A full slate of activities is in store for this years’ staging of the Merritone Family Reunion and Homecoming, set for October 6-16.

The media launch was held at 2A Strathairn Avenue in St Andrew last Thursday.

According to Monty Blake, who now heads the world-renowned sound system, the 28-year-old reunion was started by his brother, the late Winston “Merritone” Blake, his wife Cynthia Schloss, and close friend and collaborator Lorna Bess.

This year, he noted, will be the most ambitious as the ‘Family’ warms up for the 70th anniversary of the sound system in 2020.

“This year’s celebrations will take place in Kingston and at the Melia Braco Resort in Rio Bueno, Trelawny. In addition to Merritone events, there is a robust line-up of live shows to showcase a wide variety of Jamaican talent. On October 6, we kick it off on the roof of the 100 Club on Hope Road. On Sunday, October 7, we have a double header. We will receive a blessing at the Webster Memorial United Church at 9:15 am, and the later in the evening it’s Merritone’s First Sundays at the Regency, located inside the Terra Nova Hotel. On Monday, October 8, it is Merritone Lagnappe, which happens on the Winston “Merritone” Blake Stage (located at 2A Strathairn Avenue, St Andrew). On Tuesday, October 9, it will be the Meet and Greet. On that night the Reverend Astor Carlyle will bless and officially open the Merritone Stage designed by Paul Hamilton. After the blessing, we will be playing vinyl and our guest DJs will be Wintston “Wee Pow” Powell from Stone Love, Louis Owen from the VRCA, and Danny Earlington. Vinyl junkies, please come out and enjoy,” said Blake.

“On Wednesday, October 10, the events return to 2A with City Beat Live — a live music showcase. On October 11, we return to Waterfalls in Liguanea. Activities head to the Melia Braco on Friday through to Monday, and a long list of activities are still in store for persons joining us. There will be bands all day — at least three per day — plus the popular all night all-white event. Monday, October 15, is our Las’ Lick. It will be held at 2A (Strathairn Avenue). The DJs to perform at Krazy Kris, Louis Owens, Glen Campbell and Clive Budhoo. There will be a cover charge which will go to charity,” Blake added.

The Merritone organisation also took the time to recognise five individuals who have supported the ‘Family’ over the years — Hugh Grey, Hugh Campbell, Hugh Carroll, Lanville “Sankey” Henry, and Norma Brown Bell.