Eye Unit: Rainy Boston Carnival...

Miami is HOT!  No complaints eh.  Because I have experienced all kinds of weather during carnivals in 2009.

I told you, and some of you still don't believe me... Boston Carnival 2009 was all about rain, rain, and more rain. I have a short clip so you can see for yourself.  We stayed in the cold rain until the sneezes and sniffles started giving the storm clouds competition.  The remedy?  A round of dominoes...that Ras X and I dominated.  LOL..Thanks for coming out!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Ma$tamind Productions to drop two albums for Christmas

In this Edition:

- Cambridge Carnival

- The parang season starts now!

- Two Christmas albums for Ma$tamind Productions

- Belize Road March postponed

- Bunji and Fay Ann promote their own Miami Carnival Fete

Originally broadcast on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy on Sunday, September 13, 2009

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Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. After a couple of weeks in the U. S. of A., I'm BACK!!! I made my first visit to a very cold and rainy Boston Carnival, I hung out in New York, doing some major networking with some soca heads over there. Then I took in some Labor Day action in Brooklyn.

This weekend, Massachusetts is jumping up again at Cambridge Carnival. If you’ve never heard of it, that’s because it’s usually overshadowed by the festivities held across the river in Boston. Cambridge is the community where you find prestigious universities like Harvard and M.I.T. 2009 marks the first year that Cambridge has held its celebration on a different weekend than its Beantown neighbour. At a balmy 26 degrees Celsius, carnival goers in Massachusetts must be happy they gotta a second chance at carnival this year.

Here in Toronto, we may be just getting ready to say goodbye to summer, but Trinidad and Tobago is moving full speed ahead into the Christmas Season. Yesterday, the world’s largest Parang music festival began in at the Arima Velodrome. Between now and January there are 13 scheduled shows featuring 36 bands. That means four straight months of Christmas!


Speaking of Christmas, I’m getting in the spirit too. While in New York, I found out that Mastamind Productions will be releasing two Holiday albums in 2009. One of them will be their much anticipated Parang and Soca Parang album, A Mastamind Christmas. But the second will be a compilation of Caribbean Artistes performing holiday classics in styles ranging from rock to jazz. Oh, and by the way....yours truly, Nurse Karen, recorded a spoken word piece called “Question’s for Mary” that will also be on the album.

But no worries Soca massive, we still have lots of time before we gotta think about shopping or snow or anything like that. Well..I sure hope so, anyway. Before Christmas...is Carnival.

Belize was supposed to be jumping up this weekend, however the organizers made a last minute to shift the street party to next weekend, in favour of a hosting a large scale cultural fair instead. Belize road march will take place next Saturday instead.

Now, if somehow you didn’t catch this news the first time around. Please allow me to remind you that South Florida will be having just ONE Carnival on our Thanksgiving weekend. For the last few years, two separated parades of the bands were hosted on the very same day, one in the city of Miami, and one about 40 minutes north in Broward County.

But 2009 is all about unity. ...
Bunji and FayAnn are taking advantage of the special occasion to host their own signature event that weekend called Miami Vice. They’ve invited a handful of their friends in the business to put on a star studded show featuring the likes of Beenie Man, Denise Belfon, Benjai, Problem Child, Sizwe C, Hunter, Trini Jacobs, and Skinny Fabulous.

What you think? Shall we book a little vacation? I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. For more info on everything you’ve heard here, surf on to my blog at Nurse dash Karen dot com. Now, back to de Docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: Boston Carnival, the rainy truth!

Did I ever tell you about Boston Carnival? As you know, I made my first trip down for the festivities this year. However, it seems like my timing was off.

Saturday, August 29th was an incredibly busy day on the calendar for a number of reasons. Don't remember? Let me remind you. That date was also MJ's b-day (RIP). It was Ted Kennedy's funeral (which was also happening in Boston). It was the anniversary of hurricane Katrina. And oh yeah, there just so happened to be a tropical storm called "Danny" parked on top of Boston. It seemed like the whole world was mourning...and we the carnival survivors were caught in the crossfire of tears.

