Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Iberostar's Marga Comas takes time out to party with with Fabrize Lupo. - Janet Silvera photos

WESTERN BUREAU:

Multi-coloured ponchos and Mexican sombreros hung from the ceiling while the popular Cuban cocktail mojitos signalled the start to Blue Beat's Latin Nights last Thursday.

Not only was it an evening to celebrate the Spanish influence in the resort areas, but also the return to normal, having survived Hurricane Dean.

From as early as 9:00 p.m., Blue Beat's well-dressed valets were ready to give first-class service to those who had journeyed from as far as Negril, Ocho Rios and Rose Hall to dance salsa, meringue and bachata.

Home sweet home

Montego Bay's Hip Strip was hot and Cynthia and Warren Stowell were even hotter as they safely claimed the unofficial award of best salsa, meringue and bachata dancers.

Aimed at bringing a 'home sweet home' atmosphere to the large Spanish clientele that the north western end of the island boasts, Brian Jardim, Ian Dear and the crew at Margaritaville Caribbean, have created another type of heat on Montego Bay's Hip Strip.

Carefully crafting the word 'Latin' to the jazz theme at Blue Beat, the innovative team will host, monthly, Latinos, Jamaicans and all nationalities skilful enough to move to the excitingly popular Hispanic beat.

Come next month, Cuban DJ David will relive the memories of Selena, provide scintillating renditions by Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Jorge Drexler, Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesia and many others in the intimate settings of Montego Bay's only jazz club.