Ity & Fancy Cat

Comedy duo has matured and honedtheir craft, both individually and collectively, as witnessed by their performance at Christmas Comedy Cook-Up recently.

Trinidas & Co 'cook up' mixed bag @ Comedy fest

There was the proaspect of serious words being thrown several miles southward in Portmore, but at Backyaad on Constant Spring Road on Boxing Day night, the words elicited howls and peals of laughter.
Trini-born, Candaian resident Alex Trinidad used the natural gift of his larger than usual ears (accentuated by a shaved head and light complexion0asa great ice breaker and proceeded to deliver in my book, the best routine of the early going of the ELlis Int'l Comedy fest. Alongthe way, he skewered Jamaicans, Guyanaese and "non-Caribbean white people" to good effect.
Lovindeer - the natural parodist- created the usual stir, with his term-bending ditties("Bun-Bow-Cloth") but really sparked when joined by DJ lady G for the brilliant "You Cook"
Song also playeda part in curtain raiser Michaal Abrahams' routine, which suggested - among other things - replacing synchronized swimming as an Olympic sport with "synchronized sexing". Ity 7 Fancy Cat got the biggest laughs ogf the night for their reneactment of the country's oLympic glory and the recent shoe-throwing incident (in which they substituted current prime minister Bruce Golding and former PMs PJ Patterson & Portia Simpson-Miller for the outgoing US president).

Nazi Noel

The following piece form Yahoo news service, I found interesting. Have yourselves a Merry Christmas anywaym and here's to more E-Square in the New Year.

With no less than six World War II-focused films out this month, it's shaping up to be a very Nazi Christmas.

In theaters now are "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," which tells the story of a forbidden friendship between the son of a Nazi officer and a Jewish boy imprisoned in a concentration camp; "The Reader," which stars Kate Winslet as a former concentration-camp guard on trial years after the war; and "Adam Resurrected," which follows a Holocaust survivor (Jeff Goldblum) living in a mental institution.

"Valkyrie," which opens on Christmas day, stars Tom Cruise as a German officer who heads up a plan to kill Hitler. And two more Nazi-oriented films open on New Year's Eve: "Defiance" stars Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber as brothers who battle the Nazis from a secret hideout in the woods, and "Good" features Viggo Mortensen as an academic and novelist reluctantly enticed into the SS fold after he's approached to write some mild propaganda for the Nazi party.

In a recent interview, Cruise joked: "Go kill Hitler on Christmas!"

So why, during what's supposed to be the cheeriest time of year, this abundance of stories from one of humanity's darkest hours?

"Much of it is awards-driven," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Media By Numbers, which tracks box-office totals. "Downer movies come out this time of year as a reflection of the fact that people are vying for Oscars."

Indeed, Holocaust-themed holiday releases have fared well with academy voters for decades. "Sophie's Choice," a December release in 1982, earned five Oscar nominations and a win for star Meryl Streep. "Schindler's List" was nominated for 12 Oscars and won seven — including best picture — after its release in December of 1993. "The Pianist" opened two days after Christmas in 2002. It was nominated for seven Oscars and won three, including best actor for star Adrien Brody and best director for Roman Polanski.

"These movies take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride," Dergarabedian said. "They're powerful, moving, and Oscar loves that."

The Holocaust and World War II are rich landscapes for exploring moral issues and human costs, and such stories resonate with filmmakers and awards voters alike, said Steve Pond, author of the 2005 book "The Big Show: High Times and Dirty Dealings Backstage at the Academy Awards."

World War II-themed movies have been winning Oscars since the year after the war ended, Pond noted. In 1946, "The Best Years of Our Lives" won seven of the eight Oscars for which it was nominated, plus a special award given to supporting actor Harold Russell "for bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans" by appearing in the film.

"The Holocaust is such an irredeemable monstrosity, you can't get more extreme or more evil than that," Pond said. "For a dramatist dealing in conflict, it's sort of an irresistible topic to be drawn to."

The current state of the world inspires continued interest in these themes, said Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder and dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

"Here we are, 63 years after Auschwitz, and we can't open up a paper or read an article that doesn't involve another episode of man's inhumanity to man somewhere in the world: suicide bombings, Mumbai, Darfur," he said. "The Holocaust is a ripe subject for writers and directors to present on the screen issues that resonate even today as we cross into 2009."

Fastest sportswear on the planet

"Lightning" of a good kind struck at the Molynes road headquarters of Sun Island Ltd as triple world record holder and Olympic champion Usain Bolt showed up to put the cap on the launch of his eponymous sportswear line (featuring the now iconic 'to di worl" pose), a joint venture with Sun Island. Bolt also made a donation to various charities being served by United Way of Jamaica, which will be an ongoing beneficiary of the proceeds

'Three the Hard Way' @ Backyaad

Okay, so maybe not as dramatic as that headline suggests, but last Wednesday at backyaad on COnstant Spring Road saw three acts representing rock, reggae and other genres of their choosing (but mostly rock) with integrity and intensity.

headliner Tessanne lived up to the billing, with the finest performance I've seen from her to date (mark you, I hadn't seen her live all year); the band was super-tight and also there was a 'historic' onstage duet with sister Tammi.