That Saturday the weather never rose above about 14 degrees celsius. My friends in Toronto know that when the mercury dips below 20, I either hibernate or leave town, so jumping carnival was a bit of a stretch. When I say the rain never stopped. It never stopped. So there I was staying in a house bursting at the seams with about 12 out of town guests. The rain poured outside and we made our own fun all morning listening to music, talking about politics in the soca bizness, and trying our best not to disturb the sleeping baby.

Ras X and his cousin Bah made a wicked breakfast of coconut dumplin, and saltfish served with cucumber and tomatoes. We ate our bellies full and took our time getting ready to hit the road. We had a lot of improvising to do in order to find enough clothes to accomodate the unexpected elements.

When all that was said and done, we finally arrived on the parade route. Too bad the parade was DONE!!!! We ended up running for cover (again) into the basement where I got to unleash my badgyal domino skills on some unsuspecting dudes. (Dad, if you're reading this. Thanks for all teh training!)

I can laugh about it now, but I have to admit that it took a little while for me to forgive myself for sitting out of carnival due to rain. Am I getting old or something? Who knows, but one thing is for sure...It may have been cold and wet, but I had a wonderful time. I made a few great new friends that weekend thanks to all those hours locked up in the house, and all the failed attempts to venture out for some fun.

So allow me to send my love to everybody who made my weekend memorable; Gretchen, Wisdom, Ras X, Berrymint, Bah, Max, Mini Max, Black Roots, Paul, Ezzy, Katisha, etc, etc!

Nothing says a good time like friends, food and fun! The hospitality I encountered in Boston was like no other. I promise I'll be back to let you know what it's really like....rain or shine!

Love and Carnival,

Nurse Karen

P.S This Sunday is Cambridge Carnival across the river from Boston. Wishing you guys lots of sun and warm weather to make up for what you missed 3 weeks ago!

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Eye Unit: DJ Xavier interviews me on Boston's Caribbean Fire FM

Not long after arriving in Boston, my host Ras X made sure to take me around to meet the who's who of the city's Caribbean community. First stop was to a little radio station tucked away in the garage of a house in a residential area. There I met DJ Xavier, an upbeat, hilarious Dominican radio host that made sure to get the word out about who I am and what I do.

DJ Xavier

He was great at keeping the spirit light, as you will see. You will also see what the rain did to my poor hair! Later that night...I had to pay my respect by passing through his Carnival Friday event Boston Carnival Showdown. It was an outdoor backyard party with a live band in the pouring rain! (Actually, most of the weekend was like that) About five of us managed to get our party on even though the weather was cold and wet as the tropical storm passed over.

My chat with Xavier was lengthy, but fun! I had a great time highlighting some of the positive moves happening around the soca world. He asked me about some of my favourite people to interview, and which artists I consider to be good role models. Beyond all that we spoke about my involvements with Dr. Jay, Toronto-Lime.com and tt was also my pleasure to talk about some of MY city's top soca exports.

Hope you enjoy this little souvenir!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Happy Birthday Ras X

Hear what. I got to Boston yesterday afternoon. At that time of day, the sun was shining. The weather was warm and enjoyable...and I couldn't have been happier I decided to visit this beautiful city

Ras X and his partner came to pick me up and showed me a couple of historic areas, before bringing me over and cooking me up a calabash full of rice with steamed cod. What a welcome.

So, there I am, being treated like and absolute queen when I discover that today (Saturday) is Ras X's birthday. Immediately, I ask myself...why am I getting all the good treatment?

X is a positive guy, who has devoted 15 years of his life to doing community work with youth at risk in the city of Boston. He learned to play guitar and pan as a youth in Sion Hill, St. Vincent. Now he draws from all those skills to write and perform all his own music, both soca and reggae.

Today is Ras X's birthday...and it's carnival in his city! Join me in sending positive vibes to someone who works tirelessly to instill pride in the youth of our Caribbean community.

Because of the occasion, I thought the timing to be just right to introduce you to the music of Ras X.

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: My first Boston Carnival

Boston-based soca artiste,

Ras X and Nurse Karen (St. Vincent, June 2009)

I'm on my way to Boston...like right now. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology...the internet is coming with me!

If you've never been to Bean Town for the festivities (like me), you probably know very little about it. So, allow me to do my best at filling you in. It falls one week before Brooklyn's West Indian American Day Parade, which means it is forced to compete with London's Nottinghill Carnival for both patrons and performers.

