The Rounds: How soca artists spent Easter...

Originally aired on Sunday, April 4, 2010 on "Soca Therapy" on Flow 93.5 FM, Toronto with Dr. Jay and Marxman.

In this edition:

- Destra's first post preggers performance in Toronto. (Trinidad / Canada)
- Toronto Fire Fete (Canada)
- Edwin at Virgin Gorda Carnival (Barbados / BVI)
- Oscar B returns to Jamaica (Tobago / Jamaica)
- Artists observing Easter (Barbados / Jamaica)
- Changes in store for Crop Over 2010 (Barbados)



Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s easter Sunday and it’s my hope that my voice finds you surrounded by family, friends and everlasting hope as you celebrate God’s promise of eternal life. If by chance you find yourself alone today. Think again. Dozens of soca artists are forced to be away from loved ones as they travel internationally to entertain fans.

I chose to spend last night with family, but the cast of Toronto Fire Fete spent a good chunk of the special weekend away from home. The show boasted Destra’s first show in T-Dot in almost two years. Not to mention, her first local appearance since she gave birth to little Xaiya!!! Yes gentlemen. She has her body back. And you know Destra, she’s definitely still thick in all the right places.

Destra back in all her glory on Saturday night (Photo by Soca Dread)

Patch created a gutter riddim Frenzy, selling pipe on Canadian soil. Terri Lyons, made her sweet voice known to Toronto. Trinidad’s Dynamic Duo JW and Blaze Palanced thru the city ...as is their custom. Skinny Fabulous let go the Vincy beast , etc, etc. My point is...Sometimes you gotta do what you got to do where you gotta do it, and if you find yourself away from the people you love this holiday. At least you have us ! (Awwww....)

JW and Blaze at another Toronto performance last month

Edwin Yearwood woke up today on the Island of Virgin Gorda after a well received performance at THEIR Easter Festival last night. There really is no place like home in Barbados, for him, but Management tells me that the seven thousand dollar a night villa they stayed in makes up for at least SOME of the inconvenience.

Tobagonian soca singer Oscar B left his fam in Tand T to returned to Jamaica for the first time in a long time. He lived and worked there as a singer in Byron Lee and the Dragonaires for eighteen years , having recorded such hits as Soca Tattie and Soca Butterfly. Beyond his excitement over taking to those familiar stages once again, Oscar says he’s looking forward to de bun and cheese!

If you’re not out painting the town red to the sounds of soca this weekend, trust me you’re not in the minority. Many artistes are deeply spiritual, and prefer to break their Lenten fasts with worship and thanksgiving in the traditional way. Dancehall/crossover icon Mr. Vegas wasn’t going to let anything keep him out of church this morning, and Bajan Party Monarch and Sweet Soca Monarch TC was heading to an Easter play when I chatted with her today.

Nurse Karen and TC at Trinidad Soca Monarch (Feb 2010)

Looks like she will be defending her crowns in a new venue this year, as the Those competitions will no longer be held at East Coast or Farley Hill National Park for that matter. The event will be rebranded “Soca Royale” , the wheres and whens of which are yet to be announced. Barbados Ministry of Culture just announced a slew of venue changes for the upcoming Crop Over season, including a new route for the Kadooment day parade.
I’ll be sure to get all the details on that for you in the upcoming weeks, but for now. Enjoy this blessed Easter, wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing. I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more info on the stories you heard today, visit me online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me, “Nursekaren” on Twitter. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Shaunelle McKenzie is a Mommy!

