Eye Unit: Peter Ram - Tattoo Farm / Blackberry

Well what can I say? Who new that Peter Ram and Biggie Irie were such great actors? Check out Peter's latest video for Tattoo Farm. This was shot in place of domicile for Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Skinny Fabulous for the 2010 Trinidad Carnival season. I happened to pass by the spot the day after the video. The guys were still tatted up! Later that night we met up to play J'ouvert with Nasty Devils...

Take a look and let me know what you think!




Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: The Asylum Family sticks it to Miami promoters

More than other penny pinching promoters throughout the socaverse, Miami party promoters are known to cut corners when hosting events. I talk to artists all the time, and it may suprise you to learn that for Miami Carnival MOST soca perfomers have to pay for their own flights, hotel stays and meals. Several promoters are known to pay up late, or not at all. Some of the biggest events only pay about 20% of their billed artistes, while the other cast members perform just for the hope of greater exposure.Of course, you have those who also advertise artists and DJs who aren't even confirmed, then have the nerve to ask patrons to pay handsomely for tickets that would probably cost less in any other city. I'm no artiste, but that kinda treatment would be enough to discourage me from my craft. If you can't even expect to profit from performances in front of huge crowds that earn US dollars, when can you expect to make a buck?

I dunno if any of you have heard about this new fete happening in Miami during Columbus Day weekend this year. But, there's a little something called Miami Vice, happening on Friday, October 9th on the actual set of Miami Vice, the Ice Palace.

I felt like personally throwing my love behind this event for what it represents. So before anyone is too quick to talk. This is not a paid advertisement. I wrote this because, I support the music, the music-makers, and anyone who believes in excellence.

Miami Vice was the brainchild of Fay-Ann Lyons. After several bad experiences fighting for the respect of persons who feign to

PROMOTE the soca artform, she and husband Bunji Garlin thought it would be a good

idea to put their money behind a Miami-based event that would showcase soca in a professional manner.

So beyond the fact that the thing goes down at a mansion/film studio made famous by a TV series that literally put the city of

Miami on the map, there are other noteworthy factors that make this fete worth supporting with your dolla-dolla bills y'all:

1. ARTIST DRIVEN: I told you all that. The Asylum camp ARE the promoters.
2. CONFIRMED CAST: Bunji and Fay called up a few of their best buddies in the business. They WILL be there; Beenie Man, Benjai, Biggie Irie, Denise Belfon, Hunter, Kevin Lyttle, Peter Ram, Problem Child, Sizwe C,

Skinny Fabulous, Trini Jacobs...
3. NO TRACKS! The entire cast will be backed by the Asylum Band. Dem boyz are working overtime in rehearsals learning the music for that long @$$ list of guests. Most of these artists do not travel with bands, so this is a rare chance to catch the kind of energy live music alone can inspire.

4. PRICE: It's 35 Bucks...what is that $2.50 per artist? It's cheaper than most of the other local offerings on the same night.

Knowing what most of these acts charge, I really have no idea how they're even making money on this event.

I love soca, but I freely admit that there are a lot of things that

happen behind the scenes making this business very dirty and cruel at times. So congratulations to all of the people working hard behind the scenes to make Miami Vice a success. From what I understand, regular people have been volunteering

their time and creativity to make sure the word gets out. I sincerely hope that in doing this, all of you begin to send a strong message to some of the players in the game who have been breaking the rules for far too long.

I will be there, and if anyone wants to join me, you can buy advance tickets HERE

Miami Vice Ad - Fay-Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Hunter, Skinny Fabulous, Problem Child

Love and higher standards in soca,

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene: Krosfyah Ventures and Pyramid Entertainment join forces for Crop Over 2K9

(originally written on Friday, June 12, 2009)

Head Table - Mikey of Krosfyah, Mikey, Tony "Rebel" Bailey, Adrian Dutchin, Ingrid, Santia, Tony Hoyos, Ruel Ward

Pyramid Entertainment Management Inc. the company which represents Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Mr. Dale, and Krosfyah Ventures Inc. which represents the Krosfyah band (Edwin Yearwood, Khiomal and Adrian Dutchin) have joined forces to create Barbados 246. Yeah people, I was at the press conference yesterday, and I learnt all about Barbados 246.

What is Barbados 246?

