Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The cold air from the ocean was supposed to temper the indoor temperature, but the Latin music, like a hot lava, warmed the spines of those who have become slaves of Blue Beat on the Sea's Copacabana Fridays.

Like a ritual, every Friday night as soon as the clock strikes 11, the feet, spines and hips of the Latin and Jamaican crowd are sent into a world of salsa, meringue, bachata, reggaeton and international pop.

Signalling the new life that has been breathed into the trendy Montego Bay Hip Strip (now back officially as 'The Hippest Strip in the Caribbean'), Margaritaville's John Morehead and his entertainment team are now the talk in Latin circles.

Pays tribute

Craftily using the Cuban-looking Jamaican DJ 'Irie Latino', Blue Beat on the Sea pays tribute to the group of Hispanics who have come to call the north coast their home. With the recent introduction of Copacabana Fridays, they have hit the jackpot not only with people of Spanish descent, but also a large following of mixed nationalities.

And last Friday could possibly have been the icing on the cake, as DJ Irie Latino delivered a rich repertoire of Cuba's Los Van Van, the Dominican Republic's Juan Luis Guerra and Puerto Rico's 'Gaddy Yankee' with hit after hit.

Each tile on the fabulous seaside terrace had an owner and all dancers had a partner or two.

There is no denying that the music and the vibes are really the things that make this Friday night party one of the most sought after in the Second City.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

(1) Rory Frankson is known in the Second City for his singing, but others also know him for his prowess on the dance floor and he caused many head-turning moments when he twirled Carryl Mullings.
(2) Joan Lee (left) and Natasha Parchment-Clarke have the time of their lives on the dance floor.