'May Daze' hosts early vacation

Hasani Walters, Gleaner Writer

It's approaching the time of year highly anticipated by most students - summer. It means going on vacation to someplace far away, or to just relax and enjoy the time off in familiar surroundings.

Still, the summer break is a few weeks away. Until then, Appleton May Daze's promoters will attempt to take patrons on early vacation each Friday night in May and the first Friday in June with its 'world tour' theme.

Dwayne Harris and Stephen Willie make up Good Company, with a tag line of 'Real Events For Real People', which promotes Appleton May Daze.

The idea, Willie said, came through extensive brainstorming by the team, but he believes it was Harris' idea to do the 'world tour'. Once the theme was settled on, they began planning for it to be a success.

Good Company will attempt to take patrons around the world by various means. On the first 'flight', they took partygoers to Amsterdam, giving them a peep show with scantily clad women, as well as promotional hostesses also dressed to represent Amsterdam's famous red-light district.

'flight' number two

On 'flight' number two, they take patrons to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the promotional hostesses were dressed in carnival gear representing the parties that the city is famed for.

"It's going above and beyond the regular party concept or theme by putting details to each event so that patrons can visualise the setting and get the feel of the event from early out. We're just thinking outside the box and adding intricacy for our patrons to enjoy their experience," said Willie.

When one arrives at the gates of the 'Ranny Williams International Airport' venue, promotional hostesses dressed as customs officers are there to meet and greet.

Added to that, they have also created a May Daze 'passport', possession of which bestows VIP status. The holder has a special entry 'gate' where they avoid the crowd at the general entrance, among other advantages. Willie thinks this was a really good idea.

setting the vibe

Tonight, Kingston's '90s dancehall will be represented at the 'airport'. Setting the retro vibe will be selectors ZJ Ice, Solar Dre, Phil Dawg and Kurt Riley, who Willie said was a must-have as "him normally shell any '90s party".

"The décor will also be on point with a regular '90s dancehall, from baby dolly to big earring. We usually put a lot of details into our events so people can expect the intricacy when they arrive so they can say like 'wow, look at that'," said Willie.

There will also be 'mug madness' tonight. Patrons who buy a mug and can drink more than the usual amount of beverage.

Willie said planning May Daze is difficult as it is not just a one-time event but five parties. Therefore, it's five times the pressure, but, because of the time and dedication Good Company puts in, they are able to pull it off.

"At end of May, I usually take a one week break," Willie laughed.