EVER-G PERFORMS AT HAMPTON BAY DAYS

By: Tinsley Starr

       If you live in Hampton Roads, VA, then you were probably among the thousands of people that attended the Hampton Bay Days Festival, this past weekend. But if you were not at the Mill Point Park stage, on Sunday evening, to witness the closing finale--then you missed a spectacular show. The powerhouse of non-stop energy, I am referring to, is known as EVER-G.

        If you have never listened to Reggae music, then you need to hear this man and his message. You will experience a style of Reggae that will leave you yearning for more. I was bitten by the Reggae bug, several months ago after attending a Reggae festival—and the fever is still in me. One artist stood out among the rest. EVER-G. When I heard that he would be performing at Hampton Bay Days, I had to be there. I was in awe, from the moment he walked out onto the Mill Point Park stage and started to speak. The soundcheck alone was enough to keep you glued to your seat, anxiously waiting for a show like none other. And it was truly humbling, when EVER-G asked the crowd to pause for a moment of silence, to remember the tragedy that took place 10 years ago on 9/11/01. Then, the one and only EVER-G, did his thing.

        He sang several of my favs. Let Jah Music Play, Can’t Steal My Joy, My Queen and Life—just to name a few. He had the crowd on their feet moving to the rhythm. His vocals were outstanding—every song in perfect pitch. I stood there saying, WOW! Over and over again. And ladies, I am sure most of you will agree with me when I say, the man is also easy on the eye. If you have ever seen EVER-G perform, then you are probably aware of his on stage quirks that are really cool. He starts to sing and about 10 or 15 sec. into the song, everything comes to a halt. He flashes that smile, utters a few words with that sexy accent--then moves around the stage with a swagger that says, “I own this stage.” Then BAM! He comes back with that powerful voice, stronger than ever. Everybody can’t pull that off—but EVER-G can. He even paid homage to Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Dennis Brown. SENSATIONAL! If I had to describe his performance in one word, that word would be, AWESOME! I have been trying to think of at least one person that I can compare him to—but I can’t. He is of unrivaled comparison. The man is phenomenal.

        Also, having a seasoned band is a plus. His backup band, THE CREW, and those harmonizing Irieites were all amazing. A lady standing nearby said, “He’s really good, where has he been?” I said the question is, “Where have you been?” EVER-G fans know that he has been on the scene for a long time. So, can somebody tell me why this man has not been signed to a major contract yet? Do people not recognize exceptional talent anymore? Roots music is what’s happening! EVER-G is what I consider a triple threat. He sings, writes his own songs, and plays the guitar. He is so much better than a lot of artists that have been signed to major contracts and can’t sing. Hey, I’m just keeping it real. I think this man deserves to be heard worldwide.

        To those who voted on the Hampton Bay Days website, expressing an interest in attracting more Reggae artist to the festival, I hope you plan to do the same for next year. Let’s bring EVER-G back. Then again, who knows—he may sign that major and be on tour around about this time next year. People get ready, because Jah is not through with him yet.