By Kandré McDonald, Staff Reporter
John Hype and his entourage transformed 'Pon di River, Pon Di Bank' into 'Just Do it Inna Di River' last Sunday at the 'Mud Slide Splurt 2K3 Tropical Flavas River and Foam Experience Party'. The party was held at the Blue Mountain Inn in St. Andrew. - Michael Sloley /Freelance Photographer
THE CROWD swayed to the beat and lapped up the songs played by the various disc jocks at the 'Mud Slide Splurt 2K3 Tropical Flavas River and Foam Experience Party' held on Sunday.
The patrons steadily strolled into the Blue Mountain Inn in St. Andrew venue and by minutes after 10 p.m. when Sizzla's Karate was played by the disc jocks working to the rear of the venue, the patrons had very little room to exhibit their dancing prowess.
Patrons had to eventually stand on a stage that was erected across the river flowing through the centre of the venue.
The party was 'hype and in full swing' when Tony Matterhorn began his hosting duties. This proved to be a minor downfall since the competitions he hosted could have been ignored.
The music which took place during the 'juggling' was what was most pleasing. Then there was the alcohol which was readily supplied. Mud Slide was on the house and other beverages were inexpensive.
By about midnight the alcohol apparently began to set in and the crowd became more involved with the music. When Capleton's Slew Dem was played on a hip hop rhythm they erupted like the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii. They got even louder when Sizzla's Get to the Point was sampled on a fast-paced rhythm. Bounty Killer's Fitness did not assist in quelling the energetic crowd.
PERFECT EXECUTION
The disc jocks were perfect in their execution.
Earlier in the night Colin Hines had been busy welcoming patrons with songs like Eagle and the Hawk, Many Many and other selections from the famed Showtime rhythm.
Jazzy T had also treated the patrons to a number of new songs, most of which the crowd reacted to in a positive manner. This after Leftside and Esco got the dance juices flowing.
The focus eventually was turned to the stage above the river where now popular dancer John Hype and his crew were located. The spotlight was placed on them as they took the patrons to a dance class.
Pon di River, Pon Di Bank blurted from the speakers and it was like pandemonium in the venue. Persons became unconcerned about their clothing and shoes as they went into the river and danced up a storm. The song was rotated a number of times and the crowd reacted on each occasion as if it was being played for the first time.
The foam pit located at the rear of the venue seemed almost non-existent, even though those who ventured there enjoyed themselves.
The setting around the venue was totally Hawaiian. Patrons were given leis, necklaces and other forms of decorations by three young ladies at a stall near the entrance. The ladies were dressed in hula skirts, leis, necklaces and other Hawaiian ornaments.
