Booster Shot: Eastern Caribbean Ferry Service makes Carnival hopping much easier!

Wouldn't it be cool if you could take a ferry boat from one island to the next to check out carnival celebrations all summer long? Very soon, you will be able to, as a new, affordable ferry service to be launched in October will link the islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, Barbados and Trinidad.

Read more...

CARIBBEAN FERRY SERVICE TO BE LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH

By Al Edwards

Friday, September 18, 2009

A new ferry service linking the Caribbean is earmarked to be launched at the end of next month. Owned and operated by BEDY Oceanlines, this latest attempt at regional transportation will have its inaugural launch on October 20.

This service will focus more on the Eastern Caribbean taking in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenada. The plan is to add more islands as it becomes more established. According to BEDY Oceanlines, the service will be offered daily with two bases: one in St Vincent responsible for the St Vincent to Barbados and St Lucia routes, the other in Grenada which will service the Grenada to Trinidad and Barbados route.

One of the main hindrances to the effectiveness of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) has been a viable

To get the full story, read CLICK HERE

Sounds good huh? Next June how about we start out at Vincy Mas, move up to St. Lucia Carnival, Over to Barbados, and close out at Spice Mas? Are you in?

Love and Carnivel,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Full Grenada Spice Mas Results

In case you haven't been keeping up with our coverage of Spice Mas 2009, I thought you might appreciate a comprehensive list of Carnival results from Grenada. All info comes to you courtesy of the Grenada Carnival Commitee via SpiceMasGrenada.com

MONDAY NITE MAS

1. LIME/FANTAZIA – Lights, Camera, Action
2. COCA COLA/DIGICEL/WESTERHALL
3. GRENADA BREWERIES

BAND OF THE YEAR

1. Andre Garvey & Associates
2. Commancheros & Associates
3. Helen Marie & Associates
4. RKD & Associates

BEST BANNER

1. Andre Garvey & Associates
2. Commancheros & Associates
3. Helen Marie & Associates
4. RKD & Associates

ROAD MARCH

Mr. Killa – Swing It Away


ST. PATRICKS 2009 CARNIVAL RESULTS
JUNIOR CARNIVAL QUEEN - Ms. Zaria Auld

ST. PATRICK SOCA MONARCH - Shem ‘Terror Kid’ Bernard

BEST SHORTKNEE BAND - Chantimelle Shortknee

BEST JOUVERT BAND - Digicel Jouvert Troupers (Defending Sauteurs)

BEST INDIVIDUAL OLE MAS PORTRAYAL - Davis John – ‘Shatter Ricky say they like ting behind bars’

SPECIAL PRIZES
Oldest Individual Ole Mas – Ruby Mc Leod (75 years old) Pulling the po’
Traditional Mas Band – Morne Fendue Nation Flag Apache
Fancy Mas – St. Patrick CDC Junior Mas Band (Farmer’s Fantasy)


ST. JOHN 2009 CARNIVAL RESULTS

SOCA MONARCH

1. Mr. Razer
2. Original Sans
3. D’ Prince

KIDDIES CARNIVAL:

Fancy Band

1. Ivy Hinds & Associates
2. Royalty (A tribute to Jennifer Jones)
3. Winston Sam & Associates (Flags of Caricom)

Traditional

1. Waterloo Shortknee
2. Legends
3. Demonic Angels

PARADE OF THE BANDS:

Fancy Band

1. Gems of Africa
2. Winston Sam & Associates
3. Royalty

Traditional

1. Waterloo Shortknee
2. Sacred Angels

QUEEN SHOW

1. Renee Marquez (sponsored by Green’s Auto)
2. Shenelle Commissiong (sponsored by Viking Engineering)
3. Rholda Mc Vean (sponsored by Hon. Michael Church)

ST. ANDREW 2009 CARNIVAL RESULTS
JUNIOR CALYPSO MONARCH

1. Micheal Alexander
2. Shelana George
3. Morrisa Lessey

MISS JUNIOR ST. ANDREW

1. Tanisha Phillip
2. Erica Ruffin
3. Olive Charles

MISS ST. ANDREW

1. Makida Felix
2. Lennisha Charman
3. Kellion charles

JOUVERT:

