The Rounds: Naki is "Always On Time", etc

Originally aired on FLOW 93.5 FM's "Soca Therapy" with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince,on Sunday, December 6th, 2009. Tune in every Sundays from 6 to 9 pm.

In this edition:
- Rate Kes the Band for the Independent Music Awards (Trinidad and Tobago / USA)
- First TEMPEST CD is released! ( St. Lucia)
- Naki transitions to soca (Trinidad and Tobago / Canada)
- FREE Iphone / Ipod Touch Steel Drum App (England)
- Birthdays:  Nadia Batson (Trinidad and Tobago), Black Roots (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Sedale (St. Lucia)
__________________________________________________________________

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Trinidad’s Kes the Band is waiting with baited breath to find out if they will be the 2009 Winners in the World Beat Category of the Independent Music awards. A panel of industry professionals is in the process of choosing a winner right now, but the public can still play a part in helping them to possibly win Peoples’ Choice. They’re up against four other acts. Just surf over to Musicians Atlas dot com, and do your part to support soca.

A couple of St. Lucians who have been working tirelessly to support the development of music on their island, have just launched a brand new compilation CD showing off some of the hottest up and coming talent on the island in various genres including soca. Francis "Leebo" De Lima and Christopher Hunte  are behind a project called "The best of TEMPEST Volume One". Tempest is an acronym that stands for “Televised Event Marketing and Promoting Emerging Sound Talent”. The organization has promoted four live concerts in St. Lucia since 2006, and also participated in the internationally known , St. Lucia Jazz Festival.

On the home front, one of Toronto’s own female Calypsonians, Naki Tuitt has made the transition into singing soca for Trinidad Carnival 2k10. If you’re not sure where you’ve heard the name before, Naki was the 1995 Junior Calypso Monarch in South Trinidad. Years later she moved here to Toronto where she has been competing in the Caribana Calypso Monarch for the last three years. Now, she’s got a groovy soca tune out called "Always on Time", produced by Jimmy Nutron...the same guy who did "Ramajay" for Machel Montano. If you’d like to support your hometown girl. You can grab copies of A Caribbean Soul Christmas and A Mastamind Christmas 4, where you can hear her take on soul music and and soca parang too!

For all the Iphone and Ipod touch users out there, I found an app that you can use to play along with your favourite soca tunes. Carnival Village UK released a free download called “Carnival Steel Drum”, which...no lie...is and electronic tenor pan that you play with your finger tips. Just tap different parts of the screen, and you can rehearse for pan alive! Surf on into the itunes App Store and download it for FREE!

This weeks birthday greetings go out to Trinidad’s Nadia Batson on Monday. St. Vincent’s Black Roots and St. Lucia’s Sedale on Saturday! I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more up to date information on everything to do with soca, check me out online at triple w dot nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me “Nurse Karen” on Twitter. Now back to de Docta!

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Eye Unit: Kes the Band - Till the Morning

Here's the latest video from Kes the Band.  They dropped this one Michael Jackson style with an official release date, time and location last weekend.  Ironic that they're taking cues from the King of Pop, considering that KES has their eyes and heart set on pop exposure in 2010.  I was brought up to speed about this very fact by management the last time I was in Trinidad (The very same evening the MJ sadly passed away).  We wish them luck!

Anyway....back to the video.  Check out "Till The Morning" from the amazing album, On In 5.

No fireworks or crazy concepts here, but most definitely a little something for both the ladies and the men!

Enjoy!



Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: October is Calypso History Month!

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince, Sunday, October 4, 2009

In this edition:
- MSU Carifest (USA)
- UK Soca Music Awards Results (UK)
- IMA names Kes the Band "Spotlight Artist" (USA)
- Roy Cape to be honoured at Word Creole Festival (Dominica)
- Ras Shorty I Tribute and birthday (Trinidad)
- Bomani's birthday (St. Vincent)

Good evening soca lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. It’s October! We already know that next weekend is Thanksgiving and Miami Carnival. But are you aware that the entire month is Black History Month in the UK and Calypso History Month in Trinidad? If you ask me, the two go hand in hand. So let’s celebrate!

Yesterday 275 Caribbean Students in Texas took time out to educate the population of Midwestern State University about Caribbean Music and Culture at their campus “Caribfest”. Students from a variety of islands packed everything from Steelpan, and Soca, to yummy Caribbean treats into just a few hours of Carnival to show of their pride and power inspite of their very small numbers.

Last week during the Rounds, the London Soca Community got all dolled up in suits and dresses for the 2nd annual Soca Music Awards. Congrats go out to all the winners. Honourable mention to Scrappy for winning Best UK Soca Track, AND Best UK Male Soca Artist. Miss Desire took best UK female. The international acts voted ...The Best were Destra, Brother B and Kes the Band!

Nurse Karen with Nigel and Kees from Kes the Band (Toronto, 2007)

Speaking of Kes the Band, this past week, they were named and the 9th Spotlight Artist by the Independent Music Awards. Pretty great exposure for a Soca band!

For generations when Calypso and Soca lovers have thought of bands, and musicians, Roy Cape is one of the first names that comes to mind. Just found out that he will be receiving a special honour at this year’s World Creole Festival in Dominica. It’s the first time a country outside of Trinidad and Tobago has paid tribute to the veteran bandleader.

Nurse Karen with Roy Cape (St.Vincent, 2009)

As we continue to recognize soca history. The man who is considered by many to be the creator of the soca genre will be honoured by the Trinidad Unified Calypsonian’s organization. If Ras Shorty I was still alive today he would be turning 68 this Tuesday. So, a special tribute concert will be happening in San Fernando as part of Calypso History Month on that very day!