Originally aired on Sunday, March 28, 2010 on Soca Therapy with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince (Flow 93.5 FM Toronto)

In this edition:
- Trelawny Carnival this weekend (Jamaica)
- Bacchanal Blocko 2010 Cancelled (Jamaica)
- Fadda Fox, Skinny Fabulous and Monstapiece rock UWI Carnival (Jamaica)
- Rupee remixes "Frenzy"
- Bomani plans new Vincy Mas fete (St. Vincent)
- Shaunelle McKenzie gives birth (St. Vincent)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  Easter is just one week away, which means just a few days till Jamaica Carnival for Soca fans in Trelawny. ...Three days of revelry to the sounds of Byron Lee’s Dragonaires led by Oscar B.  Other events include a soca / reggae party on Good Friday, Family Fun and oldies disco day on Saturday, and a sport bike show on the Sunday.  It’s definitely not your traditional expression of Carnival other Easter for that matter.  But then again Jamaica has always been on the forefront of cultural innovations!

            Jamaica’s other carnival,  Bacchanal Jamaica, just announced the cancellation one of it’s signature events this season.  Sad to say, the Bacchanal Blocko is off for 2010.   Organizers cite unforeseen circumstances.

Nurse Karen and Skinny Fabulous in Toronto (2008)

Students in Jamaica celebrated UWI Carnival last night.  They lucked out on a hot show  from Fadda Fox, Skinny Fabulous.  In a just a few minutes the action will continue on The Plumbers Boatride.  With the weather we’ve been having over here, doesn’t a boatride in sunny Jamaica sound perrrrrfect?

Meanwhile , Barbados’ soca sweet boy Rupee  is back home after one month of touring in Europe.   Toronto Hip Hop fans will be excited to hear that he’s got a remix of the song FRENZY on the way.  It feature’s T-Dot rude bwoy Kardinall Offishall, so keep your ears to the ground for that.

Nurse Karen and Kardinal Offishall in Toronto (2008)

Toronto fete-goers had a couple of great indoor options for entertainment over the weekend.  One fete featured Bomani from St. Vincent.  If you missed him, he tells me  he’s hard at work organizing his first ever concept show for Vincy Mas 2K10.  It’s called Soca in de Dark.   The dimly lit, intimate night of groovy and raga vibe is set for the Month of May and will feature a cast of SVG artists as well as a guest appearance from Krosfyah!

Bomani and Nurse Karen in New York (2008)

           If you know the Vincy scene, you would know that Bomani sings in a band called HS Phaktor with a talented female vocalist by the name of Shaunelle Mckenzie.  Last Saturday, Shaunelle became a new mom, giving birth to a bouncing baby girl named Sade.  She weighed in at 6 pounds 13 ounzes, and from all accounts, she’s happy, healthy and verrrry hungry! 

Shaunelle McKenzie and Nurse Karen in St. Vincent (2008)

            I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  For more info on everything you heard.  Check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or Follow me...”Nurse Karen” on Twitter.  Now, back to de Docta!

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Booster Shot: Jamaica Carnival cancelled?

Whoa.... I'm thinking the same thing! According to Radiojamaica.com, Jamaica carnival is on the back burner until the recession turns around. 

They're saying that the event is being called off due to lack of funding.  Julianne Lee Samuels, President of Carnival explains the other reasons at the link posted above.

It's important to note that this announcement really shouldn't affect various events  at the Bacchanal Mas Camp, or the big Beach J'ouvert fete...as those are under the umbrella of Bacchanal Jamaica, which is a separate entity, with a different schedule and parade route all together..

This is a pretty terrible blow considering the fact that the event's founder, Byron Lee just passed away in November.  To me it's sad that his predecessors have already dropped the ball on a very important element of his legacy in Jamaica.   

Hope they come real good next year!

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

http://twitter.com/nursekaren

Credit where credit is due...I first got wind of this at http://www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com

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The Rounds: Soca Makes You Stupid!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds! He’s Ba-ack!  You already know, your man Dr. Jay and the KOS Family have returned from Trinidad Carnival, and last night they gave Toronto a memorable souvenir in the form of Dr. Jay’s Return Fete.  The crowd was bazodee off with performances from Mastamind, Ricky T, Zan, TC and De Boss, Iwer George.  We may have lost an hour last night, but ah feel we found it this morning, cuz I didn’t get home till about 6 am.  So, go figure!

