- CONTRIBUTED
Marcia McDonnough (left) of Touchstone Productions, welcomes Melissa Crooks, marketing manager at Pan Caribbean Financial Services, to the jazz thank you party.
ORGANISERS AND promoters of this year's Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival expressed gratitude to the sponsors and supporters of the event with a lavish thank you party at the home of Touchstone Productions executive, Marcia McDonnough, last Friday night. Walter Elmore, executive director of the festival, and wife Karen were ecstatic at the success of the annual event, and lauded the sponsors for their part in making this year's festival the best to date.
He expressed his hope to have an even more successful event next year, but stressed that it would not be possible without the assistance of the sponsors.
CREATIVELY DESIGNED TENTS
And those present at the festival would have seen that the sponsors pulled out all the stops with booths and sky boxes featuring some very creative designs.
Among the most outstanding were: National Commercial Bank (NCB) with a New Orleans theme perfectly executed by Bert Rose and his team. Then there was Pan Caribbean's use of reds; not to be outdone was the very sports bar-like atmosphere in the Supreme Ventures hospitality tent, and the warm, inviting Jamaica Tourist Board and Air Jamaica tents. Heineken's predominantly green theme could not be missed and they had the best gifts for guests. The huge box contained tent, chair, towels and all a camper could ever wish for.
But if there were to be a winner of a best hospitality tent contest, Digicel would walk away with the prize. Michelle Lee's magic touch showcased something right out of the Arabian Nights and the company's signature red was everywhere blended with black, some metallic and other accents. Lanterns, cushions, soft sofas, daybeds and lounge chairs strategically positioned made for an interior with cosy nooks and crannies that no one wanted to leave. Add to that a live band on the stand, a balcony for the adventurous and all the food and drink one could consume. Well done, sponsors.
Sky boxes were quite comfy too, and every night, special guests ate, drank and lymed to their heart's content.
GUESTS
Among those who showed up for the thank yous were: representatives of Air Jamaica, Digicel, Pan Caribbean Financial Services, Anbell Media, Jamaica Tourist Board, Radio Mona, RJR and Tent City.
Other supporters like RE TV, HYPE TV, Kingston Ice, JAMPRO, the Creative House and Digital Imaging were also present for the good food, music and great vibe. Music was provided by Mordie Brown and Alhambra Inn catered. Guests viewed highlights of the festival on a large screen.
Out and about were: Alrick Morris, Michael Anthony Cuffe, Harry Smith, David Shields, Del Crooks, Patrick Gillings, Marjorie Robinson, Tracey Menzies, Sharon Henry, Melissa Crooks, Junior Taylor, June Williams, Margaret Miller, Angela Thame, Ayesha Creary, Maurice Bryan, George Walker, Matthew Sale, Michelle Belnavis, Natalie St. Louis, Warren Castle, Don Topping, Ashley Gambrill, Wade Marsh, David and Gillian Smith, Tameka Delahaye and a host of others.
- B.E.
