Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

The fifth staging of Richie Stephens' Take Me Away concert was launched on the roof of the recently constructed Spanish Court hotel in New Kingston last Thursday evening. The compact programme offered a taste of what's to come with some tantalising musical teasers.

Stephens, CEO of Pot of Gold and organiser of the show, explained that "Take Me Away is about charity; and Sisters to Sisters will be this year's beneficiary."

The show will be held on April 26 at the C&W Golf Academy.

Thanked sponsors

Stephens also thanked the companies who sponsored the fifth staging of the event, which includes The Gleaner, particularly in this tough economical climate.

Guest speaker Howard McIntosh, acting chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, challenged those gathered to promote a "change in mindset" and that they should "advocate the creative industry".

On the debate regarding some songs, McIntosh said "Do not stifle creativity"; and to the Broadcasting Commission, "Help us to be creative but protect our children".

Ronnie Sutherland, representing title sponsor CVM TV, explained that the show's "clean fun, it's classiness, minimal risk and being an event that gives back to the community" were reasons for his company's association with the show.

A sneak preview of Take Me Away was presented in the form of performances from saxophonist Tony Green and vocalist Stevie Face, who will both perform on the show. Green had the captivated audience swaying as he demonstrated his mastery of the saxophone, while Face had them singing along to Tell It Like It Is.

Scheduled performers

The other artistes scheduled to perform on the programme are Jeffrey Osborne, Lust, Gem Myers and the 'Three The Hard Way' combination of Gregory Isaacs, Ken Boothe and Leroy Sibbles. Stephens will be the main act.

Proceeds from Take Me Away will go towards the building of a shelter for abused women. Paula Ann Porter, a director of Sisters to Sisters, said "There is currently one shelter, and that is inadequate."

Operated by the Bureau of Women's Affair, Sisters to Sisters not only seeks ways to raise funds for abused women, but also promotes interaction with the women through bimonthly radio programmes.

"We men need to give more, reach out and support the sisters," Stephens said.

Stephens created Take Me Away after realising there was a need for family shows. He invited some friends to perform at the first show at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel ballroom in 2005. Since then, the show has grown each year and is best assessed in the increase in the size of the venues each year.