Crimson heart Replica (with Catherine up front) delivered both subtlety and sizzle, and Gas Money pretty much left it all on the Backyaad stage with an uninhibtedly rocking set.
Sawandi laid down grooves as thick as three-day old pea soup in the intervals.

These are the moments that make my work worthwhile.

2 Great bands to ring in 2K9 with

Amid the customary hoopla and noisemaking this December 31, there's two live acts with a difference at disparate venues in (and around Kingston)
Over at Red Bones, Black Zebra - who deleivered two strong shows at Grosvenor Galleries recently -will hold court, while Rootz Underground will go up - way up - to Strawberry Hill to show their ongoing maturity as roots-rock-reggae provocateurs.

I'm personally leading to Rootz at Strawberry hill (transport, anyone?), but you can't go wrong either way.

An aside: I missed what by all reports was a scoeching show, ut Abdel Wright is back and believe me, if like good roots music, that's great news. Will keep you posted.

Keep it Clean, Macy

Interesting (and refreshing) to note that singer-actress Macy Gray (who's been kinda quiet radio wise since her big hits "I try" and "Move Somethin" almost 10 years ago) will be part of the lineup for Shaggy's big Bustamante CHildren's Hospital benefit, come January 3.
However, the unititiated should be prepared for the unexpected - and even the unsavoury. Two years ago, our friend Macy ran afoul of the Barbados authorities (not to mention festival orgnaizer Gilbert Rowe) atthe Barbados Jazz festival following an expletive laced (in particular, the tem m-f**er) skit near the ned of her otherwise engaging show.
The prognosis right now for a 'clean performance is mixed. gray tunred her attention to social activism with the macy Gray Music Academy in 2005, providing performance opportunities for underprivileged kids. (yay!!!)
On the downside, her latest musical incarnation is a character called Nemesis Jazson, under which moniker hert latest single is "Slap A Bitch"

You have been warned :-)

Anotyher Dose of Dubtonic

Over the last 10 days or so, they've rocked (or 'dubbed') The Village Blues Bar, Christopher's jazz Cafe and Red Bones.
Now the Dubtonic Kru, led by drummer Jubba White and featuring kamau, saxman Tony Green and others brings their musical roll to 'home' with a Friday nite show atthe ADVIDCO complex on Lindsay Ave (wraps around Dunrobin Avenue at either end)
Showtime: about 9 pm

Fab Sundays @ Rock Edge

Sundays Concerts Series
Presents

Fab 5

live in concert @ Sundays Rock Edge Villas
Race Course, Oracabessa
December 21, 2008

Gates Open at 3 PM.
Wine & Dine because the food is Gooood!

Hearty Jamaica Menu with a few dishes with a twist.
And an awesome twist at that!
Like Steak Black Well (Choice cut of Strip Loin marinated in Black Well aged rum) or Lobster Rock Edge.
All Meals Coordinated and Prepared by Patrick Ewbank with a special big to Nealy's Curry Goat and Molo's Roti and Dal.

And then Dance!
Dance off those calories or just because your mouth and tummy are in such a good mood, to the awesome sounds of
Fab 5
Show time 6 PM.
Admission $1000.00 at the gate or $800 pre-sold*

Sundays Rockedge Villas
Good Music, Good Food amongst Good People!


* Ticket sales location: Silks Auto Port Maria, Silks Auto Gayle, Silks Auto Race Course, White River Jerk Center Ocho Rios and Molo's Annotto Bay. For more information call us at 876 726 4412 or reply.

Five on Fire @ Christopher's

Had a blast tuesday nite with trumpeter Mickey Hanson, Othneil Lewis (keys), Obed Davis (drums), Carl Gibson (bass)and percussionist Richie Cunningham, all to kick off final week of Live music nation for 2k8 at Christopher's. Pics and full review to follow

BLACK ZEBRA EARN THEIR STRIPES

Black Zebra ended the final of a 2- gig run @ Grosvenor Galleries last nite as the Live Music nation wound up 2K8 for Wednesday. There is an Observer review (written by yours truly of the first gig) although unfortunately it wasn't added to Observer website. Will get hold of a copy and post for E-Square readers (yes the name has changed - the address has not). Look out also for pics of those and other live shows around town soon.

the Wednesday night series ends this coming Wed (17th) with Tessanne Chin headlining supported by Gas Money and Crimson Heart Replica.

go to www.myspace.com/blackzebramusic or www.griotpublishing.com for more

TRUMPETER MICKEY HANSON BRINGS 'HORN OF PLENTY' TO LIVE MUSIC NATION

In what will be the final week of events for 2008 in the Live Music nation series, trumpeter Mickey Hanson will lead his band in the popular Tuesday Night jazz showcase at Christopher's Jazz Cafe inside the Quad in New Kingston. No stranger to live gigs or to the Griot Music-produced LMN series, Hanson's lyrical voicings on the horn, and his wide knowledge of contemporary music and easygoing rapport have endeared him to audiences far and wide. Hanson has been one of the principal persons involved in the resurgence of live music in small venues through the successful series “Live Thursdays at the Deck.”

The Live music nation series, which began with the lone Tuesday night engagement over two years ago, has grown to encompass three nights: A Thursday Singer's Night at Christopher's is also popular, while the recently added Wednesday Night Rocks has seen growing interest form aficionados of the the 'rock/alternative' scenes.

