Nurse's Lounge: Happy 90th Birthday Officer!

I've never been too keen about sharing my personal life. In spite of my hobbies and vocations over the years that place me in the way of public scrutiny, I actually work very diligently to keep my life, my REAL life very private.

I live a life that is full, blessed, and challenging.  I have a small circle of close friends, and a huge loving family who accept me in all my various reincarnations.  This weekend, I spent hours and hours in the company of many of those relatives.  People rushed in from England, Montserrat, Trinidad, The United States, and of course St. Vincent and the Grenadines to mark the occasion of my Grandfather's 90th Birthday.

I didn't go to Vincy Mas this year, and to be honest it kinda hurt.  Yes, I love carnival but, as you know, I experience several carnivals in a given year.  The greatest joy of returning to St. Vincent annually for carnival is the ability to celebrate my Grandfather's birthday with him, as it always falls smack dab in the middle of the action.  When the usual sponsorship arrangement that enables a team from Toronto-Lime dot com (that includes me) to hit up Vincy Mas fell thru, the emotions were mixed.  Truth be told, it's some of the best work you can get...going to the Caribbean to cover carnival, but I'm getting married this year.  I'm busy...and skipping town weeks before the big day isnt' what I would call a wise decision.  However, I really wanted to be there, this year more than ever as this year had it all worked out.  My cousin "Slimmy" and I would have been their celebrate the 90th year of our maternal patriarch, the legendary hero of our family.

So I missed the actual day of his birth, but five days later, he was here in Toronto.  He sat in a banquet hall filled with some 80 of his descendants and relatives, and he was honoured.  So blessed am I to come from a family that unites for occasions like this.  I met some folk for the first time.  I got to catch up with a favourite uncle from my childhood, I got to eat, drink and dance with people who share with me one of life's most vital commodities .... blood.

I saw my family in a new light.  I saw my brother as a confident master of ceremonies.  I heard my mother deliver a heart-felt address. My auntie sang beautifully and humbly, and we all joined in. A beautiful hand painted work was unveiled by another grandchild.  Slimmy wrote and read out a biography that made your heart want to leap out of your chest.  I had the pleasure of composing and performing an original poem in Grandpa's honour. The younger ones ushered.  One cousin made beautiful favours, so we would all have a keepsake of the occasion.  An auntie baked and decorated one phenomenal black cake befitting of a first rate gala occasion.  And I really could go on and on.  I am so proud of my family. So proud, and I really couldn't help but share.

Below, is my brother's tribute video "Portrait of a man".  It tells some of my grandfather's story...and it tells the story of the Canadian branch of "Dalys" through video and still photos.  It shows our family home in St. Vincent, and people who we have embraced over the years as family by choice. It's just what we do.

If you've ever wondered who I really am, perhaps this will begin to answer your question.

Love,

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene: Vincy newspapers disrespecting Soca Stars

Well, ah know dis one go be a shock to de Nursie... to see a post from me after so long. Hahaha. But after today's newspapers came out ah had was did have to commment. By now we all now how well Skinny Fabulous, Zoelah and Tabia did in the Int. Soca Awards, with Tabia winning 'BEST NEW FEMALE SOCA ARTISTE'. Zola winning, "FEMALE SOCA VOCALIST & FAVOURITE GROOVY SOCA OF THE YEAR", and Skinny Fabulous winning in all 5 categories where he was nominated: "BEST NEW MALE SOCA ARTISTE, MALE SOCA PERFORMER OF THE YEAR, OVERALL MALE SOCA ARTISTE OF T HE YEAR, SONG OF THE YEAR & FAVOURITE UP TEMPO SOCA (MALE).

Well, in today's papers, the story was printed on Pg. 52 in the Searchlight Newpaper. Lemme say dat again in case yuh ain't really ketch.. FIF-TEE-TOO. Now in the same paper on page 2, is some story bout somebody find some long lost relative. So this is more important news than our premier musical artform making great strides?

And if dat nah bad enough... in the News Newspaper, the story was on the second to last page... sharing the page with the weekly update on "THE BOLD & BEAUTIFUL". Like whatever de hell Ridge doing with Stephanie, is of more consequence than Skinny taking all the awards.

Is only outta respect for the Nuss, and my blogging family mek ah don't type two clean dutty word to go with this.

Anyhoo, I had to take time out of compiling the Top 10 Countdown for tomorrow nite to let allyuh know how the print media views our Soca artistes. Ah gone. Til next time.

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Eye Unit: The not-so-glamorous artist life, Problem Child's Madhouse Tour

Problem Child has a reality TV show in St. Vincent.  I've said it before, but some people have hard ears...so I'm repeating. "The Madhouse Tour" airs on IKTV channel 45 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and it patches together self-filmed Hi Def footage from the Vincy Bad Boy's travels as the 2009 Road March King.

