Beginning promptly at 1:00 p.m., Irie Jamboree got underway with a bevy of up-coming acts including Nye and Ky-enie who gave enthusiastic performances. Shaunie's performance garnered mixed reactions, Rag Lox and Aaron Silk had the crowd singing along, while Kip Rich's "Telephone Thing," elicited a positive feedback from the crowd.

Sanchez, ran onstage stylishly attired in a coal grey suit and, pink shirt nicely offset by his jewelry and had the crowd hyped as he crooned "Loneliness," "So Amazing," "Frenzy", a tribute to the victims of hurricane Katrina and a medley of gospel songs. Macka Diamond and the Twin of Twins made surprise appearances, with Macka singing aimed specifically to the ladies in her interactive performance. Richie Spice had the crowd energized with "Marijuana," and "Earth a Run Red." In between band changes, various tributes were made to the hurricane victims and the late Bogle. Also, politicians from Queens came out to voice their support for the show as did Consul General Dr. Basil K. Bryan.

When Barrington Levy came on stage the crowd roared in anticipation. He did not disappoint as he ran through hits such as "Too Experienced," "Murderer" and "Dancehall Rock."

Without question, the show belonged to Elephant Man, who had the crowd on its feet, in a stint akin to a vigorous gym workout. He dazzled as he sang "Over the Wall," from his forth coming album, "Signal the Plane" and "Pon De River." He came onstage in a colorful native American themed costume and never looked back. Pausing at one point he asked: "How come it took so long for the US government to help the people in New Orleans? Without missing a beat, he invited Assassin on stage who promptly offered "Idiot Thing" as the crowd wove flags and blew horns in appreciation.

Beenie Man's set followed Elephant Man and in a sizzling 60-minute set, he clawed his way to the top with hits like "King Of The Dancehall" and "A Nuh Me."

As the precursor to the headliner, Sizzla had the crowd on its feet with his searing "Thank You Mama," "Praise ye Jah" and his tribute to incarcerated Jan Cure, "Longing For." Sizzla exited the stage leaving the crowd primed for an engaging performance from Damian "Junior Gong" Marley who had the crowd rocking as he sang "Searching" from his Grammy Award -winning album Half Way Tree. His brother Stephen joined him for "It Is Written." Damian performed a medley of his father's songs bringing the show to a rousing climax with the wildly popular "Welcome to Jamrock," the title song from his album which will be in stores in mid-September.

The turnout for Irie Jamboree was impressive, suggesting that the idea to push back the show from its prior August 22nd date was a stroke of genius. The mood was positive and upbeat and throughout the day. As the crowd slowly left the park at 9:50, their pleasure for Irie Jamboree's solid lineup and superb co-ordination was palpable. Written by Carmen Brown

Related link: http://www.iriejamboree.com