Between February 22 and 23, 2014, the mountains of Holywell will come alive with the beats of authentic Jamaican music, and the crafts of Jamaican artists. The inaugural Blue Mountain Music Festival, promoted by Anubis Communications is set to be staged by Bombrush Records in collaboration with the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT). 

The official Reggae Month event, the Blue Mountain Music Festival is an upgrade from the annual Misty Bliss event, and will offer two days of performances, yoga, hiking, camping and and activities for the children. Patrons will get to purchase a wide array of locally-made art, craft and food.

Event Executive Producer Roshaun Clarke, promises a high-end experience likened to the renowned Woodstock Festival. It’s an event where “music meets art and nature” Clarke said at the event launch on January 28 at the Listen Mi Caribbean and Telegans at South Odeon Avenue. Special mention was made of the opportunity for patrons to camp out over the two days in tents in reference to his own experience at similar events in Europe.

 

 

The festival is to be a hybrid of music, culture and outdoor adventure, all set against the panoramic landscape of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. 

Sharing his vision for the Blue Mountain Music Festival, Clarke sees the event evolving into “one of the premiere music festivals in Jamaica and the Caribbean.” “Diversifying the genres of music presented and offering innovative attractions will be key to achieving this.”

Dr Susan Otuokon, Executive Director of the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust was keynote speaker. She said the event and its week long activities were welcomed for the celebration of the 21st celebration of the Blue and John Crow Mountains as a National Park. “The festival will raise awareness and funds for the park, while encouraging Jamaicans to visit and enjoy the ambiance at Holywell.” 

In exposing some of the region’s natural beauties that were different from other parts of the island such as the climate, she recommended that patrons come prepared for heavy mist by bringing extra clothing.

It is hoped that the premium event will lure visitors who want to experience more than “sand, sea and sun.” For this the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment Damion Crawford, in his contribution to the night’s proceedings, was highly appreciative and offered much congratulations and support.

Lauding the strategic location of the event in the hills, the Minister spoke of his desire to see tourists one day being able to spend time in homes of natives as he recently did in Trinidad in addition to hotel stays.

The Minister further went on to boast that the festival provided the first opportunity for the Tourism agents abroad to invite visitors to the island with the slogan “Come to Jamaica for Reggae Music/Reggae Month.”

Sponsors include the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust, Wisynco, Bombrush Records, RJR Communications Group, Anubis Communications, Telegens, Got Creative Design & Photography and Listen Mi Caribbean.

 

 

On Saturday, February 22, gates open at 2 pm with a slated Reggae Party at 7 pm, featuring the legendary Third World band, Tanya Stephens, Chronixx and Kabaka Pyramid, among others. On Sunday, February 23, gates re-open at 11 am and the Misty Bliss concert starts at 2 pm, featuring T.O.K., Nomaddz, Ity and Fancy Cat, Kelissa and Jesse Royal.

 

 

Tickets start at $2,500 for day passes and $5,000 for season passes, which are available at Woolworth, Xtras, Cove Cinema Ocho Rios and online at TouchTix.net. Proceeds from the Blue Mountain Music Festival will benefit the JCDT and TOK’s Guardian Angel Foundation.