The Sunset Jamaica Grande will play host to Errol Lee and the Bare Essentials on New Year's Eve.

WESTERN BUREAU:

While the Dragonaires are busy compiling musical notes for Sunset Resort and Spa New Year's Eve Ball, the hotel's owner Ian Kerr is crafting a name change for his Caribbean restaurant, Pimento, which is being rededicated to 'The Dragon', the late king Byron Lee.

For the last seven years, Lee and the Dragonaires have performed at the Montego Freeport all-inclusive hotel. "This year, not only will guests relive memories of a dragon that brought music to its knees, but the resort's new executive chef, Patrick Thomas Anderson, is just about finalising a lavish buffet, champagne selections and crème de la crème liqueur list for a party in honour of Lee," said Charmaine Dean, director of sales, administration, Sunset Resorts Jamaica.

Workmen are also getting ready to commence construction of the mega stage, which is to be suspended in the large swimming pool in the refurbished lobby area.

"We are pulling out all stops to ensure our guests have an unforgettable introduction to 2009," stated Dean, as she spoke proudly of the annual ball, which will cost US$120 ($9,600) per person per entry.

Not to be outdone, Errol Lee and the Bare Essentials will create their own fireworks around the swimming pool at the sister property, Sunset Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios, as this year, the hotel has cut down on the pyrotechnics.

Hills will come alive

The terrace of the extended Blue Beat in Montego Bay.

Five minutes from Sunset, the hills will come alive as the Eva Myers and her crew make preparations for dinner until 9 p.m. at Evita's Italian Restaurant. After 9 p.m, a different type of party takes over the complex.

"We then start the best party of Ocho Rios, a bottle of champagne per couple, no little measly glass, and a five-course gala dinner which includes lobster, steak, lamb, shrimp, fish and vegetarian choices," Myers revealed.

A combination of contemporary, oldies, pop and Latin, played by two DJs, tops the evening of party favours at a cost of $4,100 per person. Add tax and service charge to that and you will end up paying an average $5,200.

Despite her suppliers raising prices, she says she has been able to keep a rein on costs.

"I want to keep my faithful customers. Rather than having an empty restaurant, I have people and everybody who comes leaves with a smile thanking me," said Myers.

Over in Ironshore, Montego Bay, western Jamaica impresario, Sonny Ranking, is feverishly searching for a large spotlight and a confetti machine to complement the red carpet he plans to unveil at his 16th-anniversary 'Families Total Togetherness' Grand New Year's Eve Ball at Caribbean Showplace.

Extra special

Eva Myers (centre) poses with gospel artiste Carlene Davis and her husband, Tommy Cowan, of Glory Music.

"It's as if you have a little son or daughter who has turned 16 and the celebration is an extra-special occasion," said the promoter. Ranking said he is therefore getting a number of entertainers to sing at the cake-cutting, which takes place between 3 and 5 o'clock on the morning of January 1.

Ranking said that his pockets would be feeling the weight of the expense of the ultra 'Ghetto Fabulous' event.

"Regardless of the cost of living, I plan to deliver much more to patrons," he said.

Accordingly, the new Möet and Chandon (Rose and Imperial), Hennessy, Don Perignon, and Vybz Rum, promoted by Vybz Kartel, will delight bibbers this year.

Entrance to this event, which has attracted the likes of sound systems Rebel T, Pure Playazz, Insomniak, Full Blast, Ticka Muzik and Trophy Sniper, is a moderate J$800 per person (regular) and J$1,500 per person (VIP).

As if this wasn't enough for Montegonians, the Hip Strip's Blue Beat is flying in DJ Bambino from Miami, Florida, to open their expanded South Beach outdoor addition to a lounge that could accommodate 80 and will now take 250 people.

"Even though the times are hard, people don't want same old, same old, they want excitement to ring in the New Year and that is what we will be offering," promises Margaritaville Caribbean's Tricia Robbins.

Like Blue Beat, one of their many brands, Margaritaville Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are going all out next Wednesday night.

Other MoBay shindigs

Rose Hall Resort and Country Club presents its New Year's Eve Party with Fab Five and Gem Myers. Cost: $5,100 per person. Package includes: five-course meal, full, open premium bar and champagne toast at midnight.

Kiwanis Club of Montego Bay presents A Grand New Year's Eve Ball and Dinner at Verney House Hotel, Leader's Avenue, Montego Bay. Admission: $1,800 presold; $2,000 at the gate. Champagne at midnight.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com