When Alpha Blondy left the Doce Lunas SoundStage, packed up their amps, put the mics in their Pelican cases, and bid farewell to their hosts here in Jaco Costa Rica the behind the scenes drama begins to unfold. Here we obtained a press release which is posted in full without edits:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WORLD REGGAE CONCERT NEWS

OH THE IRONY! WAR OVER U.N. PEACE AMBASSADOR AND REGGAE SUPERSTAR ALPHA BLONDY

ALPHA BLONDY RIOT IN CARTAGO, COSTA RICA

700 concertgoers took to the streets in Cartago Costa Rica throwing rocks and bottles at Picacho’s Paradise and breaking windows last Friday April 31st. American Promoter Chris Diforte was jailed and is now released but barred from leaving the country pending the clearing of his substantial debts and further investigation of allegations of fraud. Picacho’s has filed a lawsuit against Todoticketcr.com for their failure to pay the promoter money due on the self-fulfilling prophecy that he will not pay his bills. DoceLunas is also filing suit against Todoticketcr for failure to pay monies due and repeated breach of contract.

CBI/DOCELUNAS SAVES THE TOUR: ALPHA BLONDY RUNS FULL 90 MINUTES THROUGH HEAVY RAIN STORM ON THE FOUR STAR HOTEL’S COVERED OUTDOOR STAGE 

Having heard from the radio rather than the “man” himself, that American promoter Chris Diforte had moved the show from their venue under rental to Dominical six hours from any major population center one week from the scheduled DoceLunas appearances May 1 and 2, the DoceLunas promoter CBI scrambled to to save the show. CBI made contact with some music industry heavyweights in the US, to help smooth over fears and concerns created by the unexpected changes.

An appreciative audience of approximately 1,000 arrived at DoceLunas in Jaco Costa Rica in a light rain having heard conflicting reports from national radio stations created by a relentless campaign of sabotage by Chris Diforte who contacted radio stations and ticket vendors saying the DoceLunas show was cancelled or lacked permits. Ticket vendor todoticketcr has yet to pay the promoter monies due under contract. Promoter CBI says a lawsuit will be filed against todoticketcr for failing to perform contract and failure to pay monies due.  

Lacking a roof on the smaller stage, opening bands refused to play in front of the anxious crowd who stood four hours in the rain from doors until Alpha Blondy took the stage, hesitantly accepting the reassurance of promoter CBI. Beginning exactly in sync with the band, the first major storm of the wet season arrived and drenched the audience with an estimated 1/2 inch of rain in a mere 90 minutes and left with the performer. Less than 100 people left before the end of the show at 1:30 am. At 1:30 am, the customary parades of huge smiles begin to roll out of the venue. Given the uncertainty, the four hours standing in the rain, and the intense performance in the sheets of huge rain drops, this is a show that will always be remembered by everyone who made it there.

Please note this and do not send us emails about this point; grammatical errors in the release. We simply wanted to get this out to everyone right away and we will follow up explanations as we receive them.