Dr. Jay is Set to Paint the Town WHITE This Weekend

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Jay is Set to Paint the Town WHITE This Weekend

Toronto’s favourite pre-carnival tradition returns this Saturday:  Dr. Jay’s WHITEOUT.  This trendsetting Caribbean event is a highly anticipated precursor to the city’s August long weekend festivities.  For the fifteenth consecutive year, partygoers are expected to don white attire all night long until sunrise as they dance to the best in Caribbean soca music.

Whiteout was started by Toronto-based DJ Dr. Jay de Soca Prince in 1995.  Patrons must dress in white clothing from head to toe in order to obtain entry, creating a glow in the dark effect under black light.  The look is reminiscent of Toronto itself under severe snowy conditions, known locally as a “Whiteout”.  The concept has gone on to be imitated internationally by carnival event promoters throughout the West Indies, the United States and the United Kingdom among other places.  However, Dr. Jay prides himself on strict enforcement of the all-white dress code in a way that others do not.  Each year, WHITEOUT strives to break new boundaries, be it creative venues such as Medieval Times dinner theatre in 2005 or surprise appearances from the likes of hip hop phenomenon Drake in 2009.

 In 2010, the event will feature live performances from a high-energy cast of artistes, live and direct from Trinidad and Tobago.  Among them is legendary saxophonist and band leader Roy Cape who, earlier this year, was fêted for 50 years in the Caribbean music business.  His band, The Roy Cape All-Stars, will provide the soundtrack of booming bass, tweeting treble and piercing brass for performances by Blaxx, Olatunji Yearwood, Rita Jones,  Zan and Umi Marcano.

In contrast to Roy Cape, Umi Marcano is the youngest performer on the bill.  He says he counts it an honour to be included in the long standing tradition.  “I heard it’s the best and Dr. Jay gives you the five star treatment,” said Marcano .“ It’s the best feeling in the world coming [to Canada] for the very first time to perform for my fans across the oceans.  The member of Machel Montano’s HD family represents a new generation in soca music fusing R&B style vocals and dance with Caribbean Soca rhythms for a hybrid groovy style that has quickly gained popularity among youth.  The Kingdom of Soca DJs (KOS) will keep the party going till 6 a.m. The night promises to raise the spirits of the young and the young-at-heart alike. 

If you have never experienced WHITEOUT, be sure to check it out this Saturday.

 July 17, 2010

10 p.m. – 6 a.m.

“Koolhaus” inside the Guverment Entertainment Complex

132 Queen’s Quay East, Toronto

Tickets available for just $30 (plus retail service charge)

For more information on Dr. Jay de Soca Prince or WHITEOUT, 

visit:   www.drjayonline.com

For media inquiries email c_management@mac.com

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On De Scene: Reelest8. The beginning.

Hi guys. Is ah real long time ah eh report tuh allyuh, but allyuh know ah does only drop in when ah ha ting tuh talk bout rite.

Last Saturday, 10^th July, ah had de pleasure of hosting de launch ah de newest band in Trinidad & Tobago, Reelest8. (Now allyuh cud play wit dah name all allyuh like buh I feeling it. After hearing dem ah cud honestly say ah feeling de 8 too. (See de name play start (((grins))).

Reelest8 consists of: Bandleader/Producer/Musical Director, Gordon Samuels; Drummer, Kareem Romain; Lead guitarist, Steve Smith; Bassist, Cornelious Francis; Keyboardist, Dale Dolly; Lead Vocalist, Heaven ‘Snakey’ Charles; Female Vocalist, Keisha Stewart; Vocalist, Kenneth 'Kenny' Richards; Sound Engineers, Alvin Dempster and Cerf Stewart.

According to their facebook page (which ah encourage allyuh to join): “Reelest8 is a blend of fresh faces and soca veterans. The foundation of the band is the eight core musicians from the band formerly known as Surface, which was a staple of the soca scene for the last decade. While Reelest8 has its sights set on the long-term, there are fetes they plan to accomplish in the short term. The band will officially launch at Caribana in Toronto, Canada, this July. The band also has bookings in Dubai, London, Miami and Trinidad”. Nice one wid de guys dey man, management: (Kenson King (1-868-462-4757), Keisha ALmorales (1-868-786-2671) and Karen Lowery (1-868-351-7108) can all be contacted to book the band), wukking!

DE BEGINNING: It was ah real nice intimate setting at La casa De Ibiza, with family, friends, fellow artistes and supporters. Now allyuh mus be wondering how dey ha supporters ahready if dey now launching. Stick wid meh nah, is veterans we dealing wid ah say. Some of them stamp dey name in bands like Atlantik, Karibbean Rage, Byron Lee, 3 Veni, even a rock band “5 miles to midnite”, and of course Surface.

Ah announced de band and came off stage to “gape”. Wen Heaven (who I know as Snakey) belted out de first bars of Jah Cure’s Unconditional love, how yuh does say it? He had meh at hello! Snakey has improved drastically, or maybe ah just never hear him wid dem kinda styles, buh he immediately had us ladies eating outa he han wid de emotions he conveyed. His cover of Unconditional love was by far de reelest (pun intended) ah hear so far. He take full control ah de stage and audience, without overdoing it. He set de pace.

