Dear Editor,
Stag Stage Four came and went, and I am quite sure that with the level of support the receives, the organisers must be extremely pleased with the returns on their investment in 2016. I did not go to the first two nights, but went particularly on the final night to hear and see the lyrical genius Bunji Garlin and his Vikings Band in concert. Arriving at what was constantly being dubbed a ‘J’ouvert Party’, patrons were treated to a variety of pulsating Soca music, paint, and powder.
In keeping with our stage show culture, the main acts did not come on until very close to midnight, the first being Lyrical. Bunji Garlin though, came on a few minutes to 01:00h. Be that as it may, no one seemed too bothered. A free concert, cheap beer, and great music ‒ who cares. However, one thing bothered me and it was when the DJ seemed to have drifted off on a frolic of his own, and started playing Dancehall music at this ‘J’ouvert/Soca Party,’ much to the disgust of the more perceptive patrons.
One wondered if perhaps that particular DJ did not realize that a party of that nature has no room for Dancehall or any other genre for that matter. The organisers of Stag Stage must be very careful to ensure that there is not a recurrence of such a DJ faux pas at another of their Soca shows.
Also, there is need for more security to efficiently and effectively handle the many skirmishes that seem to be characteristic of the stage front. In fact, violent altercations should not be a feature of such activities.
Nevertheless, Bunji Garlin and his Vikings Band did not disappoint, even though I have seen and heard them in much better form before.
Yours faithfully,
Richard Francois
