy. The performances were punctuated with hardcore reggae that thumped from the jukeboxes.
At 1:35 a.m., the Irie Connection Band strummed some melodious notes on stage. It was a signal that the real show time was about to begin. Playing interludes of Alton Ellis, Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff, the small crowd drew closer. They were not keen on leaving again.
Pliers telephoned Ras Tuz to get a feel of what was happening. "Everything nice man. Mi just mash it up pon stage," Ras Tuz exclaimed. "Is mi boss that yu nuh," he said.
Main acts
Brian Art warmed up the stage at 2:30a.m., with The All Spice Backing Band, making way for the main acts. He was joined by Hawkeye, followed by Junior X, who gave a short but powerful performance.
The Bonner brothers came and totally eviscerated the pace set by earlier performers. Spanner Banner kicked things off with Love Is Everywhere, Life Goes On, among others.
Pliers' Sex and Religion, Tease Me, Bam Bam connected well with the audience. And with Murder She Wrote, Pliers saluted and left.
The audience could not have enough of Richie Spice, although he devoted a full 60 minutes. Earth A Run Red, Brown Skin, Grooving My Girl, Ghetto Girl, Can't See True Love, Walk Away, Street Life and World Is A Cycle were among the numbers Spice shared with the audience.