With Anguilla’s 45th Summer Festival 2019 celebrations some three months away, the promoters of “Eyes Wide Shut” have come out to make the public aware of their exuberant plans for this red-letter year in which they would celebrate their 5th anniversary. “Eyes Wide Shut is a renowned festival feature which has gained rave reviews in recent years as the one show that drives the rest for Summer Festival.
In an exquisite press release at Paradise Cove Resort on Tuesday, May 21st, “Eyes Wide Shut’s” founder O’leary Richardson, left no stone unturned to reveal the best kept “secrets” of this year’s events. This year, as was the case last year, the platinum sponsor for the show is Tropical Distributors, agents for Campari. On hand to boost Tropical’s participation in the popular event was Mr. Brendon Jeffers. Other associate sponsors were in attendance, as well, including FLOW, the Anguilla Tourist Board, and the Department of Youth and Culture.
Clearly demonstrating a spirit of eagerness to break the news of the event’s highlights, O’leary first cordially addressed the press by thanking them for their presence and their coverage. He then gave his loyal sponsors the opportunity to share their views before he would announce the “Eyes Wide Shut” 2019 special performing artists.
First to speak was Mrs. Jade Reymond-Richardson, Marketing Manager of FLOW, whom O’leary praised as the firm which has supported the show since its inception. Mrs. Reymond-Richardson remarked: “It is a privilege for FLOW to have been a sponsor of “Eyes Wide Shut” ever since its inception. Over the years the show has definitely grown, not only in its celebration but also with regard to the attendance of its many fans. We are truly pleased to be a part of this arrangement.
“As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Summer Festival, FLOW has quite a number of events that we are a part of, but this is definitely one of the most anticipated events. As we get closer to the upcoming show, we will feature quite a number of promotions and opportunities for FLOW customers to win tickets to ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, and indeed there will be opportunities to be part of the ‘fun zone experience’.”
Tropical Distributor’s representative, Brendon Jeffers, then made his promotion of platinum sponsor Compari by saying: “To Tropical, “Eyes Wide Shut’ is like our baby. We started with the show in its early stages and we have contributed to its growth and development to this stage where it has become one of the regions premier breakfast fests. ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ is a brand of its own, and Tropical Distributors, along with FLOW and all the other ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ sponsors, is proud to be a part of the energy that this show brings to Summer Festival.”
O’leary introduced Ms. Lisa Rey, the Chairperson of the Anguilla Summer Festival Committee. She too hailed “Eyes Wide Shut” as one of the region’s biggest breakfast fests. She complimented O’leary for the fact that he is able to juggle the show while working hand in hand with the Committee: “We definitely commend O’leary for the great job that he has been doing,” she said, “and we are grateful for the sponsors that have stood behind him every year to ensure that show stays great.”
Director of Youth and Culture, Mr. Bren Romney, spoke next, applauding O’leary for his contribution to the Summer Festival, although, as he said, he never wants to separate the efforts of O’leary and his team from the rest of the bigger picture of Summer Festival proper. He noted: “The collaboration that has developed over the past five years with regard to Summer Festival’s support of O’Leary is noteworthy and should continue. I would like to say a hearty thank you to the sponsors and to the Festival Committee, and I would like to congratulate O’leary.
“Particularly, I would like to say a hearty thanks to the sponsors. Without the sponsors, much of what we try to accomplish annually would not be possible. So, we owe a debt of gratitude to all you sponsors for your contributions and your continued support, not only for Summer Festival events, but for the support of culture in general.”
The Anguilla Tourist Board’s representative was Mr. Gershwin Lake. He spoke on behalf of Tourism’s Destination Manager, Mr. Jameel Rochester, and said that over the past five years the show has grown exponentially. “The Anguilla Tourist Board is a proud sponsor of ‘Eyes Wide Shut’. And as we look at other neighbouring islands, when they stage their shows they pull large crowds from the islands around them. Similarly, this show has great potential in drawing crowds from around the region.
“We look forward to a great event this year again. I must congratulate the ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ team for the calibre of past performances, and we expect none the less this year.”
O’Leary then expressed his gratitude for the commendations accorded to him and his team and, without much delay, he set out to unveil the hidden poster which displayed the performers of this year’s show.
To the cheers of those in attendance, the lineup for “Eye’s Wide Shut” 2019 was revealed. O’leary described the prospective performers against the backdrop of their music: “On the international scene we have the dynamic performer, Asa Bantan out of Dominica; next we have Farmer Nappy, another renowned artist out of Trinidad with hits upon hits. Our main headliner, who definitely needs no introduction, is the man himself, Machel Montano out of Trinidad.
“We will also be featuring DJ Puffy, of Barbados, who is very versatile. He will be supported by Barrie Hype, who has now become like family to ‘Eyes Wide Shut’.
“Overall,” O’leary noted, “I am extremely excited about this year’s lineup. I think this one is the most special.”
On the local scene, O’leary said that they will be bringing on bands like Synergy and Pantha Vibes. He remarked: “We feel it is fitting to have them featured on our fifth year. They have been with us since our inception. We will also be featuring Latest & XHD. Also on stage will be DeeJ Blaze, DJ Stylez, DJ Sparta, and the event will be hosted for the fifth year by DJ Jeanie.”
The press was appreciative of the information provided by O’leary. A few questions were posed, by media personnel, particularly with regard to the cost of the event. The explanations given were informative, and O’leary and his team were grateful for the publicity.
Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
