Time dissolved softly, swiftly into something magical as the Lost In Time Festival delivered a show of undeniable substance. Hours were not counted but felt; seconds did not tick, they pulsed — grabbing the attention of the sold-out crowd and refusing to let go. Now expanded to two days, the festival opened Saturday night with an energy that felt electric. Under a canopy of trees and stars, patrons seemed content to get lost in time as friends huddled in groups on blankets, barefoot and bursting with excitement. Joby Jay and Tessanne Chin set the mood early in the night’s packed agenda, thrilling the audience with vocals that proved a fitting opener. Both singers undoubtedly whet the appetites of eager patrons who responded with screams of approval — giving as much energy as they received from the entertainers.

Grammy-nominated singer Mortimer, whose presence alone signaled that the evening was shifting into higher gear, was poised yet powerful as he stamped his class on the stage with a commanding performance. Gliding effortlessly through a catalogue of his most notable hits, Mortimer drew the audience into a rich sonic journey. Each song landed with intention, so much so that by the time he brought his set to a close with his mega-hit single Lightning, sparks ignited the atmosphere. The stage soon welcomed veteran lyricist Tanya Stephens and young powerhouse Lila Iké. Delivering separate sets that struck a delicate balance between seasoned mastery and youthful star power, each woman brought her own distinct texture to the unfolding soundscape.

For Stephens, it was a masterclass in catalogue and command. With effortless ease she ushered the audience into a thunderous singalong, reeling off one classic after the other as patrons happily supplied harmonies of their own. From the unapologetic storyline of ‘It’s A Pity’ to the infectious grit of ‘Bum Wuk’, the unfolding drama in ‘What’s Your Story’, ‘After You’, and crowd favorite ‘These Streets’, her set sent patrons on a stroll down memory lane. For Lila Iké, the moment felt like both a celebration and confirmation of her rising stature. Fresh from the global spotlight of the Grammy Awards stage, the singer delivered a set marked by rich, expressive vocals and an undeniable command of mood. She moved gracefully through selections such as ‘Scatter’ and ‘Thy Will’ before pausing to honor the architects of reggae who came before her. In a heartfelt medley she paid tribute to the late Cocoa Tea and iconic reggae band Third World, drawing appreciative cheers from the audience. (Jamaica Observer/ Naphtali Junior)