BY KANDRE' MCDONALD, Freelance Writer
( L - R ) Junior Gong and Nanko - FILE PHOTOS
THERE WERE NOT three bars with seven bartenders in each as promised on the posters. The venue was not big, nor was the sound system thumping heavily. However, 21 Rum Salute, staged at Coco Loco, just outside of the New Kingston area, last Friday had its fair share of vibes.
At minutes to midnight there was just a handful of patrons in the venue and speakers from the sound system were still being 'strung up.' The mood was tense and apart from three females in the centre of the venue dancing, the environment was similar to that of a museum full of statues.
As the hours rolled on the patrons began to trickle in and the selectors were warming up to the task. The patrons also began to frequent the two bars.
WELCOME TO NORBROOK
With the number satisfactory and selectors from Impulse behind the turntables 'the party started.' The Impulse selectors grabbed the attention of the patrons from the beginning when they dropped Welcome to Norbrook, a remake of Junior Gong's Welcome to Jamrock. The 'Uptown gathering' responded to the song with such enthusiasm that the selectors opted to 'pull it up' a few times.
They then delved into a few selections from the Season's Rhythm and had the patrons singing and rocking to the beat.
Even though the party was about liquor, another kind of 'lick' was banned by the Impulse selectors. "Lick-har ban roun' here. If yuh want something to drink go the bar and get some alcohol," they advised the patrons, "No Lick-har".
They then turned up the flames with Kanye West's Gold Digger and Diamonds Are Forever and had the crowd, which had more than tripled by this time, going wild. Sizzla's voice over the speaker singing "That's fine with me..." had the patrons going wild.
From all indications the party was coming to its climax. The Coppershot selectors returned for their second round and they did not disappoint. They kept the party on a high and ensured that the tempo set by the Impulse selectors was maintained. This they did with several dub plates.
A remix of Nanko's Lucky You and Kanye West's Gold Digger was enough to get the patrons under 'Coppershot's party spell.' Gyration took on a new meaning, and the environment was slowly transformed into that of a mini 'Passa Passa'.
The 'dance groups' were formed and all hell broke loose. Selector Fire Links who was passing through seemed caught up in the vibes, and although he did not stop to spin a few tunes, he eagerly took the microphone and addressed the crowd.
At minutes after two the police made their presence felt, but when THE STAR team left the venue after three Saturday morning the party was still rocking.
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