Meh girl Keisha Stewart had one up on Rhianna cause ah never ever see Rhi-Rhi perform she own song Rude Boy like dat! Keisha had de right blend of sex appeal, class, and “diva-ish-ness”. She made some moves she must have picked up on one of her many trips abroad, (she has worked in places me eh even reach yet, Malaysia and ting yuh know), cause ah never see Keisha move so before! She looked great. Vocally, she was on POINT

Kenny (ah sorry buh allyuh know ah does keep it real)

Ah tink 2011 cud be de year ah de “underground" unappreciated, Soca artistes cause boy, de guest artistes!!! Well everybody know Terri Lyons, if yuh doh know she yet, 2011!!! All ah go say is if dey (re:de mafia) give Terri room, Terri bringing home even more dan she sister Fayanne bring home.

Buffy! Buffy! Buffy and she antics. She was a pleasant surprise. Whole Carnival ah hearing de tune “man wine up on anything, woman wine up on anything.” Ah really didn’t feel de song eh. My thought was, “wha ish is dat?”. After seeing her perform, my lorsh! I now rate it as one of de better tunes for de past season. An energetic, strong, FULL ON PERFORMANCE! I lovessss her!

Emm em *clears throat*. Ah cud now do de “Swappi”. In my introduction tuh de band, ah happen tuh mention dat ah wanted tuh learn Swappi’s dance. Who tell meh say so? During his performance, Swappi call meh out tuh learn his dance, which ah now realize is de Soca version ah one ah de late great MJ’s. Again, true artiste, rite dong tuh he Soca MJ all white kit (which included white sun glases).

Reelest8 repertoire was de rite mix ah songs, de rite length and come September when de have de official Trinbago launch, AH GO BE DEY! De nite was best!

So if yuh from TO, listen out fuh Reelest8 (soon tuh release 3 tracks). Go out & support dem, it go be best!

Only two tings spoil de nite. One is after all de pictures and videos ah take, ah still eh learn de upload from de BB tuh de blog yet. Steupes (@ mehself). Wat is de point of having de ting if ah cah (refuse tuh take time tuh) learn it? My apologies. De oda is meh girl Rochell K Noel wasn't dey fuh de experience, ah cuda well do wid meh wuk up partner. Buh all kicks aside, de lady ha she priorities straight so ah cah complain. AH STILL MISS YUH ROCHEEEY!

Yes guys, it's really been ah while buh, I is still yuh Keeping it real Trinibagonian.

So wha if some oceans divide us, ah still maintain MUSIC WILL UNITE US!

Blessings and miracles,

Knyxx...

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Dr. Jay launches monthly initiative to fight hunger in Toronto

In a music genre born out of a cultural celebration of excess, it's not everyday a promoter caters to the 'have-nots'.  I've got to hand it to my bredren Dr. Jay for leading the way on a project that will literally help thousands of men, women and children here in Canada. Please support this if you can...

Love in soca,

Nurse Karen

Monday, May 17, 2010

Source: Mustard Seed Media

Dr. Jay launches monthly initiative to fight hunger in Toronto

TORONTO, May 17, 2010. - Popular Caribbean-Canadian DJ, Dr. Jay de Soca Prince is encouraging his young sassy partygoers to help fight poverty year round with the new club event, “BFF” – BEST FETE FOREVER.  Now in its third instalment, the monthly event in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank offers patrons live performances from international soca music artistes, for a reduced admission price when a minimum of five cans of food are donated upon entry.

The title “BFF” is a re-adaptation of the pop-culture abbreviation of 'Best Friends Forever'. The Dr. Jay version is ‘Best Fete Forever’, where fete is a pan-Caribbean term for party, as borrowed from the French Creole that informs the dialects of many islands of the Caribbean archipelago. “BFF” is about giving the best and getting the best.  Patrons party with a purpose, enjoying a night of high quality entertainment regularly giving back to their community.

 “My goal is to do this monthly for a year and raise over 4000 pounds of food for the Daily Bread Food Bank,” says Jay, who is best known to Torontonians as the high energy radio host, Dr. Jay de Soca Prince of Flow 93.5 FM’s Soca Therapy radio programme.  Since commencing “BFF” in March, a total of 938 lbs has been collected. Past events have featured LIL RICK, (2009 Barbados Music Award – Entertainer of the Decade), ALPHA (2009 St. Lucia Groovy Soca Monarch) and FARMER NAPPY and KERWIN DU BOIS (3^rd Place Winners, 2010 Trinidad Groovy Soca Monarch).

“I think it’s very commendable”, says PROBLEM CHILD (2008, 2009 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Road March King and June “BFF” featured performer. “As an artiste who gave my first road march earnings to charity myself, I totally concur with this. Props to Jay for this venture. It’s generally morally proper to assist others less fortunate with every opportunity that arises.  It’s plain and simple – the right thing to do. The others need to follow.”

According to the Daily Bread Food Bank’s 2009 Hunger Statistics, 49 per cent of its users were not born in Canada, much like the audience who patronizes Dr. Jay’s events.  Many food bank patrons are working poor, whose wages simply can not provide the necessities of life for their families.  After being touched by the images of devastation in the Caribbean nation of Haiti following the tragic earthquake in January 2010, Dr. Jay who is a first generation Canadian of mixed Trinidadian and Guyanese ancestry, decided to commit himself to doing something about hunger and poverty in Greater Toronto, where he calls home.

