The Rounds: Wanna have a baby for Tyrese?

In this edition:
- August 1 is Emancipation Day
- Tortola Emancipation Fest 2009 (Tyrese, Shurwayne Winchester and YOU)
- Barbados Road March Results
- Antigua Road March Results
- Grenada Soca Monarch Results

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Caribana is over, but don’t worry bacchanal posse...the season is far from over. This month, the jump up moves through Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, Edmonton, Hamilton, Hartford, Barrie, and that’s not all!

In Many Caribbean territories, the celebration of Carnival is closely linked to the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire. That happened on August 1st, 1834 - that’s one hundred and seventy five years ago.

The 1st day of August or first Monday in August is recognized as Emancipation Day in Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, and Bermuda. Trinidad and Tobago was actually the first country ever to declare that date a national holiday. And even here in Ontario, our government officially started recognizing it just last year. So if that’s not a good reason to celebrate...YOU tell me what is.

In Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Emancipation Festival 2009 wrapped up this weekend. They had a action packed week complete with j’ouvert, fetes and road parades. Last night the big event was a concert featuring Taurus Riley, Tyrese and Shurwayne Winchester. Fans gave mixed reviews on the event stating the Tyrese was out of place using profane language on stage and actually asking women in the audience if they wanted to have his baby. (um...no comment). Shurwayne and YOU’s performance was A-OK until an audience member decided to wet down the saxophonist during his solo. All’s fair in love and soca, i guess...but the sax man, Alton Bertie is a Tortola native...and I don’t doubt the hometown crowd got their kicks outta keeping him humble.

Nurse Karen with Shurwayne Winchester in Toronto 2008

Monday was Kadooment Day in Barbados. Edwin Yearwood reigns victorious as the 2009 Tune of the Crop Road March Winner for Middle ah de Road. Mikey’s chune “I in dat” was good enough for 2nd place, and Calypso vet RPB came 3rd with Something’s Happening.

Carnival Tuesday in Antigua was a splash of colour and revelry that saw Red Hot Flames capture road march with a ditty called Trade March. Newly crowned Party Monarch Tian Winter came second with Soca Rebel, and Claudette Peters’ Flying Colours took the 3rd spot.

Grenada Posse! Guess who’s wearing the Soca Monarch crown this carnival!?!!? Mr. Killa is back. He left his competition in the dust with this performance of Swing it Away. Defending champions Luni Sparks and Electrify, and Zingo had to settle for a distance second and third.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds, for more juicy details on everything mentioned tonight, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow ME,,,nurse Karen on Twitter, now...back to de Docta.

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Booster Shot: Trademark is 2009 Antigua Road March

It's the day after Antigua's carnival Tuesday...and as to be expected...I've got some info for you.


ROAD MARCH !!!!!


1. Red Hot Flames - "Trademark" ( Stop the Crying Now) - 37 times
2. Tian Winter - "Soca Rebel" - 17 times
3. Claudette "CP" Peters - "Fly Away"


Congrats to all! Hope you enjoyed a safe and happy Carnival 2009!


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Red Hot Flames to appear at Radio City Music Hall with Machel

Soca people oye!!!!

Yuh listening? I know everybody done heard about Machel and dem BIG soca-ganza in Manhattan for 2009. Machel and de HD posse playing RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL! ( I hope he brings the Antz suits! I wonder how they'll go down in a major metropolitan fashion capital. Hmmm?) I realize the buzz around it hasn't exactly created seismic waves. After all, we all island people - it's no surprize that Boy Boy can draw a crowd.

Nurse Karen and Machel Montano (a couple days after his first show at Madison Garden)

In '07 and '08, they had the media all hyped up over Madison Square Garden WaMu theatre. It definitely was a first for soca. Kudos all around. But y'all, Radio City Music Hall is kind of a big deal! I figure the people who were more impressed with MSG, are big time Knicks fans or sumthin.

Yup....Machel, Patrice, Farmer Nappy, Umi Marcano, Zan....de whole HD family. The gig is called Machel Montano Live in Concert - Raw & Uncut. Ok, so moving right along. I know, it's not even news....cuz you already knew. Let's call it KNEWs! Ah, much better. Here's what's new though, Antigua's Red Hot Flames will be on the bill that night as well.

