Bacchanal Jamaica plans 'Future Shock'

... as event moves to new venue

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

When Bacchanal Jamaica kicks off in February, it will be done in futuristic fashion.

With the band launch scheduled for February 10, patrons will be treated to something different, as this year's theme is 'Future Shock'. According to one of the organisers of the event, Michael Ammar Jr, the theme is somewhat symbolic of the event's move to a new venue after many years.

"We knew we were moving and we decided to go way into the future and do a space theme. It will also allow our designer Fuzzy Franklin to do a lot of new things. It will allow the new Mas Camp to have a completely different look," Ammar told The Sunday Gleaner, noting that several past themes were of a historic nature.

He was unwilling to give details on the new venue, but a reliable source told The Sunday Gleaner that the new venue would be National Stadium North. This move comes after Mas Camp, on Oxford Road in New Kingston closed its doors in November to make way for a new property, the Sandals/ATL Group.

"It (the 'new Mas Camp') is at Stadium North. It is approximately 10 per cent bigger than the old Mas Camp, with the added facility of parking. It's a really nice location, and it's perfect for what it is," the source said.

Despite being somewhat close to the sometimes volatile Mountain View community, the source said there are no security concerns, as ample security measures would be put in place in the form of police and other personnel.

"One thing that is not short is security. Security is number one, regardless of whether we are in Norbrook or downtown at the Waterfront," the source said, noting that there is also ample parking at the venue.

But Ammar was more than willing to disclose information about the event. At the band launch on February 10, there will also be a press briefing, a roll-out of the costumes and a launch party. The season, albeit shorter than previous years, will be officially launched on February 24.

For this year, there will be six Bacchanal Fridays, in addition to Beach J'Ouvert, Bacchanal J'Ouvert and the road march to end the season on April 15.

"Because it is shorter, the entertainment will be of a higher standard. There will be three bands in six weeks, and in between that there will be local and foreign DJs and, possibly, some singers," Ammar Jr said.

Some of the acts who will be coming this year are Kes the Band, Sherwayne Winchester, Destra Garcia, Bunji Garlin and Imij & Co.

"I am expecting it to be a bigger year for carnival. We are part of the Jamaica 50 celebration, and we are also celebrating our 24th year," he said.