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Xhristyle hosts launch at Babylon
Tuesday evening, the 21st of June saw the official launch party of Lifestyle Journalist Chris Meklis's new website XHRISTYLE.COM, and a thoroughly enjoyable night was had by all at Babylon in the Grid Centre, Illovo.
Using the evening as a platform to acknowledge and thank those in the industry who have thus far supported his work, Chris also introduced to his guests the inspirational children from the Journey School of the Arts- a school for 'special needs' children founded by three dedicated women: actress Gemma Donnelly, her mum Jackie (a remedial teacher) and Kim Mc Jannet, a parent with three special needs children.
It was incredibly moving to behold some of the extraordinary performances by children, some of whom are profoundly impaired, and this is a reminder of just how much a role music and drama play in a child's development.
Says Chris, “I was invited to attend a media open-day at the school and was completely floored and moved at the astonishing achievements attained by these inspirational children through singing, acting and dance.”
Chris Meklis, through his website, has decided to become a patron of the worthwhile cause which is not funded by Government and whose teachers and coaches are all volunteers.
“There are incredible people involved in this wonderful cause,”Chris continues, “people like Gemma Donnelly and co member of local band Sergeant Fu, Matthew Marinus as well as ex-idol finalist and musician Graeme Watkins!”
The school is always in need of assistance in any form be it monetary donations or old computers etc. as the children also participate in computer classes as well as art lessons.
The launch was a great success and the spirit of love and care was palpable in the venue- a new bar called Babylon in the Grid Centre, Illovo.
Chris was visibly humbled by the hundred or so strong crowd which included the likes of Edith Venter, Michael da Pinna, Jacques Terblanche and many industry media and publicists, all of whom enjoyed the Journey School performances, prize give-aways, wine courtesy of Bushvine and scrumptious canapés and other delectables.
Meklis furthered his creative career as Interior Designer, when two years ago, he began his burgeoning career as a Lifestyle Writer featuring The Arts, Food & Wine, Travel, Design, Literature, Music and Film- anything Lifestyle orientated really.
As a freelance writer he has contributed for such publications as the Sunday Independent, Gay Pages, Exit Newspaper, PIX Photographic trade magazine, Hellene Scene, as well as several on-line mags including Sense On Line.
“I felt that launching my own website would be the next logical step in my career and it also means that I have more power in having the stories I want put out there”, says Chris, “I hope that xhristyle.com will grasp a whole spectrum of demographic through its versatility.
I do not only want it to be about high- end aspects of lifestyle, but about encompassing everything interesting and off the beaten track, be it a small dance workshop staging a dynamic show with aspiring talented dancers in a small theatre somewhere out of town, or a little restaurant find in the country- that kind of thing. Lets see what we discover. It's all a journey and a very exciting one at that, and I thank all who believe in me for this opportunity!”
