Left: Allison Hinds struts her stuff with a male patron during her performance.Right: Machel Montano interacting with the patrons as he performs.

Kandr McDonald, Freelance Writer

The Supreme Ventures Carnival Countdown, staged at its new home, Richmond Estate, St. Ann, was a blast. It was not Chukka Cove but the new venue did possess the ambience promised, there was multiple road access, secure parking and immeasurable energy and vibes.

There were also lots of activities taking place under beautifully decorated and exuberantly lit tents. When The Gleaner team arrived at the venue at about 9:30 p.m. Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, with Jomo and Oscar B were on-stage 'kicking up a storm.' They were teaching the patrons the 'clothes line' and the 'run from police' dance moves.

Upcoming artiste Uncle Sam was again introduced to the stage this year and he did not disappoint.

When Nadine Sutherland took the stage at 9:50 p.m. the vibes and energy in the venue went sky high. As her performance progressed she rocked the crowd with Action and Man Haffi Wicked Fi Please Mi.

Christopher Martin gave a good account of himself, but when Oscar B, Jomo and company returned the revelry vibes bubbled. They injected some energy in the proceedings.

Tempo rises

The tempo inside the venue reached near climax as THE STAR's Tiny Winey Contest took centre stage. In the end, Mauvalyn Williams, from Nain, St. Elizabeth was $10,000 richer, and will wear the Ms. Tiny Winey Crown for a year.

The patrons were soon begging for the main actsand some were even growing impatient with the long band change. When Allison Hinds finally took the stage, the noise inside the huge venue was deafening.

Hinds dedicated her performance, which was a reflection of her last in Jamaica at the Mas Camp Village, Kingston, some two weeks ago, to Byron Lee, the 50-year veteran who is fighting a battle with cancer.

She whipped up some energy with some of her most popular hits including Ragamuffin, Aye Aye Aye, Togetherness, D.J., and Roll It Gal as she gyrated her voluptuous rump, much to the delight of the male patrons.

Technical difficulty delayed Machel Montano's arrival onstage, but when he hit the stage at approximately 12:36 a.m. the venue transformed. It was pure revelry and chaos as the patrons danced, shouted, screamed and gyrated to some of his more popular hits including Scandal (Delirious), One More Time, Madder Dan Dat, Dance With You and the suspense tied to Toro Toro (Mad Bull Fever).

Tony Matterhorn, Patrice Roberts and Sugar Boy were introduced for short stints.

Soon the patrons were trickling to the exit as Machel closed off the show in style.

Left: Entrants in The STAR's 'Tiney Winey' competition go through their paces.Right: The Digicel girls show their wining skills. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer