Audience members enjoy the expanse of the VIP section at the Foundation Music Showcase last weekend. - Winston Sill

There was a telling comment in the aftermath of Saturday night's 'Foundation Music Showcase' at the Constant Spring Golf Club, as persons drifted away from the no-show of Peabo Bryson, many carrying chairs for their money.

"Dem lucky sey a decent people deh ya. A shoulda downtown people deh ya," one woman said.

To which another replied "a no dat, a true de fence deh far back an de people dem cyaan reach whe dem waan reach."

That fence was the separating barrier between the VIP and regular seating area, those closer to the stage paying $3,000 presold and $3,500 on show night and those behind the fence paying $1,500 beforehand and $2,000 at the gate. It was assumed by the person who made that comment that those who had paid for VIP seating would be too dignified to throw missiles at the stage, but those in the regular area would have no such concerns about being nice.

It was probably fortunate for the promoters and persons who would wish to rent the space for future concerts that the VIP area was so large, but it was the second time in a month that I had gone to a concert where the VIP area was so huge. The first occasion had been even more noticeable, as the late December 'Welcome To Jamrock' across the road (but worlds apart) at the Constant Spring Football Field was held at a venue where the actual grounds were much smaller (at 'Foundation Music Showcase' there was no rear boundary, with parking allowed relatively close to the rear of the venue).

At 'Welcome To Jamrock' the VIP area took up half of the venue, leaving the regulars on the field (some got into the stands at the side) to clump up at a fence rather far back from the action. Similarly, at the 'Showcase' there was a surge towards the separating fence when the action really got going.

Unfair

It is really unfair for the people who pay the regular entry fee to be put so far back from the stage. Their entry fee may be less, but $2,000 is by no means a small amount of money to pay to see song and dance.

I first saw the VIP area at East Fest in St. Thomas about three years ago, to be followed suit by Rebel Salute about three weeks later and it has been just about standard at major shows since then to have a VIP area. Normally, they are restricted to a small area at the front of the stage, but this recent expansion at those two shows is a step in the wrong direction.

The promoters, of course, have a good idea beforehand just how large the VIP area should be (and it was full at both 'Welcome to Jamrock' and 'Foundation Music Showcase'). Hence, the demand is there. What I would suggest is either making the VIP price higher or making the regular price lower, so the VIP area is either smaller, bringing the 'regulars' closer to the stage, or the people who pay the regular price get the distance from the stage that their money is truly worth.

mel