Venom Squad shines at Dancin' Dynamites

Promoters and artistes are definitely up in arms over the recent enforcement of the Night Noise Abatement Act. The act stipulates that entertainment events must lock off by midnight during the week and 2:00 am on weekends. Dancer/promoter Chi Ching Ching got a rude awakening on Tuesday night when his Chi Ching Tuesdays was ordered locked off at midnight by the police.

In his defence, Chi Chin Ching said he didn't even realise that the permit had said midnight, as he thought he had until 2:00 am. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, but then again, there are other mid-week sessions that are allowed to go on until 2:00 am - and in the case of Passa Passa, until 5:00 am - so confusion abounds.

Patrons having a good time at Passa Passa

And, in keeping with what has been termed a "loss of revenue", there are those who are calling for the powers that be to re-examine the Act with a view to putting in certain clauses that would make it okay for certain events to go beyond the stipulated time. According to Lutan Fyah's manager, "An event such as Western Consciousness which has been around for 20 years has become what one could call a community event for the people in that section of Westmoreland. It provides employment for some, and for others it is an event that they give their wholehearted support.

Teino Evans, Entertainment Coordinator

Dancehall artistes are planning another counter attack on beer giants Red Stripe in what is shaping up to be an epic battle.

The artistes say they are now prepared to perform for free during at least one major event as long as there are no Red Stripe products being sold or consumed at the venue.

So far, artistes such as Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Voicemail are among those willing to take this stance.

"Dem (Red Stripe) cyaan tek a stand 'gainst we an we nuh tek a stand 'gainst dem," said Beenie Man in a telephone interview from New York yesterday.

"Wi need fi know what wi doing, because dancehall is our music. A nuh Red Stripe alone wi a tek di stand against, but even wid di whole 2 o' clock lock-off ting to."

Statement

A statement issued by Red Stripe recently expressed its intention to withdraw sponsorship of live music events, including Reggae Sumfest. It stated: "While our most recent efforts through the Coalition of Corporate Sponsors have met with some measure of success, some performers continue to propagate, through their live performances, violent and anti-social lyrics. Red Stripe will not be party to this, and thus we have taken the very difficult decision of withdrawing sponsorship from live music events. Consequently, Red Stripe will not renew our contract for title sponsorship of Reggae Sumfest and Sting. We will, however, ensure that our brands are made available whenever and wherever our loyal consumers enjoy premium alcohol beverages."