Beres to rock Sunset Ja Grande

HAMMOND

THE SMOKE-sweet voice of Jamaica's greatest singer, songwriter, Beres Hammond, will officially unveil the new state-of-the-art entertainment pavilion of the Sunset Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios this New Year's Eve.

Uncommon ground for the 30-year veteran, Hammond is the first major act slated to appear in the hotel industry's largest entertainment centre which has the capacity to accommodate over 1,000 persons.

"Beres is a precursor to what persons should expect from the Sunset resort group," boasted Charmaine Deane, director of sales - administration, Sunset Resorts Group. "Our focus is on great entertainment, exceptional food, and service way beyond expectations," added Miss Deane.

The sultry and soulful Hammond, known for his inspirational cuts Love has no boundaries, Let it flow and What one dance can do will share the excitingly planned New Year's Eve celebration with a host of entertainers.

The Sunset Jamaica Grande party kicks off with a choice of the resorts' resident pianist Maurice Nelson at the Ortanique bar or the Jazz band in the Grand Palm restaurant at 6:30 p.m.

From 8:30 p.m. Oswald 'Ossie D' Douglas takes centre-stage in a pre-show accompanied by the resident band Solid Sensation.

The event features a grande buffet, unlimited beverages, champagne at midnight, plus a midnight buffet, hats and party favour.

At 11:00 p.m., Beres Hammond will transcend time and deliver two hours of uninterrupted musical inspiration.

Over in Montego Bay, architects at Sunset Beach Resort and Spa plan to erect a bandstand in the swimming pool to make way for the musical explosion that will erupt from the world-class entertainers Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires.

For the last four years, the band, which is about to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, has rung in the New Year at the 430-room resort.

The carnival-themed event commences at 8:00 p.m., with gala dinner, complemented by Cindy Breakspeare and the Jazz Quartet.

From 9:00 p.m. Byron Lee makes musical memories, closing with New Year's Eve Carnival Countdown from 11:00 p.m.

To cement what is expected to be an unforgettable start to 2006, Sunset Beach Resort and Spa's award-winning chef Ansel Beason has artistically carved a menu to include prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, roasted turkey, stuffed crab back, honey roasted ham, grilled lobster, stuffed Cornish hen with wild rice and a Chinese and Italian station for lovers of good food.

"We are 100 per cent Jamaican owned, the offerings and the feel of the resorts is geared towards just that," said Miss Deane.

Both TVJ and CVM television are billed to broadcast live from each property respectively.