But from what I hear, that doesn't take much wind from its sails. Boston boasts an impressive King and Queen show, rivalled only by Caribana...so far as diaspora Carnivals go. Another main highlight is their celebration of J'ouvert...which is the MAIN thing visitors rave about when they come back.

I'm very excited to make the trip. Gotta big up Ras X and crew for their help and encouragement to get me out there. It's gonna be a great weekend...and God spare life...I'll tell you ALL about it.

Love and Carnival,

Nurse Karen

P.S. For more info on what goes on in Boston AND when...check out www.bostoncarnival.org/

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The Rounds - August 19, 2007

Good evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. Grenada carnival wrapped up on Tuesday. And Congratulations are in order for Berbice. Traffic was THE chune heard most often on the road, beating out Ah Cyah Hear by Lava Man, and Tall Pree’s Trees.
Sadly, There won’t be any carnivals in the West Indies for a little while now, but THEY can’t expect the rest of us to stop de jumping. Yuh gah be real athletic to keep up with all the carnival action, so ah feel we ought to light a torch and send it rrround the world just like they do for the Olympics. So from Grenada, we passing we soca torch to Ottawa, then it’s going to Boston and Notting Hill, England. We blazing right back to Barrie, Ontario on September 1st. They will be hosting their first ever CaribFest just north of Toronto. Then dat torch lighting up the sky in Brooklyn a few days later.
I’ll be completing MY personal carnival marathon for the Summer in London and New York. Next Monday, you’ll find dis Vincy Vixen on the road with Poison UK before crossing the ocean for the 5th Annual International Soca Awards.
I f you haven’t cast a vote yet, now is the time to show your support for our very own reigning BEST INTERNATIONAL Soca DJ…Dr. Jay de Soca Prince. He’s looking to take the title again this year, but that can only happen if you take the time to VOTE. Head over to triple W dot Soca Awards dot com and show dem boys exactly why Toronto IS Soca City.
Well, if back to back wins isn’t reason enough to believe dat Dr. Jay is a soca Olympian, how about this? VP Records is bringing the 7th edition of D’Soca Zone to a record store near you. The two disc collection of soca favourites from the year gone by, features a bonus CD mixed and hosted by de docta he-self. So if you’ve been wondering where to LEGALLY buy songs like We Ready to Go, Hott Spot or Flames. Here’s your chance.
Speaking of great BAJAN chunes…A date has been set for the 2008 edition of the Barbados music awards. If you love the creativity and sweetness of Bajan music of EVERY genre, January 27th is THE night. The Sir Garfield Sobers Complex will come alive to celebrate the very best.
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s rounds. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-35. Now back to de Docta!

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The Rounds - August 20, 2006

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jays rounds. This time of year I always get a little emotional. So bear with me today as I mourn the passing of the Summer carnival season in the Caribbean. We were spoiled for a while getting new music from just about everywhere…but now it’s nothing but blues. Back from vacation, back to school, back to reality.