"It's a musical production which will showcase the past and present repertoire of the artistes as well as the diverse talents of the island's leading entertainers. Barbados 246 is a cultural business initiative designed to the brand Barbados locally, regionally and internationally."

Basically these entities are coming together to produce a full stage show that showcases the best of the artistes involved. Krosfyah's band will be bringing the full musical backing to the live performances by Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Mr. Dale. They are planning to include choreographed dancers and special effects into their performances. The interesting thing for me is that they have also stated that "each show will have a separate and distinct theme setting it apart from all the others". I find this interesting. I know any carnival is a very busy time and I am wondering if the Barbados 246 cast will be able to change their set from performance to performance. I mean they have said that they will be at select events over the Crop Over Season 2009.

19th June 2009 - Official Launch Event in Association with Brewster's Road - Return of the Burn
27th June 2009 - Plantation and Barbados 246 present "Boogie Nights" - Back In Time - Plantation
5th July 2009 - Soca Splash - Ultimate Beach Party - Carlisle Bay Centre
18th July 2009 - Fete - TBA - Plantation Theatre
25th July 2009 - Brewster's Road Fete - TBA - Tim's On The Highway
30th July 2009 - Glow - All White Party - Party Stand
31st July 2009 - Ten to Ten - All Night Event - Carlisle Car Park

To top it off they will be unveiling a Barbados 246 bus on Wednesday 17th June 2009! I will try to bring this to you. There will also be Barbados 246 Merchandising with T-Shirts along with a Barbados 246 Compliation CD which will be available on CD Baby, Got Rhythm.com, Trinidad Tunes, more on that as the season unfolds.

Mikey of Krosyah, Corey Graham 2.0 and Santia Bradshaw of Pyramid Entertainment

My 2 cents on this issue is that this effort is long overdue and I believe it is important that Bajan Entertainers step up to the plate and put on well produced stage shows.

Corey Graham 2.0

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The Rounds: Crop Over is coming, producer preview...

In this edition:

• Private 6 turns 20.
• Shurwayne Winchester releases a new album
• Bacchanal Jamaica Midnight in Paris
• Crop Over music preview
• Alison Hinds nominated for 2009 IRAWMAs

Good Evening Soca Lovers!

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.  While April may be the rainiest month of the year in these parts, there's no reason to assume that means spirits are low.  There's lots to celebrate all over the soca world, as we take on Spring with a bang.

   Last week Thursday, up and coming St. Lucian soca artist, Private 6 turned 20. If you don't recall the name, he brought us a song called Kalina on the Soca Blutooth Riddim in 2007 with an artist called Orion, and last year he had a cheeky diddy called "For Cable", that made a bit of a splash at home and abroad.

      Shurwayne Winchester and YOU is celebrating the release of their first studio album together, simply called YOU.  The CDs were pressed last week, and lucky fans in Trinidad will be the first to be able to grab their copies starting Thursday - just in time for Easter.

      There's no doubt that Easter is one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar.  For me, its a quiet weekend spent in church, and with close family and friends.  In Jamaica, Easter weekend is all about Bacchanal Jamaica Beach J'ouvert, featuring Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts.  On Friday night, the Bacchanal Mas camp was already hot with action for Midnight in Paris with Destra Garcia and Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon.  
Denise Belfon and Nurse Karen backstage at UWI Splash, Trinidad - February 2009.

 Jamaica has serious soca fans, making it Destra's favourite place to perform.   I heard great reports from the performers, but off stage, Tortola's soca songbird Jalena wasn't having such a great night after being robbed in Kingston.  That’s gotta suck!  Had a similar experience in Trinidad, but LET’s not talk about me...

          Over in Barbados, preparations for Crop Over are underway at all the studios.  Red Boyz are saying they won’t be doing soca this year. Peter Coppin is pumping out what he hope will be the 2009 version of the coconut tree riddim.  And Xtreme Platter/ Jammas…other wise known as Big Red, King Bubba and Foreigner Frank are working on an compilation album that will feature themselves plus Lil Rick, Jana, Peter Ram, Rashida AND  Don Trent.

Biggie Irie is spending this weekend recording two tracks with Dwaingerous…so there’s plenty of great new music just around the corner. 

Before I go, let me say congratulations to Alison Hinds on her International Reggae and World Music Awards nominations last week. Ally made the cut in two catergories, Best Female Vocalist and Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer.  I'm still waiting on the complete list of nominees, but I'll keep you up to date.  I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds.  Stay in the know by reading the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net.  Or get up to the minute updates by following me on twitter:  That's twitter dot com slash nurse karen.