I didn't know that! Am I late? Well there you have it. Now the Antigua Posse up in the Bronx have a next BIG reason to flock into the city. A wild crew of heavy metal soca warriors will be riding their quads in Shaolin tempo right into the same venue that has hosted schtuff like the MTV Awards and Michael Jackson , behind their fearless leader Sir Oungku Wong!

Get ready for some funkin' soca NYC!!!

Nurse Karen and Oungku (Roseland Ballroom, NYC 2008)

The show goes down on Saturday, June 13th, 2009

Ticket Price: Your first born, and his birthright

Venue: Are you even paying attention?

Love and soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Porn distributor resigns from radio

In this edition: 

• Curtis Eustace leaves Carnival Nationz
• Jamaica Carnival 2009 cancelled
• Davy Murray resigns from Boom Champions 94.1
• Red Hot Flames about to hire a new female lead vocalist

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Happy Easter! This is the time of year we tend think about cute fluffy bunnies and little chicks being born.  But that stuff just reminds ME of all the little mas bands in Toronto hatching their big ideas for Caribana 2009.  It's band launch season kiddies!  Which means carnival come back again! This year, Dr. Jay has joined forces with veteran title-winning bandleader Louis Saldenah to bring his own section called Crave.  Marxman has signed on again with Tribal Knights, who's portraying the theme, Birds of Paradise.  Jamaal MaGloire's Toronto Revellers invites you to Brazil this year.   And Carnival Nationz?  Well, for the time being, they are saying goodbye to former Bandleader Curtis Eustace.  He's cooked up a brand new band called All Spice.  Check your favourite caribbean websites for details.
      Earlier this week, the daughter of Byron Lee dropped a bomb on the Jamaican media when she announced that Jamaica Carnival would be cancelled this year.  2009 was to be the 20th anniversary of the street jump up founded by her famous dad in the 80's.  She points the finger at the recession for the cancellation, saying 80 per cent of the carnival events do not earn revenue, and a carnival was not viable with waning corporate support.
       To avoid confusion, I want to point out that there are two carnivals in Jamaica.  Bacchanal Jamaica, the more popular offshoot of the original carnival will continue as planned, complete with all the bells and whistles I've been telling you about: the Mas camp concerts, Beach J'ouvert and of course, the parade of the bands!
        This recession ting not easy, yuh know.  But, lucky for you, I know a few places hiring if you happen to be out of work.  Trinidad and Tobago's Boom Champions radio station received a letter of resignation on Thursday from a long time news presenter called Davy Murray.  He's in some serious legal hot water right now after appearing in court Monday on porn charges.  Crazy, yes? Murray is charged with using the internet to distribute naked photos of a female soca artist who used to be pretty popular in Trinidad.  And NO, I'm not telling you who.
       If presenting news isn't your thing, perhaps you'll consider becoming the new lead singer of Antigua's Red Hot Flames!  The popular soca band from the island with a beach for every day of the year is looking for someone to replace Esther Dyer who *cough cough* left the band back in August.  The field has been narrowed to two.  Oungku tells me he's having the hardest time choosing between Florida-based Saffire and Trini-based Bitts...you soca fans have known over the years as Lil Bitts.  He hopes to announce the new leading lady by the end of the month after both candidates get one last chance to come and gig with the band.
      So, that's the kind of week it's been in soca.  One last thing.  Fay Ann finally got paid on Tuesday.  So, I guess the recession missing THAT family.

          I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  Satisfy your curiosity about all these News Stories online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net.  Or just follow NurseKaren on twitter to get up to the minute info as it happens.  Now, back to de Docta!

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Booster Shot: Red Hot Flames to hire a new lead vocalist

Ever since Esther Dyer left Antigua's Red Hot Flames back in August, bandleader Oungku has been faced with a big dilemma:  "Who will take on the role of female lead vocalist?"

Well fans, it's between two very worthy opponents.  Both ladies are attractive, experienced and like the leads who preceeded them -- Trini!

Who, you may ask? 

Well, there's Saffire.  She's a Trini raised in the Virgin Islands, now residing in Florida.  She's a model with the kind of sex appeal a lot of women would kill for.

However, most of you would be familiar with Bitts.  That's right! She's that peppy petite vocalist who gave us tunes like "Bump," and this year a real sweet one in "Hold Meh".