Among the other artistes that have been featured are pianists Kathy Brown, Kamla Hamilton and Dennis Rushton, saxophonist Nicholas Laraque, vocalists Janine Cunningham, Bijean Gayle, Katrina Harley, Hezron and Mario Evon. The 2008 series will close out with performances from Althea 'di Chic' Hewitt on Thursday night and, before that, a special Wednesday concert headlined by Tessanne Chin at Backyaad on Constant Spring Road. Opening for Chin will be rockers Gas Money and Crimson Heart Replica.

Mickey Hanson’s accomplished music career spans the past four decades. A self-taught musician, he learned to play the trumpet at the age of 16, and soon attracted the attention of the popular bands that were playing the live music circuit during the sixties. Hanson took to the stage with the Presidents (1963-67) and the Cascades (1967-70) before spending several years (1973-1977) under the tutelage of the great American composer, arranger and trombone player Melba Liston at the Jamaica School of Music. His talent earned him a place by her side as a colleague on her tour of schools, colleges and university music departments in Pennsylvania and New York in 1975.
On his return to Jamaica, Hanson took a five-year stint at Kingston’s New Kingston hotel which he credits as the genesis of his solo career. Between 1979 and 1984, he and the Caribs band kept the city’s nigh crowd jumping at the Johnkanoo Lounge, then Kingston’s premier night club. As his success with the public grew, his fans called for recordings from the much-loved trumpet player and Hanson’s recording career began. His first venture into the studio in 1985 produced a popular single release, Kyu Sakamoto’s Sukiyaki. This was followed by releases of Stevie Wonder’s Harmor Love, Prez Prado’s Mambo classic Patricia and fellow Jamaican Glen Brownie’s Love Song. All enjoyed respectable success on the charts and served to establish Hanson as a name on the Jamaican music scene.
Hanson, now an established talent on the music scene, was an obvious choice when backing musicians were booked for the appearances of major international performers in Jamaica, including Gladys Knight, Denise Williams and Aretha Franklin, among others. He also performed and recorded with Jamaica’s own legend Bob Marley, who was himself only just beginning to surface as a force in the music world.
The occasion was the only Jamaican appearance by Michael Jackson, who at the time was still performing as a member of the Jackson Five. Hanson also became a regular in the recording sessions of other established artists; Bob Marley, (Survival album); Myrna Hague, (Send in the Clowns); Louise Bennett, (Miss Lou); Skatalites, (Last of the Great Guns); Fabulous Five (On the album Yu Safe!, which won a Jammy in 1986, the top award in Jamaica’s music industry).
Mickey Hanson has been a familiar face and valued presence on many Jamaican bandstands. With the legendary Skatalites, he was one of two musicians who although they were not original members, were invited to play on the group’s first recording since they disbanded over 20 years before. Other bands included the Caribs, the Sonny Bradshaw Seven, the Big Band, the Mutual Life Players, Cedric Brooks’ Divine Light of Saba and the Ritz All Star Group.
His concert work includes appearances with the Shortwood 30 voice choir. Hanson’s career took another leap forward with the completion of his first album “For The Love of It”, which features his own distinctive interpretation of Jamaican Standards. “For the Love of It” enjoyed success both locally and overseas, and won two Jammy awards for best produced and arranged album. The album also encouraged a wide cross section of instrumentalists locally to produce albums as a result of its success.
His talent and standard of excellence were recognised as he was a specially invited guest on the Prime Ministers’ Independence Gala at Jamaica House. In 2004, his peers recognised his achievement by awarding him with the Jamaica Federation of Musicians Union Special Award in 2004 for “Outstanding contribution to the development of the Jamaican Music Industry.”


go to www.griotpublishing.com for more

Hez with the Vibes

Hezron brings his specical "rudeboy-soulboy" vibe to Weekenz this Wednesday for the jamaica Vibes experiencce, beginning at 9:00pm
Catch it and look out for his new album

One of the Excellent 'Fu'

Finally made good on my word last Sunday and took in Seh Supm in the new home
at Village Blues Bar (no longer Village Cafe)
Great location, for some great spoken word from the likes of Raquel Jones (how does so much eropticism ooze from such a tiny body?) and the excellent Fuzion (as Few Zion), justly recognized as Poet of the Year (and in the running again) by Red Bones.
A great Sunday night lyme, once it starts on time, so check it out

PS - also props to Lucas (?) Kortesi of Rare Groovers for laying down some killer tracks on wax.

Tastee Reflections

I've been given the opportunity to produce a reflective piece on my Tastee experience this year. Here goes


KEEN EARS, OPEN MIND
Reflections of a tastee Judge

"Endings are beginnings" the great Randi Crawford once opined, and that duality becomes apparent to me having completed the four preliminary auditions in this year's tastee Talent Trail.

As the sole returning judge from last year, I have a somewhat different perspective from my two cohorts, Dahlia Harris and Dwight Richards. Faces and sounds which might have seemed new to them were to me returns from '07. Singers, dancers, DJs, an instrumentalist here, a comedian there. Its kind of like a favourite shirt, you pick it up an slip it on almost without thinking.

But nothing could have prepared any of us for Israel.