(Nurse) Karen
http:/www.twitter.com/nursekaren

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The Rounds: Khiomal is new Barbados Party Monarch!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,


I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.


The Caribbean bade farewell to yet another Carnival this past week. St. Lucia was ablaze on Monday and Tuesday with Ricky T taking his 3rd roadmarch in a row. If you've been keeping score, that was Container in '06....

, Pressure Boom in '07

and Wheel and Come Again swept everything in '08. That's right my people. He managed to win Lucian Power Soca and Caribbean Soca Monarch too.

So let's recap:

St. Lucia Roadmarch goes to Ricky T, Herb Black's Suzette ranked number 2 and Ilah Man's "Mad So" rounds out 3rd place.

As for the Caribbean Soca Monarch, Bajan Soca Junkie, Mr. Dale grabbed the trophy for 3rd. Lucian Wildman, Ilah Man came second, and Ricky T - number one again! Ricky's girlfriend is expecting their first little one in a matter of weeks. At the Power Soca finals, she told me that the baby started kicking as soon as daddy's victory was announced. Sounds like the whole family will be jumping for joy for a very long time.

Today Barbados corwned a Party Monarch and it's not 2007 defending champion Lil Rick the Hypa Dog. So Congrats goes out to Khiomal Nurse. The Crown looks good on you Babes. In second place was Mikey, and 3rd place goes to the lovely lady Nathalee Burke.

Nurse Karen with Khiomal in Toronto

Lil Rick had to settle for 5th. Word on the ground is that Peter Ram gave and excellent performance. It's clear that the Pyramid entertainment camp put a lot of energy into staging "Carnival Praise" complete with a gospel-style choir led by Biggie Irie. Ram is pretty unhappy about what was reported to be a 14th place finish, as evidenced by his refusal to give interviews following the release of the results.




Closer to home, ScotiaBank Caribana is off to a very positive start, right here in Toronto. Last night's Calypso Monarch competition was a sold out affair. And by sold out I mean patrons turned away at the door and ting. So, let this be a lesson to everybody. Buy up your tickets in advance. Caribana events a sell off!...and make a profit.

Congratulations to Toronto's new Calypso queen. Macomere Fifi dethroned 2007 Monarch, Structure. Fifi's song "Barrack Obama" ( a very popular theme for Calypsoes this year) was also awarded honours for Best Presentation and Best Vocal Rendition. Her other selection Take Back we country earned recognition for Best Melody and Best Arrangement. She can thank Winston Maingot and Oswald James for that.

Congrats also to De Carra for an impressive second place finish and Structure, you're still on the boards! Kudos on third place.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please check out the Nurse Karen Etc blog at mustardseeds dot net for more information on any of the news you've heard here. And remember you can always get the Rounds to go at Soca Therapy dot com. Now back to de Docta!

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The Rounds: Big Fetes, Big Fun!

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's rounds. It's one hot weekend here in Toronto and that makes me think about Car-ni-val! Over at Queen's Park the Muhtadi International Drumming Festival is wrapping up its 2008 Year of the Steel Drum. There's only about two hours to go, so if you missed it, you missed two days of amazing performance from Afropan, Silhouettes, Pan Fantasy , Symphonyx and the Toronto All Stars…plus individual performances from some of the city's top pan men and women!

Drum Roll Please! last week the nominees were announced for the SAO Soca Awards. The event will take place in picturesque St. Kitts on October 18th. Congrats to our own Dr. Jay for his 5th straight nomination…and big up to Ms. Boomerang for being the first female to make the international DJ category. Jester, I see you too.

Nurse Karen with Jester at Tribe Ignite (Trinidad 2K8)

He earned X-caliber International a nod for his 2008 groovy soca mix. Voting is open…Log on to socaawards dot com, and make your mark, then hit me up online and let me know what you think.

Last night, "X" marked the Spot on the Palazzo patio for the KOS official start to the soca summer. This is we time soca people, so get out and enjoy it.

Down in Bermuda there was an all out Bajan Invasion last night with a big show featuring the likes of Mr. Dale, Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Krosfyah. Very big show for a nation of 65 thousand people.

