Inside Life: SRO crowds For VP Records’ tribute to Jamaica’s heritage

A solitary reggae showcase slated for the 2024 annual SummerStage Concert in Central Park drew record crowds with patrons flocking to the Rumsey Playfield to experience an evening billed Morgan Heritage: Tribute to Peetah.

Announced early in the season as the August 10 date reserved for VP Records to celebrate their 45th anniversary staging, speculations were that a dynamic lineup might headline the concert.

However, it was never announced that Ras Shiloh, Taurus Riley and Sharon Marley would fill the bill.

The stars of the genre joined the Royal Family of reggae for a memorable concert that hailed the Queens-based record label, heralded Peter Anthony Morgan, his father Denroy (who died two years ago) championed Jamaica’s superlative culture, lauded the Heritage, praised friends, ‘shouted out’ the distinction of the borough of Brooklyn and gratified loyal friends.

Sounds like a full menu?

Bon appetit, truly in his element as leader, Gramps helmed a union comprised of Lukes, Una, Mojo, Jemiere and an assembly of Morgan benefactors to arouse a frenzy that heightened with each introduction to a guest performer.

Still it was the pop-flavored, reggae hit by the former patriarch Denroy Morgan that seemed to garner the most energetic response.

“I do, I do, I do do do do do,” had show-off, light-footed patrons reminiscing the 1990’s when the RCA Records signee blazed the infectious admission.

A video screen reprised the heydays of the hit song and the band played along. By the time the tribute ended, fans seemed satiated, exhausted and totally entranced by the free showcase. That the weather was picture perfect last Saturday after a stormy week-long proliferation of rain, wind, lightning and thunder, added to the bonanza gifted by the outdoor setting.

Needless to say when a finale invited more Morgan clan members to accompany Gramps in a rendition of “People Like You,” reggae fans conceded the concert season might well end and on that very August night.

“This is the best I have felt for a long time,” Dennis Coke said. “The venue was perfect, the seating was off the hook, the stage, deejays and Ras Shiloh was wicked.”

It’s been a few years since the Queens resident visited the site therefore much of the high tech renovations had eluded him.

“This place is awesome,” he added as he rotated stares at the various areas of improvements at the rear, sides and VIP allocations.

But more than the venue he raved the surprise appearances of Marley, Riley and Shiloh. Kelli Thomas, another longtime patron echoed his assessment singing the praises of the unexpected guests and a memorable summer treat. Marley, the eldest of Bob and Rita’s children stopped into the friend-filled show place following an engagement of a one-night booking at City Winery earlier in the week.

Her tribute hailed the king of reggae in a refashioned version tailored to pay homage to her mother Rita in a song titled “No Woman No Cry.”
Blinged out in dazzling boots and blindingly sparkling jacket, the former member of Ziggy Marley’s Melody Makers delivered stellar addition to the already wonderful tribute. From a big screen Bob’s image dominated the setting as she sang the feminist reggae anthem.

Shiloh wasted little time in capitalizing on the eclectic crowd scene to promote a New York appearance he is booked for in October.

And Riley seized the opportunity to amplify the platitudes lavished on the deceased Morgan who died at age 46 of a coronary on February 25.
Crowds seemed pleasantly interactive with Bobby Konders and Jabba who engaged lively participation.

At a juncture, Jabba challenged an unlikely dancer to demonstrate styles popularized by dancehall deejay Elephant Man. Franklyn to bear witness to a volunteer, seemingly untested un-athletic maneuvering from a non-regional male seems an Olympic task.

However, with confidence boosting from the crowd he seemed endearing.

In his own particular style, he was able to execute a few dance moves.

Among them he demonstrated how to ‘signal the plane.’

The premiere Jamaican reggae record label has been showered with accolades for leading a trail to advancing the culture through music. Recently Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica lavished laudatories on Pat Chin — one of the founders with Vincent her husband — started VP Records in Kingston, Jamaica 45 years ago.

Catch you on the Inside!