I don't even remember his full name and it hardly even matters. Israel sauntered in from Hanover and turned three self-professed entertainment 'professionals' into doubled-over, teary-eyed blobs of laughter. His schtick: dance, but whereas the youth-oriented dancers of today have a near tiresome barrage of 'Nuh Lingas' and Gully Creepas' Israel's routine is a hybrid of 70s skank and funky chicken set to bass-heavy roots music. Completing the gag is a red velour suit (he did change to blue in subsequent visits), a black stovepipe hat and a twisty goatee that if cut, could probably lash bamboo together.

Laugh as we must, Israel is symbolic of the Tastee talent spirit over the last 29 years. His serenely audacious self-confidence typifies Jamaican accomplishments in the arts, entertainment and sports over the last two or three generations. Its the reason why the name Jamaica evokes intense reactions of all sorts (never passive) from admirers - and the occasional detractor - worldwide, and its the reason why, as long as opportunity beckons (in the form of Tastee and other contests) there will be madcap minstrels like Israel believing that a spot on the big stage is their God-given right.

But, I digress.

The reason why I relish this position is that like its competitors, Tastee talent Trail provide a worthwhile barometer of the post-modern Jamaican cultural atmosphere. In other words, it gives one a good sense of 'wha really a gwaan out a road'. The way the candidates dress, rehearse, interact with each other, the way they adress us, the judges, the way they deliver their routines and the way they respond to our assessments, al give interesting cues about the runnings of the society today.

As much as we may dismiss individual acts with shouts of "Next!!!" cumualtively, they are a valuable - no, make that invaluable - social research base. These are the prime consumers of mass media - the videos, the ads, the shows, the local slang - and the contest give them a chance to come and regurgitate. The hot songs form the soundtrack for both vocalists and dancers, the topical issues form fodder for the DJs (how many times was the JPSCo. roundly scored during our audition process) and the outfits reflect both prevailing trends and income factors.

All told, we the judges saw and heard approximately 700 entrants over four auditions. Montego Bay, the fianl one, proved the most satisfying to me in terms of talent (my colleagues concurred) although Kingston, expectedly had the greatest number of entrants. The females seemd underepresented, especially in the vocal categories, and I wonder about the impact of this ongoing trend.

Encouraging for me as a fan of instrumental music, there was an upswing in the number of entries from last year - and the crop yielded some interesting 'disappointments' most notably a drummer by the name of Prince Black. With proper training and guidance, he could develop into something special, but then, will there be outlets for him to make a living other than as a sessions man or as part of a 'backing band'

"We don't have a musician problem," a famous Black American musician said, "we have an audience problem." As the judging panel, our mission, beleive, extends beyond selecting the best talent to go through to the next rounds; in those selections we are helping to shape national and dare I say global musical tastes for generations.

Its no easy task - mind, ears and heart were sorely challenged this year but also handsomely rewarded.

I can't wait.

Janine's Just Right for Christopher's

Live Music Nation

[YOUNG ] LADY SINGS THE BLUES…AND MORE

As far as birthing legends go, Tuesday night at Christopher’s Jazz Café was pretty much true to form. Janine Cunningham came into the venue pretty much unheralded – except, of course, for those who had checked Griot Music’s raves online and verbally – but left the room pretty much a conqueror. Her voice, sinuously insistent to match her frame and her gently cascading locks, was key to the victory. It’s a voice which has refracted the divas of jazz past – most notably Billie Holiday – through a prism of modern expression, be it rock or dancehall.
Janine took the enthusiastic and (surpisingly) large audience on a musical cross-country, dipping into classic balladry (Dinah Washington’s What A Difference A Day Makes), roots reggae (a slowed-down version of Marley’s So Much Trouble) and great pop (Michael Jackson’s Man In The Mirror) in addition to her stirring and provocative originals, including “Warning” and the kiss-off “Parasite”. This latter has radio potential, its caustic lyrics being delivered in her sultry drawl, thus heightening the inherent tensions.
There was also a soaring, yet stripped down version of India.arie’s “Brown Skin” in which her presentation was ably supported (indeed enhanced) by her musical cohorts: Sheldon Bernard on flute; Luke Dixon on piano/keyboard; Obed Davis on drums; Keino on bass and Seretse Small on guitars. Cunningham saved another highlight for her encore, a near-delirious reading of Smokey Robinson’s classic, “Cruisin’”
The intimate setting of the urban power bar that Christopher’s proved perfectly suited for her delivery and the band remained on point throughout. That, combined with the fact that she had a capacity audience of a size worthy of her talent made the showcase (postponed previously due to the stormy weather) a September to remember.

A Not-So-Rocking Wednesday, but its all good

The Live Music Nation continues to expand
Wednesday night saw the inaugural mid-week jam at Grosvenor Galleries
in Manor Park. On the green lawns and under a cool breeze, Seretse Small
and Friends, including a welcome guest appearance from guitar legend
Earl 'Chinna' Smith (who also sang).

The highlights were two very promising female vocalists - Janine, who's no
stranger to LMN, and who's caustic kiss-off song 'Parasite' could top any chart anywhere, and Ann Marie, who put her big but velvety vocals to use on covers of Alicia Keys (Diary) and Jill Scott (The Way).

The series continues with the next free jam (and a promise of more rock flavour) in one week's time.

