The Rounds - September 3, 2006

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds for Labour Day Weekend 2006. It’s the last long weekend of the Summer and if you’re like me, the only labour you’ll be doing tomorrow…is trying to keep your eyes open.
That is, if you stayed in town. In New York the weekend before school opens marks the Annual West Indian American Day Carnival in Brooklyn. It is one of the largest celebrations of Caribbean culture and music in North America…but don’t be upset if you’re missing out. You ever heard the saying…don’t rain on my parade?!!! Well, I’m sure all of Brooklyn is staring up into the smog filled Heavens and begging for mercy…because so far…they have not been so lucky. Traditionally several major events take place warm up the borough for the upcoming road action held on Monday. This year, tradition had to take a backseat to an act of God named Ernesto. Remnants of the Tropical storm washed out the Brassfest at the Brooklyn Museum Grounds putting a damper on a show that would have featured performances from Machel, Shurwayne, Krosfyah, Maxamus and many more. Saturday the rain was so heavy they had to reschedule kiddie carnival for today. Heavy rain and 18 degree temperatures aren’t good for elaborate mas costumes, nor are they healthy for youngsters who have to start back school on Tuesday. So, tomorrow is the main event…and I’m not saying that we should celebrate anyone’s misfortune…but I’ll tell you this. I for one am thankful, I kept the fruits of my labour in my pocket…
There’s a group of Antiguans in Harlem that are facing a similar fate this weekend. While most West Indians in New York City reside in Brooklyn, Harlem and the Bronx are home to many people from Antigua. Last year one of their social organizations begun producing a cultural celebration that would eliminate the bumper to bumper drive out of Manhattan. Yesterday, legendary Antiguan soca icon Arrow was honoured at the second annual Caribbean Splash down and health fair. And they couldn’t have picked a better name. The event featured performances from Claudette Peters, Oungku and Red Hot Flames as well as Scrunter.
So if you’re missing the weekend long West Indian Day Wete Fete, and are looking for a way to take in some major soca vibes before parang season starts..I’m sure you’ve heard the talk. There are two major shows going on next Saturday in Toronto that are competing for your soca dollar. In the left corner (weighing in at One Roadmarch King, a former atlantic recording artist and a Queen of Soca) it’s Machel, Rupee and Alison. And in the right corner weighing in at (The hottest band outta Barbados, the ladies choice for Trinidadian groovy soca, and the People’s Monarch) it’s Krosfyah, H20 Phlo and Contone. I love the fact that Toronto always gets to enjoy the best in Caribbean entertainment…but I hate (and no, that’s not too strong a word). I hate that I can’t go to both shows. To me, it’s a crying shame that people have to choose between these two amazing lineups. Call me a flower child, but wouldn’t it be nice if all the promoters could just work together to promote we culture and keep their patrons happy? They way allyuh keep jacking up de price of allyuh fete tickets, yuh must know there’s enough money to go around. So, unfortunately I can’t say where I go be on Saturday…but I wish both fetes de best of luck.
Back in February, yours truly was the first to tell you about a documentary that reggae star Freddie MacGregor was filming during Trinidad carnival. Guess what, it’s finished! Freddie’s First “Where Reggae Meets Soca” The film is making it’s debut in Trinidad as we speak. It contrasts and celebrates the musical traditions of Jamaica and TNT and will benefit an HIV/AIDS initiative called Bridging the Gap in both countries. Well how about that, seem like we’ll have to learn our lessons about unity from the artists.
I’m nurse Karen an those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send me your comments at soca at flow 935 dot com. Happy Labour Day! Now back to de docta.