In last week's episode, Problem Child goes to the UK to perform in a concert celebrating 30 years of independence in SVG. Right off the bat, it's problems...

Take a look, you'll see just what I mean!



At this point, unless you live in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, there's no way to see the whole show.  However, if you look carefully you can find a few clips scattered online.  To help you in your search, check out the following links...

YouTube  http://www.youtube.com/user/iktvch45

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Iktv/129873177968

Or to just follow Problem Child's travel itinerary in real-time, follow him on Twitter at:
www.twitter.com/vincybadboy


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: International Music Business Seminar in St. Vincent begins today

In recent days, I've been hearing a lot moves in the Eastern Caribbean Islands to modernize and professionalize their approach to the music businees. One such positive step is beginning on the island of St. Vincent today. A three day music business conference that is free to the public, will begin the process of educating music practioners about how to make and market internationally viable music.

This is not just for those interested in being artistes,

"We are aiming at musicians, songwriters,  producers,stylists and videographers to attend. We want to cover the entire development of artists,"  says Mark Cyrus of Master Room Studio. 

I've copied the official information below. If you are living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or have the wherewithal to visit over the next few days, I believe this is going to be worth your while:

Source: Invest SVG

“Invest SVG” and The Ministry of Culture is hosting an International Music Seminar and Workshop.

The music and video seminar will be held from November 4th to November 6th at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall,9;00 am to 4;00pm, Seven international record and publishing company executives and video production personnel will make up the panel for the three day seminar/workshop,including practical one on one sessions with attendees. Additionally we would be having an artist showcase at Escape bar on the evening of the 6th.
Here is the list of panelists coming to the seminar.


Music Manager – Ivan Berry (Toronto, Canada)
Music Publisher – Vivian Barclay - Warner Chappell Music (Toronto, Canada)
Artist Video Director / Stylist – Robert Brown (Bobby o’neill) (Miami, USA)
Music Promotions Expert – Jonathan Ramos REMG (Toronto, Canada)
Record Company Executive – David Wright - Def Jam Records (Los Angeles, USA)
Music Producer / Songwriter – Justin Forsley – ole (Toronto, Canada)
Songwriter / Vocal Arranger – Rupert Gayle – ole (Toronto, Canada)

Wednesday, November 4th – Opening Cipo,Copyright,Fashion and Stylist
Thursday, November 5th (9am-2pm) – Music/Video Seminar & Workshop Day #1
Friday, November 6th (9am-4pm) – Music/Video Seminar @ Workshop Day #2

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The Rounds: Shurwayne Winchester and Y.O.U celebrated 1 year, etc!

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto "Soca Therapy"

In this edition:

- Shurwayne and Y.O.U. celebrate one year (Trinidad and Tobago)
- SVG goverment promises money to artists (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
- Problem Child's Mad House Tour Reality Show (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
- December carnivals: St. Kitts, St. Croix, Montserrat
- Soca or Die (Canada)
- This week's soca birthdays: B.V.I, St. Kitts and Nevis

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Last Tuesday, Shurwayne Winchester and YOU celebrated their 1st anniversary together as a band. The event took place at Woodford Cafe in Trinidad, the same place they held their very first performance just one year before. Since then, they have the have grown as a cohesive unit, opened their own band room, produced the ABX Riddim for Carnival 2k10, and recorded 18 of their own songs. Shurwayne announced that Y.O.U. would be releasing a new album on the 1st of December.
The very same date marked the 30th anniversary of independence for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There’s all kinds of reasons why something like that is important news for the rounds, but allow me to give you one more. To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves announced the government’s plans for an economic stimulus package that includes 1 million dollars in grant money to be doled out to its cultural entrepreneurs. It plain English, the soca artists are getting cheques in the mail just for being creative. Boyyyy, nothing says happy Indy like free money.

Speaking of SVG, I’m not sure how many of you knew that St. Vincent’s Roadmarch king, Problem Child has his very own reality show. It’s called the Madhouse Tour and it launched on St. Vincent’s K45, Iktv channel in the fall. I never mentioned it to you before, because there were no videos online. Well now there are. If you surf over to youtube, You can see funny clips of the artist’s adventures all over the place, including....TORONTO.
We all know that Trinidad Carnival is coming in February. But there are actually several other Carnivals before then. In December three other Caribbean Islands will heat up with the sounds of soca, and theatre of mas; St. Kitts, St. Croix (USVI), and Montserrat. The 2009 Montserrat Festival calendar was just released this past week, with a packed agenda of activities from December 4th through January 1st.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Today is only November 1st. So, happy birthday goes out to soca artist, Lincoln Ward in the British Virgin Island. Then on Saturday, the Parade of Scorpio b-days continues. That night will be the 1st ever Soca or Die Surprise Birthday party for Dr. Jay and friends. Hope you got your tickets! But it’s also the birthday of Juliette Mills from St. Kitts, Tabia from St. Vincent, and Scarface from Trinidad. Don’t look surprised, we already told you November is the month of the Soca Baby!

