Night 2 of Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival was all about Mary J. Blige and Michael Bolton. Anticipation built the whole night for these two international performers and they did not disappoint. The entire crowd went bananas for Mr. Bolton, who looks considerably older than his sex-symbol, mulletted days, albeit still handsome. He appeared on stage with little build-up or announcement, his voice simply drifting in from nowhere. And the crowd went wild. They sang along to every word, professed their love as if it were 1990 and screamed their devotion. Even some men were singing every word, although Mr. Bolton’s demographic clearly skews female, or perhaps not in JA. The fellow beside me actually recited every word a verse before Mr. Bolton sung it. In addition to the soulful singing, (despite his 90s, Mom-jeaned, mulleted image, he really can sing) there were a couple solos from a saxophonist and Mr. Bolton himself did a few riffs on an electric guitar. He also prominently featured a woman named Kelly in a tight, white, ruched dress, long, bleached blond hair and lots of makeup.

Then, MJB took the stage, but not after a wait during which a rumour started that the Prime Minister was on her way. Perhaps this was because a large posse of police started clearing out the media pit in anticipation of something we were not informed of. Some of us had to leave, some of us didn’t. It was all very arbitrary. And we were only allowed to take pictures for two songs, according to MJB’s wishes apparently. Her voice alone made it worth the wait and the strict conditions. As a live singer, MJB is absolutely amazing- soulful yet powerful and emotive. It is clear she enjoys performing in JA, and for the crowd, she could do no wrong. It became a gigantic choir once again (so too did it for Mr. Bolton). And then it was all over and she was whisked off in a black Range Rover. Stay tuned for night 3.