            Here’s a strange one...a college student from California just published a controversial albeit unscientific report on music that makes you dumb.  The study compares and contrasts the musical tastes of American students and their SAT scores.  And guess what: students who prefer soca music over and above all other genres, have the lowest SAT scores on average! I could hear allyuh sucking your teeth from here.  Don’t shoot the messenger!  If you want to see where other styles ranked, check the blog.

            Today is International Women’s Day.  Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating the occasion with events taking place throughout the country in schools and community organizations. In Port of Spain, they held a 5K walk run which wrapped up with a performance from some of the nation’s top female soca artistes and an all female section of the TCL Skiffle Bunch Steelband.

A date has been set for the 28^th annual International Reggae and World Music Awards.  On May 3^rd, a bevy of Caribbean artists will descend upon  Jamaica, New York at the York College Performing Arts Center.  Leading the nominations in 2009 is Mavado with 8 nods, then Elephant Man and Beres Hammond with seven.  But our thing is soca, and yes we’re represented too. Machel Montano, who was a big winner in 2008, is definitely back in the ranks.

            Now that the traditional carnival season has come to an end, next stop Jamaica. Alison Hinds kicked off the Bacchanal Jamaica mas camp fete calendar on Friday with a grand performance for an ecstatic crowd.  Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival was started in 1988 by Jamaican soca empresario Byron Lee, who died of cancer just last year. The festival climaxes easter weekend under the  2009 theme: Gone Hollywood!

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  For more information on anything you’ve heard tonight, check me out online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net.  And get your weekly dose of Soca News by downloading the Rounds Podcast from Soca Therapy dot com.  Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Byron Lee's funeral yesterday in Jamaica

Dr. Jay's Rounds - November 23, 2008

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr Jay’s Rounds. Yesterday, the friends and family of the late Byron Lee gathered at St. George’s College in Kingston Jamaica to commemorate the life of a soca icon. The nearly four hour service paid tribute to the musician’s 52 year career in the industry through renditions of Lee’s music performed by his band, The Dragonaires. Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and former Prime Minister Edward Seaga addressed the congregation. And there was even a recorded tribute message from American soul musician Ben E King. Those who attended described the mood as both celebratory and solemn. Lee died on November 4th after a long battle with cancer.

While hundreds in Jamaica paused to commemorate the end of an illustrious career in soca music, Trinidad’s Synergy TV was getting set to launch the careers of a number of future Soca performers. Synergy Soca Star (Season Four) kicked off earlier this month with a new crop of 15 finalists who are TAL-EN-TED!!! This batch gave their first live performance recently at St. James Amphitheatre, and somebody is getting eliminated on Monday night.
Trinidad’s most notable Soca Star Mr. Machel Montano will have his mind on something completely different tomorrow night as he rings in his 34th birthday. Happy Birthday Winer Boy! Yuh certainly not too young to soca now!

De Nurse and Machel Montano around this time last year, here in Toronto

Speaking of men with real loose waists....Barbados’ own HypaDog, Lil Rick will be celebrating a birthday this coming week too. It happens to coincide with his country’s independence celebrations on November 30th. This year sweet Lil Rick is throwing a great big birthday bash called “One More Time” at Brooklyn’s Base Nightclub next Saturday. The show will feature performances from HypaDog he-self and Edwin Yearwood, plus music by Barbados’ superstar producer and DJ, Peter Coppin. That sandy rock in the Eastern Caribbean will be celebrating 42 years of independence from British rule. So Bajan posse, bring on the Mount Gay from now. It’s party time!

With Hypa Dog a few weeks ago at Soca or Die

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Leave me a comment or two online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net. And be sure to download the rounds podcast from Soca Therapy dot com. Now, back to de docta!

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Booster Shot: Byron Lee loses his battle with cancer at 73

Jamaica's soca king, Byron Lee passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer. Last week several rumours were circulating that he had already passed. However, Lee's cancer battle continued quietly until today.

