Next week all eyes and ears turn to the West as Jamaica's music lovers and profilers head to the second city for the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.

Those lucky enough to squeeze time off work will get to Montego Bay early for the Thursday night start and to take advantage of a weekend filled with events both on and off the festival green.

In theory, everyone goes for the music (yeah right), and the prudent and style savvy have no doubt locked their Jazz gear into place days ahead. If you don't have a hotel room booked, then start knocking on doors because you're too late. Between winter tourist season guests and Jazz aficionados, at this stage the rest of us are left dragging a suitcase door-to-door looking for room at any inn.

If that doesn't work out for you, remember that you can travel daily from Kingston on a Jam Venture Tours bus in air conditioned comfort, returning the following day. The buses leave from 64 Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston (outside the JTB offices) at 2:00 pm daily from Thursday through Saturday.

Pack light and choose your clothing options in advance; more than two pieces of luggage will have you looking like you're trying too hard to impress. If you're only going for the weekend shows, then really Louis' petite valise (or another small wheelie suitcase) and a large tote bag should hold all your essentials.

Bring heels for any additional outings, or for the more adventurous who don't mind, trudge the field and kick them off before heading into your skybox of choice. Flats are the universal go-to this weekend, so really the more exotic the pair you bring, the better for you!

If you didn't get any for Christmas it's not too late to hunt around town as some boutiques' January stock is now in.
Bring jeans, jeans and more jeans. I predict that the boho chic that stormed everyone's closets in 2005 will have many in flowing skirts, so shake things up a bit this year by sticking with denim that you can easily dress up, down, boho, classic and whatever else fits your mood.

Accessories are how you'll make your mark as you'll probably be carrying more than usual for a festive setting, but there's no need to skimp on style if you pack a chic, modern hobo or tote.

Think grommets and chic leather, not beachy canvas. Don't forget to pack a bathing suit, poolside cover-up wrap or caftan for any seaside or Jacuzzi ventures, and some small packets of Advil or Panadol to make sure that no matter how much fun you have on day one, you'll still make it to the second round.

In case you can't fit everything you need into your valise, then stop by the Jamaica Observer's booth for our Jazz essentials. Book a chair in Kingston and pick it up at the show, naturally a cup-holder is built in so you can lounge, people-watch and applaud with ease. If you insisted on wearing heels or have an emergency strap malfunction, then luckily we have Haviana flip flops on sale at the Observer booth for a stylish replacement.

Once you're checked-in, dressed and finally ready to go, when you pick up your chair get your energy up for the night ahead with a complimentary cup of Country Traders coffee at the Observer booth. Enjoy!

Executive Class

Gardens with Gravel

Necessary Luxury