Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Dean Shepherd, marketing manager for Smirnoff. - CONTRIBUTED
HIGH SOCIETY, Mad Circle, Wright Image and Elan Entertainment joined forces to stage the much-anticipated Smirnoff Exclusive on Sunday at the Negril Villas - an invitation-only event.
The guest list comprised, "the most fabulous people in Jamaica in 2005" and all aspects of Smirnoff Exclusive was as fabulous as its invitees. The 750 ml bottle of Smirnoff Vodka, which was required for admission along with the invitation, was a small price to pay for a lovely ambience, unlimited food and drink, and good music.
EXQUISITE MENU
The menu was exquisite, boasting dishes like sautéed lobster tails, oysters in sweet sauce and jumbo shrimp soup. The bar was equally inviting with drinks ranging from the crisp Smirnoff Ice to the elegant white wine - how fabulous! Even as the party was gearing down at 9:00 p.m, the bar was still fully stocked and the food was nowhere near running - a pleasant change from the situation that befalls too many other so-called all-inclusive events, where everything runs out before most of the patrons have yet to arrive.
Richie D, spinning on Sparkles disco, was by far the most entertaining; taking the patrons through the years with hits from as far back as the '80s, like Prince's When Doves Cry, right up to today's hits like Voisemail's Mr. Wacky and Elephant Man's Willie Bounce. He showed his musical prowess drawing on songs from all genres - including hip hop, soul, rave, dance, reggae, rock and roll and dancehall of course - expertly keeping the crowd on their toes. Not even the regular Negril evening showers could have put a damper on the festivities as some patrons danced in the rain while others found refuge in the villa.
Smirnoff Exclusive was easily one of the best parties in Negril over the Emancipation Weekend. Hats off to the organisers for a well put-together event. Among the invitees were: Sean Paul, Jodi 'Jinx' Stewart of RETV, Bounty Killer, Angel, proprietor of Angel's Clothing Store, Kamal Bankay of Goodfellas Entertainment, Garth Walker, Director of Platform Media and Andrew Bellamy of Watever.com.