The 73 year old musician has been heavy in the business for the last 50 years with a cache of hits like Tiney Winey, Give Me Soca, and Jamaican Ska. He founded The Dragonaires when he was a student at St. George's College in the 1950's.

Coincidentally, if you believe in them things...Lee was conferred with the Order of Jamaica a little over a week ago. The award was bestowed upon him by Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall. Due to Lee's condition, the ceremony had to be held at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Lee was diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago. He was undergoing treatment for transitional cell cancer in Miami until last Saturday when he returned to Jamaica via air ambulance.

This is truly a very sad day for Jamaica, West Indian music, and the entire Caribbean entertainment fraternity. I wish to send my sincere condolences to the entire Lee family, the Dragonaires and any reading this who has been touched by this loss.

Below is a photo of myself with Dragonaire's lead vocalist, Jumo Primo, three weeks ago at Broward Carnival.

Byron Lee is no stranger to (Nurse) Karen (Etc). Visit the links below for archived posts about Byron Lee and the Dragonaires

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2008/11/rounds-byron-lee-is-alive-and-fighting.htmlhttp://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2008/11/rounds-byron-lee-is-alive-and-fighting.html

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2008/10/rounds-miami-carnival-round-up.html

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2008/04/rounds-byron-lee-swaps-in-chemo-for.html

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2008/03/rounds-will-crop-over-change-in-2008.html

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2007/11/rounds-april-1-2007.html

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2007/11/rounds-january-1-2006.html

If you would like to leave your thoughts, comments or condolences below. I assure you they will be passed along to the Lee family. Tell us your memories of Byron Lee, the man, the musician and his legacy.

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The Rounds: Byron Lee is alive and fighting for every breath!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

Boy, what a big week for Caribbean Entertainment! First let's go to Dominica For the Festival Musique Creole Dominique. Each year festival organizers work hard to ensure that the best international talent is represented to provide the ultimate entertainment experience. But last night, many Dominicans were left disappointed after a lack-luster performance by Sean Paul. Sucks for them, cause here in Toronto, it was all about Soca or Die 9! And it was saw-weet!....I digress.

Right. So, the real local stars mashing up Dominica this season are a young group called the MFR Band. The acronym stands for Music For Real. They have a song called Sticks and Stones that is on EVERYONE'S tongues even though the tune hasn't been recorded in studio yet for radio play.

Here's a video of MFR Band performing Sticks and Stones

"I see you runnin' ya mouth, but you ain't saying nothin. Blah, blah, blah!"

St. Lucia is taking an leap forward to recognize the potential of THEIR local entertainment hopefuls. Wednesday, a new television program was launched called Guinness Undisputed. It's a talent contest seeking the top vocalists, dancehall dancers and freestylers from Lucia. What's cool about the program is that the contest judges are some pretty reputable local soca personalities. You have Francis "Leebo" De Lima, a reggae artist and soca producer, Nigel Nicholas and Patrice Regis from Slaughter Arts Media Entertainment...the duo who brought you the soca blutooth riddim last year. And Lastly, Mr. Courtney Lewis...he's best known as the 2007 COTT Award Winner for best new male songwriter for Trinidad's Roadmarch that year....Jumbie!

Speaking of the COTT Awards. The action starts now. The 2008 awards gala takes place on November 6th, but a few awards were doled out early. I'd like to big up Noel La Pierre, a member of the Kingdom of Soca extended family. He just won the COTT award for Jazz World Music Composition of the Year, for the song One and Only. Noel made that steelpan sing, and recorded the magic right here in Toronto.

The biggest news of the week is of a somewhat sombre nature. I say somewhat, because the bad news everyone is talking about turned out be a little LESS "bad" than we first thought. I am talking about Byron Lee, the legendary bandleader behind one of Jamaica's foremost musical exports, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. The 73 year old music veteran has been suffering from cancer for two years. He was undergoing treatment in Miami.

