Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer
Patrons drink and have fun at the party Yush, held at Curphey Place, Swallowfield Road on Friday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
YUSH, STAGED last Friday at Curphey Place, Swallowfield Road, was music, dancing and liquor; no long talking.
When The Gleaner team arrived near 1 a.m., the narrow road leading to the venue was lined with parked cars on either side while samaritans directed patrons into yards converted into temporary parking lots. Still, others tried to park inside, causing traffic build up as the security allowed only pedestrian traffic into the venue.
FULLY-INCLUSIVE BAR
Inside, the party had already begun. To the left of the entrance, the Appleton Jamaica Rum banner could not be missed. However, apart from that, nothing else could be seen as patrons gathered at the fully-inclusive bar with the majority staying near, avoiding the hassle to refill. After paying $1,500 presold and $1,800 at the gate, most patrons made sure to take full advantage of the liquor.
Though the dance floor was still scanty with the patrons present opting to stand to the back, this changed after an hour. By 2:00 a.m. nothing, but bodies could be seen across the dance floor.
No one seemed to mind the crowd or the spilling drinks as Renaissance, Coppershot, Colin Hines and Arif Cooper kept the party vibe sizzling. Though the selectors stayed away from hardcore dancehall, the uptown crowd obviously did not mind as they danced up a storm to old school hip-hop and reggae. Among the patrons were entertainers Bounty Killer and Wayne Marshall.
Renaissance was up first and as it was still early, they eased into the vibe playing tunes like Shabba's Trailer Load and Sean Paul's Nah Get Nuh Bly. They then went old school hip-hop with OPP, Back to Life, Back to Reality and Return of the Mack before settling back to some cultural tunes.
Coppershot then mixed it up with Look, Eagle and the Hawk, Boom Bye Bye, Another Level and Spragga Benz' No Way.
Next, the Captain, Colin Hines played for the women who represented. Sexily clad in stilettos, micro shorts, shirts, or skin fitting jeans, the women were in their element. They danced to No Long Talking, Ova de Dky and Jack it Up, women held on to posts for support while others found partners. Some men were quite content watching the women from a far.
Renaissance returned at 3 o'clock and then it was time for Arif Cooper at minutes to four. He delivered dance-oriented tunes like Log On, Online and Pon di River after declaring "informer mus dead" and "bad man nuh dress like girl".
Many patrons, along with The Gleaner team, left at minutes to five but others, it seemed, were intent on partying until the sun came up.
