The Weekend event series launched in Montego Bay, August 7-9, boasted great success; its elegant layout and presentation is said to surpass the standards set by even its first-world competitors.

The glamorous setting was a refreshing and pleasant surprise to its guests. The attendees were of a very sophisticated and interesting blend, including Mobay's elite and international guests: among them the Rollins family, Godfrey Dyer, Robert Russell and Cayman's Leader of Government Business, Hon William McKeeva Bush.

The first in the series of ultra-exclusive parties, 'The Weekend' laid the foundation for building a luxury brand worthy of the respect and support it garnered.

Companies such as Guardian Life Asset Management and Rose Hall Development Company, so impressed by the clientele and quality offered by the event, called in to offer sponsorship for the next staging and lauded 'The Weekend' as the quality entertainment Montego Bay and Jamaica need to grow into an upscale tourist market.

Friday Night Jazz went down to the jazzy groove of a perfect set by Della Manley, whose performance was an absolute delight to the patrons.

Manley's melodic voice, the rhythm of her guitar and ensemble of musicians totally rocked the Jazz Bar at Iberostar.

R&B singer Sunshine Anderson was also as expected. She had all the ladies grooving to her songs, and especially to her hit anthem Heard It All Before.

The show lasted for two hours and was complemented by great music, the best wines, cocktails and champaign and a new elegance to live music.

In the 'Luna Lounge' on Saturday, musician Craig Urchyshyn of One World Entertainment rocked Jamaica on his debut visit. His unique skill of infusing live and recorded music was a novel addition to the Jamaican entertainment landscape.

The audience could not have enough. They danced to his beats until the wee hours of the morning. His mixes of reggae, soul and R&B from luminaries such as Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley made him an instant hit with the audience.

Incredible setting

Della Manley

The setting at Luna Lounge was simply incredible. "This is absolutely magical ... this event is like none other I've ever been in my life," said Michelle Rollins, grand dame of the AAA 5 Diamond Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa resort.

"The food, the service, the décor are all perfect. Luna Lounge is truly a first-world experience," Robert Russell, chairman of Summerfest Productions concurred.

McKeeva Bush was at a loss for words. "Simply amazing," he said.

The Vertigo all-white beach party was no less of a thrill. Vertigo transformed Iberostar's beach into an experience, a sight of beauty to behold. It was so amazing, guests took pictures all night.

The décor, which could be described as South Beach glam meets Jamaica's sophistication, complete with oversized white beach beds, leather sofas, cabanas laid out in white and bark-stained wood furniture, soft lights and beautiful torches, transcended the ordinary.

Decorator par excellence Tia Flora was commended on her superb concept and layout. The large screen display was provided by Winston Smith, the music by One World and DJ Pills left patrons wanting never to leave the magical beach party.