Machel heads to the west after two-year break

After a two-year hiatus from the west, soca phenomenon Machel Montano is expected to excite patrons in Montego Bay on Saturday at the inaugural staging of In2ition at Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre.

Montano's last performance in western Jamaica was in Trelawny at the 2010 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, but his high energy and charismatic way of getting the crowd involved means he has the ability to entertain any audience.

His magnificent performance at The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in 2010 came as no surprise and persons planning to attend In2ition this weekend should expect no different.

For the past 26 years, Montano's ever-changing career has been highlighted by his trailblazing approach to soca music and his work in getting it the international audience and recognition it deserves.

The musician, who hails from Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, has already made great strides in moving soca towards the mainstream. His catalogue of hits includes Go Down, a collaboration with Lil' Rick, Bottle Rum, Going For Gold and his recent hit, She Ready.

First dual stage show

In2ition will be Montego Bay's first dual stage show and a first for the newly formed InTrendsik Promotions Group.

"This is an exclusive soca Jou'vert and dancehall event that will be going on simultaneously with a dancehall stage show," the public relations and marketing director of InTrendsik Promotions, Seretse 'Mikey' Bell, said.

Two stages will be set up at the same venue, which is home to Reggae Sumfest. On the soca stage, patrons will get the chance to see Destra, Patrice Roberts, Little Rick, Shall Marshal, Farmer Natty and Super Jigga.

The dancehall stage will play host to Lady Saw, Demarco, I-Octane, Konshens, Montego Bay's own Tommy Lee Sparta, Jah Vinci, Qubanis and JR Daine.

"We wanted to bring something different in the staging of this event and we believe patrons will have a wow experience with what we have planned come October 27 in Montego Bay," Bell went on to say.

Presold tickets for regular admission are $5,000 and $5,500 at the gate. VIP presold tickets cost $8,500 and $9,000 at the gate. An ultra VIP will cost patrons $11,500 presold or $13,000 if purchased at the gate. Tickets are available at Paymaster locations islandwide.

(from Jamaica Gleaner)