Bacchanal Carnival Lifts Off At The Appleton Launch Pad

“When I drinking gal you know that I’ll be flying with you... It’s hours after hours when I whining with you, I can’t done when we drinking rum.” – When we Drinking, Rikki Jai

Bacchanal Jamaica 2012 officially launched off the ground last Friday night with an out of this world experience revellers will be talking about all season long! Lift Off, one of the largest opening nights in Bacchanal's history, started off the 2012 theme: Future Shock with a big bang!

Appleton Special, a major sponsor of Bacchanal Jamaica for over 10 years, turned up the heat this year providing its Bacchanalists with premium rum specials like Mug Madness, a bottomless mug for only $1,000, keeping patrons wet for all six hours of revelry. Appleton also offers their Main Bar with the Appleton VIP sky lounge, the aptly named Appleton Launch Pad right upstairs.

Over 3,000 socaphiles came out to gyrate the night away in the futuristic Mas Camp to Trinidad’s own DJ Back to Basics and local soca 'Baddist' DJ Bambino in the new, bigger Mas Camp at Stadium North. Michael Ammar, Director of Bacchanal Jamaica, officially welcomed all the revellers, which included State Minister for Tourism and Entertainment, Damian Crawford to the opening of Bacchanal Carnival Mas Camp 2012.

And in keeping with the futuristic décor resonating all around the venue, patrons had an opportunity to interact with the sexy Appleton astronaut girls, while Appleton VIP's could take a space age photo as an astronaut in the Launch Pad.

Cecil Smith, Marketing Manager for Rums, explains the vibe: “Appleton allowed revellers to immerse themselves in the future shock theme of Bacchanal 2012, by allowing them to blast off from the Appleton Launch Pad with colourful cocktails and a great vibe.”

“Week one was a high energy event and our booth had a consistent number of revellers hanging out and enjoying our Appleton cocktails. The energy and vibe was positive and the people loved our futuristic light display.”

Appleton has made another commitment to ensuring that its Bacchanalists have an even better time this week on their sponsored night, when they bring Kes The Band, one of Trinidad's biggest soca acts, to keep up the “Wotless” vibe and show the ladies the “Precision Whine”. And just for the special occasion, Appleton Jamaica Rum will start the party early tonight as the first 250 revellers who enter the MAS CAMP receive: One (1) FREE Appleton Drink + an Appleton MUG to party the night away With Kes The Band – Courtesy of the Official Spirit of Bacchanal Carnival: Appleton Jamaica Rum.

Appleton is also a major sponsor of other Bacchanal events this season, such as Beach Soca on de Sandbar, Jouvert and of course the main event, the Bacchanal Road March, where loyal Appletonites can “Go Dung” and do their “Last Lap” in the bright yellow and gold Galactika costume, perfectly complementing their amber drinks. Revellers cant done when they drinking Appleton Rum!

Overwhelming Response to Icons of Reggae‏

The promoters of the show “Icons of Reggae in Concert” on Sunday March 11 at Central Broward Regional Park, Ft. Lauderdale Fl. have expressed mild surprise but are visibly enthused by the overwhelming response to their event. The interest and excitement for this show is not only from the Jamaican and cross over community here in South Florida from Orlando to South Miami with calls for tickets but also media requests from individuals and groups from Orlando, Atlanta, New York and Toronto and this excitement has spread internationally with calls streaming in from Jamaica, British Virgin Islands and the UK.

Icons of Reggae sports an outstanding line up featuring the likes of Toots and the Maytals and Ali Campbell’s UB40 plus Mykal ‘Grammy’ Rose, John Holt, Daddy URoy, Lady Saw, Wailing Souls and Etana plus local stars Mical Rustle and Ambelique. This group of superstars include Grammy winners Toots and Mykal Rose, one of the leading seller of reggae records worldwide in UB40, the Queen of the Dance Hall, Lady Saw and songbird Etana plus sentimental favorites such as Daddy URoy, John Holt and Wailing Souls are artists we have not seen perform here in a long time.

With an extensive promotional campaign utilizing all aspects of the media including newspaper, radio & TV and the social medium both locally and out of town its easy to understand the reason for this overwhelming response.

Even the Artists are excited about appearing as Ali Campbell’s Manager has expressed Ali is looking forward to being here in South Florida (coming in early for a little R & R and TV interviews) as he has performed with several of these artists. Lady Saw hopes to collaborate once again with Ali (see You Tube UB40 & Lady Saw, “Since I Met You Lady”) . Daddy URoy has expressed a desire to perform with John Holt on “Wear You To The Ball”. Etana in a recent radio interview said that as “the baby” of this group she was in awe at performing with these illustrious artists especially Toots and her idol Lady Saw.

There has been a marked increase by vendors in request for food, fruits and Arts & Crafts booths, so no need to cook on Sunday, just bring the family and come enjoy a day of food, fun and Reggae music. Gates open at 12.00 noon and the show starts at 1.30pm with a Salute to Jamaica featuring Body Nation Dance Theatre, talented Sons of Maestro and the outstanding South Florida Dub Poet Malachi Smith plus the winner of the Hot 105FM talent contest. It’s recommended to come early (to not miss your favorites) and wear your colors as part of the 50th Independence Celebrations.

Tickets are $42.00 and are available from Ticketmaster.com and Ticket Master in participating Wal Mart stores and also local ticket outlets. VIP tickets (inclusive of preferred parking, seating and drinks) and group discount tickets are available by calling (954-708-6717). For more information visit www.iconsofreggae.com.

Icons of Reggae in Concert celebrating 50 Years of Jamaica’s Independence, a Salute to Jamaica and Reggae music, a show with a difference , you should not miss.