Beres Hammond and Maxi Priest in Florida

By Steve James on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 - Photos by Steve James - Comment

The artists played at Hard Rock Live in Fort Lauderdale. Report!

The Hard Rock Live in Fort Lauderdale has a reputation for hosting great shows, and the one held on December 14^th with Maxi Priest and Beres Hammond was no different. Having had the privilege to attend the sound check before the actual event it was easy to predict that the Hard Rock would come alive when the slated performers hit the stage.

Presented by Redstar Entertainment the 5,300 capacity venue was filled to capacity by the time the first warm up act hit the stage. When Maxi Priest took the stage the crowd was already in frenzy, and he did not disappoint. He gave the audience what they came for singing hit after hit. The packed auditorium was treated to songs like Close to You, Just a Little Bit Longer, Bonafide and Wild World. His exit left the audience longing for more great

Beres Hammond When the Harmony House singers entered the stage, the vibes in the auditorium reached fever pitch in anticipation of the smooth sounds of Beres ‘The Storyteller’ Hammond. Delivering in his classic rocksteady style, he sang several songs from his new album 'One Love One Life' and several songs from his vast catalogue of well known hits. Performing for almost an hour he had the audience singing along and dancing to Kids Play, I Wish and Can You Play among many others. When he signaled the end of his set and exited the stage, the audience would not accept his departure and screamed for more. In an uncharacteristic moment he returned for an encore and treated the audience to more of his smooth vocals and ever present smile. Finding songs to satisfy the audience was no problem for the soul reggae crooner and he brought the place down with hits such as the dancehall smash hit, Tempted To Touch and Double Trouble.

The passion of his delivery had all the patrons rocking and singing and was evidenced by a wheelchair bound patron who could be seen jumping and screaming in her chair.

When he bid the audience farewell, it was obvious that although they wanted more, they were nevertheless satisfied with the offerings of the night.