My Response to 'Reeewind' Comments

I have been reading the comments centered on "Reeewind & Come Again." And I must say that although people are entitled to their opinions and criticism is good, some of the comments are senseless.

For one, some of you said you bought $100 and $80 tickets and were disappointed, but I only sold $50 and $60 advance tickets. The gate price was $65 before 12AM and $70 thereafter, so.... where did you get such tickets?

Many of you said we charged too much for the show, but the average show in NY with major artistes costs $50.00. Shabba in Amazura by himself would be $50 with a sound playing all night and the artist performing for 20 mins.

We gave you 7 artists and a chance to purchase $50 tickets for 5 weeks.

Some of you seem to think that Shabba should not have been billed for the show. Nevertheless, you bought a ticket knowing that he was the headliner. Your bitching that he sung slack songs, but what were you expecting him to do? If he freestyled all night and flopped, you same people would be saying he should have preformed his hits. Shabba is Shabba. I am not saying I agree or disagree with the songs he performed, but he got huge forwards. So, a lot of people in the audience must have loved his show. You can continue to cuss all you want, but promoters have no control of an artist's performance. We can only deliver what is promised. Once the talent touches the stage, he or she must then connect with the audience. Maybe if Shabba was not getting such a great response for his slack songs, he would have changed his approach. Don't blame me! Blame the person that stood next to you giving him forwards.

I choose not to discuss General Trees' absence from the dance in an effort to keep his business private. There was no way of explaining his absence without it becoming headline news. It was no fault of ours that he was not there, but he is a good artist and I understood the issue he faced. There was no need for me to slaughter his name. My credibility as a promoter is great.

Therefore, if an artist is not in attendance, it's because it could not be avoided.

Some of you are bitching because I let Sean Paul perform. Why wouldn't I ???? He is the most visible Jamaican artist today. When he wins a Grammy, we all want to say "another Jamaican does it again" and take credit for his achievements as a fellow yardie. But when he wants to be a part of our thing, you want me to say no. I can't do that! Sean Paul has made Jamaica proud. I was honored to have him there. He was in town and just wanted to pay his respect to the veteran deejays. So, he touched the mic and gave us a few tunes. Big up Sean!

I will admit that the show could have been more entertaining at times. However, I have seen worse. It is unfortunate that some people will go above and beyond to highlight negativity with little or no emphasis placed on the fact that everything we promised we delivered. For example, venue was open at 10PM; all ticket winners received their tickets before the show; we offered Tiger and delivered; the early juggling was great; all artists were in the venue early.

Nevertheless, I give thanks to you all. All things in life are subject to balance. Our supporters keep us in business and our haters never allow us to become too comfortable!!

Garfield 'Chin' Bourne