Russell

He may not have been on the original bill, but a spokesperson for Reggae Sumfest says Tito Jackson's appearance was a shot in the arm for the July 19-25 show, which was held at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay.

Jackson, older brother of late superstar Michael Jackson, performed on International Night II. He accepted a lifetime achievement award on behalf of Michael who died from cardiac arrest in Los Angeles on June 25.

"What it did was generate a lot of international exposure for us. The entertainment world was still focused on the Jackson legacy and Tito coming here gave us unprecedented publicity," said Robert Russell of Summerfest Promotions.

Dedicated to King of Pop

Two weeks ago, Summerfest Promotions announced that three of Jackson's brothers would perform at the event, which was dedicated to the King of Pop. It got mass coverage in the United States, especially on network television and major cable channels.

Tito Jackson's Sumfest performance has been featured on leading American television programmes including Entertainment Tonight and Good Morning America.

Russell said it was too early to say if Reggae Sumfest 2009 has been a financial success, but said the show, first held in 1993, remains viable.

Dancehall Night, traditionally Sumfest's strongest date, lived up to reputation and was again its trump card. It attracted an estimated 17,000 persons to Catherine Hall, which has a capacity of 19,000.

Dancehall Night showcased the genre's biggest names, led by old rivals Beenie Man and Bounty Killer. In contrast, Russell estimates International Night I drew a disappointing 8,000 patrons, though it too had big names in American singers Ne-Yo, Keri Hilson and Jazmine Sullivan, and roots singer Queen Ifrica, who is riding high with her new album, Montego Bay.

Among the production negatives, Russell believes band changes were too long. "We've got to look at a revolving stage for next year. It's kind of expensive, but it would save a lot of time," he said.