Colored

1. Rainbow Devils
2. Leo Club and the Jab Jab Production
3. Soca City Mas Band

Jab

1. La FilIette Jab Jab
2. Grand Bras Jab Jab

INDIVIDUAL OLE MAS - Kendell Adonis and Its Takes Two


FANCY MAS - Paraclete Mas Band


APPRECIATION AWARD
1. Ann and Associates
2. Lazuarus Antoine and Associates
3. Paradise Mas Band

Jouvert Results 2009

JAB JAB BAND - The Original Jab Jab
OLE MAS BAND - Café & Associates

OLE MAS INDIVIDUAL

1. Jude Ferguson
2. Vincent Daniel Williams
3. Evelyn Mark

Most Comical – My Call Jackson (Vincent Daniel Williams)

Most Original – Band You Belly (Evlyn Mark)

Best Current Affairs – Band You Belly (Evlyn Mark)

COLORED BAND

1. Northeast Rebellers
2. Digicel Xplosion
3. Venom Darkness

Results of the Pan Yard Judging for Steelband 2009
1. Suzuki Pan Wizards assisted by Food Fair
2. Coyaba New Dimensions
3. Republic Bank Angel Harps
4. Digicel West Side Symphony
5. Rainbow City Allstars
6. Lime Commancheros
7. Calabash Hotel Pan Lovers
8. Lewis Construction Pan Angels

Results of Children's Carnival Frolic 2009

TRADITIONAL BANDS
1. Waterloo Shortknee
2. Demonic Angels
3. Sacred Angels

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
1. La Toya Edwards
2. Kai Antoine
3. Akeria Friday

KING OF THE BAND

Kai Antoine of Lazarus Antoine & Associates

QUEEN OF THE BAND
LaToya Edwards of Commancheros & Associates

BAND OF THE YEAR (Fancy)

1. Lazarus Antoine & Associates
2. Commancheros & Associates
3. St. Patrick’s CDC

JUNIOR PANORAMA
1. LIME Commancheros
2. AGD Whiz Kids
3. Republic Bank Angel Harps

Digicel West Side Symphony

1. Rainbow City All Stars
2. Lewis Contruction Grand Roy Pan Angels

JUNIOR CALYPSO
1. Dahlia Alexander
2. Cinika Moses
3. Renaud Thomas
4. Heidi Noel
5. Christal Douglas
6. Jorine Felix
7. Akeron Morain & Craig Moses
8. Alana Boca
9. Akel Charles
10. Andrel Ross
11. Maxsine McGuire

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Booster Shot: Mr. Killa wins Grenada Road March 2009

Hey my people...

Here's some news I've kept you waiting for! The Grenada Carnival Commitee finally released the Road March results from Spice Mas Last Lap on Saturday.

I would love to add some kind of fan fare, but this post is gonna short and sweet. No info on 2nd place, 3rd place...or any idea how often the songs played.

So here goes...

Actually, you already know who won...I put it in the title!

Congrats to Mr. Killa who lived up to everybody's expectation by taking the 2009 Road March with Swing it Away .

Love and Soca y'all,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Mr. Killa's winning soca monarch performance

If you weren't lucky enough to make the trip to Grenada for Spice Mas 2009, then you probably didn't get to see Mr. Killa capture the Soca Monarch crown.

Killa knows how to handle a stage...but here you'll see what he did to keep the crowd eating out of his hands from beginning to end.

Congrats again Hollis "Mr. Killa" Mapp!



Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Spice Mas postponed for rain!

Have you ever heard such a thing? Bad news friends....

I regret to inform you that you're not going to get any road march news (FROM ANYONE) this morning! Why? Because rain killed Carnival Tuesday in Grenada. Rather, it got postponed due to the crazy rainy weather the Caribbean's been enduring for the last couple months. I repeat...Have you ever heard such at thing?

Madness right? Water fell down in sheets yesterday, so the commitee decided to move the festivities to Saturday. (I really hope the sun comes out then!)