Before I go, happy belated birthday goes out to Bomani. He had a birthday on September 30th. Here’s hoping it was happy, happy, happy!

Bomani and Nurse Karen (New York, 2008)

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s Rounds. For more exciting soca news and my online journal from Miami Carnival, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com. Now, back to de Docta!

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Booster Shot: Kes the Band, latest IMA Spotlight Artist

It does something particularly special to the latent butterflies that reside in my gut when I hear about soca acts whose music gets recognized as GOOD MUSIC period, up against all other genres. This weekend, Kes the Band received word that they have been chosen as the 9th IMA Artist Spotlight by the Independent Music Awards.

Take a moment to check out the feature, here

Check them out at:

www.myspace.com/kestheband
www.sonicbids.com/kestheband
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kes-the-Band/7493494652
www.twitter.com/kestheband

Join us in wishing Kes the Band continued success as they strive to take their music to the highest heights!

And of course...we will be there to tell you about it!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Lead singer Kees and Nurse Karen in Toronto, 2008

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Booster Shot: Saucy gives Destra some motherly advice...

Soca survivors! How are you doing? Greetings and salutations from New York City!

Your nurse decided to trek down here to make some headway on a few creative projects...and hopefully catch a lil piece of the West Indian American Carnival action too. (oooh, but it's all about Boston first!)

I saw this article over the weekend and thought you might get a kick out of it. On Friday, Digicel sponsored a big FREE concert at Adam Smith Square in Woodbrook, Port of Spain. Naturally a cast of "RED" people took to the stage (that is the people and dem slogan, doh vex). There were therefore performances from Karma, Kes the Band, Destra and her band and more!

It was a big deal for a lot of people, being that it was Destra's first show on home turf since she released the news about the bun she's baking. Denise was there too, and it sounds like the ladies cooked up a little spectacle for the fans....

TRINIDAD EXPRESS

Denise coaches Destra Wayne Bowman wbowman@trinidadexpress.com Sunday, August 23rd 2009

In her first performance at home since revealing her pregnancy, soca siren Destra Garcia delivered an energetic, no holds barred show at the Outta Control Tour at Adam Smith Square, Woodbrook on Friday ... READ MORE HERE

It's obvious that the two soca divas have come a long way since their much touted spat of years gone by. What are we, if we don't change, right? Speaking of change, Ms. Belfon is entering a new phase of her career, having started working with a new manager this week.

I've been told I was the first one to know. LOL...well that cat's out of the bag!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Kes the Band - Stalker (Video)

When I was in Trinidad last month shooting the breeze with Simon at Question Mark Entertainment, he let me in on their intension to try for a little cross over exposure with a Kes the Band song entitled, "Stalker".

The pop-rock type song was, until now, an album cut on KTB's "On in 5" album released right around carnival time in Trinidad. If you don't already have the album, it's well worth the money you'll spend. Beyond, Kees' Dieffenthaller's expert vocals, you'll get an ecclectic mix of styles that pays tribute to the wide variety of musical styles influencing this very versatile band.

As for Stalker, hmmm. The track, brought to us by the South Trinidad/Brooklyn, NY dynamic duo at Precision Productions (Kasey Phillips and Nikholai Green), well it's not soca. So doh cuss me when you watch the vid. As I clearly stated, the idea is to push the band into opportunities for exposure that extend beyond the regular post-carnival Caribbean and West Indies ex-pat circuit. What you get in comparative terms are verses that could easily perfect a late night iPod shuffle with Tessanne Chin, and a chorus that sends me somewhere back to the 1980's with Phil Collins and Genesis.

Let's not all gasp at once! The rock sound is in keeping with KTB's musical tastes, and the boys at Precision, they not exactly run of the mill jump and wave Trinis either (if there is such a thing). Even while Kasey and Nikholai have ascended the production ranks to make a major impact on their nation's Carnival soundtrack in recent years, it's obvious dem boys love they Hip Hop bad bad. Their music adds a decidedly urban flavour to , which has opened doors to work on projects for artistes in Trinidad, Grenada, St. Lucia, the US and beyond.

Anyho, ladies, enjoy watching Kees get run down by a chick who's not really acting that much different than most of you. (If the shoe fits...LOL) On a serious note, the lyrics describe a megafan. She only crosses the line in the visuals. I'm sure most Caribbean acts would be happy to have fans who look that good, request every song, come to every show, and wait for them backstage. Isn't that why half of these artistes get into the business in the first place?

With no further ado.....I present you "Stalker"




Just to keep your music production chops well sharpened, I copied down the discography from Precision Productions to give you a lil taste of what these boys been up to. (And because, I know Kasey gonna Skype me if I don't).

These credits, which only go up to early 2008, were borrowed from their myspace page.