Not My Imagination - RIP Norman Whitfield

R.I.P. Norman Whitfield, Motown Studio/Songwriting Ace
The producer and songwriter who displaced Smokey Robinson
as the lead producer for the Temptations and helped usher Motown into
its psychedelic, socially conscious era has gone to a session in the great
Studio A in the sky. He leaves behind a string of truly potent singles and album
tracks from the mid-late 1960s and early '70s. (Well, those and the
songs he did with Rose Royce on his own label, after leaving Motown in 1975.)
>

Live Music link

http://griotpublishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40&Itemid=48

check the Griot calendar for top quality live music throughout Kingston Tues through Saturdays.

Its gonna be great

One Nation - Many Gigs

Griot Music is about to launch the largest live music campaign in
Jamaica's history.
Live Music Nation will provide live music in Kingston 7 nights a week
at different venues.

We begin the series at Christopher's which has been our home for the
past three years (time really flies) on Tuesday August 5 and it's
fitting we should begin with Seretse Small, the master of it all.

Show time: 7:30pm
Cover: $500

Tuesday August 5 - Seretse @ Christopher's Jazz Cafe
Thursday August 7 - Gas Money @ Christopher's Jazz Cafe (They're
baaack!!)
Friday August 8 - Ian Hird @ Village Blues Bar (Yes, they are now open
for business)
Saturday August 9 - Kathy Brown @ Heather's Garden Restaurant

Click on the link to see our Live Music Nation advertisement that will
appear in the Sunday Gleaner this week.

http://griot-music-mailing-list.googlegroups.com/web/LMN%20Ad%20Template%20BW%20copy.jpg?gsc=uFhxxQsAAABb14q8xh0Skz_wsyOyIa7K

JAMAICANS TOP PERFORMING ARTS OLYMPICS

Team Jamaica has done it again after the last win in 2004 with the Strachan sisters winning the overall championship. This at the World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) finals night held at the Westin Bonaventure California Ballroom in downtown, Los Angeles Friday night (July 25). Andrew Clarke from Jamaica is the Grand Champion Performer of the World with his world class vocal piece, I walk with God.
In addition to the win, Andrew received 6 gold medals, a US$10,000 2 year scholarship to attend the New York Conservatory for Film and Television acting and a number of other coaching scholarships.
The entire team did extremely well with a medal haul totaling over 60 medals inclusive of gold, silver and bronze, 70% of which are gold.
Also of mention, is the Meadowbrook United Church Junior dancers, who were the Junior Grand Champions in the Dance category with their soca/calypso hit, which was a crowd favourite, Milton Walker of Mona Prep School who was casted in an upcoming movie, Tori Haber of St. Andrew Prep and Yonique Myrie.
The Emmanuel Speech Choir also were outstanding receiving 2 gold medals and Kerrian Lewis a second timer receiving 3 silver and 1 gold medal.
The relatively small team this year of only 14 entries and 43 persons collectiviely, supporters and contestants alike, were a huge success copping the over winnings of the contest.

43 Jamaicans left the island on Friday to participate in the 12th staging of the Performing Arts Olympics
The competition IS held over a 10 day period where aspiring performers in the categories of Acting, Dance, modeling, vocals and instrumentals will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals as well as contracts and scholarships from the acclaimed New York School of Film and Television.
The Jamaican team participated in the categories of, dance, acting, modeling, and vocals……some members of the team are the Emmanuel Speech Choir, Simonne McFarlane, the MUC dancers, who performed in the Opening Ceremony, Monique Prescott, a former Miss Festival Queen, and a number of students from the Mona Prep School and Jamaicans who currently reside overseas.
The World Championship of Performing Arts is an international event which highlights the talents of people around the world ages 5-15 in the Junior category and 16 up for the seniors. The event welcomes over 50 countries each year.

Cherine, RIddim Twins give Madonna more 'Candy'

Legendary producers Sly & Robbie have churned out another "blazin" tune. This time the artist requesting the track was none other than arguably the world's largest pop icon, Madonna. Madonna was a fan of Sly & Robbie and Cherine Anderson's amazing remix of the Britney Spears' song "Piece of Me", and wanted the magic of the trio on her new single, "Give It 2 Me" (the second single off her new album Hard Candy).

The hands-on Madonna was so impressed by the work of the Riddim Twins and Cherine that she chose several of their mixes to be released. Now available via iTunes are two mixes, "Sly & Robbie Ragga Mix" and "Sly & Robbie Bongo Mix".

Cherine was truly thrilled to have the opportunity to work on a project with the queen of re-invention. "I grew up listening to Madonna and in college her songs were huge on the dance floor. It's always great fun working with Sly & Robbie. It's a huge honor to be featured on this remix.