This past week a crazy rumour was circulating internationally that Mr. Lee had passed away. Sadly I must admit, I got caught in it myself. Lemme explain. Recently, Lee's conditioned worsened and he suddenly returned home to Jamaica by air ambulance. The next day the governor general paid him a visit in the hospital to bestow upon him one of Jamaica's highest civilian honours - the Order of Jamaica.

Naturally this sparked speculation among news watchers that a tragic end was close in view. So, heres what your Nurse found out. On Monday, there WAS a death in the Dragonaires camp. Former lead vocalist, Vic Taylor who performed as part of the band throughout the 70s and 80s died at the age of 56. See where I'm going? Byron Lee is not dead. Rather, lines got crossed with persons coupling the gravity of Lee's illness with the untimely death of his old colleague Vic Taylor. I have been communicating with a longtime friend of the Lee family who is receiving updates from Byron's daughter Deanna. Lee is alive and fighting for every breath. This morning her email informed me that he does have his good day and his bad. So join me in continuing to keep both the Lee and Taylor families your thoughts and prayers.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more information about anything I've mentioned, check me out online at the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) Blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And as always, you can download The Rounds Podcast for yourself at Soca Therapy dot com.
Now Back to De Docta!

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The Rounds: Miami Carnival Round Up

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

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

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

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

Nurse Karen and Jamaal MaGloire at UWI Fete Miami Carnival 2008

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

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

Nurse Karen with Edwin Yearwood in New York (2008)

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

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

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

Nurse Karen with Maximus Dan in Toronto (2008)

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

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The Rounds: Byron Lee swaps in Chemo for Carnival

Good Evening Soca Lovers!

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's rounds. Spring is definitely here. So carnival is blossoming all over this great continent…and beyond.

It all started last month when Byron Lee, who happens to be suffering from cancer, couldn't keep himself away from the 20th anniversary of Jamaica Carnival. The 73-year-old musician was in the middle of Chemo therapy when he climbed atop the big truck for some old time Tiney Winey with his band. On Friday, he finally returned to Miami for treatment.

May is gonna be a very festive season right here in Toronto with big time events like Gyal Farm, and the first ever 2-day long Soca or Die. But don't think we're the only ones pumping the soca. The rest of North America is joining right in.

More news from the International Reggae and World Music Awards: Montserrat's stunningly beautiful Jadine will sing and D Life from New York's Hot 97 will be offering a special LIVE soca mixdown for the crowd at the Apollo on May 4th. By The Way, Alison Hinds was also blessed with a nomination .

You think Trinidad is the only land of Oil and Music? Next weekend, Fiesta San Antonio begins. It's a 10-day multicultural carnival that's enjoying a little more Caribbean influence now that West Indians are flocking to Texas for oil jobs. It's touted to be one of of America's Largest festivals.

No doubt, America's largest festival WEEKEND has got to be the Memorial Day long weekend at the end of May. It plays host to Carnivals in Orlando, Atlanta, and San Francisco. Stay tuned to the Rounds for the highlights of each. With all those carnivals happening next month, Kes the Band is most excited to be performing in Los Angeles next month at the infamous Temple Bar. What can I say? big tings fuh we music!

Back in the Caribbean, St. Thomas ,Virgin Islands is ready for mas again. One of the biggest events on their calendar will happen on April 23rd at the Reichhold Centre for the Arts. Machel Montano and Xtatik will join VI based bands; Jam Tyme and the Bouncers Band for the annual J'ouvert Warm up. Jam Tyme has two new tracks for 2008 in "Champions" and "Jamming on the Road." And the Bouncers have already started to move the crowds with a chune called "Skip n Dip."

