Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Jerry Small literally lifted his black hat to Merritone music and Clyde McKenzie traced the philosophy of the sound system's founder, Val Blake to its high standard and longevity on Thursday evening.

The official reason for the gathering at Waterfalls in Liguanea, St. Andrew, hosted by Marie Francis, was to outline plans for the 16th annual Merritone Family Reunion and Homecoming in the 56th anniversary of the disco's founding. And same plans were duly delivered by Coleen Hall, but there was a good deal of memory and analysis of Merritone to go with it.

Celebrations

The celebrations begin on Friday, October 6, with Merritone playing at Curphey Place, Swallowfield, the proceeds of which will go to various charities. The following day, Merritone goes back to its St. Thomas roots at the Lyssons Jerk Centre, then goes further east to the recently renovated Somerset Falls in Portland .

There is a break until Wednesday, October 11, when Merritone joins Andrew Henry of Renegade at the Oxygen Nightclub in The Quad and then returns to home ground at Waterfalls on Thursday, October 12. Then it is off to Hedonism III in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, for the Heroes weekend, from Friday, October 13, to the departure breakfast on Monday, October 16.

The 16th Annual Merritone Family Reunion and Homecoming ends with a 'Las Lick' at The Deck in New Kingston on the night of Heroes Day.

Merritone founder Val Blake's philosophy that "things of quality have no fear of time", followed by his sons Tyrone, Monty, Winston and Trevor, was introduced early and Jerry Small traced a long time in the disco's history, saying "Merritone is now and has long been a brand, known all over the world. Merritone is an export product". His personal memories came from when he started attending Merritone sessions at about 15 years old and said "now I have grandchildren who are older than I was when I started going to Merritone".

He credited Merritone with playing a great role in breaking down the tribalism between high schools, as well as being "one of the vehicles of carrying black consciousness among the people without antagonism".

Clyde McKenzie carried the concept of the Merritone brand further, using the philosophy of Val Blake in the 50th year of his passing as testament to not only the skill of those who run it, but also "the philosophy of Mr. Val Blake that has been instilled in his sons".

Commitment to excellence

"What I have noticed about Merritone is a commitment to excellence," he said. "Merritone has looked at things in a long-term sweep."

"There are certain kinds of music that Merritone will tell you they will not play and will never play," he said. McKenzie said that stance will cause some not to come, but "it engenders a certain loyalty to the Merritone brand". And "good, clean entertainment is one of the important hallmarks of the Merritone brand".

He defined a brand as "a promise of value" and said "when you are going to Merritone you know what to expect".

And he noted somewhat humorously that "many of us owe our existence to Merritone" as "going to Merritone is often a prelude to bigger things" and "many of our parents met and danced and chatted at Merritone".

After Monty Blake gave extensive thanks, it was on to Thursday night dancing as usual at Waterfalls.