Fat Man Scoop [Av8 Records] (Soul On Fire Remix for KMC)- Engineering,
Machel Montano (The Xtatik Experience & B.O.D.Y.),
KMC [Sequence Records] (Soul On Fire)- Engineering,
Vybe - Up [Precision Remix] [2004],
Mr. Slaughter - Up In Dat [Preicison Remix][2006](Living Legend),
Maximus Dan (Man Of Fire & Love Generation),
Bunji Garlin (Flamestorm),
Trample Riddim (Trinidad) [2003]
Teardrops & Takeover Riddim (Trinidad) [2004].
Michelle Sylvester - Go Ahead [2004].
Kasey Phillips - "Born To Do It" [2005 Album].
Michelle Sylvester - Sleepin In Ur Bed which claimed International Groovy Soca Monarch & International Soca Queen in 2005.
Iwer George - Ease D Tension [2005].
Michelle Sylvester - Face Me [2006].
Maximus Dan - God Army [2006]
Miss Alysha & Fay Ann Lyons - Party [2006]
Machel Montano & Patrice Roberts - Band Of The Year[Precision Road Mix] which was in the wining line up of Trinidad and Tobago's Road March 2006 Title.
Soca Bantan - Over Yuh Head [Song & Precision Road Mix] which claimed Grenada's Roach March 2006 Title.
Maximus Dan - "Weed Out" & "Lash Satan" [2006]
NovaKane - "Me & U" - Mixing & Mastering. [2006 NYC]
Rocky & Revelation - Body Look Good. [2006]

Trinidad Synergy Soca Star Theme Song [2006 & 2007]
Keegan Taylor - Tease Me (Soca Star) [2007]
El-A-Kru [Tizzy]- Expose. [Precision RD MIX] [2007]
Miss Alysha & H20 Phlo - Go Down Low. [2007]
Big Artiste Crew - Get Together [2007]
Patrice Roberts & Zan - Til' Tommorow. [2007]
Precious - Black Carpet. [2007]
Miss Alysha & H20 Phlo - Go Down Low. [2007]
Maximus Dan - Flag Invasion. [2007]
Miss Alysha - Unity [Precision RD MIX] [2007]
Co-Production, Mixing & Mastering on Machel Montano's "One More Wine" & "Higher Than High." [2007]
Mr. Slaughter - "Spread The Love", "Spread The Love [Precision RD MIX]" , "Stage " , "Move Up Yuh Body" , "I Jus Wanna Know" ft. Rembunction & "Changing Flows" off of 2007 Album 'Port-Of-Spain.'
Fay-Ann Lyons - Keep Moving [2007]
Machel Montano & Vybez Kartel - Tonight ! [2007]
Machel Montano - Higher Than High [32 Inch Plasma Rd Mix] [2007]
Machel Montano - Jumbie [Last Minute RD MIX] [2007]
Rikki Jai - Last Band[Precision RD Mix][2007]
Ninja Dan & Mista Vybe - Chaos [St Lucia] [2007]
Jabae & Mista Vybe - Blaze It Up [2008 Barbados]
Bunji Garlin & Chris Black - Swing It [2007 NYC] [Ruff Ryders Caribbean Cartel] !!
Chris Black - Hey Mama [2007 NYC] [Universal Records, Rawth Child Ent]
Q Da Kid - Money Aint Nuttn [2007 Atl] [So So Def]
Tango & Cash - Mmm Mmm Mmm [2007]
Tango & Cash - Clear It Out & Clear It Out [Remi] Ft. Q Da Kid (Atlanta) [2007]
El A Kru [Tizzy] - Bounce [Precision RD Mix] [2007]

[2008]

Umi Marcano - Turn It Around [Production, Co- Writing, Mixing & Mastering] [2008]
Umi Marcano - Flavor Of Love [Placement On Popular VH1 TV Show "Flavor Of Love"] [2008]
Miss Alysha - We Own The Road [2008]
Mista Vybe - Life [2008]
Surge - This Girl [2008]
Mista Vybe & Kes - Wave It Away[2008]
Kuttit - Drunk and Dotish [2008 NY]
The iRiddim - "3Suns - Bump On It", "Skarface - Gimme That", "Slam Cutter - Ah Never"
Shurwayne Winchester - Road Jam [2008] [Co-Production, Mixing & Mastering]
ROBOMAN [Eclectik]- RoboMan [2008]!!!!!!!!
Nadia Batson - My Posse & My Posse [Precision RD MIX] (Original and Extended RD MIX) [2008]
Miss Alysha , Mista Vybe & ROBOMAN - Own The Road [Precision RD Mix]
Brick & Lace ft Kes - Love Is Wicked [Precision Soca Remix] (Original & Pullout Version) [2008] !!
Kes The Band - Right Dey [Precision RD Mix] [2008]
RoboMan [Eclectik] - RoboMan [Precision Rd Mix]

Love and Music,

Nurse Karen

P.S. PULSE CHECK - What do you think? ( Leave your 2 cents below)

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The Rounds: False alarm, CPF to pay Fay-Ann all she's owed.

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


It's St. Patricks's Day Weekend in Toronto, and Calle Ocho weekend in Miami. So, south Florida’s biggest Latin festival is on and popping with a little soca, mixed in for good measure.
Today, Kevin Lyttle appears on the Power 96 stage alongside Shaggy and Brooke Hogan.

A shot I grabbed of Kevin Lyttle at home in St. Vincent, back in 2006

Kevin’s working to push out a sophomore album for the North American market this year. You can expect guest appearances from man like Pitbull, "Mr. Boombastic" – Shaggy, even Fat Joe. Weird, right?

With Destra in Toronto in '08

While we’re talking about new soca albums. Get your hands on these: Trini Jacobs has got one. Destra's got HOTT. I would STRONGLY recommend "On in 5" by Kes the Band. Oh and for the big people... check calypso vet, David Rudder for "Trinidad Stories." You can download them from Trinidadtunes.com or bug your local music seller and make them stock the music YOU love.

King David Rudder in Washington, D.C., in January 2009.

