IT IS BEING BILLED the biggest event for the end of the year.

Already the talk is on the road and everyone is gearing up for the Hennessy Artistry show which will be featuring popular artistes Jah Cure, Taurrus Riley and Duane Stephenson.

Come December 5, the National Stadium should be packed with more than 12 000 patrons, which is what they had in 2007 when Jah Cure did his first show here, and early bird tickets go on sale from this weekend at a number of box offices.

Al Gilkes, promoter of the show and managing director of FAS Entertainment, who has partnered again with Digicel and Starcom Network Inc, noted Barbados was the second Caribbean island hosting this series of international concerts being put on by Hennessy around the world.

He said although the country was still in a recession, he felt the turn-out for the show would be just as big as Jah Cure's first show or even bigger. To ensure this, he said tickets would remain at the same prices they had been on that particular occasion.

"We are cognisant of the fact that there is a recession, but we are confident that because of those on board, the show will be a success despite the challenges," he noted.

Moet Hennessy brand manager Antonio Arthur said it was the first time in Barbados Hennessy was involved with a show of this magnitude.

He said this country was one of the biggest consumers of the Hennessy cognac and the show was aimed at bringing contemporary artistes together to produce a unique blend of music and culture mixed with drinks and people from all over the world.

Arthur noted patrons in the VIP section, would dine on Hennessy, and a host of other premium drinks and finger foods.

Chief executive officer of Digicel, Barry O'Brien, which have once again partnered with FAS, noted through texting, offering free tickets and through top-ups, Barbadians would also gain other methods of attending the show. He noted too they hoped to attract visitors from other islands, as the show would be highly advertised throughout this month.

Jah Cure is known for such songs as Love Is, Longing For, True Reflections and his latest hits Call On Me and Two Too Way Street while Taurrus is known for She's Royal, Stay With You and Beware.

Among the Barbadian artistes slated to appear are Buggy, Hotta Flames and Daniel. (CT)