Promoter upbeat about Green 4 Life potential - Eco music festival fails to draw the big numbers

André Gordon, Gleaner Writer

MAGGOTTY, St Elizabeth:

The promoters chose Riv Falls, Maggotty, St Elizabeth, one of the most beautiful venues in Jamaica. The concept was exceptional: nature lovers would spend a day by the river, enjoy the nature trails, purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmer's market, imbibe liquors from the two bars and, by night, they would enjoy performances from some of Jamaica's best entertainers.

The likes of Alexandria Love, Gee Whiz, Stacious, Lovingdeer, Protojé, Lady G, Romain Virgo, Noddy Virtue, Pinchers, Professor Nuts and D'Angel were billed and expected to set tongues wagging.

However, Green 4 Life Eco Music Festival had one problem: the hordes of patrons expected never materialised and as early as noon, vendors who had paid the $8,000 fee to ply their wares inside the venue saw the writing on the wall.

"All now mi nuh make $500," said Simone Folks.

"Mi like the whole concept but it look like she (Yolande Rattray-Wright) never promote the show good," she continued.

By the time the rain came at minutes past 1 p.m. worry had turned to horror for sponsors Jamaica National Building Society and UNEP, and they hastily packed there paraphernalia away.

The absence of a large tent proved disastrous, as vendors, artistes and sponsors had to find shelter under the cover of one bar.

Late start

With the morning segment not living up to expectations, everyone turned their attention to the entertainment segment which was scheduled for 5 p.m. Though the show got under way at approximately 9 p.m., the artistes performed like true professionals.

Despite the virtually empty venue, they still gave it their best and performed as if the venue was packed with thousands.

When The Gleaner team caught up with Rattray-Wright after the rains, she was still upbeat about the event and believed if she changed a few things, next year would be bigger and better.

"I love nature, and if people can come to an environment like this and enjoy the natural setting, while enjoying good music, I think we have a future. For next year, we will be having performances throughout the day," she said.

The $2,000 price tag may have been the straw which broke the camel's back, as community members were clearly priced out of the event.

The Breadbasket Parish is known to stage mega events such as Rebel Salute and GT Taylor's Christmas Extravaganza annually, but their promotion and pricing strategies usually take into consideration the locals.

The promoters of Green 4 Life Eco Music Festival are most decidedly on to something, a few signs pointing to something brilliant.

Name changed upon request