Misty mornin’, don’t see no sun
I know you’re out there somewhere having fun

Those opening lines from the Bob Marley classic ‘Misty Morning’ accurately sum up the prevailing weather conditions at Hollywell recreational area in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, some 3,500 feet above sea level on Sunday, February 28, during the annual Misty Bliss show.

The Jamaica Conservation Development Trust (JCDT), as it does each year, had advised patrons that since the venue for Misty Bliss falls within the mist forest, they should take an umbrella or raincoat and bring a sweater or jacket as it was likely to be cool and windy in the afternoon with swirling mist. That advice proved to an understatement, as my two shirts and windbreaker – for the most part, failed to provide adequate protection from the elements. Still, it proved to be the most enjoyable Misty Bliss festival I have had the pleasure of attending.

WELL PREPARED: This couple came prepared to enjoy the camp site and their tent provided well needed shelter from the cold.

By midday, a heavy mist had drifted in from the east, causing condensation to form on people’s hair and clothing – lending a surreal atmosphere to the area, more in keeping with what one might encounter in London or some other European city. This notwithstanding, the crowd which built slowly but steadily over the course of the day, included women dressed in shorts and spaghetti strap tops, while one young man wearing a merino vest with jean pants drew some curious stares.

Though attendance was down compared to previous years, patrons this year seemed to have a greater awareness of the importance of ecotourism and showed their appreciation for the cultural offerings from the performing groups. Participation was high as stand-in emcee Susan Otuokon, executive director of the JCDT and her colleagues tested the audience’s knowledge of Jamaica’s cultural heritage and proudly displayed their spot prizes which included straw bags, Blue Mountain Coffee and plantlets. JDCT Chairman Robert Stephens was very visible as he made the rounds, chatted with patrons, ate of the traditional food on offer and showed that he certainly knows how to ‘drop legs’.

NEXUS IN FULL SWING: The Nexus Performing Arts Group was a hit with the audience as it delivered some of the pieces which saw it winning gold, silver and bronze at last year’s choir festival in Austria.

After seeking refuge in the Red Cross tent under the pretext of having my blood pressure checked, I ventured out to the food stalls and sampled the janga soup which understandably did not retain its heat for very long. I enjoyed the jerked chicken even though it was not cooked right through to the bones and now fortified, went about checking out the entertainment and attractions. While some adults went to great measures to protect themselves against the cold, the children for the most part were busy running about, with Pickney Sinting at The Kids Discovery Zone enjoying full occupancy.  The local talent which included deejays found a receptive audience but it was the Hugh Douse-led Nexus Performing Arts Group which really got the people going and went it departed, the crowd was disappointed, that is, until the Charles Town Maroon Drummers and Dancers took the stage. Coming off a tour of Ghana, the group hit the right chord with the audience and was still performing when the Sunday Herald left the venue.

Attendance at Misty Bliss 2010 was affected by inadequate advertising but the package was tighter and seemed more co-ordinated than in previous year’s and I suspect the weather might have affected sales but for me, it was the best show I have attended. This, notwithstanding the disappointment of my friend Carleen Harrow who left it too late and when she went back to buy dukunnu to take home for her 11-year old son Zandell, found it was all sold out.­

Text & photos by CHRISTOPHER SERJU