The public is invited to join in the spirit of giving at “BFF” May and June. 

Friday, May 21st

Featuring: PATRICE ROBERTS

plus special guest RICARDO DRUE

Venue: TROPICAL SUNSET - 1957 Kennedy Road, Scarborough

Music and hosting by: DR. JAY, LOUD MOUT CHINEY, EMAN, 2TOUCH, DIRTY DEZ, INFINITY SOUND CREW, DJ FLIP

Admission: $10 before 11 pm with 5 or more canned goods.

Friday, June 18^th

Featuring: PROBLEM CHILD
Venue: Tropical Sunset Lounge - 1957 Kennedy Road, Scarborough

Music and hosting by: Dr. JAY, LOUD MOUT CHINEY, EMAN, 2TOUCH, DIRTY DEZ, INFINITY SOUND CREW, DJ FLIP

Admission: $10 before 11 pm with 5 or more canned goods.

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Eye Unit: Slammer Cutter - Bad Weather (Video)

It's here!!! Slammer Cutter's new video "Bad Weather" aka "HangOver 2"

Big up my Toronto people for making this one a success!

Directed by: Timeless
Featuring:  Slammer Cutter, D'Farmers Rhythm Section, and a handful of hardcore Toronto party people!




Lemme know what you think!

Love and Soca,


Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Caribana 2010 official event schedule released

As the weather begins to grow colder up here in Toronto, it's only natural that the West Indian community begins to start planning for some fun in the sun! Now, you can plan to. See below for the official event schedule of Caribana 2010, as released yesterday!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen



CARIBANA™ 2010 OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Calypso Tents Music Series
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from June 5 - July 4, 2010; 8:00 pm - Midnight
This is an exciting annual showcase of Canada's best Calypso and Soca original music for the Caribana Festival. The series runs three nights each week (Friday Sunday) at various venues in Toronto, each night featuring a different cast of singers and 'live' bands performing Calypso
in its best storytelling tradition: social and political commentary, humor and wit.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Official Launch
Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall
Tuesday July 13, 2010; Noon - 2:00 pm
This official ceremony launches the activities for the 2009 Caribana Festival Season. Patrons can meet and mingle with Federal, Provincial and Municipal officials, Caribana representatives and sponsors while sampling Caribbean and international cuisine. It is a snapshot of what's in store over the coming weeks.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Junior Carnival
Shoreham Drive | Yorkgate Mall
Saturday, July 17, 2010; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Junior Carnival provides festival-goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the thrills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their early festival years.

Art Exhibition
Royal Ontario Museum
Thursday July 22 – Monday Aug 2, 2010; Noon - 9:00 pm
The Association of African Canadian Artists presents original paintings and sculptures that have been influenced by the diversity of our people.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Caribana Gala
Liberty Grand – Exhibition Place
Friday July 23, 2010; 6:30 pm – 1:00 am
An elegant evening of style and glamour, celebrating Caribana and paying tribute to its pioneers.

Kaiso 365 (Calypso Monarch Finals)
Venue TBA
Saturday July 24 - 7pm - Midnight
This is where the Calypso Monarch is crowned. Come and see the best and biggest Canadian Calypsonians battle for the crown. From the topical to the lyrical, the sweet soca rhythms will lift you out of your seat and get you moving.

King & Queen Show
Lamport Stadium
Thursday July 29, 2010; 7:00 pm - Midnight
On the Thursday evening before Caribana Day the Kings and Queens of the Bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience. It is an honour for any participant to be enthroned the King or Queen of Scotiabank Caribana 2009. The King and Queen symbolically have the keys to the city, freedom of the streets. Their movements are supposed to be uninhibited. Band members and onlookers alike are to give them the respect, even if mockingly, usually accorded to real-life royalty
(Admission: $27 in advance. $35 at the door)

Pan Alive
Lamport Stadium
Friday July 30, 2010; 7:00 pm - Midnight
A thrilling evening showcasing the musical and tonal qualities of the steelpan as members of the Ontario Steelband Association compete before a panel of judges. This Panorama of the North is the biggest opportunity to hear this wonderful instrument in all its glory. The evening is devoted entirely to the capturing rhythms of the steelpan.
(Admission: $20 in advance)

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Parade
Exhibition Place (Lake Shore Blvd)
Saturday July 31st, 2010; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
This showcase event features an incredible display of colour and pageantry, commencing at Exhibition Place and proceeding west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Exhibition Place and Lake Shore Boulevard will come alive with the sights and sounds of Carnival!
(Admission: $18)

De CARIBANA™ Lime
Ontario Place
Sunday August 1, 2010;12:pm am – 8:00 pm
This event features a full day of performances from a variety of artistes, highlighting the diverse cultures of all the Caribbean people. Activities include a food competition, song, dance, theatrical drama and storytelling.
(Admission $14)

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Booster Shot: Dates announced for Caribana 2010

If you're a Canuck like me, the date of Caribana is far from a guessing game.  It always falls the Saturday before Simcoe day, a civic holiday celebrating some historical figure or the other that I failed to learn about in grade school.  For people in the Toronto area, that weekend means one of two things:  1.getting sloshed up north at the cottage, or 2. getting sloshed downtown on the Lakeshore. 

