BACK in the 1970s, the roots man went to dances where the rockers beat held sway and ganja permeated the air. Those who loved ‘funky’ music strutted their stuff on Where It’s At.

That show, which aired on the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), was the Jamaican version of Soul Train. It made a lasting impact on young people, including Paul Johnson.

Now in his 50s, Johnson is also known as Mr Flavour, a show promoter based in Florida. On August 26, he will stage Where It’s at Dance Party, a reunion event in Lauderdale Lakes.

“The 70s was a profound period in the lives of the baby boomers generation that I belong to, so I thought it would be great to bring back the show and some of its original cast to celebrate and commemorate a period in the ’70s era,” Johnson told the Jamaica Observer. “ Where It’s At was the number one show. The players, such as producer/director Alphonso Walker and host Baldwin Howe have endorsed this event and are currently working with me.”

Johnson said he also contacted Elaine Wint, another of the show’s hosts, to be involved but she “could not commit at this time”.

Several of the original Where It’s At dancers, however, are on board and will participate.

Where It’s At first aired in 1972. It was among many Jamaican-produced programmes on the State-run JBC; others like Ring Ding and Romper Room were also popular.

It went off the air during the 1980s.

Johnson, who is from Salt Marsh, Trelawny, described the half-hour show as “the event of the era”. He is not surprised a reunion has gotten positive response.

“It is my belief that the overwhelming response may be partially based on the premise that Where It’s At was influential in fashion, music, lifestyle and family. Family structures were enhanced, and families would gather every Saturday at 6:30 pm to watch the show, together,” he said.

Dancers and dance groups who performed on Where It’s At have formed, and launched, an alumni group on Facebook.