That's too bad for everyone who's been preparing for the big Carnival Tuesday jump for months on end, but it could be worse. It was still a holiday from work for most people. Besides, I can think of plenty of other fun things West Indians can do in the rain!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Randy Isaac and Keithy Boi tie for Grenada Groovy Monarch

I know you REALLY wanna know who won Road March in the Spice Isle yesterday. Be patient. You know I got you. In the meantime chew on this. The Groovy Soca Monarch show was on August 7th. Somehow I neglected to post these oh-so-controversial results. 3 ties homies!!

Yeah, weird eh? Anyhoo here are the results for your records!

1st - Randy Isaac - 213 points

2nd - Keithy Boi - 213 points

3rd – Croquetta - 206 points

4th - .Irvin Isaac - 205 points

5th - Shortpree - 203 points

6th - KJ – 197 points

7th - Pupa Leendi – 193 points

8th - Papa Jerry - 186 points

8th - Yaga - 186 points

10th - Renee – 183 points

11th - Terror Kid - 182 points

11th - Cammie - 182 points

and Cammie - 182 points

13th - Baby Silk – 181 points

14th - Blood Fire – 176 points

15th - Tracy – 173 points

16th - Rankin Marvin – 158 points

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Free Download: Various Island Soca 2009 by DJ Bass

DJ BASS

Afternoon Nurse Karen Posse!!!

Tuesdays are perfect for new music. Luckily today, I'm giving you something extra special with the kind compliments of Toronto's own DJ Bass. If you live in THIS oddly humid city, then you probably know Bass as a co-host of CIUT 89.5 FM's Island Breeze Program, Friday evenings from 6 to 8 PM.

He took it over from 15-year host Jaro sometime last year...and I've got to say, he's doing a fine job of "lifting up everything and anything its path".

Several years ago...Island Breeze became a favourite weekly tradition of mine, as I would drive into the city from the West End to host my weekly open-mic event, La Parole. I would always get the latest soca...and since I usually tuned in a little bit late I was treated to the "Bass Mix" or something so. That was my DJ friend's exclusive uninterrupted weekly mashup of the best of the best.

He's always had an ear for the obscure, and never been afraid to run tunes that other DJ's may not be playing...or rather... some tunes other DJ's have never even bothered to listen to . Well, that's their problem. DJ Bass is an equal opportunity music man, sampling sounds from multiple Caribbean Islands and giving fans a chance to appreciate the music in its many facets and expressions.

So with Grenada crossing the stage for Carnival Tuesday this Morning, the Caribbean-based Summer carnivals have nearly run their full gamut. Wouldn't you say it's time for a recap of some of 2009's hidden gems?

I present to you "Island Breeze, Various Island Soca 2009 by DJ Bass"

