'Yesterday' promises enduring musical recipe

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

It is every promoter's dream to have a successful event and so they tend to follow new concepts to acquire that longed-for mass appeal. For Yesterday, however, the promoters used an old concept that would still provide the experience of a regular 'hype' party - but with a retro formula.

Gyete Ghartey, one of the longstanding promoters of Yesterday, said the team did research with their target audience to find out what they were looking for in a party. "We did our research and patrons said that they didn't want music selections from too far back, and so we decided to stick with the '90s and it worked," he said.

The next edition of Yesterday is slated to take place at Mas Camp, Oxford Road, New Kingston, to-morrow and, according to Gyete, it is going to meet all expectations - as usual. "Yesterday is like KFC. When you go there you know what recipe to expect. When you come to Yesterday you know that you will get - good music and a unique vibe," he said.

The promoter describes the party as a "hypo retro party", where dancing is inevitable. However, he was not prepared to give away information about the DJs who will play on the night. "We want patrons to turn out to see who is playing; just know that we always use the best everything," he said.

What he did disclose is that the event now carries an amazing six bars. "We have four big bars and two small ones. Bars surround the event (as in the party area) and there will be one in the middle of the huge dance floor for easy access," he said.

The event, now five years old, has been a success since its first staging and, according to Ghartey, there is never a dull moment. "We have never had an incident before. We get security from the police, but the only injury our supporters receive is from dancing," he joked.

He added that the party is alcohol inclusive, but patrons are always reminded to control the amount of alcohol that they consume. "We remind our patrons to practise responsible drinking, and there is always water and soda at the bar for those who wish to consume something other than alcohol," he said.

The Appleton-sponsored event, which has made Mas Camp its home after outgrowing four venues, now carries an attractive price to attend, inclusive of a presold deal. "You will pay $1,500 presold and at the gate you pay $1,800," he said. "The theme we are working with this time around is Independence Day, Free the Spirit, and we encourage our patrons to come out and listen to the best decade of music, enjoy free access at the bar," he said.

Ghartey also said that partygoers from all age groups will enjoy themselves because the music is timeless, therefore, new patrons need not be deterred by the concept of retro music.

"On Independence Day there is no other place to be," he concluded.