What started out as a concert to raise funds to assist an ill child 15 years ago is now one of the most anticipated events on the fall calendar. With a line up that includes Najie Dunn, Christian Massive, Simeon Outten, Mount Tabor Choir, Naden Moss, Ricardo Clarke, Adrian Edgecombe, Kristine Alicia, Shaback, Lyrical Dancers, Samara Cooper, Lyrically Blessed and Platinum Soldiers, Fam Fest will be the place to be on Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23, at Arawak Cay.

"Fam Fest is all about love and unity," says Najie Dunn who will be performing on the all-star ticket.  "It's a great family event for people to come out to.  It is something that they can enjoy and come out to together as a family like we are supposed to.  It doesn't matter what situation you are in life, or what your family is like, this is the time to come together, make peace with one another and love yourself and those who care about you."

Dunn, who sings "Give Myself Away," "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder" and "Hype Music", says performing at Fam Fest is the highlight of the year for him and he intends to put on an inspiring performance.

"It's always exciting and amazing to see people come out as a family and enjoy themselves. I believe this will be blessed and one of the best we put on yet.  These kinds of family oriented events are becoming fewer in number so when they come around it is just fantastic.  We need more of this kind of thing going on so we can build the family again."

Joining the "soul-saving train" line up this year will be Jermaine Edwards from Jamaica; Vashawn Mitchell from Atlanta, Georgia; Isaac Blackman and D' All Girls Band both from Trinidad and Tobago and Lexi from Detroit, Michigan.  They are all expected to bring the fire to the already star-studded event.

"Fam Fest is going to be even better this year," said Fam Fest coordinator Andrea Knowles.  "You cannot expect anything less.  It's a fun, free family event that no one should want to miss.  This event is more than just about the family it is also about providing a platform for the younger, less known Bahamian artists to perform.

It's about introducing them to the environment and letting them share the stage with more veteran artists.  We will have musicians and performers who can relate to everyone at their level.  We just want to create a positive environment that mommy, daddy, children, grammy or whoever can thoroughly enjoy."

And rain or shine, the show will go on and be nothing short of fantastic, says the organizer.  She says nothing will stop the blessing and excitement people have been looking forward to all year long.

"What is fall without Fam Fest?" asked 19-year-old Jordan Munroe.  "You know summer is over and it's nearing the holiday time when this shows up. This time of the year wouldn't be the same without it.  It's just so wonderful and I know I will have a great time.  What will make this more special for me is that my youngest brother will be coming out to see it for the first time and I look forward to him having a good time."

There will be a number of changes this year that should keep concert-goers on their toes throughout the two-day event. Instead of having the international artists all performing on one day as was done in the past the group will be mixed with local and international talent performing together, so if you miss a day, you won't know which performer you will miss.  Mother of three, Mikaela Mitchell is looking forward to taking her sons to the concert.

"Everyone tends to be so restless on weekends because most of the time there is nothing I can do with them and now that it's mid-term, this event is coming at the perfect time.  There is just so much crime happening all around us, and our kids are picking up all these bad things being highlighted in the media. It's refreshing to be able to have something good for them to sponge off of.  Taking them out to Fam Fest where some popular musicians will be singing about good things might reach them more than I can, so I will be there," she says.

Fam Fest rocks out on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.  Admission is free.
 
THE SCHEDULE

When: Friday, October 21
Where: Arawak Cay
Time: 7:30 p.m. - until
Cost: Free
 
When: Saturday, October 22
Where: Arawak Cay
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

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