This was a topsy-turvy week for Trinidad’s reigning soca Queen Fay-Ann Lyons. She received a letter from the organizers of the International Soca Monarch competition informing her that her prize money would be slashed due to the economic down turn. Yes, you heard me right! The Caribbean Prestige Foundation was blaming its main sponsor, the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs for going back on its promise to provide a $1 Million first prize for the winner of the Power Soca Category on Fantastic Friday. Just two days ago, there was a big uproar in Trinidad when the news got out that Fay-Ann would be getting just $750 thousand instead.

The Nurse and Fay-Ann, Toronto 2008

Well, I have some good news for you. Late yesterday, the president of the Caribbean Prestige foundation issued a release apologizing for his very SCHUPID error. Fay-Ann will get the $1 million after all, plus all the cash she’s owed for Groovy Monarch and Peoples Choice. He’s now saying that he mistook the Ministry’s recommendation for a directive. That means, he thought the government wasn’t going to fork out the cash at all. Truth be told, they just well cheap and were HOPING to keep a little extra in their pockets. The wretches.

All’s well that ends well I guess!


I’m Nurse Karen, and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Check out Nurse Karen Etc on facebook or mustard seeds dot net for more juicy soca news. And don’t forget, the only soca news podcast, Dr. jay’s rounds is available for download at soca therapy dot com. Now, back to de docta.

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Kees!

Kees rang in his 28th birthday on March 12th.  Friends and family threw him a  suprise birthday party at Port-of-Spain's 51 Degrees night club.  

Thursday is Karaoke night at 51.  The highlight of the birthday lime was a performance of Sparrows "Congo Man", by Kees' dad  Bunny Dieffenthaller.  Now it's proven music is the root of that family tree.  Kees' mom is a classical musician, brothers Jon and Hans play instruments in Kes the Band, and well Daddy, he may end up the next Trinidadian Idol. 

According to the Trinidad Guardian, it was hard to get Kees to his party.  He insisted that he wanted to spend a quiet evening.  However, the friend who accompanies him faked an emergency bathroom pit stop.  Needless to say, he took the bait. Also...needless to say...dat had to be a woman, cuz he wouldnta stop de car for no man who needed to buss a piss!  ...I'm just saying.  Sorry ladies...

Somebody had to tell you.

Well Kees, Happy Birthday!

For all the sad ladies, I pulled something to make you smile.

Here's Kes the Band performing Our Prayer

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Eye Unit: Bacchanal Wednesday performance clips

You know I try and carry my camera everywhere I go.  Too bad, this carnival I really was focused a little more on the lime than anything else.  Never mind that, if you missed the Bacchanal of Trinidad carnival, I think I brought home enough to give you a sample.

Here are some clips from the sets of Kes the Band, Destra and Machel Montano HD.  

You'll see a few of your faves including; Kees, Nadia Batson, Alison Hinds, Saucy Wow, Skinny Fabulous, Machel, and Busy Signal.

Enjoy!

<

Need a little more?

Read our reviews of the event below

Nurse's Lounge:  Bacchanal Wednesday - Ah Reach - by Nurse Karen

On De Scene: My First Experience - Bacchanal Wednesday - by Rochelle

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One De Scene: My first experience - Bacchanal Wednesday !

Hi, I am Rochelle from one of de most beautiful islands in the Caribbean , St.Lucia. I am honoured to be covering my first Trini Carnival with the Nurse and you can bet your bottom dollar the atmosphere is everything I expected!

Last Night, was my very first trini fete having arrived at 1 a.m. because Karen and I had no intentions of attending the proclaimed Bacchanal Wednesday which was held in Chagaramas. Nonetheless we have no regrets!

Nurse Karen and I inside Bacchanal Wednesday

When we arrived, we were welcomed with the tunes of Kes the Band and Nadia Batson. Now before I continue, I must tell you all ,that I am a huge Nadia fan . Her vocals and lyrics are just captivating so when we spotted her public for a split second I was star stuck ,yes I was!

Nadia Batson and Myself at Bacchanal Wednesday

Anyways, back to de Bacchanal after Kes the Band and Nadia warmed de crowd up , Destra came on with her band ; and I must say I was more than impressed with Destra performance. Especially her inclusion of the two soca Queens (Denise Saucy Wow and Alison Hinds) on their 2009 track "Obessive Winers"! The performance and chemistry was indeed the highlight of the show for me.

As expected , Trinis went mad when Machel Montano HD came on stage , the crowd was literally going "wild like ants" . What a sight! Machel performed all de way to 5:30 a.m, for a second I thought he would not stop til sunrise. So for my first trini fete , I must admit I think ah catch some sorta party fever and I just want to party now, It is addictive ah tell you!

Many patrons will complain about the long traffic afterwards but I did not mind , because the company on the way home was great and I had a blast at Bacchanal Wednesday. So cheers to Zen for a great show , ah coming tonight again, for University Splash !

So stay tuned , Nurse thanks once again for having me on board.


Take care guys and if you eh in Trini , dont worry The Nurse and I will be giving you the 411 on all the events.

Peace, Rochelle !

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Nurse's Lounge: Bacchanal Wednesday Ah Reach!

If you've never done the Trini Carnival thing, and you're looking for a big  fete with top artistes that won't cost you your month's rent to attend, give Bacchanal Wednesday a try.  Mind you it's not cheap.  Carnival time isn't the time for deals.  

After stick fighting, Rochelle and me rode west to Chagaramas.  We weren't sure what to expect, arriving at 1:00 am to an event that started at 9p.m.  Lucky for us, we were right on time to see performances from Kes the Band, Destra and her Band and Machel Montano HD.

My highlight was the Destra's performance of Obsessive Winers together with Alison Hinds and Denise Belfon.  Beautiful to see those divas on stage together!  I don't have any juicy news, or back stage scoop.  I spent the night liming with friends.  Ran into people I know from Toronto, Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Miami - united in soca!  YES!!!!!

