8th Annual Reggae Solstice Festival In Norfolk, VA

Freddie McGregor with Ras Imeka I

Fest Events presented the 8th Annual Suncom Reggae Solstice festival on Friday, July 18th and Saturday, July 19th 2003. The event was held at Town Point Park, downtown Waterside in Norfolk, VA. The main features were Grammy nominee Freddie McGregor on Friday night and Big Mountain and Inner Circle on Saturday night. 

One of the presenters was Terri Michelle of 93.7 the Coast which was also one of the event sponsors. The show on Friday started at six in the evening with a local band called Solar Impulse with Charles Linwood Clarke III as the lead singer. After their very spiritual performance Charles Linwood Clarke III presented a series of artists from Jamaica beginning with the Reggae Vibe Band which got the crowd warmed up, and then we were serenaded by Brah Yhan with tunes like, "Love and Happiness". And if the crowd needed more help to get them in the mood, Kris Kelli entertained the anxious crowd. Yogie (Beres Hammond’s nephew) with his smooth sexy style then graced the stage with his presence and sang some of the songs from his CD including "I go crazy", "Miracle", "That was then", and "Moving up". The night was still early, and there was more. The Millionaire Band, Trudy, and RaShema I (Freddie McGregor’s daughter) all performed.

When Freddie finally appeared the crowd was in a frenzy, he gave a truly inspiring performance and everyone could feel the love that emaciated from this wonderful artist. The crowd held lighters lit towards the night sky as Freddie serenaded them. Saturday night was just as crowded as Friday, with people traveling from out of town as well as from cities in VA. The show started at 7pm with the Soldiers of Jah Army, who opened up for the Big Mountain Band and when Inner Circle blessed the crowd, the new lead singer gave thanks to Jah and shared with the crowd that this was the bands first performance in 20 years since the death of the previous lead singer, Jacob (who was killed in a car accident in Jamaica years ago). The night was full of peace and harmony.

The weekend was a huge success; everyone enjoyed great music, food and the company of one another. The children as well as the adults danced as the performers entertained them with a variety of styles of music. Virginia had a taste of festival Jamaica style and we will be looking forward to seeing everyone next year!

To learn and find out more about any of the bands and performers the following websites are listed:

www.soldiersofjaharmy.com

www.bigmountain-onelove.com

solar impulse- contact Charles Linwood Clarke III at UNIRGODS@MSN.COM