Jamaican reggae singer Richie Stephens rang in the New Year as the headliner at the 3rd annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, billed “Under The Stars Block Party,” on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater in Miramar, Fl.
The award-winning Stephens was backed by the Visions Band at the free public event.
Stephens, who was once signed with US-based Motown Records, has over four decades of performing and recording hit songs, like “Pot of Gold”, “Fight Back” (with Garnet Silk) and “Joy,” which was co-written and produced by Jazzie B of Soul 11 Soul.
“Joy” was a top-10 single in Greece and the UK, and also became a top-20 hit in Ireland, Italy, the US and the Netherlands. It also peaked at number four in Zimbabwe.
Jamaican-born, New York-based entertainment publicist Anthony “ER Guru” Turner told Caribbean Life that he had looked forward to spending New Year’s Eve in Florida, his first outside of New York in 10 years, and attended “Under The Stars Block Party.”
He shared that Jamaican-born Miramar City Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers and GRAMMY-winning reggae band Inner Circle hosted the event.
Inner Circle is renowned for international hits “Sweat (A La La La La Long)” and “Bad Boys”, the theme of American TV show COPS, which ran on FOX TV for 25 seasons, and which was also used in the Will Smith and Martin Lawrence action/comedy film series “Bad Boys.”
“Ian brings a wealth of expertise and vision that inspires confidence and collaboration. Working with Ian (Lewis), Inner Circle Band, and the subsidiary company Big Sound has been an incredible experience. The overall team’s professionalism, dedication, and ability to truly listen and adapt to needs have made the partnership not only productive but enjoyable,” Commissioner Chambers told Caribbean Life.
Music at the event was played by King Waggy T, who was recognized with a Proclamation by the City of Miramar for his trailblazing work as a sound system operator and radio disc jockey, along with selector DJ Fergy.
Turner said a fireworks show and New Year’s Eve Ball-Drop rang in the New Year at midnight.
