Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

DJ Arif Cooper, one of the persons the organisers of the post-hurricane 'Social' thanked for contributing. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

A few days after electricity was restored to the Corporate Area in the wake of Hurricane Dean, the centre of which passed just south of Jamaica on Sunday, August 19, the party scene struggled back to its feet.

One of them, though, had 'Dean' and those who suffered from its effects on its musical mind, as Dark Entertainment's 'Social', held at Heather's Garden Restaurant on Haining Road, New Kingston, last Friday, was a fund-raiser to assist in the recovery effort.

Dwight Barr of Dark Entertainment, which counts 'Twisted Spiritz' and 'Black' among its party productions, said the idea came from a member of the group who spoke with someone in the Salvation Army and was told of the situation. As such, as the main beneficiary, members of the Salvation Army were present at the 'Social' and food items placed in a collection bin at the entrance were testimony to the participation of many who attended in more than dancing and drinking the night away.

"People were asked to bring things. The response was absolutely good," Barr said.

He said that at that time, while the hurricane had passed and the general election was on everyone's mind, many did not realise just how much damage had been done and how many people affected, as the Corporate Area was not a reflection of the damage which had been done elsewhere.

The Salvation Army was a natural choice, as Barr pointed out that they are everywhere; in addition, he said "that is the charity we normally work with".

"What they need is food and funds," Barr said.

With another Dark Entertainment event planned for outside of Kingston the resources were diverted to last Friday's event. "It was a short time but we worked with what we had," Barr said. "The sound systemsworked free, or at a discounted price."

In the end, he says "It was not a large crowd, but those who came supported the charity.

"We wanted the Salvation Army to be present to deal with it up front," he said. And with the food items already collected, there is the money to be handed over. Barr said "The proceeds for the event haven't been handed over yet. There are one and two bills to clear up first, then we hand over."

Thanks

He thanked those who played at the 'Social', including Kaotic, Bloodline, Arif Cooper, Coppershot and Musical Choice, as well as Heather's for providing the venue.

"Basically, everyone chipped in and played their part," he said.

Barr said "It is definitely something we would do again," and there are thoughts of making it a series going to the end of September. In addition, Dark Entertainment is "thinking of doing something for charity and instead of donating part proceeds, give full proceeds every time, or we have a separate series of events".