Behind the scenes with Saucy WOW (one night later at UWI Fete)

Boo factor:  So Zen, as a patron of your event, I didn't appreciate that I had to purchase $100 worth of chits if I wanted to drink anything that all.  I wanted water!  Come on nah man...what is that one?

None the less, such a sweet welcome party! We lapped up 4 plus hours of fete, followed by nearly 2 hours of traffic.  Then I was out like a light.  

Ready for me next adventure!

Love and soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

P.S.  I wanna introduce you to a special guest contributor who will be helping me keep the blog up to date for the rest of the Trinidad Carnival season.  Please join me in welcoming my girl Rochelle from St. Lucia, here for her first go at Trinidad Carnival!  Make sure and read her posts and leave her lots of comments!  Lata!

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The Rounds: Kevin Lyttle's New Song with Flo Rida

Good Evening Soca Lovers,



Season's Greetings. It may be cold outside, but wherever soca music is pumping…it's hot, hot, hot! St. Kitt's and Nevis is especially steamy this time of year as they celebrate their annual Carnival. This year's festival is aptly themed "Nuff Riddim, Plenty Lime."Local favourites like d'Vybz Band International, are now starting to release their music for the carnival season that official reaches it's climax on New Year's day. Vybz will dropping it's '08/'09 carnival album next week. So be sure and check for it.

Speaking of albums… Kes the Band will have a new offering for 2009. The first release is a song called "The Feeling". It's a tribute to Trinidad's musical heritage of Calypso. It has a bit of an 80's retro feel in its construction, all mellowed out with the silky vocals of lead singer, Kees. The new album drops in January.

Nurse Karen and Kees in Toronto

The first lady of Kees the band is none other than the stunningly talented, Miss Nadia Batson. Today is her 32nd b-day and were sending out positive vibes to Nadie as she rings it in. Happy Birthday Girl!

With Nadia Batson in Toronto last month

You've heard me talking a little bit here and there about Kevin Lyttle's Japanese album. Well he's been working on projects for this side of the Pacific Ocean too. A track called Anywhere surfaced on the internet about two weeks ago. It features Flo Rida and Po Boyz…and it's definitely more R&B than soca or anything else. Kevin says the song was originally scheduled to hit airwaves come January, but there is some talk about pushing out sooner because of the leak.

Nurse Karen and Kevin Lyttle in St. Vincent last June.

Over in Trinidad, Kernal Roberts has taken a new step to revive the memory of his legendary father, the late, great Grandmaster Lord Kitchener. Angustura made the controversial decision to cast Roberts in a modern remake of a well-known local television commercial in which Kitch strums the first few bars of "Drink Ah Rum". The original commercial first aired in the early nineties, but in 2008, Kernal who is an accomplished song-writer and musician in his own right, plays his father. A task which comes pretty naturally considering the amazing resemblance. The new ad campaign was lauched last week Friday at a White Oak Staff Lime in Trinidad. Adesh Samaroo and Machel Montano were also present.

With Kernal Roberts in Miami

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Look for me online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog, at www.mustardseeds.net. And download the Rounds podcast to go at http://socatherapy.com/podcast. 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: Kevin Lyttle mourns the loss of his beloved mother

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

Antigua and Barbuda has a brand new International Music Festival coming June 12 -15. It’s called Romantic Rhythms and it features the likes of Keyshia Cole, Brian McKnight and Kenny Rogers! Shaggy and Maxi Priest will be showing love reggae-style, and in the soca arena, Miss Destra Garcia and Atlantik will balance out the Caribbean vibes. Here's a shot of me with the guys from Atlantik. We were liming at Glow in St. Vincent. You'll notice they aren't wearing the right colour!

If you draw a straight line going east from the Caribbean, you’ll eventually hit the gold coast of Africa. There you’ll find a group called 5Five that’s making a lot of buzz with their song African Gurlz. The local music in Ghana consists of two infectious styles called Highlife and Hiplife. They aren’t all that different from popular Caribbean sounds, because those very African Rhythms are the foundation of OUR modern music. The 5Five hit is a foray into the genre of soca music, and this week the duo is ecstatic to be nominated for FIVE 2008 Ghana Music Awards. We wish them good luck, whether they win Discovery of the Year, Hiplife Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, OR Hiplife Album of the Year – Any win is a big forward for Soca Music internationally. And I support dat!

I was fortunate to travel to Africa for the first time last Spring. I was in Ghana during the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of independence from British rule. Here's a picture of me at the Cape Coast slave castle. That was a very emotional day.

The Summer Olympics will be taking place in Beijing this year(if the boycotts are unsuccessful), and today the torch made its circuit through London England. The Royal city made sure the relay acknowledged every element that makes it a world class destination. One of those elements is the annual Notting Hill Carnival. When the torch made its way to Ladbroke Grove at 10 o’clock this morning, a mini-carnival was waiting there for it. That’s the area where Europe’s largest outdoor festival takes place every August. For FOUR hours, Londoners reveled in Caribbean food and music as they looked ahead to the Olympic games.

And this is me, playing mas at the REAL Notting Hill Carnival...

Happy belated birthday greetings go out to a couple of top Caribbean musicians! Kees’s big brother Jon Dieffenthaller turned 29 on Monday. He’s the guitarist from Kes the Band. Over in St. Vincent, Alex “Kubiyashi” Barnwell, was ringing in his Champagne birthday on the very same day. He burst on the scene in 2005, with the Lava Slide Riddim, A production that featured tracks by soca artistes from six different countries. But you probably know him best as the producer of Zoelah’s smash hit Go Down Low.