Nurse Karen and Bitts in Trinidad, 2008

(she's so small eh! i'm a  5'7, size 5 GIANT)

Oungku is really torn as he consider both artistes to be friends.  It's still anybody's game.  Saffire will be performing with Red Hot Flames at a gig on Easter Sunday.  Bitts is booked for one at the end of April.  

Ladies, all the best! No matter who ends up with the sweet gig in Antigua, stay positive, and don't stop giving us sweet soca music!

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

http://twitter.com/nursekaren

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The Rounds: Miami Carnival Round Up

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

It's good to be back here with you this Sunday, after a brief absence. While most of you were gathering to celebrate thanksgiving. I was giving thanks for carnival Miami style. The trip had me taking a small wine at both Broward and Miami Carnivals. I also got to see performances from Big Bands like Red Hot Flames. Machel Montano HD, Krosfyah, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Asylum, and Traffik. It was a veritable who's who of the soca industry. And I have to say is, All the artists all brought their "A" game.

Nurse Karen with Machel Montano HD Drummer, Kernal Roberts in Miami

Now while we on the topic of game...lemme fill allyuh in on one of our Toronto native sons who recently took up residence in the beautiful city of Miami. I'm talking about Miami Heat Center, Jamaal MaGloire...who we all know as the bandleader of the two-time Caribana band of the year title winning mas band, Toronto Revellers. Yes, I saw the man. After all that is to be expected. Jamaal loves carnival. But I have a little bad news. Jamaal who is vying for a starting line-up position with his new team the heat, is forced to sit out for 4 to 6 weeks due to a pretty bad hand injury that happened not long ago at an exhibition game in Paris. The man is sporting a cast on his left hand the size of a boxing glove. It doesnt' get in the way of wukking up...but it doesn't really help him play basketball, if you catch my drift.

Nurse Karen and Jamaal MaGloire at UWI Fete Miami Carnival 2008

Being in Miami had it's obvious advantages. Scoop scoop scoop!!! I wanted to break this news to you all last weekend, but the details have since been leaked online via my blog Nurse Karen Etc. Let me fill you in.

First, If you're heading to Trinidad Carnival for 2009, you can expect to see a Bajan Soca Veteran performing alongside Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons in the Asylum Band. Clean out your ears and listen good. Edwin Yearwood will be performing with Asylum for the 2K9 carnival season. No, I didn't stutter. Please note. He's not leaving Krosfyah or anything crazy like that. Hes just making sure he's fully in the mix for Trinidad next year.

Nurse Karen with Edwin Yearwood in New York (2008)

What else? Check this: Sheldon Shel Shok Benjamin is no longer a member of Atlantik. I caught him in Miami running samples for Machel Montano HD. I asked him about it...and he confirmed that he has been DISMISSED. Big word...but what does it mean? Machel and they went Bahamas the other day. Shel Shok went with them...and his former band found out while he was away. Not cool. Fact is Atlantik has not been touring as much as they used to, and Benjamin felt justified in picking up some work on the side. Let's say he and management weren't on the same page on that one. Everything is alright. Atlantik is on the case. Marlon Roach has taken over in the samples department, and I've heard he's already doing a GREAT job.

In other news, the Soca Awards were held last night in St. Kitts. The press department hasn't issued a release as yet with complete results as yet. But, as always I'm on it.

Before I go, special congratulations to Island Boyz on 15 years of soca events in Toronto. The rang in the occasion last night at Palazzo with a special show from Kes the Band, Nadia Batson, Mr. Dale and Maximus Dan.

Nurse Karen with Maximus Dan in Toronto (2008)

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Check me out online this week for more news, pics, stories and videos from Miami carnival...and your complete results from the sixth annual soca awards. You can find all that on the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) Blog at triple W dot Mustard Seeds dot net. Remember to download the Rounds podcast to go at www dot soca therapy dot com. Now back to de docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: Broward Carnival, and more Fyah!

Soca people. You know I'm gonna tell you the truth right. Here it is. Broward was better! Organizing a carnival is serious hard work. It doesn't help when a faction breaks away to do their own thing. So, this is not a criticism...just a comparison. Broward, TO ME, felt more like carnival. More space. More people behind the bands. More variety of cuisine. More people as a whole. More Fyah!

