分类： entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Starliner Seafood, Wine Bar & Grill in Plantation Cove, St Ann is redefining Valentine’s celebrations with its specially curated ‘Heart of Love’ event targeting Christian couples seeking meaningful entertainment alternatives. The February 14th gathering addresses a identified gap in the market for faith-based social gatherings during romantic holidays.

Event co-director Errol Henry explained the inspiration behind the initiative: “Our conversations with patrons revealed that Christian couples frequently desired more substantial celebrations than conventional restaurant dinners. They sought experiences aligning with their values while providing exceptional entertainment.”

The evening’s program features gospel music icon Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan alongside her husband Tommy as master of ceremonies. The performance lineup includes Shagga Tee and Desmond ‘Desi’ Jones, the event’s co-director and leader of the Skool Band.

Tommy Cowan emphasized the spiritual dimension of the celebration: “Our nearly 45-year marriage stands as testimony to God-centered love. Carlene’s setlist will include both gospel favorites and love songs from our repertoire, including ‘Going Down To Paradise’ and ‘Everything I Own,’ all reflecting Christian values.”

The schedule includes gates opening at 7:00 PM followed by dinner service at 8:00 PM. A pre-show entertainment segment runs from 9:00-10:00 PM preceding Dr. Davis-Cowan’s headline performance.

Event sponsorship includes Visual Vibe, which has promoted the gathering through digital billboards in Ocho Rios featuring the headline artist. The venue offers two VIP ticket tiers providing comprehensive dining packages with beverage selections.

Henry encourages attendance: “This represents an unparalleled experience—one inclusive price covers gourmet dining, premium entertainment, and an atmosphere celebrating love through faith.”

Tickets remain available at the venue, Cove Electrical Plumbing and Hardware, and through online purchasing platforms.

Kingston’s Emancipation Park transformed into a sacred musical sanctuary Friday evening as artists from across generations and continents gathered for a profound tribute commemorating what would have been Bob Marley’s 81st birthday. Under the Jamaican night sky, the atmosphere carried what Marley himself termed a “natural mystic”—a spiritual reverence that transcended mere performance, creating a multi-generational dialogue through rhythm and resonance.

The evening commenced with a characteristically Marley-esque confrontation: a sound system clash dubbed the Marley Tribute Challenge between selectors Rasarella and DJ Oliver of Metro Media. This musical duel established the night’s central theme—honoring legacy through dynamic exchange rather than passive observance. Rasarella opened with “Zion Train,” emphasizing Marley’s Rastafarian spirituality, while Oliver countered with the revolutionary urgency of “War,” setting the tone for a clash of philosophical interpretations within Marley’s vast repertoire.

Audience engagement became an integral component as the selectors traded classic tracks including “Bad Card,” “Who The Cap Fit,” and “Buffalo Soldier.” The clash turned playful when Oliver selected “Crazy Baldhead”—a cheeky reference to Rasarella’s non-bald status—prompting her strategic response with “Time Will Tell” to reclaim narrative control. The competition ultimately evolved into collaboration as Oliver invited Jamaicans to join “One Love” while Rasarella answered with “Get Up, Stand Up,” completing the journey from rivalry to unity.

The tribute dramatically illustrated Marley’s global impact as Mexican bands Sangre Maíz and Out of Control Army delivered Latin-infused reggae interpretations. The latter group elevated energy levels with a surprise appearance by Richie Stephens, injecting ska rhythms that shifted the evening into dance-driven territory. From across the Atlantic, Ghanaian rising star Khapun expressed honor at performing on Jamaican soil, highlighting Marley’s enduring influence throughout Africa and reggae’s power as a cultural bridge connecting shared histories.

Local talent demonstrated the genre’s continuing evolution as Abi-D and NAJ (Nikki, Adena and Janeel) presented performances affirming reggae’s vibrant future. The concert’s final segment belonged to veteran artists whose voices carried decades of musical testimony. Warrior King commanded overwhelming crowd support with “Never Go Where Pagans Go” and “Virtuous Woman,” anchoring the night in roots reggae authenticity.