Festival Bulletin

JAMAICA CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

WHAT: HAPPENINGS FOR THE WEEK OF July 1- July 7, 2008



National Finals - Festival of the Performing Arts

Drama Finals

July 1 & 3, 2008

11am

Little Theatre - Kingston

Admission: Adults $300 Children $200


Speech Finals

July 2, 4 & 7 2008
11am
Little Theatre - Kingston
Admission: Adults $300 Children $200



Jamaica Gospel Street Blocker - …last one!
July 5, 2008
Turtle River Park , Ocho Rios
7pm
Guest Artiste: RB Gospel Singers & Rohan Blair
ADMISSION: FREE


Jamaica Festival Song Street Blocker- ….last one!
July 5, 2008
Port Antonio Square- 8pm

Admission: Free

Special Guest: Eric Donaldson







COMING SOON

Jamaica Festival Song Finals

National Indoor Sports Centre

Saturday, July 12, 2008

8pm

Admission

Adults $600

Children $200

New Courtney John Release *Save Us All* produced by Lenky.
go to www.courtneyjohn.com

New plug

go to www.liveplugjm.blogspot.com for
a look at our latest online mag

Have a Heart, hear music

The following from musical busybody Rosina Moder (Thank God someone's putting themselves on the line for quality music)

Dear music lovers,

Inspired by a friend, that just to sit on a towel in the grass and listening to pleasant
music, would be enough for VALENTINE, we came up with this idea to start a series
of FREE SHOWS at the DEVON HOUSE GAZEBO for EVERY FIRST SUNDAY of the month.

The inauguration "HEART to HEART" concert will take place this Thursday, Valentine's Day, at 5 p.m.
(see information below...)
The second show of the "HEART to HEART" free concert series is scheduled for Sunday March 2nd., 5 p.m.

Rootz on the Move

Rootz Underground continues to spread their brand of reggae in many places and ways. Following is a patrial list of upcoming appearances and developments:

Rootz Underground 2008 updates

Here is a preview of some releases and updates:

Hammer Video releases Feb 1, 2008

Up Coming shows...

Feb. 2nd - w/ LITTLE FEAT, Grand Lido Negril

Feb. 16th - Ragga Muffin Festival, Long Beach California
http://www.raggamuffinsfestival.com/

Feb. 20th - w/ Gregory Isaacs, Luis Obispo California

Feb. 21st - w/ Gregory Isaacs, Sacremento California

Feb. 22nd - Angel Majik, Berkeley California

Feb. 24th - w/ Midnite, Petaluma California

Mar. 12th - 16th South By Southwest Conference, Austin Texas

April - MOVEMENT Album Launch, Kingston Jamaica

May 31st - Best of The Best, Miami Florida

June 20th - 22nd - Sierra Nevada Festival, California

To Havana & Back, via Texas

It was one of those nights - pianist luke Dixon and CO (Co. being "Jubba White on drums and Alves Reid on bass)pinch hit for an incapacitated Harold Butler, the scheduled act and - lo and behold - by the second set, no one was missing Harold.
Add the presence of Cuban percussion maestro Gilberto for a couple of magical numbers during the second set, and the presence of a busload of Texas college undergrads in the third (supposedly here on some sociology exercise - yaah, riiight) and Christopher's live showcase on Tuesday night sped toward the juke joint it was desired, if not meant to be, with spontaneous dancing and good vibes all around.
By the time the band played their last encore, a half-improvised Latin variation, even the normally ultra-cliquish folks at the back of the C-shaped power bar were getting into it, and those folks preparing to sample jazz in Mobay got a perfect mood-setter.
Of ocurse we all wish the best for the Butler, but given the great performance of his replacements, we have to say: Harold who?

Mini Live Plug in print

The new Live Plug mini-mag is in final production as I write this. The papepr will be launched a the Air Jmaaic jazz & Blues festival Jan 24-26 in Montego Bay.

keep your eyes peeled, not only for the print version, but for Live Plug TV coming soon

Richie B's Best of Entertainment

Excellence in Music and Entertainment awards EME's Set For February 7


By popular demand the fourth installment of the Annual Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards, (EMEs) will for the first time be aired from outside the studios of Hot 102 FM. The venue for this year's awards will be The Gardens of The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel 81 Knutsford BLVB Kingston.

The brainchild of renowned radio personality Richard 'Richie B' Burgess, the EME Awards emerged four years ago out of a need for an authentic, legitimate and grass roots based awards for Jamaican music and entertainment. Since its inception, the EMEs have increased in popularity and now has the full backing of the CVM Group. Its is based on this popularity that the awards have been moved to a bigger venue to accommodate the large following amassed over the years and will be broadcast on CVM TV.

This year the EMEs will be modelled off the famed Grammy Awards, with all the pomp and pageantry that is characteristic of such an award. Efforts are afoot to make 2008s EMEs the best award show ever staged on the shores of Jamaica.

The 2008 EMEs will recognise the achievements of the top performers from within the recording industry between October 01, 2006 and September 30, 2007. There are approximately 25 categories ranging from DJ of the Year, Best New Artiste, Song of the Year, Vocalist of the year and Producer of the year. Winners are determined based on their performance on The Weekly Jamaica Music Countdown which is presented on Hot 102 FM every Friday afternoon during the Hot Mix hosted by Richie B. This countdown is compiled from the contribution of sound system selectors, Night Clubs, record shops island wide and other radio DJs. This year's awards will also be extra special, as there will be for the first time, several 'honour' awards presented to some stalwarts and stand-outs who have made a great contribution to the growth and development of the Jamaican music industry.

The prestigious EME Awards is designed to change the face of the local entertainment calendar and bring out the best of the entertainment market. There is heightened anticipation in the entertainment industry and players are clamouring for tickets to this all inclusive exclusive, by invitation only event.