Before I go...good news. Knycky Cordner performed again with her band Ventures for the 1st time since her hip surgery earlier this year. Happy to see the girl back in action!
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. To get the news first, be sure to visit nurse dash Karen dot com or follow me, nursekaren on Twitter. Now back to de Docta!

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Eye Unit: Happy Independence SVG - Vibrating Scakes - Our Nation is Born

"...In this moment of history

Tell it in every community

Our nation is born

Colonialism is gone..."

~ Vibrating Scakes

Thirty years ago today, St. Vincent and the Grenadines became an independent nation. For the thousands who travelled home to mark the occasion, those overseas taking time out to celebrate, and the thousands more on those beautiful islands dressed head to toe in their national colours....I salute you.

This blog is about music, soca music to be exact.  If you're reading this, then you probably already know the kind of impact St. Vincent has made to the art form.  None the less, I would be amiss not to educate you on just how much St. Vincent has done for this music called soca.

Our musical heritage is fierce and proud.  I think of writers and arrangers like Frankie McIntosh whose work behind the scenes can be heard on endless soca classics...not just Vincy hits, innah.  Songs like Lorraine by Explainer, Thunder by The Mighty Duke, Tension by Shadow, and the list goes on and on.

 Then there's Granville Straker, another Vincentian who was responsible for most of the 12 inch records in your parent/grandparents collection. Brooklyn's Straker Records brought Calypso and Soca to the ears of thousands internationally, by actually recording, producing and distributing Caribbean music on wax.  This is Vincy heritage...but it's general soca heritage too.   I mean what would soca be if we never had recordings of Black Stalin's "Ah Feel To Party" or Shadow's "Bassman"?  Those are just examples, but the legacy continues.

 As Jamaican dub began to take hold of the entire Caribbean at the end of the 1980's, St. Vincent was first to utilize dub chanting in soca songs to give it a youthful, heart pounding swagger.  We continued to pump out downtempo riddims for the road, and called it Ragga Soca.  The Vincy contribution to soca music is certainly international, right up to the modern day. We salute a new generation of artistes for waving their flag proudly as international music contracts made Kevin Lyttle and Jamesy P into household names the world over.

We think of the veterans like Poorsah and Beckett whose countless songs tell the history of our nation with unabashed honesty, and even criticism. We remember the bands such as Touch, Asterisks, and X-A-Dus whose innovative music is responsible for what we know as the signature Vincy sound.

Thirty years later, as Sweet Vincy continues to make its humble mark on the region and the world, let us continue to work together, achieve and celebrate a bright future together.

For some reason, many people who listen to me on the radio and read my blog seem to think I'm from some place else.  And even though I was born in Canada (a proud of this country as well), St. Vincent and the Grenadines is home.  I am a proud Vincentian through and through.  Today, I finally get to show off my pride!

To mark the occasion, I dug up a special video by one of our most talented Calypsonians, Kenneth "Vibrating Scakes" Alleyne.  When's the last time you saw this one?

In view of the recent violence and tragedies going on in St. Vincent these days, I couldn't think of a better song to remind us that unity is our key to a prosperous future.  Happy 30th Anniversary of Independence St. Vincent and the Grenadines!



Love and Liberty,

Nurse Karen

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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.

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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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Free Download: Sunset Mix (All Vincy) by All Is Madness

Since before I left Canada for Vincy Mas 2009, I told a few of my DJ friends that soca fans would appreciate best-of-the-best mixes from each of the summer carnivals. I mean how else will the public get to know what the top songs are, considering foreign DJs rarely play extended sets of music from these islands.

Mixes like this are great exposure for the artists, when done right. They are also great exposure for the DJ who decides to put such a mix together. Well, no matter how many times I pushed and prodded. I didn't get one from any of the big local DJs in SVG, St. Lucia, BIM, Antigua or Grenada (well, not yet anyway)!

So imagine my surprise yesterday, when I receive a message from a Toronto-based DJ of Trini descent who took it upon himself to mix together his favourite Vincy Mas tunes of 2009. It's my pleasure to offer you Sunset Mix 2009 from "All Is Maddness". Sunset...if you didn't know, is the name of St. Vincent's Strong Rum. Trust me, it's not for everyone!

