The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE TRANSFORMATION is underway to create a world class stage for Grammy Award winning R&B artist R Kelly at the Seaside Pavilion, Arawak Cay. News of his first time performance in the Bahamas at the post-Valentine’s Day “A Celebration of Love” concert on February 23 is not gossip on the grapevine. Promoters Fresh Entertainment announced detailed plans at a press conference last week.

“We want the Bahamian people to watch it as it unfolds as we make it equivalent to any arena that you would watch an a-list concert. It is going to be equipped with Sky-box seating, general admission, VIP, platinum and a catwalk,” said Kasimu Ellis of Fresh Entertainment.

The catwalk is going to eject into the crowd for a close up experience of the A-list artist.

“The sky-box is going to be something no one has ever experienced here in Nassau. Like we say, we like to keep it fresh and we want to give people an experience of coming to a concert that will be on par with anything, anywhere else in the world,” said Mr Ellis.

The venue has the capacity to hold over 4,000 people comfortably. The bleacher seating provided by C3 Seating will offer panoramic views in all sections except the catwalk.

“If you look at this panel, you will notice there are a lot of young Bahamian men and women. We just want people to know that we are doing things out there and we are doing positive things. This is a partnership with Bahamians coming together to keep it fresh and bring a whole new different experience. We have a lot more stuff to offer in the future,” said Mr Ellis.

Fresh Entertainment has partnered with Going Places Travel, an online booking solution for airline and hotel packages, for those interested in flying to Nassau from the United States, Canada or the Family Islands, said Fresh Entertainment’s PJ Douglas. Bookings are available through the event’s website www.freshentbah.com.

Several local acts and deejays will be showcased throughout the event, including Darnaa, a rising sensation in the US, who will performing the opening act.

“We want to stress that doors open at 7 pm, and the show starts promptly at 9 pm. If you get here late, this is not a 4 o’clock in the morning concert; this is a 9pm, on time concert. We encourage people to go to one of the six ticket locations or purchase their tickets online, so that they can be expedited through the process quicker than those that purchase their tickets at the venue on the night,” said Ms Douglas. Tickets prices start at $75 and go up to $350.

Mr Ellis said the team is in close contact with the police, so people can look forward to a fun and safe environment.

“The police have indicated to us that we have their full corporation and every one is going to be safe. The whole thing is all about love, and peace and love go together,” he said.