The Second City welcomes 2019
Published:Wednesday | January 2, 2019 | 12:00 AMJanet Silvera/ Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Thousands flocked to the Howard Cooke Boulevard, in Montego Bay, awaiting the 10-minute fireworks at Pier 1 on the Waterfront at midnight.
While they stood in awe - capturing the historic moment, another type of fire raged inside the popular local attraction, as New Year's Eve revellers obeyed every command dictated to them at the party tagged 'Twist Hollywood' style.
There was no twisting of the arms - these party lovers went willingly, opting for either ultra-all-inclusive or mixed-drink inclusive dance party, with the latter just as packed as the more expensive package.
Obviously, Twist's reputation was preceded by its proven track record, and by 3 a.m., it was easy to declare this event the number one experience for ringing in 2019 in western Jamaica.
Pier 1 had secured the likes of the smoking hot DJ Smoke; the indomitable DJ Baby Thug; the craziest disc jockey in the land,DJ Crazy Neil; DJ Theron; and Crazy Jay, who delivered on what can only be described as "an experience", according to Anna-Kaye Russell-Byles, who runs the restaurant and bar with her brother Jason.
A large Appleton bar, Skyy Vodka and a dome as a dance floor, LED stage and cabanas with the option of bottle service were some of the premium highlights of what was a fabulous event.
Hard Rock Cafe
Over at Montego Freeport, another inferno blazed as the band Jamvibez dictated the terms of engagement at the Hard Rock Cafe. They created a jam session that had the hundreds of patron under their spell.
With selections from reggae, disco and pop, their renditions ranged from Chronixx (Skankin Sweet, Access Grant); Buju Banton (Hills & Valleys); Morgan Heritage (Down by the River) and Diana King (Shy Guy); Bruno Mars (Uptown Funk), Black Eye Peas (I Gotta feeling). These were just a few of the selections.
This party was a family affair, as children were allowed access with their parents, who all came for the impressive menu and fireworks at midnight.
Margaritaville, Marguerites, Blue Beat, Coral Cliff, Island Strains/2727, Sea Gardens Beach Resort, Rehab, Brewery, and the vendors kept the Jimmy Cliff Boulevard (Hip Strip) alive, and this was the place where the majority of Montegonians converged to celebrate the arrival of 2019.
The diversity on the strip and the advent of a new year were enough to lure residents of the Second City out of their homes.
DJs Jigga, Rusty and Blue juggled the music at Margaritaville, and no state of emergency placed a stop order on anyone.