Following strong response to last year’s show, events promoter Paul Johnson is preparing a second helping of Where It’s At in South Florida.

Part two of the retro party is scheduled for August 25 at Magnolia Ballroom in Plantation, Florida.

“I was indeed pleased with last year’s event. It was a great look for this event but there’s always room for improvement when it comes to production,” Johnson told the Jamaica Observer.

Where It’s At: The Annual Reunion attracted a capacity turnout last year to Temple Beth Emet in Cooper City, Florida. Some of the attendees were regulars who made Where It’s At one of the most popular Jamaican television shows during the 1970s: They included dancers Maxwell “Maxi Clan” Tracey, Paul Brown, Patrick Brown, Noel Jones and Jennifer McCalla.

Johnson, known as Mr Flavors, is expecting more Where It’s At alumni to turn out for next month’s show, given the 2017 reception.

“This year’s event promises to be bigger overall and time-wise will be staged earlier. There will be an extension of the cultural components of the evening in order to capture the interest of our returning patrons as well as the ones attending for the first time to see and participate in the Soul Train line dance,” he said.

Where It’s At debuted on the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) in 1972. It had a similar format to the American show, Soul Train, which first aired one year earlier.

It highlighted the hottest songs and artistes, complemented by dancers and groups showing off their latest moves. Elaine Wint, Alphonso Walker and Baldwin Howe were the main hosts during Where It’s At’s 12-year run.

Johnson never appeared on the show but admits to being a major fan, who rarely missed an episode. He is determined to honour its impact.

“The Where It’s At legacy is a significant culture that consumed and resonated with every household in Jamaica. The show’s effect is lasting and worthy to be kept alive as a testimony of the most profound era, the ’70s,” he said.

  — Howard Campbell