By Shereita Grizzle— (From left) Johnny Gourzong, Joe Bogdanovich and Robert Russell at the launch of Reggae Sumfest 2016, held at Tracks and Records.—- Organizers of Reggae Sumfest 2016 stunned the local entertainment fraternity when they announced some drastic changes to the show’s format this year, especially when they did away with the much-anticipated International Night. And although the Reggae Sumfest team sought to reassure the public that the changes would not have any adverse effect on the quality of the show, the adjustments were met with some negative remarks. Some people believed that the new approach would only ruin the show’s reputation, while others have been begging the organizers to consider hitting the reset button. Among those who expressed concerns were some of the event’s major sponsors, some of whom only recently pledged their … Read entire article »

By Richard Johnson—  Josef Bogdanovich (center), chairman & CEO of Downsound Entertainment, the holding company for Reggae Sumfest, signs a with the Jamaica Tourist Board. Looking on are Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook (left), and Jason Hall ( seated right), deputy director of tourism. Also looking on is Robert Russell (background), deputy chairman of Downsound Entertainment.—- It is six weeks to this year’s staging of music festival Reggae Sumfest, set for July 17 through 23, in Montego Bay, St James. And its head honcho Josef Bogdanovich said plans are “well advanced”. “The line-up is complete, contracts for PR (public relations)are finalized and now being executed. Marketing people are doing their job. The press launch is scheduled for this coming Wednesday at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records in Kingston. Sound, stage and lighting designs … Read entire article »