This is the fifth in a 10-part series looking at Jamaicans excelling on the South Florida entertainment/lifestyle scene.

SOUTH Florida has always been a hotbed for parties and major live events, especially the fashionable South Beach area. Fort Lauderdale-based Jamaican Aundre Chin is responsible for a number of these gigs.

Born in St Andrew, Chin grew up in the Barbican area and attended Jamaica College. He migrated to South Florida 11 years ago.

Officially employed as a chef and dietician at the Palms of Lauderdale Lakes Nursing Home, Chin loves to party when he is not at “work”. He spoke to the Jamaica Observer recently about what makes his events crowd-pullers.

“The difference I bring is the art of listening to the patrons. I follow-up with patrons and get their feedback on events and things they would like to see and changes they would like made, and implement them,” he said. “Without patrons there would be no parties.”

Chin, 34, has been involved in party promotion for the past 10 years. He started out with Absolute Promotions before branching off and starting his own company.

His first party was the monthly Naked, a popular show in South Miami. He has since promoted events including Stages, Bubbles, Mask, Foam Wet Fete, Fiji and Ravin, the latter being his most successful venture to date.

After relocating to Florida, Chin attended Coconut Creek High School and later Atlantic University where he studied Culinary Arts. He also attended the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute, graduating with degrees in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management.

Though he earns a good income from being a show promoter, Chin pointed to its demands.

“One of the hardest challenges I face as a promoter is having a stable relationship. Most women do not trust promoters due to the lifestyle of always being around women. It takes a really strong and confident woman to be with a promoter and have a promoter in her life,” he said.