Nurse Karen with Mr. Dale at Soca or Die 7, (Toronto 2007)

Meanwhile over in the big fog -- London, England got its turn to experience de Gyal Farm Fete. The UK version featured Patrice Roberts, Problem Child (Yes dahlin...I can see you blushing from here), Rupee…and of course Shal Marshall & Kerwin Du Bois.

Problem Child and Nurse Karen out for pizza (St. Vincent, 2006)

Speaking of Kerwin Du Bois….be sure to pick up the June issue of WE magazine. Kerwin's between the covers…and your Nurse Karen wrote the article. I got you lots of juicy info about the artiste-producer, both inside and outside of the music.

Nurse Karen and Kerwin Du Bois at the Return Fete (Toronto, 2008)

If you're planning to make a trip to Barbados for Crop Over, you'll be happy to hear that top Kadooment Band, Baje International FINALLY launched their 2008 presentation on Friday. The costumes are looking lovely…but the prices have soared this year…starting at more than $210 US, which is an increase of about 50 bucks.

In Trindad there's a little talk about a new mas band for 2009. The presentation is called Spice! I can't tell you much, as the identities of the collaborators are being kept quiet…but I can tell you one this: This band is entirely headed and managed by woman: 8 sisters in mas who will be revealed in a local REALITY TV SHOW.

Interesting...! I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please drop me a line at the Nurse Karen Etc blog @ Triple W Dot Mustard Seeds Dot Net. Check out the recap of my interview yesterday on Barbados' Mix 96.9 and of course, grab the rounds podcast for yourself. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Biggie Irie to Release his first album

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.

If you ask any true soca afficionado why this music hasn't hit big in the mainstream, most of them will tell you this: soca is extremely seasonal and often never gets the chance to grace the sandy shores of neighbouring islands. Well, good news soca lovers, it's beginning to look like that might change!

The Caribbean is growing smaller now that two West Indies produced music TV programs have been licensed to air across the region. About two months ago, Barbados-based ALT entertainment announced that it's 5-year old music video countdown program called "Roamin" would begin to air in 25 new territories, after striking a deal with a CBS affiliate station. The show features reggae and soca music videos, and showcases the local youth-culture of the islands they visit. Every Thursday night viewers in the States, Central America and the Spanish and French Caribbean will finally have a chance to find out what WE ting is all about!

This week, little-old Montserrat celebrated a similar milestone.... The Warren Cassell show will focus on live performances by Caribbean artistes. Claudette Peters, The Mighty Sparrow, Edwin Yearwood and Kevin Lyttle are all slated to appear in season one. The program will air in 17 countries.

Looks like Caribbean integration is happening all around. When it comes to the music, you can't help but notice that regional differences aren't quite so simple to pick out on first listen. That even extends to themes. Earlier this year, Bunji and Hunter had a big hit in Bring It…and I recently found out that two Bajan artistes plan to celebrate the virtues of RUM this year too.

Contone is one of them. He has big TINGs up his sleeve with a song that samples Rehab by Amy Winehouse.

Biggie Irie brought the Caribbean together in 2007 when he became the first foreigner to win the Groovy Soca Monarch crown in Trinidad. Right now he's busy compiling his first ever soca album. For Crop Over he will release 5 new songs. "Break Away" and "Bigg Girlz" are two groovy tunes produced by Dwain Antrobus, the guy who brought us Wining Season and Assume De Position last year. The last 3 songs in production with Chris Allman. Biggie's songs will start to hit the airwaves by the end of May.

South of the border the month of June is National Caribbean American Heritage Month. So, the community of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida will be getting together to celebrate the 14th anniversary of UNIFEST. It's a pan-Caribbean festival organized by the Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coalition. On June 1st, Leon Coldero, Nigel Lewis and Juliette Mills will be bring the soca vibrations.I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Leave me your comments at the Nurse Karen Etc Blog at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Will Crop-Over Change in 2008?

