Jamaica’s highly anticipated Coveside Concert Series was officially launched yesterday, January 22 at Ribbiz Ultra Lounge in Kingston, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical journey at Plantation Cove, St. Ann.
The event brought together an impressive gathering of artists, industry players, and sponsors, eager to witness the unveiling of the series.
The Coveside Concert Series, backed by the Jamaica Tourist Board and FYC Water by FESCO, promises to deliver an eclectic mix of musical experiences across four stellar events.
One Drop, scheduled for Saturday, February 22, features reggae legends Luciano, Gramps Morgan, and Barrington Levy. For Timeless, on March 29, international superstar Dionne Warwick will grace the stage, joined by Marcia Griffiths, Jamaica’s First Lady of Jazz Myrna Hague, and Dwayne Stephenson. Steady Rock, slated for April 26, will highlight the talents of Etana, Leroy Sibblies, Glen Washington, and more. Finally, Memories on the Beach closes the series with a food-inclusive beach party on May 31, featuring DJs Smurf, Bad Gyal Marie, and Craig Ross.
The launch event was a night to remember despite a one-hour delay in its start. Attendees were treated to captivating moments, including strong appeals for support from both artists and organizers. Luciano and Dwayne Stephenson gave fans a taste of what’s to come with impromptu performances of their hits “Sweep Over My Soul,” “It’s Me Again Jah,” and “Cottage in Negril.”
Sharing his excitement, Luciano exclaimed, “It’s going to be a fantastic show. We just need everyone to come out and enjoy the music.”
Among the notable attendees were Dean Fraser, Marcia Griffiths, Tommy Cowan, and Leroy Sibblies, lending their voices and presence to celebrate the event.
Odette Soberam-Dyer, Regional Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), spoke on behalf of the Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. While apologizing for his unavoidable absence, she emphasized the seamless fusion of Jamaica’s tourism and cultural sectors, stating, “This initiative perfectly embodies what we know at the JTB to be true—Jamaica’s greatest tourism asset is our vibrant culture and the creative genius of our people.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports, Denzil Thorpe, representing Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange, highlighted Jamaica’s cultural leadership. “Our shores are the birthplace of global movements, our rhythms have shaped industries, and our artists have inspired generations. This is a premier event on Jamaica’s entertainment calendar, we are launching almost on the cusp of Reggae Month, in February so this is one of the highlight events” he said.
The Coveside Concert Series is sponsored by Pepsi, Plantation Cove, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Fesco, Plantation Smokehouse, and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports.
Special insider tickets with a 20% discount are available through the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), Jamaica Association of Composers Authors and Publishers (JACAP), Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS), and Jamaica Federation of Musicians and Affiliates Union (JFMAU).
Tickets are also available online at covesideconcerts.com.