Last Summer, Kubiyashi was hanging in Toronto for Caribana. Here we are at CIUT 89.5 FM. Kubi's being interviewed on the World Wide Wake Up Show by Jester and Chief.



Lastly, the entire Soca Therapy family wishes to express our deepest sympathy to Kevin Lyttle and his family in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and abroad on the passing of his mother earlier in the week. The mother and son shared a unique bond…and she will definitely be missed. Here's a shot I snapped of Kevin in happier days. He had just performed at Maddzart's Wild Out in Wred party in SVG in 2006.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please send me your comments online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustardseeds dot net. And don’t forget to download the podcast. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Canadian music pirates get shut down in RCMP raid

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. If you were snowed in this weekend, you might enjoy knowing what de soca people were doing on the sunny shores of Jamaica! Friday night the pre-carnival fetes continued at the Bacchanal Jamaica Mas Camp with a special performance from Kes the Band. Kes was in Toronto last month. After the show, lead singer Kees came out to lime with us in the crowd. Watch sweat nah!




Over so, the students at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus revved up their OWN carnival celebrations. One of those fetin’ students happens to be Skinny Fabulous from St. Vincent. He’s finishing a degree in - get this - MASS COMMUNICATIONS! Am I the only one who finds that funny? Anyway, he was on hand to premiere a few of his new releases for Vincy Mas 2008. Here I am with Skinny Fabulous and Mr. Vegas at Club Xcape in St. Vincent in 2006.



The other hot ticket in the Caribbean last night was WOMEN POWER in St. Maarten, Netherland Antilles. Ms. Alison Hinds and El a Kru made sure to show dem why DEY hot.

If you were paying attention last week, you’ll remember that I ended the rounds with a charge to go out and LEGALLY purchase soca music. The idea came to me after a conversation with a friend over at Homebase Entertainment in Grenada, who showed me a link to their Soca City Volume One CD, and Da Mastamind Project 3, both being ILLEGALLY sold on a Canadian website called Audiomaxx.com. This week Audiomaxx was finally brought to justice. The Winnipeg based counterfeiting operation was shut down in an RCMP raid on Wednesday after THREE years of duplicating and selling pirated CDs and DVDs. The police seized more than 200 thousand discs to be sold at a dramatic retail discount over the internet. Personally, I can’t believe the nerve of these guys. They actually took the time to superimpose their logo on the cover art to fool shoppers like you and me into believing their product was actually authentic. It is alleged that 30 per cent of all pirated CDs in Toronto were manufactured by the bandits at Audiomaxx. Again, If you WANT soca music, BUY it from a reputable source like Trinidad Tunes or iTunes.

Speaking of iTunes, Soca Therapy has a brand new podcast available free of change for soca fans everywhere. Thanks to MP studios. Now you can subscribe to Dr. Jay’s Rounds…download it your computer…and I’ll keep you up to date with your weekly dose of soca news, artiste gossip and carnival info.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-35, or post them online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple W dot Mustard Seeds dot Net. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Adrian Dutchin is Guyana's 2008 Soca Monarch

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr Jay's Rounds. If you weren't at the Return Fete last night, you really missed out. It was all about Kes the Band and the KOS family kicking of Toronto's soca season in class and style. I have to large up de Soca Warriors crew for elevating their big flag to the ceiling with a little help from their friends. I think the boys were channeling their inner Faye-Ann Lyons when one of the members was carried around Kool Haus - surf board–stylee - on a wooden skid during Kerwin Dubois and Shal Marshall's performance of Gal Farm. Yes, Toronto allyuh crew and dem stepping up.

I'm sure some of you ladies were pleasantly surprised to see exactly what Kees is working with, when he took off his shirt on stage last night. The lead vocalist has been pumping the iron for his role as a surfer on a Trinidadian TV series called De Reef. Well, there won't be much surfing going on while he's in Toronto's c-c-c-old weather. But, Kees says he's kinda digging the snowy vibe in the city…and he would love to try snowboarding, skiing, or ice-skating on for size.



While we were celebrating our collective return from Trinidad Carnival last night, our friends in Guyana were crowning a new soca monarch. Congratulations goes out to X2's Adrian Dutchin for snatching the title back from last year's winner, Malo...and he's hoping that he'll be Mashramani road march king too. This is the third ever win for Dutchin. His winning chune is "No Place Like Home" – a patriotic ditty produced by Shawn Mastamind Noel in New York.
"Un-Nous-Allee!", As we in Toronto get set to celebrate our first ever Family Day holiday, I thought I'd shout out my lovely Lucian listeners. This Friday marks the 29th anniversary of St. Lucia's independence…and dat is a reason to fete. Lucians in NYC will be marking the occasion with a special performance by a 25 year veteran in the music business. Ignatius Tisson, also known as "De Invader" is a seven time roadmarch king, 3-time calypso monarch, an extempo monarch and a king of kings champion. Papa Invader performs wearing a creepy mask that reminds me of those Mexican wrestlers, which goes to show…musical longevity is a by-product of talent, not looks. Happy Independence to the Lucian crew…and happy winter long weekend to ALL OF YOU.
I'm Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more soca music news and views, photos, video, and articles… Check out my online blog, (Nurse) Karen (Etc) at triple W dot mustard seeds dot net. Now back to de docta!

