Portie Easter invasion

For the Easter weekend, young movers and shakers flocked to the east to party like rock stars. In a time when new taxes are looming, the youthful and vibrant scene and those young at heart welcomed the party weekend with open arms, as something that is different on the entertainment calendar. Portland is known for its unspoilt beauty, but with the recent development of new boutique resorts, many were on board for the exclusive event series that consisted of Skyy Level and Appleton Estate Marbana, and Canboulay Breakfast Party.

The M7 Events family, organisers of SPF Weekend in Ocho Rios, Richie D, Chad Williams and the Britton Brothers created an unforgettable weekend experience. The M7 lifestyle entertainment group hosted Appleton Estate Marbana at Frenchmen's Cove in Port Antonio on Sunday, Williams and the Brittons hosted Canboulay Breakfast Party at the Trident Castle on Easter Monday, and Richie D hosted Skyy Level at the Errol Flynn Marina on Saturday night.

Skyy Level

Kick-starting the weekend on Saturday night at the Errol Flynn Marina, Skyy Level was low on patron turnout but high in vibes. Drizzling in white and pops of blue, Skyy Level had patrons turning out in white for the all ultra-inclusive event that featured top-shelf liquor and a wide variety of delectable eats deliciously prepared by Jacqui Tyson and her From thought to finish/Jahmento Production team. The DJ line-up for the night consisted of Jazzy T, DJ Kevin and Riche D himself and gave the patrons a musical timeline that spanned across all genres leading up to the 2014 soca hits. It was pure pandemonium as those in attendance sipped on cocktails all night as they realised that Skyy Level was indeed setting the tone of what was to be a memorable and epic weekend.

Marbana featured musical selections from the soca master DJ Kurt Riley, DJ Jazzy T, and Trinidadian sound system Nuphoric. The premium all-inclusive event saw patrons coming out in their numbers to drink and party responsibly, despite the blazing midday sun.

Poised to be a musically diverse event, Marbana delivered in the musical offerings throughout the night. With soca all the rave this season, the genre took precedence as each selector entertained the patrons with the latest soca hits that have been on the circuit this season. They also played a number of hits in dance, reggae, dancehall, and hip hop, ensuring that everyone's musical taste was catered to.

Frenchman's Cove was the perfect oasis for the beautifully clad fashionistas who made their way to the beach party dressed to the nines in their 'Sunday best'. The venue was outfitted with numerous bars and food stations catered by Brian Lumley and Jacqui Tyson and was a seascape paradise with sun gods and mermaids situated in the waters nearby. After a great day of fêteing, patrons were treated to a fire-breathing display that wowed the patrons who encircled to get a closer glimpse. Digicel also brought their A-game as they issued their now popular xylobands to patrons, who lit up the nights skies as the music pulsated throughout the cove as the party came to a close.

Canboulay

When Monday morning rolled around, the usual Monday blues were nowhere in sight as party patrons got ready to party like royalty at the Trident Castle for Canboulay Breakfast Party. Starting from as early as 7 a.m., the venue had patrons who were ready to end the weekend on a high. Hungry from waking up so early, the breakfast patrons immediately went to the breakfast station that had menu items such as doubles, ackee and salt fish, callaloo and salt fish, fritters, jerk pork sausage, pastas, and more.

In charge of the day's musical selections were DJ Sanjay, Dei Musicale and DJ Cruise. The patron count started to rise as the morning wore on, and with the increasing heat, patrons began baring it all and indulging in the cool pool water. The vibe increased with the intensity of the sun but all were determined to have a great time. The event went until minutes after 2 p.m. when the party was scheduled to end. The Portland party experience was one that had many talking, and will continue to grow from strength to strength as the new Easter party mecca.

- G.G.