The rain fell, but not the Mountains: @Jimi's Jam

The weathervforecast had proffered a 20% chance of showers, which merely made it inevitable when the heavens did actually open up.

But, thwarted meteorologists aside, the lingering downpour had no I'll effects on the small but enthusiastic group that converged on the Asante Adonai property in the St Ann hills on Sunday. What could possiblyprove such powerful draw? Jimi Hendrix, or more specifically, the remembrance thereof. On ten occasion of the 69th anniversary of the birth of the legendary guitarist, broadcaster, psychologist (and owner of the sprawling hillside estate) and lifelong Hendrix devotee Leachim hosted the official inaugural Hendrix Tribute, dubbed "Jimi's Jam".

The event was conceived to have three main elements: cinematic, dubbed Fillmore Tropical (after the famed Fillmore West and East Theatres where he famously performed; Hendrix on Wax ( as well as CD and digital turntable); and Hendrix Live. Although the rain put paid to the outdoor cinema, the other two elements came together to excellent effect.

The selector duties were lArgely split between the host and dj Afifa who through her Sounds of Life outfit, turned a fiitingly eclectic set of Hendrix originals, tunes from artistes influenced by Hendrix and Hendrix covers - the latter notably including Angelique Kidjo's smoking' rendition of "Voodoo Chile" and - most indelible of all to this writer - The Cure's take on "Purple Haze".

The live segment overcame the much delayed arrival of drummer Akil Karram to prove a welcome finish tothe event. Guitarists Maurice Gordon and Omar Francis cranked up at a moderate pace with "Hey Joe", bassist Shurwayne Thompson adapting speedily to what was unfamiliar material. With the previously lost-in-transit Karram scurrying onto the stage, the vibe quickly belled and the thusly formed quartet stretched out with aplomb on a dub-tinged "Machine Gun" as the rain subsided. More similar explorations followed and on the closer " Little Wing" Karram ceded the drum chair to the previously unheralded but undoubtedly talented Shane Campbell.

Apart from the musical appetite, patrons' cravings for sustenance were sated by organic fare from "Stoosh in de Bush" which included Cilantro-pumpkin soup, homemade bread and a delectable egg-less, flour-less chocolate cake. Artist Richard Von White also had his unique mixed media reproductions on display.

Altogether a great jump-off in tribute to the man who famously said, "fall mountains, just don't fall on me." The mountains held up, and the forecast for the future of this event looks bright.

Altogether, a memorable jump-off for the man who famously claimed "fall mountains, jut don'