Boosting founder Val Blake's aphorism that "things of quality have no fear of time" the 27th edition of the Merritone Homecoming and Family Reunion had a typically convivial and fulsome launch at the now iconic Waterfalls lounge (15 years as the HQ for Merritone) in Kingston on Thursday night.
Emcee Michael Hall kept the proceedings, flowing with his usual calm aplomb, complimented by music from Mikey Thompson.
Historian and former public official Arnold "Scree" Bertram gave his own personal recollections of the Merritone experience, which of course, resonated with many in the capacity audience. Gathered to help mark the occasion was a cross-section of age groups, professions and social stations befitting an institution such as Merritotne, notching 67 unbroken years this year.
Merritone Director Monte Blake outlined a week chock full of activities, beginning with a thanksgiving Church Service on Sunday October8 at the Webster Memorial Church, followed by the first of several "lymes" the Merritone "Lagniappe" at "2wooA" (2A Strathairn Avenue) on Monday October 9.
The live vibe enters the picture on Tuesday, with the first of two dates at the Alibi lounge (next to Megamaart i Kingston), then following on Wednesday night as part of the weekly "Cocktails and Jazz" series, featuring Ozuone and Pon Fyah band. The two Alibi dates are no cover.
The Waterfalls venue also plays its regular role during Homecoming Week with a "Turntable Thursday" session, at $700 per person.
The grand climax takes place at the Melia Braco Resort in Trelawny (already sold out), which itself wil play host to a wide variety of performances and other activities, complimented by teh Merritone sound.
To finish off, there will be two of the popular "Las' Lick" farewell sessions, one at Braco, and one at the familiar location, New Kingston's The Deck, the latter beginning at 7:00 pm on Monday October 16 and attracting a cover charge of $1000 per person.
Minister of Gender, Entertainment Culture and Sports, Hon Olivia "Babsy" Grange gave the main address, in which she announced a number of measures and developments with respect to the entertainment sector.
these include a comemorative compilation CD, featuring past festival Song winners, and iconic songs which were not adjudged winners. The proceeds from the sale of the record, Minister indicated, would go toward the insurance plan to support artistes. Minister also mentioned a huge comemorative concert, in England, honouring the 70th Anniversary of the arrival of Jamaicans and other West Indians in the UK via the M/V Windrush.
The gathering was, expectedly, treated to spirited live performances from Charmaine Lemonious, Deon Hardy and Kayo Yoshido, as well as a fashion show featuring designs for ladies and gents by Robyno.
The Merritone Homecoming is presented by the Jamaica Tourist Board, with sponsors J Wray &Nephew, Jamaica National, Lorraine Fung Caterers
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