VARIOUS ISLAND SOCA 2009 - AKA OECS PLUS OTHERS

89.5 FM's Island Breeze

Download it HERE

VARIOUS ISLAND SOCA 2009 - AKA OECS PLUS OTHERS

MIXED BY DJ BASS

1. Bomani (SVG) - Do Something (Good Times )
2. Fullclip (SVG) - Wine Girl Wine
3. Tian Winter (ANU) - Baby I
4. Frank White (BIM) - Wine Fuh Me Gal
5. Alison Hinds (BIM)- Gimme De Juk Juk
6. Rupee (BIM) - Standing Up
7. Patrice Roberts (T&T)- Waist Line Roll
8. Peter Ram (BIM) - Real Tight F.Che'Nelle (JA)
9. Lil' Rick (BIM) - One Juk For The Carnival
10. Zan (T&T) - Back Bone
11. Farmer Nappy (T&T) - Go Brave
12. Biggie Irie(BIM) - One More day
13. Farmer Nappy (T&T) & General Grant (T&T)- Looking to Wine
14. Patrice Roberts (T&T) - Wuk It
15. Machel Montano - Slow Wine
16. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood - Carnival on my Mind
17. Tian Winter - Gimme a Taste
18. Shurwayne Winchester (T&T) - Murdah
19. Benjai (T&T) - Fun Fun Fun
20. Uncle Sam (USA)- Serves a Purpose
21. Danielle Veira (SVG) - I Wan me Soca
22. Biggie Irie (BIM) - Slow Wine
23. Shyann Bailey (T&T / CAN) - Pure Sweetness
24. Machel Montano (T&T) - Ramajay
25. Statement (BIM) - All Night
26. T.C. (BIM) - Hot Sun & Riddim
27. Gorg (BIM)- Keeps Drinks Coming
28. Mr Dale(BIM) - Come out
29. Luta (SVG) - Shake
30. Fox (BIM) - Staggerah
31. Ziggy Ranking (T&T) - Staggerah
32. Wayne Marshall (JA) - Lumbah
33. Pupa Leendi(GRE) - Same Strength
34. Maddzart (SVG) - Is me Friend
35. Maddzart (SVG) - Let Go Yo Waistline
36. Jamesy P (SVG) - Horna Man
37. Statement (BIM) - Its Carnival
38. Lavaman (GRE) - Dey Do You
39. Skarpyon (SVG) - Want Back Dem Days
40. Pupa Leendi (GRE) - Ft. Lyrikal (T&T) - Get on Bad
41. Lively(SVG) - Condom
42. Berbice (GRE) - Gasoline
43.Fryktion (SVG) ft. Problem Child (SVG), and Parry Jack (SVG) - Yo Woman Buttin Me
44. Pupa Leendi (GRE) - Ovaz
45. Lil Rick (BIM) - Bajan Wuk Ups
46. Lively (SVG) - Mash Up
47. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood (BIM) - Socaholics
48. Problem Child (SVG) - Rude N Freaky
49. Luta (SVG) - Water
50. Lil Rick (BIM) - Riding
51. DJ Tarrus (SVG) - Rum in ah me Head
52. Avalance (USVI) - Get A Drink
53. Jamesy P (SVG) - Patriots
54. Problem Child (SVG) - Anything
55. Chow Mein the Black Bajan Chinese Executive Chef (BIM) - The Chinese Connection
56. Salt (BIM) - See Me
57. Luta (SVG) & Jamesy P (SVG) - Bruk she Waist
58. Lavaman (GRE) Ft. Von - More Horn
59. Lil Rick (BIM) - Wuk Pon Top Ah Wuk
60. Pong (BIM) - Wood
61. Stabby (BIM) - Major Stabby Pain
62. Ricky T (SLU) - Like a Jumbie
63. Skinny Fabulous (SVG) - Leggo D Beast
64. Blood (BIM) - Chaos
65. Mikey (BIM) - Riddum Sekshun
66. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood (BIM) - In De Middle ah de Road
67. Problem Child (SVG) - Madhouse

You may not be aware that this mix represents a lot more intra-regional cross pollination than one might expect. Many of these artists are based in the US or other locales, and work with producers who wave different flags. Also, the bulk of the songs marked "T&T" were produced by Bajan producers, and released therefore for Crop Over. Working together is becoming the norm, rather than the exception...and THAT...is a very good thing.

You'll notice the selections heavily favour Bajan and Vincy releases. Clearly there are some toppa top Lucia, Antiguan, and Grenadian tunes that could easily find their home on a mix like this...but dudes...this is just ONE mix. All that means, is I'll have to hit you back with another one just now!

In the meantime show some love to the DJ who JUST hooked you up:

MySpace

Twitter

Enjoy!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Mr. Killa is Soca King!

This just in...Mr. Killa managed to swipe the soca monarch title away from Luni Sparks and Electrify earlier tonight in Grenada.

Congrats to Mr. Killa for his winning performance of "Swing it Away"

Swing It Away - Mr killa

See the results below!

1. Mr Killa, 408 points

2. Luni Sparks and Electrify, 374 points

3. Zingo, 320 points

4. Randy Isaac, 316 points

5. Inspector, 314 points

6. Maximillion, 308 points

7. Otis, 302 points

8. Croqueta, 296 points

9. Mr Legs, 292 points

10. Soca Banton, 291 points

11. Lava Man, 285 points

12. Brother B, 277 points

13. De Hammer, 271 points

14. Sheldon Douglas, 260 points

15. 4 Brass, 259 points

16. Soca Sterlin, 206 points

Peoples' choice : Lava Man

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Who are Luni Spark & Electrify?

