Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2016 | Page 366

Caribbean music, be it reggae, calypso or soca is known for its infectious beats. How accepted do you think this type of music is here in Vancouver? I think this music is widely accepted here in Vancouver and it is proven by the numerous “Sold Out” concerts and events hosted by Melo Productions with a capacity of up to 2,700 persons at any given time, in various entertainment venues! Who has been your main influencers over the years? The main influences I have had over the years started back in the 1970’s with my Perryscope Productions’ family (General Manager at the time; Riley O’Conner) known today as “Live Nation”, which in fact, to date, we still maintain a strong working relationship. Others are: • The Late, Great, Drew Burns (Commodore Ballroom). • Bruce Allen, Sam Feldman & John Teti; Agencies in the 70’ & 80’s; where it all began. • Mr. Justice Selwyn Romilly • George Barrett; CFRO Co-Op Radio 100.5FM. • Peter McCullen – Timber Productions. 362 • Vancouver Impresario; Hugh Pickett. • Bob Burrows; Promoter at large. Just to name a few! Of all the concerts hosted by Melo Productions, which has been your most memorable so far? Byron Lee & the Dragonaires. Melo Productions started hosting Byron Lee & the Dragonaires in the late 1980’s, performing in Vancouver at the Commodore Ballroom and continued to perform every single August for the next twenty years until Byron Lee’s passing. This was one of the many events, that Vancouver waited for every Summer and it