For the past several years every October fans of the popular Jamaican sound system Merritone, formed back in the 60s by the late DJ Winston Blake, meet to celebrate musical nostalgia. This year, the Merritone Family Reunion and Homecoming will be held in Jamaica from October 6 to16.
According to a Jamaica Observer report, at the media launch of the event last week, Monty Blake, who now heads the world-renowned sound system, the 28-year-old reunion was started by his late brother and late sister-law, Winston and his wife Cynthia Schloss, and close friend and collaborator Lorna Bess.
Blake said this year’s event will be the most ambitious as the ‘Family’ warms up for the 70th anniversary of the sound system in 2020.
This year’s celebrations will take place in Kingston and at the Melia Braco Resort in Rio Bueno, Trelawny.
Blake said iIn addition to Merritone events, there will be several up of live shows to showcase a wide variety of Jamaican talent. On October 6, the reunion gets going at the 100 Club on Hope Road.
On Sunday, October 7, the reunion goes spiritual with a service at the Webster Memorial United Church in St. Andrew at 9:15 am. Later that day, attention turn to Merritone’s First Sundays at the Regency, located inside the Terra Nova Hotel.
On Monday, October 8, it is Merritone Lagnappe, which happens on the Winston “Merritone” Blake Stage (located at 2A Strathairn Avenue, St Andrew).
On Tuesday, October 9, it will be the Meet and Greet. On that night the Reverend Astor Carlyle will bless and officially open the Merritone Stage designed by Paul Hamilton. After the blessing, the sound will be playing vinyl. Guest DJs will be Wintston “Wee Pow” Powell from Stone Love, Louis Owen from the VRCA, and Danny Earlington. Vinyl junkies, are invited to come out and enjoy,” said Blake.
“On Wednesday, October 10, the events return to 2A with City Beat Live — a live music showcase. On October 11, the fun return to Waterfalls in Liguanea.
Activities head to the Melia Braco on Friday through to Monday, and a long list of activities are in store for persons who arrive late. There will be bands all day — at least three per day — plus the popular all night all-white event.
Monday, October 15, is the ‘Las’ Lick.’ It will be held at 2A (Strathairn Avenue). The DJs to perform are Krazy Kris, Louis Owens, Glen Campbell and Clive Budhoo. “There will be a cover charge which will go to charity,” Blake added.