Jus Maddness, thanks for doing this! Enjoying the vibes, and thanks for the big ups. One thing though...next time do me a lil favour and ease up on the reverb at the beginning! LOL...Sounding like a Martian discotheque. LOL. But don't watch that. The music is great, and you mixed it well, Papa.

Well , the result is probably different than what a homegrown Vincy DJ might have put together. But it's a nice collection of some of the biggest songs of 2009, plus a few that hardly received airplay at all. Also, a few chunes on this collection were performed by Vincentian artist, but produced for other carnival.

So, if you're new to soca...or just looking to expand your knowledge beyond your own island, get to know the names. The next step is to request the songs you like on the radio, and when you're at a fete. THEN....be sure and put your money where your mouth is, purchase original soca when you can. Deal? Deal.

Ok...since we're on the same page, what are you waiting for?

DOWNLOAD THE SUNSET MIX NOW

Enjoy!

For more info on fetes and future mixes, follow Jus Maddness on Twitter.

www.twitter.com/depongchuneman

Make sure you let him (and us) know what you think about it!

Bomani - Swing it
Jalena & Daria - Do fuh do
Danelle Veira - Big ting gal
Tamisha - I ain't feeling it
Luta - Shake
Jamesy P feat. Kirk Adams - I will do
Fullclip - Wine gyal wine
Maddzart - Let go de waistline
Maddzart feat. First Lady - Ah guilty remix
Tabia - Own man
Zoelah - More water
Troots & Ice - Lo Siento
Bomani - Good times
Fa Fa - In my jeans
Jamesy P - Hornerman
Gideon James - I'm addicted
Kevin Lyttle - Hands on me
Problem Child - Hard fuh me
Lady D - Gimme de music
Philly - You got me
Denis Bowman - How ah feeling
Bomani - Waiting for u
Skinny Fabulous Feat Danelle Veira - Glory glory
Fafa - Gimme de soca
Demus - Rum Junkie
Top Notch Swift - Nobody can talk to me
Jamesy P - Antz in yuh sugar pan
Luta & Jamesy P Feat. Benji N20 - Bruk she waist remix
Luta - Carnival coming roadmix
Full Clip - Wild indians
Fireman Hooper - Just bring dat
Maddzart - Spin dem around
Maddzart - Mad rum
Tarrus - Rum in my head
Tarrus - Rum in my head(Soca Child remix)
Problem Child & Skinny Fabulous - Drinks reach
First Lady - Maddness
Icon - Congo line
Problem Child - Rude & Freaky
Full Clip - Out of hand
Skinny Fabulous - De beast leggo(Scratch Master mix)
Skinny Fabulous - Misbehaving
Hotsand Feat. Sharlene - We Jamming
Problem Child - Madhouse
Dj Tate - How yuh like it
Fireman Hooper - Finders keepers(roadmix)
Fryktion Feat. Parry Jack & Problem Child - Yuh women buttin me
Lively - Mash up

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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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Nurse's Lounge: Junior Calypso and Soca Lime in VIncy (video)

Tuesday, June 30 - Junior Calypso and Soca

I’ve decided that Junior Calypso is my all-time favourite event on the Vincy Mas calendar. Maybe I’m secretly wishing I was still a hot blooded 13 year old. Maybe it’s cause they don’t sell popcorn and sno cones at Soca Monarch. I’m not sure why, but hands down, it’s my favourite midday lime on the calendar.

This time around my hankering for sea water caused me to arrive much later than I had planned. (see here)

I was so late! Missed all the Kaiso. I find the kiddies always bring throught provoking entries about matters that affect youth. It’s better than the newspaper. Good kaiso is the peoples’ voice. By the time we arrived at Victoria Park there were only a few more Junior Soca acts. I even missed my boy Hance, three time Jr Soca champ, who’s now singing with Hottsand!

3-time Junior Soca Monarch Hance, playing mas on Carnival Tuesday

I did, however, have time to see young Deneisha Simmonds who placed for her performance of Soca Body. Then there was soca bad boy Wetty B from Union Island, pushing the envelope straight into disqualification zone with a performance of his Steelpan song(PUM PUM). The Vincy Soca Dans shut down the show, with Luta, Fireman and Jamesy P performing their latest hits.

The future of Vincy Calypso and Soca

Here are a few clips of the late action at SVG Junior Calypso and Soca Monarch:

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Nurse's Lounge: Time for the beach!

Tuesday, June 30 – trip to Young Island / lunch at Xcape

I woke up that morning wanting nothing more than a good sea bath. Slimmy and me caught a van to Indian bay, and paced the shoreline looking for the perfect spot. It wasn’t an easy task. Indian Bay isn’t a very sandy beach, but the waters are calm, so it’s popular...actually a little too busy for my liking in the carnival season. So the naked little children, and cat calling local boys didn’t help. Soon my desire to go for a swim would be replaced with a desire to eat. We left the beach.