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. This month we’re marching straight into spring with a little help from Jamaica Carnival. Thanks to organizer Byron Lee, Jamaica can now boast 18 years. Last year, Mr. Lee was battling personal health issues and the road parade was cancelled. But in 2008, it’s all systems go. Organizers are excited to announce confirmed appearances from Biggie Irie, Peter Ram, Iwer George and Destra Garcia. Every weekend this month, warm up fetes will take place ALL across the island. Friday night, Alison Hinds got in on the action, headlining at Wet Fete Dreams. AND finally, Byron Lee and his Dragonaires (including X2's Jumo from Guyana) will parade on the streets of Kingston to close out the month on March 30th.
Looking ahead to another important carnival only…1, 2, 3, 4, 5 months from now! The Barbados National Cultural Foundation is happy to have the nation’s largest cultural festival back under their control. At the end of last season former Prime Minister Owen Arthur snatched Crop Over out from the NCF mandate in an effort to separate the organizations commercial and developmental arms.
Well, there’s a new chief in town, and Prime Minister David Thompson is running things HIS way. His government announced that Crop-Over would undergo a few innovations in 2008. What are the changes you may ask? Steve Blackett, the Minister of Community Development and Culture wasn’t specific when he addressed the press last week. But here’s what I was able to glean: 2 things…increased sponsorship, and a greater connection to the emanicipation season which might alter the calendar of events here and there. As always, your nurse will keep you up to date.
If you’re a soca lover in Toronto, Spring is YOUR time. Believe it or not, the Caribana band launches are RIGHT around the corner. Before you know it, exciting new music will be pouring in from all the Summer carnivals. Let me know which country you think will provide the best soundtrack for the Summer. I've heard some nice little samples out of St. Vincent. My 2 cents: expect to hear the name Skinny Fabulous, over and over again.
While you're waiting for those new caribbean releases, make sure you take advantage of the next few quieter months to legally get your hands on some of the best CDs from Trinidad 2008.
Look forward to some amazing fetes that make this city a soca hotspot like no other. From Fire Fete, to the all-new Toronto edition of Gyal Farm (and all things in between), be sure to support events and products that support soca artistes - any way you can.

I’m Nurse Karen , and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 or check my blog online at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Trinidad Results Wrap-Up

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I'm nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Shhhh…. If you listen real close, you can probably hear the voice of reigning groovy soca monarch Shurwayne Winchester singing:… "Carnival please stay, don't go away, for another day…I'm beggin yuh, I'm beggin yuh." OK, Maybe you can't hear it, but for all of us in the studio, we have some combination of those lyrics haunting our memories. We've just returned from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival and boy LET ME TELL YOU. Coming back to Toronto is ONE shock to the system. From 30 degrees celsius to minus thirty with the wind chill. From dehydration and sunburn to hypothermia and frost bite…winter in Canada is not easy at all. And I really wish we could have brought a LITTLE piece of carnival back for all of you.

So here's what you missed. Last Friday night was the final showdown of international soca stars: The Bmobile International Groovy Soca Monarch and Power Soca Monarch Competition. Last year Biggie Irie surprised the world and himself by becoming the first non-Trinidadian to capture the groovy crown. Well, that was all fine and good for 2007, but Shurwayne Winchester was all too pleased to bring the title back to the twin island republic with a performance of Carnival Please Stay that was immeasurably better than the one I just gave. Then Miss Patrice Roberts filled the stage with abevy of beauties to secure at second place finish for Mo' Wuk. Kerwin DuBois and Shall Marshall weren't happy with the judges decision to put Gal Farm in 3rd place. Toronto's own producer/writer extraordinaire transformed the stage into a Western ranch as the pair rode in a horse and a pony, creating a feast for the eyes. Farmer Nappy chipped into 4th place with his own woman…sorta.

In the power category, it was battle royale. Bunji Garlin blazed through Queen's Park Oval with his revived interpretation of Maestro's "Fiery", complete with an exploding car to snatch the soca monarch crown out the hands of defending king Iwer George. The popularity of Bunji's remake actually inspired a neew event called the Retro Soca Monarch, that should be staged in time for the 47th anniversary of T&T's independence. So anyway, De Boss placed second with Over Your Head… in front of 3rd place finisher Fay-Ann. Call it robbery, call it politics. Most people who attended fantastic Friday call it a crying shame that Lyons wasn't crowned the first ever female soca monarch for her flawless performance of Get On. FayeAnn has told the media that she won't be performing in another Soca Monarch show in the future. She knows and even Bunji admitted his wifey gave a performance worthy of beating him.
Well her redemption came four days later when GET ON was pumped out for the judges nearly twice as often as its nearest competitor to win Road March. Faye-Ann is once again the road march queen five years after Display became a carnival anthem. Second place was Breathless by Blaxx…and third went to Machel Montano's Blazin De Trail.

