By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH—-

The second annual Reggae on the Bay event is progressively building up to be one of the most highly anticipated “conscious” events for the 2013 calender.

With the likes of veteran Jamaican crooner Beres Hammond, foundation and revolutionary singer Cocoa Tea and reggae icon Tarrus Riley as the headline acts, this year’s edition is more than expected to live up to last year’s bidding of Barrington Levy and the band Steel Pulse.

Also in the cast of this year’s line-up will be several local reggae acts who are committed to spreading the works of peace and love through their unique musical genre. The likes of Queen Omega, the band Buzz Rock, Verse Ital and Solomon Gabriel are all scheduled to perform some of their most recent, as well as early tunes, for the thousands expected to flood the O2 Park in Chaguaramas on May 5.

Last year’s show was held specifically for the fathers of the nation and was hosted at the same venue on Father’s Day. This year however, mothers will receive a special musical tribute, just one week away before they are openly celebrated around the world on Mother’s Day (May 12).

These advertised acts have also been chosen for this type of event due to their many years of respectable service, producing positive, influential and uplifting music.

From “Putting Up A Resistance”, “Love From A Distance”, to “Rock Away” and countless other love-inspired songs, Beres Hammond is sure to have the crowds swaying and singing along to every word of his melodious songs.

Cocoa Tea is also world renowned for hits such as “Rastaman”, “She Loves Me Now”, “Hurry Up and Come” and “Riker’s Island”, and is also expected to woo the O2 Park with his foundation style of lyrics. Riley, son of veteran reggae singer Jimmy Riley, has been burning up the airwaves for the past few years with love-injected tunes like “She’s Royal”, “Getty Getty, No Wantee”, “Never Leave I” and a work-over of pop-king Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature”, among a list of other popular conscious-based songs.

Additionally and exclusively, Reggae on the Bay has partnered with Hennessy Artistry – The Art of Blending, to ensure a enhanced concert experience. The venue will separated into the Courtyard VIP and the Greens. The former will provide stage front access accompanied by free drinks inclusive of Hennessy VS, Hennessy Pure White, Hennessy super cocktails and chasers. The latter also provides patrons the ability to relax and bring out their blankets and chairs to spread along the greens to capture the ultimate concert experience.

Gates open at 3 pm.

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