THE Corporate Area was awash with events to ring in 2011, however, a number of Jamaicans chose to have a private moment with Reggae crooner Beres Hammond.

The event, which saw patrons payingapproximately $8,000 per person, was held at the Caymanas Gold Club and saw the Grammy-nominated veteran artiste performing his hits for just over two hours to the delight of his appreciative audience. The two-foot-high stage ensured intimacy as the artiste, whose voice has been described as husky with a hint of gravel, was always within arm’s reach of the females who made sure to take pole positions as they took in the night’s sole performer.

Dressed simply in dark trousers and a plain white shirt as well as his trademark hat, Hammond was in fine form and the patrons made him know with endless whistles, their applause and the traditional New Year’s Eve noisemakers. At one point, in reaction to the love he was receiving, Hammond noted, “this is the finest New Year’s Eve from mi born,” and the giving just continued.

The hits just flowed, Come Back Home, Groovy Little Thing, Tempted to Touch, Double Trouble, Putting Up Resistance, Sweetness, Can You Play Some More, No Disturb Sign and Love Means.

After one hour, a sweating Hammond glanced at his watch, only to be greeted by the call for more. Hammond jokingly responded, “Mi tired,” to which one patron fired back, “My $8,000 nuh tired yet.” And more they got. From the ‘oldie but goodie’ One Step, to the current I Feel Good, Sweet Lies and I Surrender, Hammond gave it his all.

After two hours and 12 minutes he finally wrapped with his version of Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get it On.

Hammond’s exit left some patrons sufficiently charged to take to the dancefloor, while others who had clearly had their fill, made their way home, however, the common feeling was that they had made the right choice in starting the new year with Beres.

— Richard Johnson