Two Jamaican entertainment promoters in New York City are planning to launch a two-day “Elite Weekend” early next year in Kingston, the Jamaican capital.
Sephron Mair — founder of the Signature Society and promoter of one of the larger all-white events in New York, “Soiree En Blanc” – told Caribbean Life on Tuesday that he and Jerry McDonald, co-founder of “Bleu & Bougie,” will trek to Jamaica later this month to officially launch “The Elite Weekend,” which will be held on the iconic grounds of Devon House in Kingston, on March 16 and 17, 2024.
“’The Elite Weekend’ is the perfect fusion of two of New York’s premiere events — the classy all-white ‘Soirée en Blanc’ and the chic all-blue ‘Bleu & Bougie’,” said Mair, inviting Caribbean nationals in the New York Diaspora for “an unforgettable party experience that will be filled with delectable small bites, exotic tropical and international libations, elegant outfits, live entertainment, crowd-pleasing DJs, and much more.”
“Our team has been planning this event from the start of 2023,” he disclosed. “We have done it big in New York, and we are ready to take that unforgettable party experience to Jamaica.
“We have thought of everything to ensure that patrons have an extraordinary time that will leave them feeling rejuvenated and inspired,” Mair continued.
When asked about the decision to host the event at Devon House, Mair said, “Devon House is one of the most celebrated historic landmarks in Jamaica that is the architectural dream of Jamaica’s first Black millionaire, George Stiebel.
“The iconic space is synonymous with fun, family entertainment and recreation in Kingston, where guests can tour, shop, dine, relax and feast on the world-famous Devon House ice cream,” he said.
Mair said The Signature Society is a 15-year-old upscale events curator, marketing and promotional non-profit organization, “hosting sophisticated and memorable events.”
He said the society “proudly supports” international charitable organizations, including Food for the Poor, Jamaica; Feeding Westchester; and Connecticut FoodShare.
In 2019, Soirée en Blanc tapped Joan McDonald, the first beauty contestant to win the Miss Jamaica World Pageant and Olympian Devon Harris, of the 1988 bobsled team, to host a Black Tie Gala in Rye, New York. Attendees included Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, as well as “Brand Ambassador” Lisa Hanna.
Mair said Bleu & Bougie is an “exclusive event brand” that was founded in 2016.
He said the event has honored a cadre of stars and recognized outstanding individuals, including Jamerican actor Nick Creegan, “Law and Order: Organized Crime”; Safaree: NY TV star, Love & Hip Hop; Bounty Killa: International DJ; and reggae singer Nadine Sutherland.