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Booster Shot: Fantastic Friday at Girl Power

So, let me start with and apology. All year long you hear me on air talking about soca monarch and party monarch competitions from all over the globe. Any kind of monarch really, Chutney, Calypso...what can I say? I'm obsessed with the monarchy.

Well I here in Trinidad for Carnival 2k8, and guess where I didn't go tonight? Don't actually guess...that's what they call a rhetorical question. Instead, de ladies and me niced up ourselves to party with Island People at Girl Power.



Parking was a headache and a half. Alas, we made it to the VIP gate and got in. I immediately spotted D'Bandit and a big crew from Toronto...and ruined their perfectly good picture. Then, I was all alone. I lost all 6 of the other girls I came with. You know what that means? I had to go for my first Bailey's alone.

Saucy Wow was on stage, singing her rude girl anthem. She picked the smallest lil man from the crown to kill him with de wine. Ah fine she killing me these days too. Denise, what to say, really? I love your big smile, your big voice, your big bam bam...I ain't mad. I especially love your "don't care" attitude. So, I hope you don't care when I say tight does not = sexy.

Destra and Atlantik had next. She have some really eye candy in that band. Num num. At this point, I met up with the girls and we had a premium spot to the right of the stage. I looked up and I saw gold sequined hot pants reflect all manner of light. She sang the old favourites...as her secret weapon writing buddy Kernal Roberts looked on from back stage.



He and Machel greeted me with smiles and kisses to welcome me to Trinidad. Sean Paul and Ms. Garcia did they wine up thing again. And the Rider girls really crushed a very happy man...bouncing in the sky and ting. All of that makes for a nice lil presentation..but the real highlight of the show was a petite Antiguan ball of fire by the name of Tizzy. When she ran on stage, it was all style, class, elegance and talent. She's got a command of the crowd that is intensifying each time I see her perform. I feel like her performance of Expose was the first one to really get that crowd away from the bar and the food tents for a few minutes. Congrats Tizzy! She must have come straight from the Groovy Soca Monarch Show. I have no idea why Atlantik didn't use "Show Dem What You Have" in their shows. It's a big tune on the radio...and it's the one that got baby girl into the finals. But none the less, she worked the hell out of her 5 minutes!

Content on some stew beef, mashed potatos and salad...I decided to check out the General Admission side to find a few friends. Much to my surprise...the other side was more spacious, and had a better view. So, that's where I parked it till the sun came up. Kes the Band, gave a wonderful show. Nadia was cool and relaxed in her black tee and jeans. Kees stripped down, just to remind the girls why he's such a hottie...and finally...I relaxed and took a wine.

The last band of the night was Machel Montano HD. They still on that HD ting for 2K8? At once the liquor must have kicked in...cuz the crowd was finally ready to party. I'm sure this was about 4 am. Farmer Nappy, Patrice, Machel...and even Ricky T got exactly one minute to bring de pressure before the fete shut down. It was rags and flags and glow sticks...and jamishness. As the sun began to rise over Jenny's car park, I turned around and saw two family-ar faces wining like they on vacation! Marxman and Soca Sweetness from the Kingdom of Soca and Soca Therapy took a break from DJ duties that night to enjoy Girl Power. (Now why they calling it that again?)



Police tell Machel to stop..and de party stop. Ran into Lil Bitts on the way out...visited all the performers to share some kudos. If you see how hard they work during this season. And to think those boys were still looking to lime. Not me. time for bed.



I'm Nurse Karen and that's your Booster Shot! Next stop Maracas Bay...

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Booster Shot: Somebody say Tribe in de air!

Lemme tell you a lil sumting! Either everyone in Trinidad is a millionaire, or de promoters and dem really not interested in letting regular people in they fetes. Not so sure what kinda people are the ones gobbling up the tickets like rice and peas at Sunday dinner...but ah figure not every one is so ready to part with that kinda money. Did I say that already?

So where did I leave off? Yesterday, after cooling out at Beachhouse in the sun and in de rain we dragged our tired botttoms back home for a quick fresh. Then we turned around twice and headed to the Oval for the Tribe All-Inclusive. Tribe is one the best party bands in Trinidad. De mas could be so-so...but the vibes don't stop flowing. The party was the same. Took a lil while to get inside, but only because I was rolling with humanitarians who were holding pre-purchased tix for friends and stangers who didn't want to pay the extra $50 TT at the door. Dat is like $8...I would a let dem stand in line. But you dun know ah wikked.

So de lime outside de gate was cool. We saw de djs and dem biding they time until their sets. Hoppie, D'Bandit, and Playhouse...all made time for a photo op with me! (Ah de subtle power of words)



I heard Kes and Nadia dem singing they lungs out. My friend say she was able to ketch a glimpse of de man's bare chest on the big screen . I guess that's some kinda highlight, me ain't know. Jamesy P was next. Ah don't feel he was happy about that...having to sing two tunes over tracks, with a stadium full of Bashment Freaks still balling for Nookie with Kees.

Sometime in the DJ set we completed our duties at de door..and we came inside. Dat was a nice fete. Hands down, one of the best I've been to in some time. I have to thanks the worker bees at the gate for my rag and those non-discript pieces of jewellery. I doh self know what they be...but they pretty.

The show rolled on...Hunter, Bunji, Faye-Ann, Destra, Tizzy, Sean Paul, Beenie...woy! It was so sweet to see Bunji back in fine form. If marriage has taught the man anything, it's staying power and resilience. He was on fire. Lyrics, energy, stamina for dayz! The highlight of the night was a free-style battle between Beenie Man and Bunji Garlin that lasted could 30 mins. Trinidad's son won hands down! And the Jamaican rude bwoy conceded defeat by saying..."Bunji Garlin is one of the best, if not THE BEST DJ in the Caribbean." And with that, he walked off the stage.