Over on another so-called Virgin Island, there's a producer by the name of Alton Bertie. You first heard me mention him months ago when I let you in on Shurwayne's big groovy tune for 2008. Bertie produced it after meeting Mr. Winchester in a Puerto Rico airport. And this weekend, the Tortola-based producer had to fly into the Trinidad airport to receive an award for Carnival Please Stay...the production that went on to win the 2008 Trinidad Groovy Soca Monarch title.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Your comments are always welcome. So check out the Nurse Karen Etc blog online at triple http://www.mustardseeds.net/. Now back to de Docta!

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The Rounds: Will Crop-Over Change in 2008?

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. This month we’re marching straight into spring with a little help from Jamaica Carnival. Thanks to organizer Byron Lee, Jamaica can now boast 18 years. Last year, Mr. Lee was battling personal health issues and the road parade was cancelled. But in 2008, it’s all systems go. Organizers are excited to announce confirmed appearances from Biggie Irie, Peter Ram, Iwer George and Destra Garcia. Every weekend this month, warm up fetes will take place ALL across the island. Friday night, Alison Hinds got in on the action, headlining at Wet Fete Dreams. AND finally, Byron Lee and his Dragonaires (including X2's Jumo from Guyana) will parade on the streets of Kingston to close out the month on March 30th.
Looking ahead to another important carnival only…1, 2, 3, 4, 5 months from now! The Barbados National Cultural Foundation is happy to have the nation’s largest cultural festival back under their control. At the end of last season former Prime Minister Owen Arthur snatched Crop Over out from the NCF mandate in an effort to separate the organizations commercial and developmental arms.
Well, there’s a new chief in town, and Prime Minister David Thompson is running things HIS way. His government announced that Crop-Over would undergo a few innovations in 2008. What are the changes you may ask? Steve Blackett, the Minister of Community Development and Culture wasn’t specific when he addressed the press last week. But here’s what I was able to glean: 2 things…increased sponsorship, and a greater connection to the emanicipation season which might alter the calendar of events here and there. As always, your nurse will keep you up to date.
If you’re a soca lover in Toronto, Spring is YOUR time. Believe it or not, the Caribana band launches are RIGHT around the corner. Before you know it, exciting new music will be pouring in from all the Summer carnivals. Let me know which country you think will provide the best soundtrack for the Summer. I've heard some nice little samples out of St. Vincent. My 2 cents: expect to hear the name Skinny Fabulous, over and over again.
While you're waiting for those new caribbean releases, make sure you take advantage of the next few quieter months to legally get your hands on some of the best CDs from Trinidad 2008.
Look forward to some amazing fetes that make this city a soca hotspot like no other. From Fire Fete, to the all-new Toronto edition of Gyal Farm (and all things in between), be sure to support events and products that support soca artistes - any way you can.

I’m Nurse Karen , and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 or check my blog online at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds - April 1, 2007

