Festival faithful carries her friends

Sixty-four-year-old Macklin McLune says only death will keep her away from Reggae Sumfest. McLune has been going to the annual festival for the past 10 years and is yet to be disappointed by the quality of the entertainment. McLune told The Gleaner that even if she is wheelchair-bound, will she find her way to Montego Bay for the festival.

"I just love the music, and you are guaranteed a good show when you come to Sumfest," she said. "I was disappointed when they cut out the international acts, but I kept coming because I believe our local people are good enough to keep the show going, and they are doing a good job. I love the whole experience of Reggae Sumfest - the music, the people, the culture."

McLune has also introduced a number of her friends to the festival over the years, three of who came with her on this trip for their Sumfest debut. "Everyone I've ever brought has fallen in love with the show, and as long as I'm coming, I will continue to bring people. This kind of music needs to be shared, and more persons need to experience the culture," she said.

McLune is retired and has returned home to Jamaica from the United States. Sumfest has been such a treat for her that she has been to several of the events during this year's week-long activities.