We hiked back up to the main road and decided to make our way to Villa Beach instead. At the very least we would be able find some hotel restaurants that would be willing to gauge our foreign pockets. YO HOMIES...I know I live in Canada, but I’m not exactly swaggertastic enough to drop $26 for a roti. In town a roti runs for $10 EC, that’s $3.70 US. In country you can get it for half that price. Oh no.... NEXT! I think we checked three different hotel menus before my cheap self pulled the plug on the operation.

Hike again! The joke is. The Calliaqua van we rode down there had already doubled back. The driver recognized us and stopped to ask if we were lost. LOL...a real Vincy would never be walking up and down in that hot sun for so long. After all that, still no sea water and no food!
The decision was made. If we’re gonna have to pay good money for grub, we going Xcape. So, that’s what we did. Slimmy had some dolphin, and I...the seafood roti. To drink, a Hairoun and some fruity mix up. It was soooooooooooo worth the wait.

We had a nice little view of Young Island Resort from our table. There was not a soul on the beach. Problem solved. After our fantastic meal, we called the resort office to ask “pretty please can we come over and use your beach?” Gotta love SVG. Two minutes later, the ferry came to meet us at the dock.

We visited the bar and grabbed a refreshing lime squash to offset the effect of the hot air. Found some beach chairs...and gave my bikini some oxygen. Finally time for my swim. Hate to admit, but the water was frigid, and I didn’t last in there for more than 10 minutes. But at least we did it right? Food...check! Beach...check! Two less things on the to-do list!

Now time for Junior Calypso and Soca. Let’s get outta here!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen
P.S. Next Nurse’s Lounge: Junior Calypso and Soca

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Nurse's Lounge: Insomnia V - 4 bands, more vibes!

Sunday morning, June 28 – Insomnia V

When I travel...I wanna see the artistes perform live. Don’t get me wrong, I love sun, sand and surf. I love my food too...but I like to know how an artiste’s studio performance will translate on the stage. Insomnia was the perfect opportunity for that.

With a title like Insomnia, carnival lovers are well aware that the list of performers is gonna be longer than my arms...and you’ve seen my arms. That night I got to see onstage appearances from established and local acts alike. Four bands backed the artists; HS Phaktor, Roy Cape All-Stars, Alliance and The Madd Symphony.

Before I go on. I have to big up Hitman Colin Graham hooking me up with a comp pass. One issue though, he didn’t arrive to Insomnia until about 3:00 am. That just means I paid the door price to enter! For what it’s worth. The show was worth every penny of that $60 EC.

From watching Shaunelle McKenzie belt out incredible notes to Bomani performing his modern classic. There was Icon and First Lady clashing on stage, Fire Empress bending over, Full Clip, DJ 20...sweet.

Here’s what you missed...

I have to hand it Luke Boyea and Hot 97 for making the decision to put the Alliance band up last, after visiting band Roy Cape All-Stars. Usually, visiting artistes close the show, but here's the deal...it wouldn't have mattered what big songs from Trinidad the band was covering...they couldn't competed with the pandemonium that erupted every time Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child touched the stage in SVG.

The other treat of the closing set was seeing so many female artistes command the stage. It was beautiful to see Zoelah, Danielle Veira, Daria and Jalena all performing in the same set.

That vibe was infectious. Olatunji and Rita Jones caught it too. After the sun came up, I saw them bouncing at the front of the stage as they took in the local talent. Insomnia was a big night! Check the vid...you'll see!



One small word of critcism, doled out with a heap of love...trust me. Alliance is a great band. I've sat in on rehearsals, so I know some of St. Vincent's best musicians are responsible for their sound. BUTTTT!!!! Nurse Karen knows a little something about brass. I spent most of my youth playing the trumpet. I played in school concerts and jazz bands...even got a solo or two, now and then. The brass section for Insomnia V was out of tune, AND out of sync.

It was a late night, for sure, and the drinks were flowing. However, you can hear this on the video clips, and it definitely came across on the radio broadcast. Poor Mr. Vegas got the real short end of the stick, because it was pretty clear his set hadn't been rehearsed with him. Correct me if I'm wrong. Mind you, I doubt the other 3 or so thousand people there were paying much attention to all that. So kudos none the less, just remember music is SOUND. Make sure allyuh sound your best.

I had a great time at Insomnia. It made for a memorable day, especially after that CRAZY wedding! The night was totally memorable, and was made moreso by getting to chat a while with music legend Roy Cape. If you wanna talk about brass...check he!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: C-Lightning Bashment Wedding!