As Grenada gears up for its Soca Monarch show tonight, figured some of you might want to educate yourselves about the two gents who currently wear the crown. I read A LOT! Every now and then, I find something you might wanna read too. When I was watching these two brothers from a historic Grenadian musical family struggling to get a little respect from the crowd at the 2009 Trinidad International Soca Monarch it occurred to me that most of you know absolutely nothing about Luni Spark & Electrify. They make great music, put on a quality show...and are now hoping to win their 3rd consecutive title together.

Happy Reading:
Will it be the champs again?
Courtesy: SpiceIslander.com

Sons of Grenada’s first Female Calypso Monarch making strides in the Soca Arena Born in the historic parish of St. Patrick in the northern part of Grenada to the first female calypso monarch - Cynthia Ogiste “Lady Cinty” and Thompson Ogiste are two (2) of Grenada’s most promising Soca artistes - Kellon and Kelson Ogiste, known in the Soca Arena as Luni Spark and Electrify respectively.
Growing up in a quiet and humble environment in an atmosphere that breeds Soca and Calypso music, the brothers acquired an appreciation and love for the art form. After ensuring that education really formed the foundation of their future, Luni Spark and Electrify decided to endeavour into the Soca industry....

READ MORE HERE

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Eye Unit: Eruption by Luni Sparks and Electrify

Grenada's own soca singin twins, Luny Sparks and Electify, have been coming consistently harder with great music for the road. As they prepare to defend their 2008 Soca Monarch title, the timing couldn't be better to let the world know who they be!!!!

Check out this blazing track...Eruption!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Berbice counteracts the drinking trend in soca

Berbice and Nurse Karen backstage at Trinidad Soca Monarch 2009

Have you heard Berbice's new tune, "Doh Give Me More Rum"? Nice to know that one artist is allowing his music to be used as a Anti-Drunk Driving campaign during Grenada's Spice Mas carnival. The song will likely make for a nice cool down on the road, as Berbice croons the risks of consuming too much alcohol. Although, if you ask me, the song is really about a person who already had too much to drink. Me eh know.

The New York based artist was the 2007 Grenada Road March King for the mas anthem "Traffic". He was the only non-seeded foreign artiste to make it through to the finals of Trinidad 2009 International Soca Monarch (Power Category). Not bad for a two year old song!

Berbice is on his way home to Grenada to participate in this year's Spice Mas action. However, he will not be competiting in soca monarch in 2009. After Spice Mas, he heads to the UK for Notting Hill Carnival.

Here's a listen!

Doh Give Me More Rum (2009 Grenada Carnival) - Berbice

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Unnofficial Grenada Soca Monarch Finalists

Grenada posse...

Here's the unofficial list of 15 finalists who made the cut for 2009 Spice Mas Soca Monarch. The results below reflect what was read out during the live to air broadcast on WE FM last night. Please consult www.spicemasgrenada.com for the official list:


1. Mr. Killa 220
2. Randy Isaac 210
3. Inspector 209
4. Lavaman 209
5. Maximillion 204
6. Sheldon Douglas 204
7. Zingo 202
8. Mr. Legs 192
9. Croquetta 191
10. 4 Brass 191
11. Soca Sterling 189
12. Brother B 187
13. Soca Banton 187
14. D Hammer 186


Congrats to all 14 competitors! They will go up against defending Soca Monarch title-holders, Luny Sparks and Electrify on Friday, August 7, 2009

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Booster Shot: Order of Appearance for Grenada Soca Semis

Little update for ya! Tonight is the semi-finals for Grenada Soca Monarch. The list I posted earlier in the week was simply who got through. There are 31 semi-finals, but only 15 will pass through to the finals. The list below shows when each artist will perform. The show begins tonight at 8 pm Greenz time.