No matter the song - out on the road…dey with MY friends I enjoyed two days of Carnival in the Caribbean sun with King Curtis Eustace's new band, Evolution. The whole KOS was there keeping the music flowing just the way I'm accustomed to. So much to discuss, and sadly there's just not enough time. So, if you want to know everything I got up to in Trinidad, including a day-by-day blog, complete with pictures…check out Nurse Karen Etc on triple W Dot Mustard Seeds Dot net.
I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds, please send your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 now back to de Docta!

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The Rounds: Getting ready for the final soca showdown

Good Evening Spex and Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's rounds. I'm sure you've figured it out by now. Dr. Jay is off in Trinidad for his annual pilgrimage to the soca mecca. Last week the Caribbean Prestige Foundation released the finalists for this Friday's soca monarch competition.

As predicted it will be a truly international competition with entries from six different Caribbean nations among just 20 contested spots. Unfortunately, Zoelah did not make it. But Problem Child will be there to represent SVG. St. Lucia's Ricky T is having a great season in Trinidad. The lehgo me riddim can be heard pumping from every sound system…given some extra stamina by Machel's "Jamishness". So it's no surprise that Ricky will be doing it big for Saint Lucie come fantastic Friday.

For Antigua, Tizzy will be in the groovy category showing them why she's hot. Grenada's reigning soca monarchs Luni Sparks and Electrify are in power along with Carricou's sexy Nnika Francis.

Barbados posse…Biggie Irie will be defending his groovy monarch crown against the Soka Junkie hesself, Mr. Dale.

As for Trinidad's contigent. Toronto's own Kerwin Dubois, scored at the very top of the groovy category. Kerwin is a Trini Artist, but he living here now…so we claiming him now. Especially since he's got two smash hits in Gyal Farm and Hear me now. Always, a solid artist and producer, it warms my frigid canuck heart to see him gettin his shine.

Some of you might not remember that this is the traditional carnival season all over the world. In the Caribbean, it's party time in Aruba, Martinique, and Dominica as well. Dominica held it's soca monarch competition just last night!

This weekend, the Carnival prizes were finally handed out from St. Kitts Christmas Carnival. As a smaller carnival in a smaller island the money isn't quite as impressive as what Trinidad's winner's can expect. But I'm sure King Konris was happy to get his meagre four grand for winning soca monarch anyway.

A word to the wise, when you singing soca, whether big or small…earnings are earnings. And this is the time of year when our favourite artists need to be careful about putting away some cash to pay their taxes. If you think about it, when Machel Montano HD commands one hundred twenty five THOUSAND TT dollars per gig. And he's performing nearly every night. You better believe the tax man is paying attention. I had to laugh when I read an article in a Trinidad newspaper warning self-employed persons of their responsibility to report their income. Self-Employed is really just a code word for "Allyuh big balling, stinkin rich, superstars making me cough up 100 US Dollars for an all-inclusive fete." Not too often that I empathize with tax collectors…but after buying all my fete tickets. I tend to agree.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's rounds. Please text me your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 or leave them online at (Nurse) Karen (Etc) at triple w dot mustardseeds dot net

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The Rounds: New Possibilities for 2008

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. We’re two weeks into 2008, and the year is full of possibilities. January 2nd was jump up day in St. Kitts. You already heard it! Grand Master’s Band song called Boom Bam Bam unexpectedly beat out Small Axe Band and King Konris for road march.

In St. Croix, they started a new tradition at Cruzian Christmas Festival. They proved that anything can happen when they crowned their first ever Party Monarch. Congrats goes out to Toby Derima aka Toby Dee of the Xpress band for wowing the judges with his performance of Hands High.

In Trinidad, the possibilities are endless for carnival 2008. The hype has begun for the International Power and Groovy Soca Monarch competitions. The Caribbean Prestige Foundation released the list of semifinalists this week. From the looks of it, the competition is becoming more international than ever! Tizzy is repping Antigua. Mr. Dale, Peter Ram AND Lil Rick made the cut for Barbados. For Grenada, Nnika Francis is back, along with Luni Sparks and Electrify. Then there’s St. Lucia boasting 4 semifinalists in Ricky T, Teddyson John, Allan Piper and Mariann. Then for meh Vincy peeps, it’s Problem Child, Jamesy P and Zoelah.