Met up with some of the Vincy crew to take a jump, now that was wild!

When we arrived, I was not about to let the rain dampen my spirits. After seeking shelter a couple times I thought to myself....what's the worst that could happen? My lil stick-on ponytail gets wet. Boo hoo. Exactly...who cares? It's carnival.

According to organizers, Broward Carnival had more then 13 thousand paying patrons. If you include vendors, mas bands, performers and media ( LIKE ME!!!) That number mushrooms to 20 thousand people attending. I think some of those extra people stormed the gate, but that's just between you and me.

Backstage with Rikki Jai, Trinidad's Soca Chutney General

You should have seen people going mad behind Red Hot Flames on the road. That band has real energy, and the crowd sought it, caught it and threw it back. The main stage boasted a very international line-up with performances from the likes of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires (Jamaica), Rikki Jai (Trinidad), Traffik (Trinidad),and Krosfyah (Barbados).

Krosfyah posing, just before they brutalized up the stage!

Big dutty big up to the drummer. He actually smashed his snare in the middle of the performance. He kept playing the kit with one hand as the drum was replaced. No one had a clue. I have video of that. So check for it soon on Nurse Karen TV

It was a personal pleasure to meet Jumo Primo. He sings lead for Byron Lee. If you don't know...he and Adrian Dutchin are partners in a group called X2 (Times Two) outta Guyana. Both of them are busy touring with accomplished bands based in Jamaica and Bimshire respectively. But they continue to be great friends, and still work together to mash up Mashramani Carnival in Guyana.

Nurse Karen and X2 at Broward Carnival

That show was mad. Thank you to the Broward Carnival Committee for showing me such great hospitality. Before I go, I wanna send some love to Miss Juliette Mills outta St. Kitts. It was a pleasure for me to catch her live for the first time. She's got a few impressive tracks under her belt and I really look forward to hear more in the upcoming year.

Nurse Karen and Juliette Mills

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Nurse's Lounge: Battle of the Bands

Ok, here's the scene. When I think of Labor Day carnival, swanky midtown venues is not the first thing that comes to mind. But, I'm definitely all for change, so long as it doesn't alienate the people who have been supporting the art form from jump.

Battle of the Bands has moved to the Roseland Ballroom this year. It's a huge, classy venue in Manhattan. No doubt it cost real money to put on a fete up here. I'd guess that it could comfortably accommodate 5000 patrons. So Bless up to Shaka and the rest oft he team from Upscale Crowd Ent & Caribbean Fuse for going the extra mile. Not just for "trying a ting", but not jacking up the ticket price too much higher than what ppl pay for similar events in Brooklyn.

Highlights:

1. FINALLY meeting Oungku of Red Hot Flames. PORDY ON DUDES!!! Believe it or not, the first CD i ever bought with my own money was DIG by Burning Flames. Okay, it wasn't exactly MY money. It was lunch money, from my Mommy. But is me who spent it! The new album from RED HOT FLAMES is called SCYATTAH! Buy it. It features the 2008 road march: Musical Bomb! Here's a shot of yours truly with Oungku.

2. Krosfyah large and in charge. See for yourself. Edwin and the boys are clearly on cloud 9 following a stellar Crop Over season. Not sure if I've told you before. I love to watch this band.

Edwin, Khiomal and Adrian bring energy, sexiness and crisp vocals every time. I watched their performance from way up in the VIP balcony, but I could feel each and every pelt, chook and wine!

3. Shurwayne making the most of it. It has to suck to be the ONLY artist at Battle of the Bands whose very reputable band was not booked for the show. Shurwayne knew exactly how to command the crowd with a little help from Toronto's own Bassline (Enforcas) on the 1's and 2's. Watch how Shurwayne hypes up a bunch of West Indians with New York City's favourite music at the end.

4. Asylum PERIOD. I'm trying to count how many times I've seen this band for 2008. I lost count...probably because I loved it every time. This is definitely a big year for Bunji and Faye-Ann. The very nature of Bunji's live appeal is his ability to improvise. That means that with him at the helm, you're never getting the same thing twice from Asylum. When they play I generally see Duvone Stewart beating the hell out of a pan. Last night's show featured Dane Gulstan who I've mentioned before. Well ladies as you can see...he's talented and he cute.