Perhaps that's not exactly what EVERYONE does for their August long weekend, but it's the most anticipated Saturday in the Summer none the less.  Just yesterday, the Caribana organizers made the dates known for 2010.

***Drum roll please***

Caribana 2010 will take place from July 13th, 2010 to August 1, 2010.  Mark your calendars from now!

No updates have made it to the official website as yet, but over time you can find them here:

www.CaribanaFestival.com

Don't say I didn't warn you....

Love and Carnival, 

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Soca Awards Cancellation, Results, Etc

Originally prepared for "Soca Therapy" on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto, Sunday, November 15, 2009

- 2009 Soca Awards Cancelled (USA)
- Commentary on the results
- CEO of Caribbean Prestige Foundation quits! (Trinidad)
- Tempo Turns 4 (USVI)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. You have no idea how tired I am saying this, but I have some news about the Soca Awards. Last time I brought it up, it was to say that the event originally scheduled for October 30th, was being rescheduled for December 4th. And today, the story has changed yet again! The 2009 International Soca Awards has been cancelled due to what the organizers are citing as unforeseen circumstances.

The awards show has long been the target of heavy criticism in the industry due to often questionable judgments concerning nominations and the production quality of the events, as well as a general lack of transparency. So, the recent cancellation isn’t looking so hot. The results, HOWever, were published today. Winners are decided based on the results of online voting, which this year, SEEMS to have turned up a rather curious number of ties.

Nurse Karen and Fay-Ann Lyons (Toronto: May, 2008)

None the less, big congratulations goes out Machel Montano for his wins in six categories, and Fay-Ann Lyons and Skinny Fabulous who earned 5 awards each. A record number of Toronto’s own hometown stars, ought to be thankful to you the fans for your votes and support. Toronto-Lime.com, Shy-Ann Bailey, Slammer Cutter and Kerwin Du Bois are all winners today.

Kerwin Du Bois and Nurse Karen in Washingon, D.C. (January 2009)

...And just because I like to make trouble, I want to big up Madmen Productions for their Best Soca Compilation Rhythm award. LOL.  It must feel amazing to find out that you are winning awards for the Bus Stop Riddim, even though Bunji Garlin and Daryl Braxton produced it.WTF?!?  Maybe it was just a typo, but nice one guys! Maybe if I’m really lucky, I could win Best Actress at the Academy Awards next year.

It has been a wild week for soca. No one can deny that. Down in Trinidad the Caribbean Prestige foundation CEO quit this week. That’s the group that produces the International Soca Monarch Competition. It’s believed that a problematic press release is responsible for that one too. Gregory Fernandes, the CEO, held a press conference on Tuesday criticizing a Trini government policy that prohibits the hosting of cultural events, like Soca Monarch, in major sports arenas during the carnival season. The next day, the CPF told the media that his conference not only had nothing to do with them, but they also praised recent government initiatives in regards to cultural activities. Needless to say, Fernandes didn’t appreciate being made to look like a fool. So he’s gone, and it’s still unknown what venue will play host to Soca’s biggest competitive event in February 2010.

Nurse Karen and Iwer George in Toronto (February, 2009)

Speaking of big ticket events. MTV Tempo celebrated it’s 4th anniversary last night on the island of St. Croix. Representing the soca massive was De Boss, Iwer George, Ziggy Ranking, and local Road March Winners, the UMB Solidiers. Other than that it was full line up of Caribbean Stars in Salsa, Dancehall and Reggae.
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on any of the items mentioned today, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com or follow me, NurseKaren on Twitter. Now back to de Docta!

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Booster Shot: The History Behind Dr. Jay's Soca or Die Fete

Dr., Jay and Nurse Karen at Soca or Die 8

This time of year, soca lovers all over the place get excited for one special fete that only happens in Toronto (Well officially, that is!) You've all heard the saying 'often immitated, never duplicated'. The same can be said for "Soca or Die", a signature event promoted by DJ Dr. Jay de Soca Prince. He is a top soca DJ an promoter, based right here in Toronto. He's also the host of the Soca Therapy radio show, for which I contribute "The Round's" segment every Sunday, in other words...the Doctor to my Nurse. Ever since I was in high school (and my parents would have never allowed me to go to a party), Dr. Jay has been promoting events that put soca in the spotlight, helping to make Toronto one of the few places quality soca shows can be enjoyed throughout the calendar year. The biggest Soca or Die show happens every year in November. That's when the concept is to celebrate Jay's B-Day, as well as DJ Marxman who also spins for the radio show, and I get included, being that we all happen to be born the same week. It's exciting, and always star-studded event, but this time around, it's a suprise! Patrons won't know who is performing until they get there. Crazy idea right? Yeah, I think so to. One thing I know, when it comes to shows, Dr. Jay won't steer you wrong. See below from Dr. Jay's explanation of the history behind SOCA OR DIE.

In case you never heard the story, let me tell you how I was inspired to doSOCA OR DIE!


