Santa's List Delivers once again ..... 4 times in a row

Once again the Sankofa Team delivered on a brand going on some four years as expressed in the annual Christmas day stapler Santa's List. After it's major debut some four years ago, then closing of their group's official club home the Loft in Kingston, the revitalization of outdoor gay events especially water themed parties and beach events they two man team have struck gold while using a venue that has come to have some negative aura surrounding it but they managed to pull out a capacity crowd on that faithful night. 

Additional patrons also arrived from an event miles down the road from a rival competitor who had to close down his party as unruly members of the homeless msm community who were not allowed to enter took matters into their own hands and literally stoned the event as it was in session, so serious the matter became that the police had to be called in to rectify the situation leaving the promoter in the red both in anger and in the numbers. The feeling of anger and rejection by the homeless msm community seems to be taking its toll as some seem to see others even those who just show some firmness as enemy number one or as against their plight so outbursts have been quite frequent as of late, this was something I had warned about some months ago as it may tend to affect how we socialise, seeing the men will find ways to get to events especially those close to their hangout spots.

The Sankofa team benefited from this move over by that intended audience but there was a feeling in the air of despondency following the news as it spread but that was soon dispelled with the music selection, the meeting and greeting of old and new faces, the simply yet fierce decor and some good drinks. The all white theme for the event as per usual was not followed by some patrons as dark colours dotted the mass of persons on the floor but others non the less followed suit and dress appropriately and as the hours passed the cooler temperatures on the outside has most persons remaining on the dancefloor as a centrally located and creatively conceived fireplace provided some warm air although not too hot as it was just enough to let persons still shake a leg around it as if it were an altar of worship with voguers and dancehall fans alike taking their turns as the music selections came, the queens served one with a broom in had as if to brush out the trash while others gallivanted with the featured head-top shenanigans with a pregnant drag queen grabbing some attention. 

Decor:

A white stalactite themed draped canopy with greeted patrons similar to last year's as they arrived dotted with red flannel Santa hats and blue with red and white Christmas stockings on each side. Strobe, lazer and flasher lights arranged in a falling positions pierced the occasional darkness noted for clubbing and the bass line from the speakers caused the intelligent lighting to respond thus feeding the rising charge in the atmosphere. The fog machine this time was placed most appropriately away from the main spaces so as not to overcompensate for the misty effect, annoy persons with respiratory issues and to block the view which worked well interacting with the lighting thus enhancing the backdrop and dancefloor a plus for the overall theme, there have been complaints before of the overwhelming thick smog at one place at events.

The fireplace I had mentioned was the highlight for some as well as persons took turns seating themselves around it in the loveseats provided and they got a chance to see all around the floor and DJ booths as it centrally located.

The bar was well stocked and arranged professionally, a feature commented on by many of the bar-flies as they made their trips to the watering hole, in fact it was the topic of discussion on the outside by a longtimer. The venue's outlay itself or its improvement thereof has come in for some sharp criticisms and some persons claimed that if it weren't the Sankofa team hosting they would not have come out to play. Something someone should suggest to the property's manager I hope.

Music/logistics:

Vybz master DJ David, Ravers and myself provided the beats and although I was beat from two sleepless nights in a row we did well enough, I had some challenges with my earlier set but all soon came together as the night progressed. Probably the drawback was the missing party animals who would have "vibed" the environment a little more but by 1:30am the club floor was packed, unusual these days for events as persons come out later and later, some had made their way to other end of the island for events there, the bar picked up steam as persons made repeated trips to refill their glasses and the vigilant security team checked arriving patrons, any indication that the event was not a small one was the car park. Of course organization is always a plus for this team one was never privy to seeing behind the scenes last minute shuffling as is a feature of some other events with mistakes made along the way, all was in place long before the patrons arrived and even one half of the team took up duties at the entrance making sure all was in place for their paying guests.

A who's who of patrons including members of the Pink Report team, noted fashion designers, entertainment managers from resorts who apparently took time off to attend, bloggers, older disc jocks from back in the day, other party promoters who came in support, the property's manager who darted about the venue inspecting the proceedings, longtimers and more. Noticeably absent were some of our same gender loving women party goers as in years gone by and other usual party goers seemed quite frugal this year in spending as economic times dictate the curving of that ever diminishing disposal income. 

The Scissor Sisters' summer dance hit "Let's Have a KiKi" was the song for the night as no matter how many times it was played and whatever version it came as it was well received  Santa's List made it to one of the good ones for 2012 and another feather in the cap for the Sankofa Team, upcoming events as advertised on the event's closure include more outdoor gigs and teaming with other brands for newer offerings in the coming year.

They did say they are raising the bar and they have been doing so if ever so steadily. The after party event at the home of one of the team members was another matter, fun was to be had by all there with the popo showing up lol, so much for fun.

Happy Holidays

Peace and tolerance 

H