Photos by: GrahamBurke Photography (see many more at GBurkeImages.com)
Performing on barely six hours notice, Mr. Vegas wowed his adoring fans in Charlotte NC with a blistering, entertaining and wild performance. It's one of the biggest weekends in Charlotte as the city hosts the annual CIAA basketball tournament. This event brings in thousands of fans who are dying for great reggae entertainment.
The show put on by Brightworks Promotion and Charlotte Reggae.com was headlined to feature Gyptian who cancelled at the last moment despite being in the US for the show. Word is he threw a "Diva" fit and flew back to Jamaica. The Charlotte fans were the winners as Mr. Vegas flew from Florida on a few hours notice and he was on top form.
The show was very well attended at the intimate Twilight Caribbean Bar & Grill and DJ Mix Master David had the appreciative crowd in the mood early with some vintage reggae and dance hall hits.
Etana hit the stage after midnight and gave a very good, tight performance of her latest songs and paid tribute to the Icon Bob Marley. She will be a force to recon with on the reggae scene as her vocal range allows her to do a lot. The fans gave her a huge ovation at the end of her set. Now everyone was waiting on Vegas and boy did he deliver.
From my vantage point as photographer I could not find more than about two male fans up front. The ladies had the stage front all to themselves and they went wild. Vegas started out with some of his hits and wound his way through other artistes covers including Buju for which he got loud applause.
Along the way through his high energy performance he shed his jeans jacket first to reveal just a white T but the best was yet to come when he ditched the T-shirt to show a "Lady Loving" budding six pack. The ladies up front savored every bit of it as they jostled to touch the body. No performance would be complete without the few brave souls who wonder on stage and the ladies did not disappoint.
At the end of it all around 3AM, Brightworks promotion and Charlotte Reggae.com should be proud of pulling off an entertaining night for their fans. The word of the night was "Gyptian was not missed" and this was a far better concert without him.
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