Saturday, June 27 – C-Lightening Wedding

When you hear the word ‘wedding’, certain items usually come to mind; church, a white dress, respectful guests on their best behaviour. Well, perhaps you’ve never been to the union of two

soca freaks! On Saturday, June 27, Rachel and Noel of C-Lightening dot com exchanged vows

around the pool at the Canash Beach Apartments in Calliaqua, St. Vincent.

I met Rachael maybe 18 months ago on the video set for “Sexy Chocolate Girls” by Farm P. Rachael was fronting like she was playing in the Rhythm section, and I was totally dressed wrong for the shoot on the Palazzo patio in the cold spring air. She introduced herself...and since then the bond has grown immensely.

Rachael is a born Vincy who fell madly in love with her Trini knight in shining armour nearly 15 years ago. They have two handsome twin boys and a relationship that makes you believe in that good stuff all over again. It was such an honour to be invited to be a part of their special day!

Whenever I post a “Nurse’s Lounge”, I try to give readers a glimpse of my personal

whereabouts and involvements in this crazy world of Caribbean Entertainment. A wedding is a

private family function most of the time...but this one couldn’t have been more different.

As webmasters of a site that promotes the businesses and music of their homelands in St. Vincent and Trinidad, Rachie and Noel's wedding could be nothing short of a total bashment. It just HAD to be! The wedding was meant to start at noon, but our bride didn’t appear till close to 2 pm. Guests were entertained by the open bar...something you don’t normally get to enjoy at the ceremony! Rachel was escorted by her father to the stage ahead of her groom. That’s fitting, since as the Vincy in the couple...this is her turf. She ought to be waiting for HIM!

He walked the ‘aisle’ too...and by aisle, I meet the deck of the pool. The wedding party was a

good 20 people, dressed in Hawaiian style clothing, with leis around their necks. The guests were all made to dress in pure white. Must say, Caribbean people know how to rock that style very well!

The MC, Andy is a Toronto-based Vincy who Rachael has known all her life. He’s a big joker, which kept everything jovial and fun. After the priest pronounced them man and wife, out came the jello shots in every colour of the rainbow. Sandwiches were served to tie us over till the enormous spread of Trini cuisine was unveiled for dinner.

The evening was truly a joyous occasion. Half wedding. Half fete. Eventually the MC would have to share his mic with an impressive cast soca artistes, all who agreed to impromptu

performances out of good natured generosity. So who performed? Coyaba

, Black Roots, Jamesy P, Shaunelle McKenzie, Luta, Blaxx and more! Yes...it was a big show!

When Luta began to sing Rumbo, the fun really began. The wedding party formed a conga line around the pool and encouraged guests to join in. Next thing I see...Noel dove in..and so did the rest of the bridal party. No one cared about their newly tailored outfits. No one worried about the transparency of their white and/or pink outfits. It became a pool party. Sadly, I wasn’t quite so confident. My eyelit lace dress would not have forgiven me for that type of abuse.

As the sun began to set, the dancing continued, both in and out of the pool. Everyone was having a beautiful time, especially the happy couple.

Congrats Rachael and Noel. You deserve every happiness! May you be blessed...just

as you continue to bless me and others.

Special thanks to Kathy for the pcitures. My camera was on vacation for a few days!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Dalpin - Don't Hold Me Back

When I saw Dalpin rehearsing this song for Soca Monarch over a week ago, I was a little confused. I was sure the person I had asked was mistaken. This cute older man must have been practicing for some other show, not Soca Monarch!

The slower tempo was sounding more like Ragga Soca to me. The style might have even been able to pass for Calypso. But then, there he was on July fourth, performing this little ditty right alongside songs like Madhouse and De Beast Let Go! Stranger things have happened!

Here's Dalpin's video for "Don't Hold Me Back"



Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: LIME-ing at Gideon James' Album Launch

Now that I've returned from the Caribbean, I've decided to post my daily journals. "Nurse's Lounge" is your window into my world. So, don't forget to visit Nurse Karen Etc often, I've got stories and reviews from about 3 weeks of travel! Enjoy!

Friday, June 26 – Gideon James Album Launch

One thing I love about Vincy Carnival is the music. I suppose that’s no surprise. I’m a big fan of soca, and an even bigger fan of creativity and culture. Gideon James is a Veteran on the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca scene. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s, he performed as a frontline vocalist with St. Vincent’s top band Touch. In recent years he has made his mark on Vincy Mas celebrations with Ragga soca love songs enjoyed by the old and young alike.

When I landed in SVG on June 27th, I was pleased to learn that LIME was hosting a midday album launch event for Gideon James right in front of their offices on Halifax Street. Shortly after checking in to my room at Grenadine house. I was able to hitch a ride into town with hotel manager Delroy, and the assistant Manager Laela.
As far as Caribbean cities go, the business centre of Kingstown, St. Vincent is pretty small. So, if you feel like being under the radar...you should probably stay indoors. In the 3 minute walk from the parked car to the venue, news quickly spread that I was back in town.

