Inclusive Saturdays goes for inside experience

Hasani Walters, Gleaner Writer

Everyone has preferences and in this week's 'Inside The Party' we take you to the heart of 'Inclusive Saturdays', held at The Building, New Kingston, looking at some of the fine details of hosting the event in the nightclub setting.

Where would you rather be? The great outdoors with wind blowing in your hair or on the dance floor of your favourite air-conditioned club hangout? The indoor/outdoor decision is solely up to the organisers of an event, and for Inclusive Saturdays promoters, research and observation of New Kingston's nightlife brought CDC Events to The Building.

"Looking at the New Kingston nightlife at the time when we started, we noticed that most of the clubs around were leaning more to the hip-hop culture, so we saw it as an opportunity to bring the real authentic dancehall vibes back on the club scene. That decision also came with a few pros, as when you're in a club you're not affected by rain and the other elements, and the atmosphere is already set when you're in a club," said Chad Williams, one of the promoters.

Indoors

Williams further explained that his team decided to go indoors simply because sometimes the club vibe can make for one of the best experiences.

He also said that patrons enjoy the longer party hours that a club has to offer as they do not have to contend with the lock-off times stipulated under the Noise Abatement Act, which puts a midnight cap on events during the week and 2 a.m. on weekends.

"We did not have to entertain any of that as the club has its licence and we can go up to as late as 5 a.m.," Williams said.

There are elements which are kept in place for Inclusive Saturdays to run smoothly each week. Williams said, "First and foremost, the alcohol caan finish as we are a Street Vybz Rum-sponsored event. We have to keep the alcohol flowing so that patrons can be satisfied; that's the main concern. We also keep the music hype because at no time can there be a lull, so we use deejays that complement each other's musical vibe throughout the night."

Inclusive Saturdays made its debut at The Building on August 28 last year, despite starting in what several event planners refer to as 'the dry season' (outside the Easter, summer, Independence and Christmas periods) and has managed to hold its own and become a Saturday night staple.

The 'dry season' start was intentional, as Williams told The Gleaner CDC Events made the choice because they saw things that they could maximise on.

Each Inclusive Saturdays aims to fulfill the tag line, 'The Only Surevibes Event in Jamaica', Williams explaining that it doesn't matter what week patrons decide to attend, as they are guaranteed a comfortable vibe and good club experience.

The Mardi Gras edition of Inclusive Saturdays will be held tomorrow and admission is $1,000 for both men and women. Sponsors include Street Vybz Rum, Wray and Nephew Rum Cream and Kirov Vodka.