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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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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