In November 2004, Sean 'Diddy' Combs launched a political awareness initiative called "Vote Or Die!" during the Bush/Kerry Presidential race.
Let's be real, Diddy is a marketing genius. The Vote Or Die! t-shirts were in high demand and celebrities were all signing up to be spokespeople and push the message of voting and letting your voice be heard.

  The more I saw it on tv, the more I related it to my own life.

 For Diddy, it was all about the urgency and importance of voting.

For me, it will always be about the urgency and importance of Soca.

 I also made shirts that to this day, people are asking for. But I refused to stop there. I wanted to create a showcase. I thought outside of the box and spotlighted artists that wouldn't normally get that shine. Since April 2005,SOCA OR DIE! has been the most consistent concert series in Toronto.

The proof is in the pudding. With 3 sleeps to go till the last BIG fete of the year, let's take a look at the previous 9 SOCA OR DIE! events...

SOCA OR DIE! 1 on 1

April 2005

ft RUPEE with his Dot Com Band


 SOCA OR DIE! 2 FLOORS, 2 CONCEPTS, 2 VIBES, 2 FETES in 1

PAJAMA JAMMY JAM on one floor, FOAM FETE on the other

June 2005

ft H2O PHLO, BLAZER, BILLY D KID


SOCA OR DIE! 3 BIG ARTISTS

November 2005

ft LIL RICK, KERWIN DUBOIS, MR DJ and introducing MIGUEL



SOCA OR DIE! 4

Celebrating 10th Anniversary of Toronto-Lime

May 2006

ft DESTRA & ATLANTIK, MAXIMUS DAN, KES THE BAND


SOCA OR DIE! 5

November 2006

ft LIL RICK, PETER RAM, PROBLEM CHILD, BARRY CHANDLER, BENJAI,MR KILLA, KIMBERLY INNISS, ISAAC BLACKMAN, BIG ARTIST CREW(Michelle Sylvester, Terry Seales, Ms. Alysha, Nadia Batson, Mista Vybe), MR LEX aka LEXXUS

 

SOCA OR DIE! 6

"there is a passion that unites us all"

May 2007

ft DAVID RUDDER, KES THE BAND, NADIA BATSON, KERWIN DUBOIS,COLLIE BUDDZ


SOCA OR DIE! 7

"this is as big as it gets"

November 2007

ft KROSFYAH (Edwin Yearwood, Khiomal, Adrian Dutchin), LIL RICK,PROBLEM CHILD,  MR DALE, NADIA BATSON, TIZZY, RICKY T


 SOCA OR DIE! 8

"Battle Of The Sexes - the only fete to last 2 days!"

May 2008

ft DESTRA & ATLANTIK, BUNJI & ASYLUM, FAY ANN LYONS, IWER,NADIA BATSON, MAXIMUS DAN, TIZZY, KERWIN DUBOIS, FARM P

 

SOCA OR DIE! 9

"the best of the best" (YOU vote for who YOU want to see)

November 2008

ft SKINNY FABULOUS, DESTRA, LIL RICK, PROBLEM CHILD, BERBICE,TIZZY


   SOCA OR DIE!

*special CARIBANA FRIDAY edition*

July 2009

ft KES THE BAND, TRAFFIK (Sean Caruth, Eddie Charles),IWER, ZOELAH, NADIA BATSON, PROBLEM CHILD, LIL BITTS, SKINNY FABULOUS, SHAYNE BAILEY, SLAMMER CUTTER


After looking back, it's now time to prepare for what's to come...

In 9 days, we celebrate our LOVE for SOCA music.

In 9 days, it's the last BIG fete of the year.

In 9 days, it's SOCA OR DIE!

 The "SURPRISE" birthday party for myself, marXman, Nurse Karen, Sir Phillips and all Soca Scorpios.

In 9 days, the "SURPRISE" is for YOU!


SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7th 2009

KOOL HAUS

featuring performances by SURPRISE INTERNATIONAL SOCA SUPERSTARSalongside Toronto's own SLAMMER CUTTER and MS PAIGE


You've heard of the saying "In Jay We Trust", ent?

Well trust me when I say you will NOT be disappointed in who the SURPRISE SOCA SUPERSTARS will be in 9 days.

Real talk. I do this for the love. I could easily have advertised these artists and charged $10 more per ticket. These are some of the biggest names throughout the Caribbean and I would have been justified for the price increase. Times are tough all around and the artists agreed to take a pay cut in order to make it possible to charge only $25 in advance on the condition that it remains a surprise. People are driving from Montreal, Ottawa and even Cleveland for this big fete. In 9 days, I outdo myself. Just wait and see. Get your tickets now

-Dr. Jay

If you're in Toronto, I'll see you there. For the rest of you...I take it you finally understand why we call this place SOCA CITY! For more info on Dr. Jay visit him online at  www.DrJayOnline.com or follow him on Twitter

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Happy Anniversary D'Enforcas

The Entertainment business can be cruel and dirty in spite of all the glamour.  That being said, I figure it's a good time to celebrate milestones along the way.  Toronto's D'Enforcas Sound Crew are celebrating 15 years in the business this weekend with two exciting events, one of which will be hosted by yours truly!  If you're in Toronto tonight and tomorrow, I  hope to see you there.

Read below for a special message from the men of the hour...

