Tony Mack and Friends to rock Greenwich Farm tomorrow
Tony Mack may perhaps be the unsung hero in Jamaica's entertainment business who wears the most hats. Among other things, he is an MC who sings, a recording artiste, a record producer, a talent scout, an author, a percussionist, a backup singer and a stage show promoter.
Mack, as a stage show promoter, promoted no fewer than 200 shows at home and abroad between 1973 and 1996. His 'Tony Mack Shows' of the 1970s at places like The Psychedelic Shack in Greenwich Farm, The Lady Pink Club along Maxfield Avenue and The Memory Lane Club along Constant Spring Road were his most memorable ones. His talent shows have unearthed such talents as Johnny Clarke, Phillip Frazer, Sugar Minott, Tony Tuff, Barry Brown, Dillinger, Triston Palmer, Lynval Thompson, The Mighty Diamonds, and Bob Clarke of Irie FM fame.
Tony Mack's promotions also featured established stars Brent Dowe, Freddie McKay, Horace Andy, Errol Dunkley, Delroy Wilson, Slim Smith, Carl Dawkins, John Holt, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Big Youth, Tyrone Taylor, Leroy Smart, Hortense Ellis and Alton Ellis performing at various venues across the Island. On the overseas circuit, Mack has promoted shows and done bookings for Curtis Mayfield, Blue Magic, The Mighty Intruders, Sister Sledge, and others.
Tony Mack is at it again in his latest thrust to promote and perpetuate Jamaica's musical legacy in a promotion dubbed, Black Music History Celebration Tony Mack and Friends, slated to take place at Wally Entertainment Centre, East Avenue, Greenwich Farm, tomorrow
The event which is primarily in recognition of Black History Month, and presented by the Greenwich Town Music Fraternity, will feature such stars as Johnny Clarke, Prince Allah, Phillip Frazer, Stranjah Cole, Tinga Stewart, Finnigan and Rankin, History Man, Inna De Yard, and Tony Mack himself as the singing MC.
The Greenwich Farm show will see special guests such as Cornel Campbell, Patrick Davis, Bunny Brown, Kapachie, and Steve Tulloch being backed by Blazing Band with Livin Kulca, Earth Disciples, and the crew. Special awards will be given to veterans Owen Gray and Dennis Alcapone.
Gates open at 10 a.m. and showtime is 5 p.m.