Grenada wrapped up their annual Spice Mas Carnival last week in style … and in case you still don’t know. Mista Killa is the double soca monarch champ. He ran away with Doggie’s groovy title…singing the ever-so-sexy Spice Isle Rock. And he secured himself as the hometown hero in Gouyave when he won the International Soca Monarch title with “Warriors” at Tanteen last week Saturday.
Now for a special public service announcement in regards to Spice Isle Rock… Dat tune bad ya kna… I can not enough of it. So if any of you promoters or DJs want to make a quick buck off of me, Send a me letter stating that you absolutely promise to play Mista Killa’s groovy tune at your next fete…and I give you my word…ah coming to de party.
Alrighty den…So spice mas wrapped on Tuesday…and Killa didn’t win roadmarch. Believe me that’s okay, you have to spread the wealth. Special congratulations go out to Soca Banton for flattening St. Georges to the tune of “Ova U Head”…and while I’m sending shouts to my Greenz Crew. All de man dem dey pon Brian’s block…hope allyuh had a nice carnival and Bucky de Rastaman big. Up. unnu . chest.
As I was saying party time is almost over in the West Indies for a little while, so it’s time to entertain ourselves a little closer to home. This weekend is Ottawa’s big Jump Up. While the display in the nation’s capital is considerably quieter than the way we throw down in the t-dot it’s still a great celebration of Caribbean beauty and creativity. This year Explainer and Eddy Allen brought entertainment to the road which is carnival enough for me. Any time Explainer picks up a microphone believe me when I say, Ah shaking meh background fuh dat.
Next week the party moves to Jolly Old England for the 42nd annual Notting Hill carnival. Organizers state they are expecting more than one million visitors to cross the pond for the festivities. That would be a marked increase from last year’s party tally which was negatively affected by the London terrorist incidents last July. This year they want to squash all that with a theme that reminds us of what carnival is all about. “Aspiration and Achievement in Unity”. Good on you Brits! Good on you! (Do then even say that?)
Well, I don’t know for sure, but I do know this. While our English friends are jumping up in the road next weekend, Our American friends will be doing the same thing in Boston. Beantown boasts one of the big three Caribbean carnivals in the US in my opinion. If you’re looking for big entertainers…you’re better off checking the vibes in the UK, but Boston knows how to get muddy for j’ouvert…and for that ..ah just have to smile. If you’re heading down next weekend. Walk with some clothes you never want to see again, a water bottle and a garden hose. Tantie Jill ain’t letting you she house painted in blue.
I’m nurse Karen and those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send you comments @ your Spice Isle Rock pledges to soca at flow 935 dot com. Now back to de docta.

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The Rounds - August 20, 2006

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jays rounds. This time of year I always get a little emotional. So bear with me today as I mourn the passing of the Summer carnival season in the Caribbean. We were spoiled for a while getting new music from just about everywhere…but now it’s nothing but blues. Back from vacation, back to school, back to reality.

Grenada wrapped up their annual Spice Mas Carnival last week in style … and in case you still don’t know. Mista Killa is the double soca monarch champ. He ran away with Doggie’s groovy title…singing the ever-so-sexy Spice Isle Rock. And he secured himself as the hometown hero in Gouyave when he won the International Soca Monarch title with “Warriors” at Tanteen last week Saturday.

Now for a special public service announcement in regards to Spice Isle Rock… Dat tune bad ya kna… I can not get enough of it. So if any of you promoters or DJs want to make a quick buck off of me, Send a me letter stating that you absolutely promise to play Mista Killa’s groovy tune at your next fete…and I give you my word…ah coming to de party.

Alrighty den…So spice mas wrapped on Tuesday…and Killa didn’t win roadmarch. Believe me that’s okay, you have to spread the wealth. Special congratulations go out to Soca Banton for flattening St. Georges to the tune of “Ova U Head”…and while I’m sending shouts to my Greenz Crew. All de man dem dey pon Brian’s block…hope allyuh had a nice carnival and Bucky de Rastaman big. up. unnu . chest.

As I was saying party time is almost over in the West Indies for a little while, so it’s time to entertain ourselves a little closer to home. This weekend is Ottawa’s big Jump Up. While the display in the nation’s capital is considerably quieter than the way we throw down in the t-dot it’s still a great celebration of Caribbean beauty and creativity. This year Explainer and Eddy Allen brought entertainment to the road which is carnival enough for me. Any time Explainer picks up a microphone believe me when I say, Ah shaking meh background fuh dat!

Next week the party moves to jolly old England for the 42nd annual Notting Hill carnival. Organizers state they are expecting more than one million visitors to cross the pond for the festivities. That would be a marked increase from last year’s party tally which was negatively affected by the London terrorist incidents last July. This year they want to squash all that with a theme that reminds us of what carnival is all about. “Aspiration and Achievement in Unity”. Good on you Brits! Good on you! (Do they even say that?)

Well, I don’t know for sure, but I do know this. While our English friends are jumping up in the road next weekend, Our American friends will be doing the same thing in Boston. Beantown boasts one of the big three Caribbean carnivals in the US in my opinion. If you’re looking for big entertainers…you’re better off checking the vibes in the UK, but Boston knows how to get muddy for j’ouvert…and for that ..ah just have to smile. If you’re heading down next weekend. Walk with some clothes you never want to see again, a water bottle and a garden hose. Tantie Jill ain’t letting you in she house painted in blue.

I’m Nurse Karen and those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments and your Spice Isle Rock pledges to soca at flow 935 dot com. Now back to de docta.

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