Here's a wee clip to show you why I'm so hype off this act! Big Up IP. I appreciate the link.

The biggest let down of the night. Yes, there was ONE. Ricky T wasn't there. After having the studio 758 team show me the best of times while I was in St. Lucia, I have to admit that I was really looking forward to seeing everyone in New York.

To Ricky's credit though, he chose to be in St. Lucia, so he could be present for the birth of his first child. Congrats Ricky. Unfortunately, the patrons weren't made aware of this development before the show. So, the Lucian posse was pretty disappointed. None the less, they represented...and had an amazing night sharing they crazy vibes from the front of the stage.

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Booster Shot: Antigua Carnival Results

Antiguan massive!!!! How was your carnival this year? I heard amazing reviews from some of the members of Atlantik and the studio 758 crew. They really enjoyed the party vibes while they were there. Can't wait to experience it for myself.

In case you haven't seen the results, here's the big news out of Antigua...

Road March:

1. "Musical Bomb" Scyattah! - Red Hot Flames (Oungku, yuh large...you called this one!)

2. "Jump Up In De Iron Band" - Burning Flames (Still sorry I missed your show in SVG...next time)

3. "Mardi Gras" - Taxik

Antigua doesn't mess around when it comes to the band thing. I like to see that. In most other soca nations we're seeing the rise of solo artists. While the celebrity aspect is important to the development of the soca genre in terms of international marketing. This is a cultural thing. Carnival is a community thing..and our music is a communal thing. Caribbean showmanship fluorishes in the presence of live intrumentation and collaborative creativity. That's my two cents anyway. Kudos Antiguans for supporting your bands!

Now for the Party Monarch results:

In Groovy...

1. Claudette "CP" Peters

2. Tian

3. The Blade

In Tempo (What they call Power Soca in Trinidad, Grenada and St. Lucia)

1. Claudette "CP" Peters

2. Lord Satalyte

3. The Blade

CP, Congrats on another great year! Goes to show you truly are the queen of your nation where soca is concerned.

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The Rounds: Red Hot Flames album about to drop...SCYATTAH!!!!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. The calendar says it's summer now, and all attention focuses on the Caribbean. If you're looking for me this time next week I will be in sweet St. Vincent and the Grenadines preparing the place for Dr. Jay's arrival.


Belated birthday greetings to Sheldon "Shel Shok" Benjamin. of the big band Atlantik. I missed you last rounds, but we'll catch up next weekend at Insomnia in SVG.

Some of Atlantik liming at GLOW SVG last year.

(Shel Shok is the long one in the back!)

Last week's ragga soca monarch competition proved to be a big upset at Victoria Park. Zoelah fans: if you haven't heard by now, your girl's performance of Wine Up On Me simply did not cut it for the judges, leaving her out of the top 3. From all accounts Zoelah, who had performed at Wet Fete (in the rain) the night before was sounding PRETTY hoarse. So top marks went to Dani-O instead, who shocked onlookers with a stellar performance of Gimme Mo. Next up was Skarypon with Forever, and Galanaire in third place with "Do YOU"


Summer time means summer music, so if you haven't already picked up your copy of Soca Gold 2008, now would be the time to make that happen. It's currently ranked #1 on the Billboard Reggae charts (Dah don't really make sense to ME, but whatever!) VP records chose big tracks from Big Artistes like Mr. Dale's Soka Junkie, Faye-Ann Lyons – Get On, and Ricky T "Pressure Boom!"

2008 TT Road March Queen Faye-Ann in Toronto last month

Right around Caribana time, our friends in Antigua will jumping up in the hot sun as well. So, naturally, that means a new batch of jam band music is cooking up as we speak. Look out from a new album from Red Hot Flames. Oungku is real excited about the CD. The title will either be called SHAOLIN TEMPO (you know how West Indians love dey Kung Fu) OR it may be called "SCYATTAH"! He says this album is going to be a musical bomb – A weapon of Mas' disruption, so that's what people will do when it drops! Look for it the first week of July!

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Take a moment to check out (Nurse) Karen (Etc) at Mustard Seeds dot net over the next three weeks, as I keep you up to date with my Vincy Mas diary. I'll also be taking in St. Lucia's soca monarch finals, to stay tuned for pictures and video from that! Now, back to de docta...

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