The highly anticipated 15 Year Anniversary Celebration Weekend starts TONIGHT and we are so excited. The DJs and ARTISTS are ready, the booths for bottle service are booked, the giveaways are set and the masses are amped. Here are a few important points to keep in mind:

· THIS IS A TWO DAY CELEBRATION - Friday @ SUITE 106 :: Saturday @ EMBERS BANQUET HALL

· BOTH NIGHTS PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVIOD DISAPPOINTMENT

· Friday is more of that downtown Urban Chic Vibe with 3 rooms to party in featuring: ILL KIDZ, PPLUS, FUTURE DA PRINCE (Drakes Official Tour DJ), SOCA SWEETNESS, DJ SPOONZ, NAUGHTY V & YOURS TRULY D'ENFORCAS.

· Friday is FREE for EVERYONE b4 11:15, but if you have a ticket for Saturday @ SOCA SUMMIT you are FREE ALL NIGHT!!!

· Saturday is the 6th Annual SOCA SUMMIT with INTERNATIONAL SURPRISE GUEST SOCA ARTISTS (YES THEY HAD TO FLY HERE, LOL) and Some of NORTH AMERICA'S HOTTEST SOCA DJs. Dress to Fete.

· LOOKING FOR LAST MINUTE TICKETS CALL - 416-804-4604

· ONE TICKET - TWO BIG EVENTS - ONE MONUMENTAL MILESTONE - SEE YOU THERE

THIS FRIDAY (DAY 1)

UNIVERSAL URBAN in association with

Enforcas Entertainment & Upper Echelon presents…

D’ENFORCAS 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND

AN EVENT OF THIS MAGNITUDE CALLS FOR A TWO-DAY CELEBRATION

DAY 1 – THANK YOU TORONTO

Inside: SUITE 106 (Level Entertainment Complex) - 106 Peter St. (s. of Richmond)

ENTER THROUGH THE SUITE ENTRANCE (Middle Doors)

FEATURING:

D'ENFORCAS INT’L - BASS LINE • STRYKA • MARLY MARL • KERWIN DuBOIS • MR. MEJUSTIK

Canada's # 1 Soca Sound Crew, Int’l Soca Producers, Official Tour DJs for Shurwayne Winchester

P PLUS

From FLOW 93.5

SOCA SWEETNESS

Canada’s Most Requested Soca DJ

FUTURE DA PRINCE

Official Tour DJ for Drake

DJ SPOONZ

Rising Sensation

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

BASS LINE

Instant Hype on the Mic

HONOURARY GUEST HOSTS:

NEDDY NYCE :: KLC (Baby Blue) :: DUANE (Knocturnal Ent.)

TONS OF SURPRISES :: TONS OF GIVEAWAYS

FREE FOR EVERYONE B4 11:15

Email: enforcas@gmail.com

Web: www.denforcas.com :: www.myspace.com/denforcas

Doors open 9:30pm ** Get There Early ** This Event Will Sell Out

Brought to you by: Universal Urban, Enforcas Entertainment, Upper Echelon, Wukupnuff.com, Toronto-lime.com, Trinijunglejuice.com, Fetenet.com, TOFLO.com

Don’t Forget – the party continues on Saturday October 17th @ SOCA SUMMIT inside Embers

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

THIS SATURDAY (DAY 2)

UNIVERSAL URBAN in association with

Enforcas Entertainment & Wukupnuff.com presents…

D’ENFORCAS 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND

AN EVENT OF THIS MAGNITUDE CALLS FOR A TWO-DAY CELEBRATION

DAY 2 – THE 6TH ANNUAL SOCA SUMMIT: Whose Wine is it?

ALSO CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY of SKF

Inside: EMBERS BANQUET HALL - 781 Warden Ave (Warden & Eglinton)

FEATURING OVER 15 OF THE NORTH AMERICA’S MOST PROMINENT SOCA AMBASSADORS:

***ROOM 1 – THE MAIN EVENT***

D'ENFORCAS INT’L - BASS LINE • STRYKA • MARLY MARL • KERWIN DuBOIS • MR. MEJUSTIK

Canada's # 1 Soca Sound Crew, Int’l Soca Producers, Official Tour DJs for Shurwayne Winchester

JESTER

Stylus Soca DJ of the Year, Worldwide 89.5, Xcalibur Entourage

D’BANDIT

Carnival Nationz, Memoirs of Soca, Redemption

T&T STYLES

Montreal’s Hottest Soca Sound

RENEGADE SQUAD

Sound of the Future

BASS LINE

Instant Hype on the Mic

SKF

The Champ

EMAN

From the KOS

ALONGSIDE SPECIAL GUEST:

ILL KIDZ

Canada’s #1 Hip Hop/R&B Sound

***ROOM 2 – GENERATION NEXT***

INFINITY SOUND CREW

The New Sensation

WUK UP PRODUCTIONS

The Bajan Sensation

BUZZ B & DJ FLIP

From the Soca Warrior Crew

SOCA PROPHETS

The Saldenah Legacy

DJ CREEPA

From the @ Wuk Crew

TRIKKI

The Voice of the Squad

HONOURARY GUEST HOSTS:

JEF (Toronto-Lime.com) :: NURSE KAREN (Flow 93.5) :: KERRA (Trinijunglejuice.com)