Speaking of DJs...as in the kind that actually spin music fuh make people dance and ting. We had some great company in the Xcaliber International squad. Mr. Slaughter, Jester, Walshy from Black Chiney and Kid Kut...were by de wall getting the wine on to de soca.



At the end of the fete, it was hilarious watching all the men on the prowl. Not saying any of the ones ah already mentioned, but it was like vultures preying on dead tired women. De crew and I fought off our fair share and found the car. Big up to de chauffeur for getting us home safe and sound!

Lemme ketch a few winks. I have to recharge my Girl Power. Island People mas got next!

I'm Nurse Karen and that's your Booster Shot.

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The Rounds - June 17, 2007

June 17, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds for Father’s Day 2007.
It’s another hot weekend in the city. And when it’s hot, you have to find creative ways to keep that temperature in check. For some, that meant strolling down to Barbados on the water to see Rupee. While others preferred to chill out in they short pants on the Palazzo Patio for another soapy foam fete. No matter how allyuh stay cool…is good once you doing it with soca.
The coolest thing out of St. LUCIA right now is the Lehgo Me Riddim. This infectious production is the work of a guy named ACE who managed to get Bunji, Faye Ann, Qpid, Skinny Fabulous and Zoelah each to give it their own special touch. My personal favourite is a track called “Presha Boom” by St. Lucia’s own Ricky T. And is not just me who feel de chune wikkked, yah kna. EVEN though Lucian carnival is just barely underway, VP records is already in talks with Ace and Ricky T about putting that bad boy on the next soca gold compilation. If it dey dey…guess who go be first in line to buy it?
In case you ARE looking for new music to buy, you might want to consider the new Scrappy Album. In 2005/2006 Scrappy earned himself the Montserrat Soca Monarch Crown, but I’m sure some of my Montserratian crew would remember him as a two-time JUNIOR CALYPSO monarch. Well he’s all grown up now, and he’s celebrating his 25th birthday with the release of his third album “Soca Is Life”, out on Faluma Digital in Europe…and through iTunes everywhere else.
Speaking of Europe…Trinidadian Fireman Bunji Garlin is packing his bags for a seven city European tour alongside Germany’s biggest soca sound system…The Soca Twins. From June 28th -- July 10th Bunji will be racking up the air miles from Germany to France, Sweden to Italy. And iWayne ( you know - the reggae artist who said soca is devil music)…he go be home ..wid he Mummah.
On a more serious note, a budding soca artist died tragically on Thursday night in Trinidad. Eric Cyril Stephenson otherwise known as Sphinx was gunned down at home in Petit Bourg. You may remember Sphinx from songs like “Wine on You” from 2004 and his 2005 duet with Kes called “Doh Buss No Gun”. The talk is…that Sphinx was known to local police for drug trafficking, and witnesses of the shooting death say that he seemed to know his killer.
On thing I know – dat kinda schupitness has got to stop! Just turn up de sweet soca music and stay cool. Don’t let a little sunshine give you a hot head!
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Text me your comments at 9-3-5-9-3-5, now back to de Docta!

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The Rounds - May 11, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. In case alluyuh missed de memo, today is Mother’s Day! If your moomie is anything like mine, then if you haven’t called by now, you better just be sure have something good for her Christmas. You always hadda remember your mother! So, I want to send a special greeting to the woman who dressed me up in Vincy colours to go down University Avenue. She taught me the words to Rum and Coca-cola. She even taught me how to roll my waist in the kitchen. I’m sending love and thanks to the sweet West Indian woman who showed me how to be both feminine and strong.
To all the mother’s listening, whether or NOT the children you’ve reared are your own. To all the mothers who are no longer with us. Today we salute you!
LAST NIGHT…while we WERE still loving de mommies and dem, the main focus was on something else. Toronto was injected with a healthy dose of carnival fever. Your favourite KOS DJs and Yours Truly were spreading the love to at a score of Band Launches. Maybe you were jamming with Marxman and Callaloo crew over at Palazzo for the Conquest of Alexander. Could be you got a dose of musical medicine from de Doctor. He was bringing his vibe to Jamaal Magloire’s Toronto Revellers when they transformed Shangri-La to Viva Las Vegas. Soca Sweetness lent HIS honey to the brand new Tribal Nights band at the Ramada hotel. And your nurse was there too…administering a little treatment of my own. I also want to big up Louis Saldenah and de Expats who were warming up last night as well. Maybe it’s just me, but I think Summer is almost here.
Springtime in Toronto is the perfect time to get out and do something different. Starting Wednesday, audiences here at home can look forward to a new play from Trinidadian playwright Tony Hall. Twilight Café opens at The Great Hall this Wednesday, but today Director, Rhoma Spencer is here in studio to tell you all about it.
Here in Ontario, Summer unofficially starts with the Victoria Day long weekend. So, if you’re ready to cast off those dark clothes, get a fresh pedicure and a sassy new hair cut...now is the time to get organized. Next Sunday night, be sure and start your summer right! Soca or Die “Take 6 Love” is the only name you need to remember. Where else can you see Nadia Batson, Kes the Band, Kerwin Du Bois, Collie Buddz and Ziggy Ranking. Where else can you hear the entire cast of KOS DJ’s under one roof? Where? Feel free to text me, because I want to know! You MUST get your tickets now, because come next weekend you won’t get any sympathy from me. Betta safe dan sor-ree.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to soca at FLOW 935 dot com. Now back to de docta!

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