Here's the order of appearance:


GCC / LIME SOCA MONARCH SEMIFINALS 2009
1. MINEY
2. BOOGIE B
3. BROTHER B
4. SHORTPREE & TRINA
5. MR. RAZOR
6. PUPA LEENDI
7. D HAMMER
8. RANDY ISAAC
9. GOLDMINDZ
10. BLOODFIRE
11. MR. LEGS
12. INSPECTOR
13. 4 BRASS
14. LAKAY
15. SOCA STERLIN
16. SOCA BANTON
17. MR. KILLA
18. TOUCH IT
19. CROQUETA
20. SUPERSTAR
21. BOYZIE
22. TERROR KID
23. MAXIMILLION
24. LAVAMAN
25. KAGE
26. OTIS
27. SHELDON DOUGLAS
28. PAPA JERRY
29. ZINGO
30. GENERAL PEPE
31. BLACK BLINGERS

Reserve – MUSTIC

I'm told there will be temporary live stream available so you can watch a test stream of the Grenada Carnival action live at:
http://www.spicemasgrenada.com/

You can listen to the whole show live HERE

Check it out, and lemme know!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Brother B launches album #2

Have I ever mentioned how much I wanna go to Spice Mas? It's been more than two years since I last went to Grenada, so I'm ready!!!! I've been knocking on some doors...and I'm not ready to give up. I must take a jump with de Jab Jab crew!

Let me get back to the news. Last weekend soca and dancehall artiste Brother B dropped his sophomore album at home in Greenz. It's called "One Step Ahead". It features collaborations with Luni Sparks & Eliectrify, and Vybz. There's production by Jimmi King (King Beats), Doggy (Doggy Productions) and Toronto's own White Wine.

The album is expected to appear on all your favourite online retailers by August. So check for it, and support your boy! After all, Brother B is celebrating his 25th b-day this summer!

For more info on the album or the artiste check out the "Brother B" fan page on Facebook.

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The Rounds: Anslem Douglas performs at Manchester Carnival

In this edition:

- Caribana Launch, Kiddie Carnival and OCPA Calypso Monarch

- Bunji's Birthday Party

- Manchester Moss Side Carnival

- Grenada Soca Semi-Finals

- Caribbean Soca Monarch

Good evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. So, I’m back in Toronto after a 3 week tour of 4 soca hotspots in the Caribbean. It was great to take in some of the Carnival action in St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Barbados AND get a sense of what some of your favourite Trini acts are working on for the upcoming season. So, I’m back, with lots of stories just for you! But for now it’s all about Caribana people...

More than 1000 people gathered at Yonge-Dundas Square on Tuesday to officially open the Caribana season. In spite of the ongoing city worker strike, Caribana intends to roll out as usual, save a couple of venue changes. Be sure to check out CaribanaFestival dot com, for official news on whats going on.

If you’re one of those people who only thinks of the parade of the band when you hear the name Caribana, think again. The festival includes all sorts of events and competitions, with a couple of big ones having taken place YESTERDAY. Congrats to Callaloo who won band of the year at the Kiddies Carnival. Last night our local Calypsonians went head to head for the title of Caribana Calypso Monarch. Congrats to Redman, the 2009 Organization for Calypso Performing Artistes champ!

Soca artiste Bunji Garlin celebrated a big birthday in Trinidad on Tuesday night. He, Fay-Ann and a room full of their celebrity friends danced the night away together. Guests included people like Kes, Nadia Batson, Benjai, Saucy, Maximus Dan, Lil Bitts, Ms Alysha, TC, Mr. Vybe, and Dancehall artiste Cecile. But the real highlight of the night was a performance by Garlin’s father-in-law Austin "Superblue" Lyons.

Yesterday, the city of Manchester in England held their annual Moss Side Caribbean carnival. The weather was cool and overcast, but the rain held up to allow 20 floats, dancers, steelbands and revellers block traffic on Saturday afternoon. Anslem Douglas was among the performers bringing entertainment on the road. Moss Side Carnival began nearly 40 years ago and continues to grow every year.

This coming week, Grenada will get one step close be crowning a soca monarch. On Friday, the semi-finals for the GCC LIME Soca Monarch get underway. Four first-timers and only 2 females are among the artistes vying for a chance at the big money at the final showdown set for August 7th.