Highlights on the home turf include the return of Bunji Garlin, who’s in the semi’s with his wife and she daddy…my boy…SuperBlue. Seem’s like Crazy made an impact on the veterans last year cuz Rootsman is trying a ting for 2K8.
Understand, the 62 semifinalists still have to duke it out to see who will compete against defending champs Biggie Irie and Iwer George for this year’s crown. There will only be ten competitors in each category on February 1st. I’ll keep you posted.

It’s going to be a fantastic year musically. January brings us the Air Jamaica Jazz fest January 24th to 27th, and the Barbados Music festival on the 27th too. Then all attention shifts to the soca mecca of Trinidad and Tobago, where the music is coming out fast and furious. With plenty of surprises yet in store.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 or check me out on Nurse Karen Etc at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net.

Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds - September 23, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s rounds. Did I ever tell you how much I LOVE SOCA. Well, if you pay attention to the way WE music getting popular right here in Toronto, it’s clear that I not the only one!
Alison Hinds is now Rolling it all over Much Music. Zoelah Going Down Low, right here on Flow…and anywhere you find Caribbean people, you can find carnival. And DAT is a thing of beauty, ah tell yuh. For all you who thinking that de parties and dem done, now that school is back in session, remember that Fall is a season full of fete!
It’s Caribbean Week in Toronto from September 26th to 30th in Toronto. Head over to Yonge-Dundas Square on Wednesday for a FREE live performance from Nookieman Jamesy P. For other details check out triple W dot Caribbean Week dot C.A.


Down in New Orleans, Cultural Diversity Day has returned to Marconi meadows park after a two year hiatus. The city was robbed of nearly all of it’s cultural celebrations when Hurricane Katrina caused thousands of residents to leave their homes behind. So this year, they ready to party it up again with the help of Montserrat’s Soca King Arrow.
Most of you know that Miami Carnival is in just 3 weeks. Right in line with our Thanksgiving weekend So, if school is really getting your goat. You might want to treat yourself to a hot weekend getaway. The 23rd annual Caribbean festival hits the road on October 7th, featuring Shadow, Iwer George, Biggie Irie, and many more.

From (Nurse) Karen (Etc)

California’s got next. They’re celebrating 10 years of Carnival in Los Angeles…and I bet most of you didn’t even know they had one at all. It’s called Caricabela. It celebrates the carnival cultures of both the English and Spanish speaking Caribbean. Not a bad mix at all! So that’s what’s up on October 14th.
So, I went easy on Machel all Summer. I figured if the Trinidad government and them wanted to leave him be for his hectic performance season, then who am I to do any different. But it’s Autumn now, and it’s time to get serious. Trinidad’s rat pack went back to Court this week to get on with the proceedings in regards to assault of two men outside of Zen night club in Port of Spain. They all showed up Machel, Benjai, Kernal and Zan….all in long sleeves looking like they going church. As is turns out, they had no reason to worry. The trial has been delayed once again. This time because Jerron Joseph, the newly appointed State attorney doesn’t think he’s quite ready to DO HIS JOB. He says, he only received the case on Monday…so the court has adjourned the proceedings until October 12th, when the y will begin to discuss a start date for the trial.
Now, I wasn’t there. So I can’t say who DO what…but I can say Machel is one LUCKY son of a gun. And I suspect that news just bought him a few more performance dates. So Autumn is looking like the real Wining Season across the board.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s Rounds. If you’re still looking for a good wine right here in Toronto, don’t forget to get your tickets to Soca or Die 7. on November 3rd.!
Please text any comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now, back to de doctor