“Nurse Kareeeeeeeeeen!” a voice shouted from a passing car. “You in Vincy how long and you couldn’t call me?” It was Luta. I smiled and assured him, I had only just arrived. Then I felt a casual nudge at my right hand side. “So Karen for the TV webpage, you basically want a template to match your blog with a frame for the player, “ confirmed Devon of NSS Studio design. He’s currently hard at work designing www.Nurse-Karen.com . From the way he approached me, you’d never guess we hadn’t seen eachother in person for about a year.

Just like that, carnival had begun for me! As we approached LIME, we could hear live music performed by Hottsand pumping around street corners. Syxx and Sharlene were on backups as Gideon took centre stage. The growing crowd of onlookers seemed happy to start the weekend early. The lime continued for another hour or so. I touched base with the presenting sponsors of Vincy Carnival 360 for Toronto-Lime dot com. I said hello to a bunch of local artistes who were around to support the show...man like...Jamesy P, Black Roots, Philly Dilly, and Ras X. Then I goofed around with some media buddies, all while watching Gideon James deliver those flawless notes in fine style.

Check out this clip of Gideon in action!



When the show ended, Gideon and I were interviewed briefly by SVG TV news. LOL...I know right!?! The sponsors thought it would be a good idea for me to inform the public about my work advocating for soca music and the upcoming Toronto-Lime coverage of Carnival. So, I did as I was told! Then I bounced in a flash. I had been in Vincy for nearly 4 hours, and I hadn’t seen my family.

I scurried down to Tokyo (the bus terminal...of sorts) and caught a van to the Valley. De nurse gone HOME!

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Eye Unit: Top Notch Swift - Nobody Can Talk To Me (Video)

Got ya another new vid from St. Vincent. This comes live and direct from one of Vincy's Top DJ's and radio personalities Top Notch Swift (TNS). He spread his wings to do the artiste thing last carnival with two tracks that got bigger than anybody could have expected ( We Doh Care, Chippin)

Check out TNS's video for his 2009 track, Nobody Can Talk To Me.

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Booster Shot: St. Vincent Jr. Soca and Calypso Finalists released

I've got the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Junior Soca and Calypso finalists! Congrats to all the young'ins who made it through. The finals will take place inside Victoria Park on Tuesday, June 30th. I went last year, and had such a great time watching the Jr. big flag crews, and screaming little girls cheering on their schoolmates. For us big people, it was such a great lime! Congrats to all the youths who got through!

2008 Vincy Jr. Soca Monarch, Hance John

Secondary School - Soca

Hance John (2007 /2008 title holder)

Jovica Veira - Greggs Primary School

Faylicia John - Bishop's College Kingstown

Daneisha Simmons - Bishop’s College Kingstown

Ayesha Matthews - Campden Park Secondary

Oan Shepherd - Campden Park Secondary

Philip Dember - Union Island Secondary

Kurtney Pompey - Sandy Bay Secondary

Primary School - Calypso

Terrancia "Little TC" Cornwall (2008 title holder)

Shade Barker - Lodge Village Government School

Daniel Toussaint - Fair Hall Primary

Otis Cain - Fair Hall Primary

Mehalia Williams - South Rivers Primary

Nidia Jack - Greiggs Primary

Gaffeisha Smart - Calder Government

Rayshanna Giles - Kingstown Preparatory

Cassie-Anne Laidlow - St. Mary’s RC

Secondary School - Calypso

Delano Matthews and Ayesha Matthews - Campden Park Secondary

Phylicia Alexander - Dr. JP Eustace Memorial Secondary

Kenley Baptiste - Kingstown Technical Institute

Alexandra Small - St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown

Cassian Lavia - Sandy Bay Secondary

Daneisha Simmons - Bishop’s College Kingstown (2008 title holder)

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Booster Shot: SVG Roadmarch King is the face of new Courts promotion

Hey guess what!?! Icon got an endorsement deal with Courts...you know the furniture and appliance store in the Caribbean. He's the new face of COURT'S carnival promotion in SVG named after his road march contender, Congo Line.

Garett "Icon" John is St. Vincent's reigning Road March King for last year's joint Ah Pain (2 Knee). This year he's making the Vincy Mas fete circuit with songs like Teaser, The Party Nice, Clash ft. First Lady and of course Congo Line

Icon and Moi, and Insomnia (St. Vincent 2008)

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Booster Shot: Silver Kiss Rum signs Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous as celebrity endorsers

Skinny Fabulous at Club Xscape, St. Vincent 2008

A new Vincentian rum brand boasting all natural ingredients, is flirting with local star power to promote their label. Soca stars Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child have recently agreed to endorse the new flavoured spirits, each with their own signature flavour!

