Paradise in darkness

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

For those who missed the late cancellation notice, which was aired on radio and television, it was a case of "paradise in darkness" last Saturday night when they turned up at Paradise Park in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, for the 22nd staging of the popular one-night show, Western Consciousness.

"I don't know what is happening. I don't see anybody and I don't hear any music," an elderly Rastafarian, who was standing by the locked gate to the property, told The Gleaner. "This is rather strange because up until late this afternoon the show was being advertised on the radio."

When promoter Worrell King was contacted by telephone to explain the situation at Paradise Park, he stated that because of the heavy rains, which had pelted Westmoreland late in the afternoon, the venue had become waterlogged and unsuitable and it was decided to call off the show.

"As soon as the decision was taken, we sent out the cancellation notice on both radio and television," said King. "It would appear that some people missed the notice and went to the venue ... we are really sorry about that."

When the Gleaner team was leaving the venue at 10:30 p.m., cars with expectant patrons were still turning up at the venue, only to be greeted by the semi-darkness and absence of activities.

Financial fallout

King, who invested a substantial sum of money in preparing for the show, said he expects the financial fall-out on his investment to be quite substantial.

"I have taken quite a big beating on this one (the show) because all the monies I have spent has gone down the drain," stated King. "It is kind of sad but this is just one of the many risks promoters take in staging shows."

The line-up King assembled for Western Consciousness 22 included the likes of Jah Cure, Capleton, Tarrus Riley, Lutan Fyah, I-Octane, Turbulence, Macka B, Chuck Fendah, Duane Stephenson, Lady G, Iyahblazze, Bugle, Chino and Tosh I, the last son of reggae icon Peter Tosh.

"We know the fans are disappointed but we had a choice between putting them in a partially flooded venue and calling off the show," said King. "After careful thought, we choose the latter."

Quizzed as to whether or not the event could be re-organised and staged at another date, King said that is a consideration but he would need some time to think it through before making a decision.

"It is possible but I would have to give myself a few days to think about it," said King. "It is not only about me, it is also about the availability of the artistes, among other considerations."