With Ricky T, Slimmy and Rochelle at Banker's and Lawyer Fete in St. Lucia (July 10)

Last but not least, tonight in St. Lucia the original Caribbean Soca Monarch takes place at Mindoo Philip Park. 9 competitors from across the region do battle against last year’s champ, Ricky T. (check Nurse Karen Archives for results)

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds, for more info on all the news mentioned tonight, stories from my summer carnival tour, and results from Caribbean Soca Monarch...check for me at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow Nurse Karen at twitter. Now, back to de docta!

Karen L. Richardson
a.k.a "Nurse Karen"
http://www.nurse-karen.com
http://www.twitter.com/nursekaren

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Booster Shot: Grenada Soca Monarch Semi-Finalist named

On July 24, 2009, 30 semifinalists will compete to see who gets throught to the GCC LIME Soca Monarch finals. The semifinal will take place on July 24th at Victoria Par in Grenville.

Among the 30, there are four newcomers, two women, and six former road march winners. So, I don't need to tell you it's serious competition.

Does your favourite artiste still have a chance?

4 Brass
Boogie B
Boyzie
Brother B
Croqueta
D Hammer
General PP
Gold Mindz.
Inspector
Junior Blood Fire
Kage
Lakay
Lava Man
Maximillion
Mr. Killa
Mr. Legs
Mr. Razor
Miney
Otis
Randy Isaac
Papa Jerry
Pupa Leendi
Sheldon Douglas
Shortpree & Trina
Soca Banton
Soca Sterling
Super Star
Terror Kid
Touch It
Zingo

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Booster Shot: Destra gives keynote at Grenada Jr Achievement Grad

Destra and Nurse Karen in Toronto

Staying connected to the community is so important to me. No matter what you do in life, others are watching. It's good to know how you plan to use that influence. It's an opportunity, not a burden once you look at it the right way.

On May 28th, Destra Garcia made an appearance in Grenada that will likely be cherished in the minds of students there forever.

The Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce's held its 2008/2009 Junior Achievement Programme Graduation, and the usually sassy Destra was there offering words of inspiration to the youth. about 350 students from 19 Grenadian secondary schools attended the presentation at Charter Hall, St. George's University.

I think it's wonderful that Destra agreed to give a speech, and even cooler that somebody from the Junior Achievement program thought to ask her in the first place. She's more than batty and breasts you know! (Pardon my french, but I feel some of you fellas could use the reminder)

Naturally the room roared with applause as she took the stage. Destra congratulated the youth on their success, encouraged further education, and asked them to be role models. Sweet eh?

Here's a little quote from the soca diva to send you on your way:

Failure is only a stepping stone to success

- Destra Garcia

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Booster Shot: Grenada Spice Mas 2009, Calendar of Events

Die hard carnival babies always complain about how difficult it is to get information on Caribbean festivals from official sources. I have to congratulate my Grenada posse for stepping up their game in 2009 with the launch of a beautiful, user-friendly website on May 15th, 2009.

Organization goes a long way. So, if you think you'd like to take a jump in the Spice Isle this August, I've posted some info below to help you plan that trip.

Dates and events courtesy of www.SpiceMasGrenada.com


Tuesday
June 2                    Carnival Press Conference

Friday
June 5                   Carnival Launch

Thursday
July 9                    Soca Monarch quarter finals

Friday
July 10                  Soca Monarch quarter finals

Saturday
July 11                  Soca Monarch quarter finals

Sunday
July 12                 Soca Monarch quarter finals

Fri Jul 10-
Sun Jul 19           Calypso Prelims

Friday
July 24                Soca Monarch Semis

Sunday
July 26                Calypso Semis

Friday
July 31                Calypso Intercol

Saturday
August 1             Children's Carnival Frolick

Monday
August 3             Traditional Mas Competition

Thursday
August 6             National Queen Show

Friday
August 7             Soca Monarch Final

Saturday
August 8             Panorama

Sunday
August 9             Dimanche Gras

Monday
August 10          Jouvert

Monday
August 10         Pageant

Monday
August 10         Monday Night Mas

Tuesday
August 11          Parade of the Bands

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Booster Shot: Grenadian Artist teams up with Grammy winners for US based recording deal

Sounds like a decent career move for Synnnah. Not so sure what Lil Wayne and Mariah's people can do for him as a soca artiste, but I definitely applaud risk-taking, and experimentation...

