CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

The National Indoors sports complex was painted with black, as more than 3000 patrons streamed into the venue to celebrate Sir Arthur Guinness Day on Thursday.

The venue had ample walking space at 7 p.m. However, by show time, which started at approximately 8 p.m., the venue was packed to capacity as patrons gathered in honour of Sir Arthur Guinness, who started the world-renowned alcoholic brand which has etched itself as a part of the Jamaican culture.

Reggae act Nature started the show on a positive note by performing an acoustic rendition of his World Peace single. Following his seven minutes, came dancehall act Aidonia and his J.O.P camp. Dressed in a full-green suit, the deejay belted the lyrics of Run Road, Jockey among others. Patrons seemed to enjoy his set and gave an encouraging response.

If last year's standard of performances was anything to compare with, this year definitely rivalled some of last year's top displays. The artistes performed at their highest potential in a bid to entertain the sea of Jamaican fans who were at times quite picky with their responses.

I-Octane came next and seemed set to prove a point, and he did so effectively, courtesy of his solid set which comprised high-energy material. He also gave patrons brawta by bringing out Guinness' greatest dancehall icon Bounty Killer. Together they performed their 2012 song of the year Bad Mind Dem A Pree to a roaring applause.

Tarrus Riley was next and his set was equally electrifying as every song performed from his growing catalogue incited a strong reaction from the crowd. Tarrus was accompanied by veteran saxophonist Dean Frazer and they indeed set the bar so high that many wondered if Busy Signal could reach it.

Busy Signal obviously seeing the responses to the artistes before him, opted to start his set with his energetic dancehall hit song Step Out.

The song was well received, however, the climax to his set came when he called on violinist Jessica Yapp and they performed These are The Days together. During Yapp's yanking of the violin strings in dancehall fashion, many patrons couldn't hear the performance because several patrons made noises with the highly annoying vuvuzelas in approval.

Busy brought the performances to a close with a performance of his current hit single, Bumaye produced by Major Lazer.

Arthur's Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in September, a trend which started in 2009. Jamaica joined the pack of worldwide celebrations in 2010.