4TH ANNUAL EXCELLENCE in MUSIC and ENTERTAINMENT (EME) AWARDS NOMINATIONS LIST – 2008

For Recordings Released During The Eligibility Year October 01,2006 – September 30,2007

Note: more or less than five (5) nominations in a category is the result of ties

CATEGORIES // NOMINEES

(1) DJ OF THE YEAR (Male) (for a solo vocal performance)



1. SHAGGY

2. VYBZ KARTEL

3. BEENIE MAN

4. MUNGA

5. BUSY SIGNAL



(2) DJ / SINGJAY OF THE YEAR (Female) (for a solo vocal performance)



1. MACKA DIAMOND

2. D'ANGEL

3. QUEEN IFRICA

4. LADY SAW

5. TIMBER-LEE



(3) VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (Male) (for a solo vocal performance)



1. TAURRUS RILEY

2. DAVILLE

3. COCO TEA

4. JAH CURE

5. RICHIE SPICE



(4)VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (Female)

(for a solo vocal performance)

1. ALAINE

2. CHERINE ANDERSON

3. CECILE

4. ETANA

5. TAMI CHIN









(5) PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Dance Hall) (overall best charting record producer in this category In the eligibility year)

1. ROBERT LIVINGSTON for BIG YARD MUSIC

2. DONOVAN BENNETT for DON CORLEON RECORDS

3. STEPHEN McGREGOR for BIG SHIP MUSIC

4. MARIO 'C'AMPBELL for 357 RECORDS

5. CHRISTOPHER BIRCH for BIRCH HILL RECORDS



(6) PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Reggae) (overall best charting record producer in this category in the eligibility year)

1. KEMAR McGREGOR for NO DOUBT RECORDS

2. JOSEPH BOGDANOVICH & ANDREW PRENDERGAST for DOWN SOUND RECORDS

3. ARIF COOPER for FRESH EAR MUSIC

4. DONOVAN GERMAIN for PENTHOUSE RECORDS

5. ROBERT LIVINGSTON for BIG YARD MUSIC

6. SHANE BROWN for JUKE BOKK PRODUCTIONS



(7) BEST NEW ARTIST (Male) (award to an artist whose release(s) during the

eligibility year establishes his public identity)

1. DEMARCO

2. I-OCTANE

3. MUNGA

4. BUGLE

5. SERANI



(8) BEST NEW ARTIST (Female) (award to an artist whose release(s) during the eligibility year establishes her public identity)



1. NATALIE

2. BARBEE

3. MISS TRINITI

4. IRIE – LOVE

5. TIMBER-LEE







(9) DUO / GROUP OF THE YEAR (for vocal performance(s) by established duos or groups)



1. BRICK AND LACE

2. TOK

3. MORGAN HERITAGE

4. RDX

5. VOICE MAIL

6. CHAKA DEMUS AND PLIERS





(10) BIGGEST COMEBACK ARTIST OF THE YEAR (award to an artist whose

release(s) in the eligilibility year marked his/her 'return' to the charts after a long break)



1. NINJAMAN

2. RAY DARWIN

3. ANTHONY B

4. CHAKA DEMUS AND PLIERS

5. COCO TEA



(11) SONG OF THE YEAR (Dance Hall) (award to the artist and producer who scored

the biggest charting song in this category during the eligibility year)



1. CHURCH HEATHEN

2. BACK IT UP

3. FALLEN SOLDIERS

4. GULLY SIDE

5. WINE PON YUH

6. NAH GO A JAIL



(12) SONG OF THE YEAR (Reggae)

(award to the artist and producer who score the biggest charting song in this category during the eligilibity year)



1. SHE'S ROYAL

2. STICKY

3. THE WORLD IS A CYCLE

4. BELOW THE WAIST

5. ROOTS

6. BOARD HOUSE





(13) TOP INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

(award to an artist whose solo or collaborative release(s) allowed for greater penetration of the international marketplace)



1. JUNIOR REID

2. COLLIE BUDDZ

3. STEPHEN MARLEY

4. SHAGGY

5. SEAN PAUL

6. BUJU BANTON



(14) ALBUM OF THE YEAR ( award to artist(s) and producer(s) if different from artist(s))



1. TOO BAD …………………………….....BUJU BANTON

2. PARABLES………………………………..TARRUS RILEY

3. MIND CONTROL……………………….STEPHEN MARLEY

4. ON MY MIND……………………………DAVILLE

5. THE LIVING FIRE……………………..CHUCK FENDER

6. WALK OUT………………………………..LADY SAW



(15) RECORDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

(award to the artist with the most charting hits in the eligilibility year)



1. MAVADO

2. BEENIE MAN

3. SHAGGY

4. MUNGA

5. BUSY SIGNAL

6. MR VEGAs









(16) CULTURAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

(award to artist with the best cultural recording(s) in the eligibility year)



1. LUTAN FYAH

2. QUEEN IFRICA

3. ETANA

4. TARRUS RILEY

5. JAH CURE

6. PRESSURE





(17) BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR

(award to artist whose work attracted local and international attention and who signed to a label and/or started work on, or released an album on said label)