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The Rounds - April 1, 2007

April 1, 2007
Dr. Jay’s Rounds
By “Nurse Karen”
Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. We’ve entered Spring and I’m actually starting to believe it.
As Easter rolls around, Jamaica is gearing up for carnival again. Last Saturday, Bacchanal Jamaica founder Byron Lee got the people of Clarendon in the mood at the Supreme Venture Carnival Blowout. The night featured covers of soca songs by Biggie Irie and Alison Hinds, plus the popular annual Tiney Winey competition.
St. Lucia is ushering in the new season by coaxing the big tourist money. There’s a new star studded celebrity event at the Rodney Bay Village Music bash, April 23 to April 25th. The inaugural festival will feature Destra, David Rudder, Beres Hammond, Sean Paul, Maxi Priest and Shaggy. With tickets set at $60 US, it’s obvious that they prefer foreign money to the local kind. For Lucians wanting to check out their favourite artistes, $160 EC is not much of a welcome mat…if you know what I’m saying.
The next big North American street party happens in Atlanta next month. DJ Tony Tempo tells me he will be bringing a mas band this year, which is guaranteed to encourage more participation from the youth. So, if you want to join the action, the parade of the bands takes place on May 26th.
T and T police are out to capture the true pirates of the Caribbean. Perhaps you know of them, you know the kind of people who try to get rich selling things that don’t belong to them in the first place. I have to hand it to the copyright organization of Trinidad and Tobago. Last week they nabbed a couple of street entrepreneurs who were selling bootleg soca CDs for which they don’t own the license. If you’ve ever traveled to the West Indies…or Brooklyn for that matter, you know how much of a problem that is. These guys selling bootlegs on street corners with no shame….and you have to remember, soca music is still an emerging industry. The artists have a short window to win the ears of fans during the carnival season and once it’s done, marketing and promotion is often done at a grass roots level. While I think the fine ought to be much higher then $3000 TT ( about $700 Canadian), I’m happy the cops are finally teaching a them a lesson. Since February of this year they’ve made more than ten arrests. The only people who should be making money off the sale of the music…are the people who are making the music.
In Antigua, spirits were low this week as West Indies fans witnessed their team tek some serious licks from Australia. A rain cancellation pushed the date back one day, which led to lower attendance. Some would say the only highlight of Wednesday’s game was a lunchtime performance by El a Kru. When tizzy hit the stage singing Expose, the crowd got together to jump and wave…which really couldn’t save the team anyway.
And according to Marxman Sri Lanka done knock de West Indies back to 1957. This week I asked Dr. Jay to run a little cricket set to encourage these guys to step it up… I thought I’d better ask the kingdom of soca to give our boys a little inspiration…but inspiration could never substitute for runs….i think I going and cry.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to soca a Flow 935 dot com. Now back to the doctor!

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The Rounds - February 25, 2007

Good evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. The best part (as you already know) is Dr. Jay is back in de building!
The ICC Cricket World Cup gets underway in two weeks. Naturally, the price of plane tickets has risen to the occasion. So, if you’re upset that you won’t be there to watch our boys bat that ball to victory, you might want to check your favourite record store for the Official Soundtrack. Out on VP records, the CD entitled “Caribbean Party” features songs by TOK, Morgan Heritage, Tanya Stephens, Beres, Buju, Elephant Man…and “The Game of Love and Unity” by Rupee, Faye-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Shaggy.
On January 21st, 2007. Doctor Jay de Soca Prince made a prediction. It had a little something to do with a man named Machel Montano and a tune called Jumbie. Well Soca people, whether you owe de man a beer or a plate of pelau – it is now time to pay up! Machel Montano was able to secure his third ever Roadmarch win on Tuesday, beating out all other competitors by a landslide. According to the official count, “Jumbie” was played 388 times, whereas Shurwayne’s “Open De Gate” came second with only 34 plays. Imagine dat! Sugar Boy by Patrice Roberts managed to sneak in for third with 33 spins.
This Carnival, revelers had to display their costumes on the road in front of Queen’s Park Savannah rather than on stage. Remember, I’ve been telling you about the new cultural centre they’re building for that. Well my friends, it wasn’t ready for Carnival 2007, and it looks like it may not be ready for next year either. Trinidad’s Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams let the cat out of the bag on Friday. There’s a possibility that part of the centre may be ready for next February, but definitely not all.
So I done tell you that Biggie Irie is the new groovy soca monarch in Trinidad, right? His winning composition “Nah Going Home” has been a hit since Crop Over 2006, but it may be hitting in more ways than one. Hitting him with a copyright infringement lawsuit that is. I know I can’t be the ONLY soca fan who also loves the classic Irish rock band “U2”. Ever since I first heard Biggie’s song, I’ve been looking through my cassettes from elementary school. “But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for!” As it turns out, when Biggie Irie borrowed that melody to create the chorus for Nah going home, he didn’t bother to clear samples. The monarch crown will not be affected by this infringement, but Irie’s pocket book COULD be cleared out if the mega band decides to take up the breach of their copyright in court.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. Send me your comments at soca at FLOW 935 dot com…and don’t forget to buy your Return Fete tickets starting this Tuesday. Now, back to de docta!

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