Promoters gear up for Christmas season Seek to add different flavour to their parties

Christmas is around the corner and there are events galore, but promoters are now busy trying to find ways of attracting customers who are strapped for cash.

Like the summer months with the Dream Week and ATI parties, December is also very popular for parties and stage shows.

Known for its lyrical clashes, promoter Isaiah Laing says he has found new ways to get more patrons to attend Sting.

"We have put forward early bird tickets from December 18 to 19 for $1,500. We at Supreme Promotions identify that the country is very tight on cash," he told THE STAR.

Laing added that the show will have exciting new talent, as well as more established acts who will be bringing their A-game at the event.

"The line-up reminds me of 1991 and 1992. I want everyone to be able to afford a ticket. The regular tickets will be $2,000 presold and $2,500 at the gate and that is a steal because that has been going for three years," he said.

Mad Circle's Deane Shepherd says his events Osmosis, Ultra and Xclusive will offer quite a bit to patrons.

"The idea is to give people new and exciting ways to enjoy themselves, capture their imagination. For Osmosis this year, we are again raising the bar. The theme is 'Osmosis Style-Passion For The Extraordinary' and we will be bringing out the fashion sense for Jamaicans to put their best foot forward," he said.

Shepherd added that patrons will also get discounts from sponsors during Osmosis week and there will be a live red carpet show that will be streamed on Facebook when the show is held on December 21.

For the Ultra, he said there will be special themes each week, starting on December 15.

"We are doing new things to separate our events from the others. Consumers will stick with the safe bets that will really deliver," said Shepherd, whose event, Osmosis, was started 13 years ago.

Also, doing new things is the New Year's Eve party Absinthe. Promoter for that event, Dwayne Dacres, says there will now be a VIP area that will cater to their high-end clientele. He said there will also be liquors like Ciroc, Johnny Walker and Baileys, as well as a Red Stripe mixology bar. In addition, he said catering will be done by Patsy Lyn, who has been catering at the event for several years.

"Absinthe is known for the overall package; it is affordable and value for money. Based on the economic climate, we try to keep prices affordable while everything is going up," he told THE STAR.

Newer to the party game, Romaine Brown also plans to make his mark this Christmas season with his low price. Costing only $1,500, he said his event, Skyy Vodka Pure 3.0, will be "giving patrons a lot for less." While patrons budget, he said they will be getting value for their money at the food inclusive event that will be held at Club Privilege on December 24.

(from Jamaica Star)