1. BRICK AND LACE

2. PRESSURE

3. DEMARCO

4. ETANA

5. ALAINE

6. CHRISTOPHER MARTIN



(18) SONG WRITER / LYRICIST OF THE YEAR (Reggae / Dance Hall)

(award to artist whose writing skills on all charting songs were of a consistently high standard )

1. ASSASSIN

2. VYBZ KARTEL

3. BUSY SIGNAL

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Live music Review

Christopher's Tuesday Night Review

'Easy Bouncin' with Kamla

There was, back in the foggy past of Jamaican radio, a programme by the name of Easy Bounce, the format of which perfectly backed up both sides of the name. It was not the detestable 'easy listening' lullabies that many people seem to fall prey to, but neither was the 'bounce' so racy as to turn off those in search of musical refreshment.
That search was easily satisfied on Tuesday night as the deceptively unassuming pianist took the crowd through three sets that had enough of the 'usual' crowd-pleasers, but was unusual in the treatment of same. From I Shot The Sheriff and So Jah Say and Satta Massa Gana to the Herbie Hancock standbys, Watermelon Man and Cantaloupe Island to Mercy Mercy Mercy, Hamilton didn't so much lead her three cohorts (Shurwayne Thompson on bass, Akil 'Red bull' Karram on drums and music night Founder Seretse Small on the now familiar 'naked' guitar, with the body cut out on each side), as she held council with them, checking off changes and encouraging solos.
The final set, with its versions of David Rudder's The Hammer among others got a few feet a dancing. By nights' end, Kamla had proven that she was a worthy addition to the growing stable of Christopher's 'regulars (this was at least her third visit), not to mention to the small stage at the Air Jmaaica Jazz and blues festival - coming in two weeks.


Next Tuesday: The 'Butler' returns to Do it

Would You pay Your Audience?

The above soundsl ike a radical thought, but its just one of the ideas submitted by events mag Time Out Chicago as they seek to improve the scene for live music

Sound advice
We weigh in on how to improve the local music scene in 2008.
By TOC Music staff


Get creative with self-promotion
You wouldn¹t know it by looking at the deluge of flyers on Milwaukee Avenue,
but promoting your band isn¹t as easy at it once was. Only geeks go to
record stores, people can easily delete mass e-mails from your bandŠso how
do you bring people out in 2008? Jazz keyboardist Jim Baker, who hosts an
excellent residency at Logan Square¹s Hotti Biscotti Tuesday nights, has
figured out one potential way: Pay them. Instead of putting his resources
into T-shirts and postcards, Baker gives people anywhere from a few cents to
a dollar, just for ³dutifully listening.² And apparently, more people are
coming out. While we wouldn¹t advise other acts to similarly go for broke,
hey, take a cue from the man¹s inventiveness.‹Matthew Lurie


Find more ways to overcome sinking CD sales
Struggling labels in all genres would do well to look toward Chicago¹s
Thrill Jockey and Delmark Records for inspiration. Last year Thrill Jockey
launched Fina Music, a digital music store that not only showcases its own
bands, but many other labels as well. Meanwhile, the venerable blues and
jazz imprint Delmark has carved a new niche in the DVD market, which matches
faces to names for acts like Little Arthur Duncan, Nicole Mitchell and Ari
Brown. Label head Bob Koester won¹t divulge numbers, but says the DVDs have
sold beyond expectations, occasionally outselling the same artists¹
CDs.‹James Porter

Add a little originality to mainstream-jazz monikers
Take a careful look and tell us if you notice the common thread: Chicago
Jazz Orchestra, Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, Chicago
Jazz Composers Collective and Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble. Here¹s a
radical idea: Unless you want to sound faceless, get rid of the words
Chicago and jazz in your names. Avant-garde jazz groups have been a model of
cool-name christening for too long (take Loose Assembly, Who Cares How Long
You Sink, Frequency, Block and Tackle, to name a few). A name should spark
the imagination, not dull it.‹ML

Foster the live R&B scene
As acts like R. Kelly and Syleena Johnson have proved, our contemporary R&B
scene still thrives. The only hitch? Rising acts are forced straight into
the studio because there¹s nowhere for them to gig. Sure, you can go to
clubs like the Prop House and dance to newish soul grooves, while places
like Morseland and Funky Buddha Lounge have attempted to showcase local live
R&B talent, but if there is a black equivalent of the Double Door or the
Empty Bottle, we have yet to hear about it. No one is doing anything with
the New Regal building (a.k.a. Chicago¹s answer to the Apollo) on 79th
Street near Stony Island‹that could be a golden opportunity waiting in the
wings.‹JP

Continue to support all-ages shows
For a while there, things were looking dire for Chicago music fans under 21.
When the Fireside Bowl returned to being a bowling alley in 2004, the city
lost its legendary all-ages venue for underground music. The second blow
came in 2005, when the Fireside¹s would-be successor, the Bottom Lounge, was
shut down due to the CTA¹s Brown Line expansion. Good thing other venues
stepped up. Reggie¹s Rock Club opened in the South Loop last September; the
Empty Bottle¹s bookings beyond its flagship bar expanded to more all-ages
spaces (next up is Congress Theater starting in April); and other clubs are
doing the same. As for the Bottom Lounge? It plans to reopen in West Town in
February, giving us even more to look forward to in 2008.‹AS
--

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