TONS OF SURPRISES :: TONS OF GIVEAWAYS

$10 Advance Tickets

Email: enforcas@gmail.com

Web: www.denforcas.com :: www.myspace.com/denforcas

FOR FREE TICKET DELIVERY or INFO:

416-220-4702 :: 647-886-4110 :: 647-818-6364

Play De Record 416.586.0380 (Toronto)

Mona's Roti 416.412.1200 (Scarborough)

Charlie's - 905.896.3663 - (Mississauga)

Drupati's - 416.745.4189 - (Etobicoke)

Doors open 9:30pm ** Get Your Tickets Now ** This Event Will Sell Out

Brought to you by: Universal Urban, Enforcas Entertainment, Upper Echelon, Wukupnuff.com, Toronto-lime.com, Trinijunglejuice.com, Fetenet.com, TOFLO.com

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE FOR D’ENFORCAS FOR INTERNATIONAL SOCA DJ OF THE YEAR – www.socaawards.com

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Tallpree at Toronto Grenada Day

Several years ago, you ask any non-Grenadian who was their favourite soca artist from Greenz, the answer was unanimous. TALLPREE! He's now considered to be veteran on his local scene with consistent offerings year after year. You don't have to look far to find out what he's been up to, however, the international DJ community hasn't been as kind about pushing his songs.

Maybe this is just my vibe this week, but I thought some of you may appreciate seeing how much GRENADIANS love and appreciate their own music star. He was in Toronto this past Saturday for a Grenada Day performance at Coronation Park.

Sure looked like a great time!

Part 1:


Part 2:


I feel like playing a wicked jab too!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: Vincy & Grenadian Hype - Toronto!

Nurse Karen and Pupa Leendi

Few people realize that in spite of my public persona as veritable Queen of the Soca Dancehall (LOL), I like to stay in. My Toronto crew can attest. I do go out, but I'm noticeably absent at a lot or great events too. I dunno, I just like my bed or something.

Last Friday, even though every ounce of my being ached for the familiar conforst of home, I partied. I partied kinda hard too! (Jumping and ting, what a site)

For me the hot spot was a show called Vincy and Grenadian Hype, held up at Fusion Lounge, near Jane and Wilson. I live pretty much in the downtown core, so it takes a special push to get me to pump enough gas in the ride to make it to them parts. Special push came from DJ Tarrus of the Vincy Soca Dans. He popped up on my MSN, right around the time I was starting to kiss all my "tweeters" goodnight. I got a stern reminder that I missed their big show in NY the weekend before, and I'd better not flake out on the Toronto appearance. Point taken.

The event featured a cast of artists Toronto seldoms sees together. From Grenada it was veteran artiste, Inspector and multiple-time Carriacou Road March champ, Pupa Leendi. From St. Vincent and the Grenadines, there was the nookieman Jamesy, six time soca monarch Fireman Hooper, and "D'Crowd Motivator" Luta.

I got up to Fusion about 1 am-ish. I dolled up, cuz it wasn't supposed to be heavy fete night for me. Just wanted to suss the show, say hello to the artistes and go on my merry way (back to sleep). That's not the way it went down.

When I arrived, a steady flow of patrons queued up at the entrance. A couple of Toronto Police were hanging around making easy dough. I ran into Andy Lavia outside. We had a great chat about all things soca. Dunno if it was planned, but he ended up being the MC for the night. I need to get those kind of jobs!

I'm pretty sure our lime continued outside until after 2. When I got inside, the crowd barely even seemed to notice that the artistes weren't even in the building as yet. The action on the dance floor was the kind of wildness that you would expect from Spice Mas J'ouvert of Vincy Carnival events like "Slippery When Wet". For some the stage doubled as a King-sized mattress, for others the floor was good enough. Never seen that kind of behaviour in Toronto before....EVER!

DJs Fusion and Tarrus juggled from Jamaican Dancehall to soca from the two featured islands plus a healthy dose of ditties from Barbados, Trinidad, and Antigua too.

Finally it was show time. Grenada was up first! Pupa Leendi...who most of you know from "Rum ooooooooooye, wey you dey?!!!" got all the roots coloured flags waving high and proud. A couple of lyrical improvisations gave the man's songs a parental advisory warning much higher than that required for liquor references, if you know what I mean. Eh hem... Sometimes I wonder if I'm old enough for this stuff.

Next was Inspector. It was great to see him command the crowd. I really appreciate witnessing performances by persons who've been in the game for a while. I remember seeing him at a Carifiesta show in Montreal. That could have been 10 years ago. WOW!
He performed is set to an ecstatic audience. For obvious reasons, the Grenadian crowd was loving it a little more than the Vincies...until, he did something no one expected. Inspector got the DJ to give him a one drop...to which he performed classic Vincy soca songs from the like so Poorsah and Becket. If you see exitement!

Nurse Karen with Inspector

Why can't I remember who was next? I believe it was Jamesy P. Boyfriend came dolled up looking like somebody's groomsman. He had everybody singing along from start to finish.

Luta! Love him or hate him, you can't deny that the man knows how to hold a crowd's attention. From the girls rushing the stage to test the wine, or the freestyle verses of "Busy Tone". Luta shows the Greenz crew some love by dropping some Lavaman verses in his set. Lava was advertised, but I haven't got the story on that. In my opinion, Luta was a true show stopper.

