A night to unwind

It was fun for alL: singing, dancing, having a drink or simply cheering. (Nigel Browne)

By Wendell Callender | Tue, January 31, 2012 - 12:03 AM

The folks in Parish Land, a community that has grown accustomed to the sound of aircraft landing at Grantley Adams International Airport, are known for their easy-going style.

No matter what challenges come their way, these Christ Church folk always seem to find comfort from some pleasant diversion. Last Saturday night was no exception. They turned Zaries Bar & Variety, located at the west end of the community, into a playground of diversity.

At first dominoes took centre stage at the front of the establishment with the guys competing to see who could be victors or victims of the six-love craze.

For them the challenge was one for the record book, a book whose sensuously designed cover reflected more the pleasure of those whose names had been recorded for being victors and the dates of such feats, than the pain of those who were listed among the vanquished.

The long list was a clear indication that the game of dominoes was a prime pastime of many of the fellows in the area.

We also learnt that darts and draughts, which had their fair share of patrons, could in no way compete with the passion shown for the more exciting domino games.

Saturday night, however, was filled with more revelry than usual as the folks demonstrated a joie de vivre that reflected the spirit of a close-knit rural community.

At times the bar was transformed into a mini-Kadooment complete with all the gyrations. At other times the scene reflected the ballroom waltzes made popular in an earlier era. Even the days when people would “hold a spot and grind” were also brought back to life.

The karaoke session was more of a singalong than a showcase of budding superstars as patrons joined in the singing of their favourite oldie-goldie hits like Rhinestone Cowboy and Judy, Judy.

Even a few of the inebriated demonstrated some mastery in holding a note in unison.

The husband and wife team of Barbadian Anthony Ifill and Jamaican Villince, operators of Zaries Bar & Variety, helped to add Caribbean flair to the activities. The music played by DJ Ishmael captured favourite Jamaican genres while still giving prominence to Barbadian music during the breaks from the karaoke session.

The culinary delights included the Jamaican curried goat and plain rice, and mannish water; and the Bajan delights of pork chop, baked chicken and rice, and macaroni pie.

Troy Daniel, who operates Troy’s Bar on Pilgrim Road, was among those enjoying the atmosphere at Zaries. For him, a proud Parish Land man, the spirit of community was thrilling.

Anthony “Jump Up” Bourne, a cricketer for Parish Land Cricket Club in its heyday in the late 1990s, said Zaries allowed him to indulge his passion for music while performing the regular role of deejay.

Whatever role they had carved out for themselves, the Parish Land folks enjoying themselves at Zaries last Saturday were evidently pleased to be part of a community they loved dearly.