Entertainment

Dances getting later and later ...

By KANDRE' MCDONALD, Freelance Writer

THE STARTING TIME for dancehall events is inching well into the wee hours of the morning. This was the case at Jagga B's 'Year To Year Dancehall Biggest Giveaway Dance', which was staged at Club Arizon, on Port Henderson Road in Portmore last Saturday.

The party did not really begin to kick into gear until about 2:30 a.m. in the morning when patrons began to steadily stream into the venue.

Sparsely occupied

When THE STAR team arrived at the venue at about 12:30 a.m. there was hardly anyone inside. At 1:30 a.m. the venue was still sparsely occupied. On the outside there was hardly anyone present. However, at minutes after 2 a.m. patrons began to come in one after the other. The car park on the opposite side of the venue was full to capacity and some patrons had to resort to whatever crevice they could find along the roadway to park.

The promoters seemed to have had an idea as to the time the patrons would be showing up for the event. Up to 12:30 a.m. the ticket booth was not fully operational and most of the barricades on the outside were not yet set up. On the inside, the bar in the VIP section was not finished setting up.

Crowd interaction

Señor Daley from Afrique was busy getting the patrons in the mood. He was playing music from the old school and experimenting with various genres. He stepped aside making way for the Metro Media crew. For the first time during the entire proceedings the selectors began to interact with the crowd verbally.

The Metro Media selectors began their set with Bob Marley's Waiting In Vain, and at the same time noting that it was the early segment of the show. The time was now 2:35 a.m.

Prizes

The venue was soon filled with scantily-dressed ladies parading around the perimeters of the venue, showcasing their assets. For most of these ladies it was as if they were trying to outdo each other. This was an advantage on their behalf, as the poster advertising the event stated that there was a $10,000 cash prize package for the best-dressed girl.

Winning the money was another thing however as most of the ladies crossed their hands and retreated to corners in the venue to keep warm as the chilly breeze coming in from the sea immediately behind the venue, was taking effect. Some of the ladies did not seem to mind the cold and paid more attention to sipping on expensive beverages such as Alize, Moet and Hypnotiq.

A number of items to be given away during the duration of the show was placed at a strategic position on stage so that they could be easily seen. Bed, stoves and television sets along with a host of other appliances made up the prize packages.

The first prize was given away at 3 a.m. when MC Nuffy took the stage for the first time. He then made way for the Stone Love selectors who were summoned to do their 30 minute-long stint.

At 3:20 a.m. many patrons were still on the outside just getting ready to make their grand entrance. Others were busy trying to find parking spots.

Another event that was staged recently that did not really begin until the wee hours of the morning was the 'Annual Foreigners Ball - Car & Bike Preview', which was held at the same venue.