PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida – After an enthusiastic response to its maiden voyage, the Big Ship Music Festival will return to Port Charlotte in northwest Florida next year.
Promoter Freddie McGregor has confirmed July 4, 2020, as the date for the second staging of the festival at Port Charlotte Fairgrounds.
The inaugural show took place at the Fairgrounds on July 6 and drew an encouraging 1,000 fans. McGregor, fellow singers Marcia Griffiths, Everton Blender, Glen Washington, Hopeton Lindo and Perfect Giddimani were the performers.
“There were many highlights, from the setting-up of the venue to all the performances. I think the real highlight was Everton Blender’s performance,” said McGregor.
The veteran artist said he chose Port Charlotte as the location for his latest crack at show promotion, because of its closeness to Tampa, Fort Myers and Naples, cities with strong Jamaican and West Indian populations.
In addition, Port Charlotte, which has a population of just over 50,000 people, does not see a lot of reggae activity.
McGregor is no stranger to show promotion, having produced events in South Florida, Los Angeles and his native Clarendon parish in Jamaica.
It was the second show within 10 days for McGregor and Griffiths, who live in South Florida. They performed at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center on June 29.
Currently promoting the single, Jah Is on My Mind, McGregor is set to tour the United States East Coast and Canada in August.
