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Merritone marks 68th anniversary with another homecoming

Published:Friday | September 28, 2018 | 12:00 AMKimberley Small/Gleaner Writer
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Celebrating the 68th anniversary of Merritone – the longest-standing sound system in the world. Sharing in cutting the cake are, from left: Glen Campbell, Monte Blake, Michael Thompson, Craig Ross and Richie Clarke.
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Musician Benji Myaz (centre) and ardent Merritone supporter Michael Jureidini (left), with Monte Blake of Merritone.
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Monte Blake (left) of Merritone greets Dr Joshua Chamberlain, public relations and project fundraiser of Alpha Institute, at the media launch of the Merritone Family Reunion and Homecoming.
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From October 5 to 15, Merritone will celebrate the 28th annual Merritone Reunion and Family Homecoming with a variety of events. This year's celebration will take place in Kingston and Melia Braco Resort in Rio Bueno, Trelawny.

"This year is the most ambitious attempt at the reunion. It's a dream weekend," Monte Blake said during the media launch held Thursday night at the Twooa in New Kingston.

Professor Densil Williams, pro-vice chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Mona, said the Merritone sound system is one of Jamaica's most indomitable institutions.

"It is no secret that the 68-year-old sound system is a veritable legend in our musical galaxy," he said.

The idea for a 'reunion' birthed from the late Winston 'Merritone' Blake', his wife Cynthia Schloss, and Lorna Best.

"They conceptualised a vision to have Jamaicans in the Diaspora to come home and enjoy the island as a resort like tourists do."

That idea has been a reality for the past 28 years. Last year, the revellers were entertained by the talents of Pembroke Hall High School band. According to Monte, they sent the patrons reeling with their exceptional skills.

"This year, we have adopted a new band called Rukumba. It's out of Linstead and we expect a lot from them. It's like modern mento with saxophones and all of that," he explained.

The Merritone Reunion and Homecoming celebrations will run for a total of ten days. On October 5, the festivities will kick-off at The Pallet on North Avenue in Kingston. The following day will find the veteran disc jockeys holding a vibe on the roof top of 100.

October 7 will give Merritone Family members a 'double-header'.

"We received the blessing of the Webster Memorial United Church, and the service is at 9:15 a.m.," Monte share. That same evening will find the system spinning for First Sundays at The Regency.

Though Merritone's legacy was built on speaker boxes, this year's production will also invite the participation of live musicians. Before heading up to the North Coast, music lovers will get their first taste of a live performance in Kingston on Monday, October 8. This will be followed by the Merritone Meet & Greet on Tuesday, October 9.

"It will be the night that the Reverend Astor Carlisle blesses and opens the Merritone stage, which was designed by Paul Hamilton. It's concept is an old house, representing where the sound was born; the colours are purple and white, representing the Merritone boys' alma mater; and the black and white tile that covers the stage represents the tile in the Turntable Club," Monte said.

On that stage, the guest disc jockeys (Winston 'WeePow' Powell from Stone Love; Louis Owen from the VRCA and Danny Earlington) will be spinning strictly vinyl records.

"Vinyl junkies, please come down and support."

Monday, October 15 will be the final day. Customarily hosted at The Deck, the closing event will take place at 2A Strathairn Avenue in Kingston.