Read on so you know what I'm talking about!

love and soca,

Nurse Karen


Source: SpiceIslander.com

NEW YORK, NY. — MAY. 13, 2009 — Grenadian Soca artist Synnnah (sin nah) has signed a licensing agreement with the Texas based record label ISV entertainment. Under terms of the agreement, The Company will release recordings from the artist as well as seek licensing for media outlets including feature films, television shows, video games, movie trailers, ringtones and advertising commercials. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Synnnah will be working with the Grammy award winning Duo of Sam Michaels and Dan Matthews (Klubjumpers) who have worked with artist such as Lil Wayne and Mariah Carey. A remix of his International hit “OH Girl.” is scheduled for world wide release in the of summer 2009

Synnnah mesmerized fans both at home in Grenada and abroad with his 2008 hit “The 10 Commandments of a Jab Jab.” He states that “My goal is to spread Jab Jab/Soca music to the world but I can’t hit them on the head with it. It will have to be a gradual process where I gradually infuse it into dance music. The deal with ISV entertainment is the first step in that direction.”

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The Rounds: Teddyson John sings with the greats at St. Lucia Jazz

In this edition:

• Soca/Calypso honoured at the 2009 IRAWMA's
• Callaloo and Toronto Revellers launch their 2009 Caribana Presentations
• Teddyson John sings with blues greats at St. Lucia Jazz
• Grenadian calypsonian charged with rape
• Sheldon Benjamin aka Shel Shok in hospital with cancer

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. First, lemme hit you with a big fat Happy Mother’s Day!

Last week, I mentioned that the International Reggae and World Music Awards were taking place in NY during soca therapy. Well, the results are in, so I have to big up one awesome Caribbean mom for her success. Congrats goes out to Alison Hinds for winning the award for Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer.

A handful of other soca related awards were bestowed as well. Machel Montano HD took Most Outstanding Stage Personality and Most Outstanding Show Band. Trinidad’s Calypso Rose won Most Consistent Entertainer. Antigua’s King Short shirt was inducted into the IRAWMA Hall of Fame. the Mighty Sparrow was honoured with the Master of the Caribbean Award, and Vincentian record mogul, Granville Straker received the Martin’s International/Inter-Culture Award of Honor.

Grabbed this shot of Calypso Rose for Toronto-Lime at the 2007 Soca Awards in NY

Back on the home front, Callaloo and Toronto Revellers now join the ranks of mas bands who have unleashed their 2009 themes on the city of Toronto. Marlon Singh’s Callaloo will be parading down the lakeshore with an India and Africa theme called :The Ganges Meets the Nile. All 12 hundred of Jamaal Magloire’s Toronto Revellers will be band # 6 presenting Brasil: Bacchanal in Rio.

With NBA Star and Toronto Reveller's Bandleader Jamaal MaGloire in Toronto, 2008

The big party in the West Indies right now is St. Lucia Jazz. Yesterday, Groovy soca artiste, Teddyson John gave crowds something to talk about when he took the stage to sing the blues. He performed on a bill that included music greats like George Duke, Jeffrey Osborne, and James Ingram.

Posing with Teddyson John in St. Lucia, 2008

Bad news out of Grenada, I mean really bad news. Maybe you’ve heard. The 2008 National Calypso Monarch, 24 year old Biko Lewis has been charged with the rape of a 15 year old girl. It was reported that the victim was on her way to church when the offended offered her a ride. Well, as you might guess, she never made it to her intended destination. Instead she was brought to a secluded location where the act was commited. Now word on sentencing yet, but I personally hope he pays big time.

On a rather somber note, Trinidadian soca producer, Sheldon Benjamin once known as Shel Shok was rushed to the hospital on Thursday due to complications resulting from his fight with Lymph Node Cancer. The 39 year old sample technician who has toured extensively with Destra and Machel Montano over the years has been privately battling the disease since November. But a mild heart attack and breathing difficulties brought his quiet struggle to the public sphere. We at soca therapy offer our sincerest thoughts and prayers out to Sheldon for a speedy and full recovery.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on any of the items mentioned this evening, check out the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot nurse dash Karen dot com.

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