This past Saturday, Reggae Summerfest hit Washington, D.C.  The annual concert, put on by The National Alliance Foundation, a non-profit network committed to promoting peace and harmony while raising funds and awareness for cancer, was set to feature some of the entertainment industry's hottest reggae artistes. Summerfest 2008 was marked by stellar performances, that increased in quality as the show went on, ending with Beres Hammond.  This year, lovers of reggae music and Caribbean culture were drawn back to the show, hoping for more of the same.

And they weren't disappointed.

The line-up for Summerfest 2009 sought to continue the trend of providing high-quality diverse entertainment in the Nation’s Capital, billing such artistes as Beenie Man, Capleton, Cocoa Tea, I-Wayne, Marcia Griffiths, Jovi Rockwell, Mahmoud Ahmed from Ethiopia, Fire Star, Nesbeth and Terry Linen. And in an industry where advertising a line-up doesn't necessarily mean that all of the artistes will perform, Summerfest was the exception.

With the sun blazing, devoted fans began lining up at the gate as early as 10am.  The show wasn't set to begin until 12:30pm, which really means 2 or 3 pm, so far as most shows run.

Later into the day, Jovi Rockwell got the crowd swaying with her infectious vocal, singing old favorites as well as her new tune "Rizzla". However, reggae icon Marcia Griffith wasn't to be outdone, putting on a classy and memorable performance that had those in attendance, in the crowd and on stage, doing the electric slide.

It soon became clear that things were only beginning to really heat up, as Capleton showed with a firey performance that had the crowd jumping, cheering and flashing their cell phones.  Cocoa T gave a spectacular performance, exciting the crowd with such hits as "I Lost My Sonia" and "Pirates Anthem".  And Beenieman, well, what can I say?  He's the "King of Dancehall", and when he appeared on the stage in a pin-striped suit with his dreads pulled back, everyone knew he was prepared to represent as the don.

Bottom line:  DC Reggae Summerfest 2009 was a tremendous success.  If you missed it, my condolences.  But don't worry, fi it come again 2010.

[Click here to check out the photos in the gallery.]

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