April 1, 2007
Dr. Jay’s Rounds
By “Nurse Karen”
Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. We’ve entered Spring and I’m actually starting to believe it.
As Easter rolls around, Jamaica is gearing up for carnival again. Last Saturday, Bacchanal Jamaica founder Byron Lee got the people of Clarendon in the mood at the Supreme Venture Carnival Blowout. The night featured covers of soca songs by Biggie Irie and Alison Hinds, plus the popular annual Tiney Winey competition.
St. Lucia is ushering in the new season by coaxing the big tourist money. There’s a new star studded celebrity event at the Rodney Bay Village Music bash, April 23 to April 25th. The inaugural festival will feature Destra, David Rudder, Beres Hammond, Sean Paul, Maxi Priest and Shaggy. With tickets set at $60 US, it’s obvious that they prefer foreign money to the local kind. For Lucians wanting to check out their favourite artistes, $160 EC is not much of a welcome mat…if you know what I’m saying.
The next big North American street party happens in Atlanta next month. DJ Tony Tempo tells me he will be bringing a mas band this year, which is guaranteed to encourage more participation from the youth. So, if you want to join the action, the parade of the bands takes place on May 26th.
T and T police are out to capture the true pirates of the Caribbean. Perhaps you know of them, you know the kind of people who try to get rich selling things that don’t belong to them in the first place. I have to hand it to the copyright organization of Trinidad and Tobago. Last week they nabbed a couple of street entrepreneurs who were selling bootleg soca CDs for which they don’t own the license. If you’ve ever traveled to the West Indies…or Brooklyn for that matter, you know how much of a problem that is. These guys selling bootlegs on street corners with no shame….and you have to remember, soca music is still an emerging industry. The artists have a short window to win the ears of fans during the carnival season and once it’s done, marketing and promotion is often done at a grass roots level. While I think the fine ought to be much higher then $3000 TT ( about $700 Canadian), I’m happy the cops are finally teaching a them a lesson. Since February of this year they’ve made more than ten arrests. The only people who should be making money off the sale of the music…are the people who are making the music.
In Antigua, spirits were low this week as West Indies fans witnessed their team tek some serious licks from Australia. A rain cancellation pushed the date back one day, which led to lower attendance. Some would say the only highlight of Wednesday’s game was a lunchtime performance by El a Kru. When tizzy hit the stage singing Expose, the crowd got together to jump and wave…which really couldn’t save the team anyway.
And according to Marxman Sri Lanka done knock de West Indies back to 1957. This week I asked Dr. Jay to run a little cricket set to encourage these guys to step it up… I thought I’d better ask the kingdom of soca to give our boys a little inspiration…but inspiration could never substitute for runs….i think I going and cry.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to soca a Flow 935 dot com. Now back to the doctor!

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The Rounds: Trinidad gives the gift of pan to Nigeria

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Karen Richardson
January 1, 2006
429

Good Evening Soca lovers …Happy New Year! This is Nurse Karen making Dr. Jay’s Rounds.
I’m still recovering from a wicked and wild old year’s night with family and friends.
But I am here in the flesh, ready and energized for a happy and prosperous 2006. Dr. Jay promises plenty vibes in the mix from his crate full of tricks. And as the good nurse that I am, I’m doing all I can to prepare you for your Soca Therapy. All your favourite segments are back from 6-9 every Sunday…I’ll be here making the Rounds.

New Years is a big party throughout the Caribbean. So, I want to wish all the people jumping up in the Bahamas for Junkanoo a safe and happy time. The Phil Cooper 2006 New Years Day Parade experienced lower ticket sales than average, as did the boxing day parade last week….but that is not stopping thousands form enjoying the festivities. This year’s street party consists of 27 bands and will kick off at noon on January 2nd.

Kittitian Crew, don’t think I forgot you. But I know better than to think you’re listening to me right now…when allyuh flattening Basseterre to the sounds of your new Party Monarch, Konris Maynard. Pretty fitting that the new king was crowned for a song called Sunday J’Ouvert.
These days, once the clock strikes 12 on January 1st…the countdown begins to Trinidad Carnival. In anticipation of that, Trinadad and Tobago’s ambassador to Nigeria gave the gift of Steel Pan to the city of Calabar. Mr. Patrick Edwards presented a 54 piece steel band as part of Calabar’s Christmas Festival. The governor of the Cross River State says his administration is commited to learn and participate in the rich culture of the Caribbean Islands. He added that there’s a strong affinity between Nigerians and the Trini’s because they share the same culture and heritage.

Well, that’s no surprise to me. Together we aspire, Together we achieve. In Jamaica, a soca ambassador is getting ready to be honoured at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, January 28th. Byron Lee and his Dragonaires Band have been in the calypso business since 1956. His fifty year career includes more than 700 hundred titles and ten international mega hits. We’re talking Butterfly Butterfly…let we do de butterfly, Soca Tatie…and SOMEBODY must remember Tiney Winey. Congratulations to the iconic performer, producer, promoter and band leader, Mr. Byron Lee.

Those are Dr. Jay’s Rounds, I’m Nurse Karen.

Send your comments to Soca at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Ah gone.
Now back to de Docta

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