ZJ Liquid - File

Red Stripe This summer is promising to be a great one for party fans from all over the island what with the expectations of the Smirnoff Dream Weekend set for Emancipation Weekend.

But before it gets here, Red Stripe will kick off its summer series of parties at the National Indoor Arena this Friday, July 9.

The party, set to start at 6 p.m. will feature entertainers like Elephant Man, Etana, Baby Cham and I-Octane, as well as ZJ Liquid, the Coppershot sound system and, of course, perennial favourites Renaissance disco. Based on the cast, it looks set to be an exciting experience.

Just ask Elephant Man, who has dubbed himself, the 'Mayor of Negril' for the summer.

The 'Energy Gad' already knows who he wants to see more than anyone else this Friday. "I want to see Cham perform because it's been a long time I haven't seen him perform, so that's gonna be nice and the fans are gonna enjoy it because you done know, Cham is a good performer, Cham has the hits under his belt," said Elephant Man.

He said he expects the kick off party to be off-the-chain.

DJ Liquid, who last year signed a ground-breaking three-year agreement with Red Stripe to endorse the brand and spread its message using popular culture and music, says fans can expect a bit more from him come Friday.

the Red Stripe way

"Well, I will be bringing the regular, plus a little bit more," he said. "I will be bringing the regular fun and vibe, the vibe that keeps you laughing and keeps you dancing. Just ensuring people have a good time the Red Stripe way."

Liquid, who has been trying his hand at deejaying in recent months, hinted that fans might get a little of that from him as well. "Maybe you will get a little performance, you can never tell," he said laughing. "Maybe fans will get lucky, a little performance along with the juggling."

Elephant Man ... looking forward to Cham performance.

Last year's party was a blast on the roof of the National Housing Trust parking lot and Liquid believes this year's will be just as good with the line-up set to perform.

"It's a good vibe, it's a cultural vibe and Red Stripe is working with those artistes because people like their vibe. Each has a different vibe but they are all doing clean, fun music, so it's a good line-up."

Red Stripe Brand Manager Safia Cooper believes this Friday's party opens the gateway to a summer of great party experiences.