The news comes to me following a carnival beach party held by the company on Sunday afternoon at Indian Bay in St. Vincent.

Silver Kiss is a light blended rum, produced in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The company has alread been using non-traditional methods to push the various flavours of their fruit and spice infused rums. It burst on the scene in early 2009 proclaiming the tagline Natural is Beautiful. I definitely agree with that. I first started taking them on when I noticed photos of promotional models sporting afrocentric braided hairstyles to endorse the brand.

Looking forward to seeing what plans they have for Problem Child and Skinny Fab. Seeing that they will each have their own flavour. Who will be a fruit? Who will be a spice? LOL.

Dunno which one I wanna taste first! But I'll be sure to fill you when I do...

Problem Child and Nurse Karen, at Vincy Glow, 2008

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The Rounds: International Calypso Monarch is coming!

(Originally aired on Soca Therapy on Flow 93.5 FM, Sunday, May 31, 2009)

In this edition:

• Berlin Carnival
• Vincy Soca Dans Launch
• St. Lucia Carnival press launch
• TUCO planning an International Calypso Monarch Competition
• RIP Lady Guymine
• Sheldon Benjamin out of hospital
• Alison Hinds holding web design contest

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

This was a busy week in the soca world as the Summer carnival season begins to unfold in fine style. Berlin Germany lit up with some hot soca action this weekend, for its Carnival of Cultures. Thanks to Germany’s number #1 soca sound, the Soca Twins, people like Kevin Lyttle, Maximus Dan, Marlon Asher and Jah Melody made the trip to Europe to take part in the festivities. I thought I should note that all dem man dey was on truck number NINETY SEVEN in the parade of the bands. Is it just me, or does that mean, Carnival in Germany is much bigger than we would have expected?

Nurse Karen with Germany's Soca Twins

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Friday evening a group known as the LIME Vincy Soca Dans gave a huge free show in Heritage Square for all their fans. Record numbers turned up to see Luta, Jamesy P, Fireman Hooper and Tabia perform one of their first full length sets together for the season. Katalyst flew in from Barbados for a special appearance to perform her new duet with Luta. Great reviews so far!

Meanwhile in St. Lucia, the CDF held a press launch for St. Lucia Carnival 2009 on Friday. They announced an increase in police presence this year to ramp up security at all official events....dot dot dot....beginning Monday. Monday is the official start of Lucian carnival . The fun starts at 3pm in Castries. Mas bands will be out registering revellers. Sponsor will be bombarding the people with promotions and the like, then some time around 5 pm, the performances will start. Local Calypso and Soca acts will feed the hungry crowd right into the night!

Speaking of Calypso, the Trinidad Unified Calypsonians Organization has begun wheeling and dealing to put together an International Calypso Monarch Competition! The idea is a to create a larger platform for Calypsonians throughout the region to showcase their art. A memorandum of understanding was signed last week to launch the inaugural event this October in Sint Maarten! They decided that a date in the Fall would be a better choice than waiting for the 2010 Trinidad Carnival season, since October falls after almost all of the Caribbean based carnivals have concluded. Sounds like somebody’s thinking down there.

The Guyanese calypso community around the world is in a more sombre mood this weekend as it mourns the passing of one of its true cultural ambassadors. Female Calypsonian, Monica Chopperfield aka Lady Guymine died on Thursday of natural causes. I first told you about her health issues last September when a group of West Indians in New York, including Winston Soso and Sugar Aloes came together to raise cash for her medical costs. Lady Guymine made her debut as a Mashramani Calypsonian back in 1965. Her talents were noticed by The Mighty Sparrow, who invited her to Trinidad to perform in his Calypso tent. She did so for two years. Then continued her nearly 4 decade career touring the Caribbean, and the US. I want to offer my condolences to the entire Chopperfield family for their loss at this time. May the legacy live on!

Before we get stuck on the bad news, here’s something to make you smile. Music producer, Sheldon “Shel Shok” Benjamin came home from hospital on Thursday. If you remember he’s recovering from Cancer affecting the lymph nodes. He’s doing much better, and will hopefully be well enough to attend the LIFELINE benefit concert in his honour and aid at Club Zen this coming weekend.

Before I bounce, I know the times are tough. And a few of you out there might be looking for a job! I got some good news. Soca queen Alison Hinds is in the market for a new design for Alison Hinds dot com. SO, if you think you can handle de wuk. There’s a contest going on right now. Email black coral contest at gmail dot com to enter. You’ve got till June 8th. Good Luck!

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on all the items you heard today. Find me online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or nursekaren on Twitter and I’ll be happy to fill you in. Now, back to de docta!

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