With the injection of a few current hits and featuring veteran dancehall artist Cham, the event, sponsored by Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, and Gordon’s Premium Pink, elevated the brunch party vibe for local and international partygoers, who flocked to the venue in their best blend of retro and contemporary looks. 

Rise and Toast event director Damien Smart made it clear that accepting the invitation to be a part of Best Weekend Ever was a no-brainer.

“Rise and Toast was named the best day brunch event by the Miami News Times; we have created the formula for having the best cuisine, best vibe, and best performances with the best music every Sunday in Florida, and we knew we could translate that same energy to celebrate Jamaica’s independence on Best Weekend Ever!” he exclaimed.

The event bridged the generational gap with a mix of old and new schools that delighted the diverse crowd of locals and foreigners alike. From the moment the gates opened, the vibe was electric. The deejays took turns on the turntables, spinning a mix of classic old-school hits and fresh new-school tracks that had everyone dancing. 

As the evening progressed, the energy peaked with a nostalgic performance from Grammy-nominated recording artiste Cham.

He delighted the crowd with some of his hit songs, including ‘Wine Up Mi Body‘, ‘Slow Motion‘, ‘Back Way‘, and the all-time favourite that has the crowd chanting ‘Ghetto Story‘.

One international patron, Tasha Grant from New York, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “This is my first time at Rise and Toast in Jamaica, and it has been an incredible experience. The music, the fashion, and the energy are different. It is refreshing to hear an old-school mix played with new-school hits. I have attended many events around the world, but this one stands out.”

Title sponsor Smirnoff elevated the party experience with custom popsicles crafted with their finest spirits, which proved to be a hit among patrons. Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Smirnoff interactive photo booth also allowed guests to capture fun and memorable moments, making every second of their time at Rise and Toast unforgettable.

Smirnoff junior brand manager Lasana Wilson also shared his experience with the event.

“At Smirnoff, we are passionate about crafting unforgettable experiences. Partnering with Rise and Toast, an exciting new addition to the Best Weekend Ever lineup, really allowed us to give patrons an opportunity to immerse themselves in the festivities. We aimed to enhance every moment, and the response has been fantastic,” he noted.

With its unique theme, musical stylings, and guest performance, Rise and Toast at Plantation Cove left patrons eagerly anticipating the next edition.