Reggae Month Ambassador Etana maintained powerful momentum with renditions of “Jah Jah Blessings” and “I Am Not Afraid,” paying direct homage through “I Wanna Love You” before welcoming Queen Ifrica to the stage. Jemere Morgan bridged musical generations with Marley’s “Redemption Song,” Morgan Heritage’s “Down by the River,” and original compositions affirming his position as inheritor of a legendary musical lineage.

Rare-appearing St Thomas native Bushman received waves of applause for performances of “Fire Bun A Weak Heart” and “Downtown,” acknowledging that Marley’s influence had transcended legacy to become a full-fledged dynasty. The evening reached its ceremonial peak with the arrival of Stephen Marley, who opened with ancestral keteh drums before delivering his father’s timeless classics including “Hit Me With Music” and “Take It Easy.” His declaration—”Inside me, your legacy lives on”—culminated in a stirring rendition of “Don’t Worry” alongside brother Julian Marley.

The stage then transformed into a living testament of musical inheritance as Spragga Benz, Ghost, Beenie Man, Richie Spice, Capleton, King Kong, and Junior Reid appeared in rapid succession—each artist contributing to a cascade of reverence that celebrated influence, lineage, and unconditional love through the enduring power of Marley’s music and message.

As New York prepares for its iconic Fashion Week, Jamaican model Naki Depass of Saint International has already seized the spotlight through prestigious off-calendar appearances. The 5’11” rising star delivered standout performances for two American design titans, Marc Jacobs and Thom Browne, showcasing their Fall 2026 collections in exclusive events that set the tone for the fashion season.\n\nDepass made the selective roster for Marc Jacobs’ ‘Memory.Loss’ presentation at Manhattan’s Park Avenue Armory, where she embodied the designer’s signature geometric aesthetic. Her appearance in a raven-toned tank top and minimalist mini skirt demonstrated Jacobs’ continued exploration of structural fashion forms. The event attracted front-row attention from celebrities including Julia Fox, Nicky Hilton, and style influencer Jessica Wang.\n\nJust three days prior, Depass traveled cross-country to San Francisco for Thom Browne’s GQ Bowl presentation, strategically timed alongside Super Bowl festivities. At the Legion of Honour Museum venue, she debuted as Look 39 in a sophisticated preppy ensemble featuring a cardigan, miniskirt, and leather jacket. Depass elevated the presentation while showcasing Browne’s collaborative accessories including custom Bose headphones and newly designed Asics sneakers.\n\nThe Browne gathering united fashion and entertainment luminaries including Queen Latifah, Teyana Taylor, and Olympic gymnast Suni Lee, with Depass joined by fellow Saint International model Romaine Dixon. These early appearances position Depass as a compelling presence to watch as formal Fashion Week proceedings commence, demonstrating the industry’s continued embrace of diverse international talent.

NEW YORK — James Van Der Beek, the acclaimed actor renowned for his portrayal of Dawson Leery in the iconic teen drama “Dawson’s Creek,” has passed away at the age of 48. His family confirmed his peaceful passing on Wednesday following a courageous confrontation with colorectal cancer.

A heartfelt announcement posted on the actor’s official Instagram account conveyed the somber news to his global fanbase. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the statement read, accompanied by a recent photograph of the actor smiling warmly in a white top and cardigan. The post was jointly shared by his wife, Kimberly.

The performer’s cancer diagnosis, which he had publicly disclosed earlier in 2024, culminated in a battle fought with characteristic dignity. Van Der Beek is survived by his spouse and their six children, who have requested privacy during this period of profound grief.

While the Connecticut-born actor achieved international recognition through his seminal role in the WB network’s coming-of-age series (1998-2003), his subsequent career demonstrated remarkable versatility. Memorable performances in films including “Varsity Blues” and “The Rules of Attraction” showcased his range beyond the iconic character that launched his career.

In a 2011 interview with Page Six, Van Der Beek reflected philosophically on his association with the Dawson character, stating: “Overall, I’ve worn my past with pride rather than seeing it as something to get rid of.” This perspective characterized his approach to an entertainment career that spanned over two decades across television, film, and theater.

The family’s statement concluded with a promise of future communications: “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.” For now, the entertainment community and fans worldwide mourn the loss of an artist who defined a generation of television storytelling.