Nurse Karen, (pit stain), and Luta

Time was running out at Fireman hit the stage. I was already privy to some of his outrageous antics in the VIP, so one could expect nothing less as the dreadlocked mad man approached the stage shirtless. I can't lie, I lost all my poise and composure when he did "Anaconda". I didn't expect that. So, I had a little more jump left for "Spirtual" and "Rags Invasion". He brought back a few great Vincy Mas memories for me.

Towards the end of the set, the security team just didn't look like they were having fun anymore. It was getting awful close to 3:30 am...so by the time Tarrus took the mic to do his song, the lights were on.


But you know what happened next.... PARKING LOT LIME. Thanks for getting me out gents. It was a real fun show, keep doing your thing!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

P.S. The same night there was a huge b-day bash for DJ Jester. I'm very sorry I wasn't able to make it. He's a buddy of mine, that I appreciate in so many ways..and have the utmost respect for. I know the party was amazing, and so would have loved to be there for the fun. Lots of continued blessings! K.

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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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Eye Unit: a taste of J'ouvert in Toronto

Howdy partnas...

Yeah, I know Caribana is over...but the sad reality is sinking in that it maybe a few weeks before I personally get to experience carnival again. (Let's be honest - I'm tired. So you all fix up and let me know how it is!)

In the meantime, I dug up some footage from Caribana Saturday morning. This is KOS J'ouvert...as they say, "a tradition like no other". That means paint, powder, mud and water. Pretty icky, but the locals like it ;)

The original cast was to feature Benjai, Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous. Turns out the authorities weren't very gracious in regards to issuing Benjai a visa this time around. The crowd missed him, but they got additional performances from Zoelah, TC and Iwer George as well. Unfortunately, I missed the earlier performances since I was at Dr. Jay's Soca or Die show on the other side of the city.

Here are a few clips of Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child performing for the extremely sweaty, sold out crowd at J'ouvert inside and outside Embers Banquet Hall in Scarborough.

Simplest description: Hot Mess!

See for yourself....

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Nurse's Lounge: Sponsor me for the Parkinson's Walk

Hey Soca Lovers,

On September 13, 2009, I will be taking part in the annual Super Walk for Parkinson's 2009.

This 5K walk is raising money to help find a cure for Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain (central nervous system) that often impairs motor skills, speech, and other functions. My good friend's mom has been suffering with this condition for years. It saddens me to know that at present there is no cure. I am looking forward to joining her for the walk, and raising money to make a difference. Would you like to help us?

Donations can be made online by credit card on a secure website. Any amount will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your support, generosity and help spreading the word!

Click Here To Contribute

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Edwin Yearwood shares winnings with Mikey!

Hey All,

Sorry for the delay in getting this to you! With Caribana...and all the resulting fireworks this year, I must admit I have been struggling to stick to my regular schedule. Don't forget to check 'DE LATEST NEWS' for more detail on these items...

In this edition:
- Caribana Band of the Year Results
- Crop Over Pic of de Crop Calypso Monarch
- Crop Over Peoples' Monarch
- Antigua Soca Monarch

Good evening soca lovers I’m Nurse Karen , and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Happy
Caribana weekend 2009! Wow....this is the time of year when sweet soca music takes center stage, and our fair city of Toronto show off the incredible beauty and culture of the Caribbean to the rest of the world. If you’re visiting from out of town. Sure hope you’ve had a chance to experience the exhilarating vibrations that only soca can provide. If you’re not already feeling the vibe...keep listening. Marxman and Dr. Jay are making you wine from 6 to 9.

So first the results from the road. Congratulations to Carnival Nationz on their 2009 Band of the Year title. The presentation of In Full Bloom was absolutely stunning to see. Runner up was Lousi Saldenah Mas K Club with a Tribute to Harold Saldenah. Congrats Dr. Jay...2nd place ain’t so bad. Toronto Revellers took home the 3rd place spot with Brasil, Bacchanal in RIO.

If you didn’t know, Toronto isn’t the only place celebrating carnival right now. Down in beautiful Barbados...it’s all about Crop Over. Red Plastic Bag took hom, yet another Calypso Monarch Crown this weekend. Then this weekend De General Edwin was votes Peoples’ Monarch of Barbados. That is a competition sponsored by a group of radio stations. Listeners get to text in votes for their favourite song and artist of the festival. Edwin’s uptempo...Middle of the road was the clear winner. He beat out his opponent Mikey 82 percent to 18 percent.

None the less, I can vouch that Mikey’s song I in Dat is a very big tune. Edwin thought Mikey deserved to get something too...so get this. He actually offered to give him 10 thousand dollars out of his $25,000 top prize.

Before I head out to continue the carnival action, lemme tell you what happened in Antigua last night. Tian Winter dethroned long time crowd favourite Claudette "CP" Peters in both the Groovy Soca Monarch and Party Monarch categories. So get used to the songs "Baby I" and "Soca Rebel"...and the name Tian Winter. He's on top of his game for 2009, and he's here to stay.

I'm Nurse Karen, and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more info on anything mentioned here...check out your best source for reliable soca news, Nurse Karen Etc at www.nurse-karen.com or follow nurse karen on twitter.

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