Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
Patrons ring in the New Year at the Asylum Night Club on December 31, 2004.

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Five, four, three, two, one ... Happy New Year!!! With New Year's Eve being one of the most competitive nights on the party calendar, for promoters, the countdown actually begins as they plan to usher in 2007 with a massive, profitable party of their own.

For the last party of the year patrons are getting ready to break their pockets on a brand new outfit, the right bling and the party that will keep them talking of their drunken memories until 2008. With so many parties being offered on one night, promoters are brainstorming to capture the premium crowds.

Selector turned temporary promoter, Kurt Riley, is focusing on the Portmore crowd for the New Year with his own party, 'Evolution'.

With music by the party animal himself, Arif Cooper, DJ Inferno and Kristoff from Calico International, Portmore is going to be rocking out the year with a one of a kind musical experience. Riley says, "I'm not gonna brag and boast, but I don't think the flow of entertainment will be better at any other party. In terms of my music, choice of DJs, type of service, it will be top rate. I'm tired of seeing the same old mistakes - bad music and bad service, people just come and chat. It's all about the music so you will forget about last year. It's the evolution - an upgrade, a fusion of things better to come. The music is going to be catered for the women, 'cause is the women are pleased then your ting sell off!"

Service and affordability

While some New Year's parties are focusing on the music, others are aiming for service and affordability. 11:59 ... one minute to go' generated a lot of hype last year and is back with a super inclusive party with six bars. Hosted at the Garden this year, veteran promoter, Roderick Reid, promises optimum party service.

"We're striving for like five minutes at the bar the most. In terms of pricing, our event doesn't have much competition. A lot of promoters do the top price 'cause is New Year's Eve. We offer a lot of premium for a reasonable price. A lot of other parties are $3,000, $4,000 up, milking the New Year; we're only $1,500 presold and $2,000 at the gate, " he said.

For a number of patrons, the ambience and price are of major concern. Omar Stevenson says, "I have no clue where I'm going yet, 'cause for me its about relaxed people and atmosphere. I want good food, right atmosphere and not too loud music".

However, for student Karlene Stone, the price is of major concern, stating that too many New Year's parties are ridiculously overpriced when all she wants is a club vibe.

Her wish might be fulfilled this year with veteran party 'Mimosa' being held at The Quad on New Year's Eve.

The event's promoter, Kamal Bankay, said, "There are things unique to Quad that would make the party better. No threat of the party raining out, no trouble with night laws, we can go up to 5 or 6 a.m. We feel secure at Quad, we can enforce the age limit on responsible drinking. Every year a new party pops up; people trying to compete with every year a new party coming up. We've been stable from 2001, drawing in capacity crowds. 'Mimosa' has never been a New Year's ball, we've never appealed to that type of patron. We cater for people who want to enjoy themselves to the fullest, all the party vibes they want and non-stop music".

The biggest dilemma come December 31 might not be what to wear, but where to wear it to.