Booster Shot: 2011 bMobile International Soca Monarch Finalists & Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch Finalists

Okay Trinidad....

Below is your sneak peak at the final list of competitors for Trinidad Soca Monarch, Friday, March 4, 2011

Congrats and good luck to all who made it!

POWER:
Bunji Garlin
Destra

Fay-Ann Lyons

Iwer George

JW & Blaze

Machel Montano HD

Michelle Xavier

Nadia Batson / Patrice Roberts
Ravi B & Nisha B
Shal Marshall

Tallpree



GROOVY:
All Rounder

Benjai

Blaxx

Cassi

Chucky

Denise Belfon
Destra

Jahmoun

Kes Dieffenthaller
Kerwin Du Bois

Megan
Patrice Roberts 

Shurwayne Winchester

Yankee Boy & Patch

Please note, this list does not contain the list of persons of regional soca monarch competitions who by-passed the semi-final round.

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Booster Shot: Carnival stabbing mars Point Fortin Borough Day

It's been 38 years since the South Trinidad town of Point Fortin first brought Carnival in the Month of May to Trinidad and Tobago.  In 2010, it is a much bigger event, embraced by the whole country  with the participation of many of T&T's top entertainers.

Sadly, this year the spirit of revelry went head to head with the spirit of alcohol and lost when a 25 year old construction worker was stabbed to death Saturday morning over a bottle of beer.

For more on this story from the Trinidad Guardian,

CLICK HERE


Never miss a story....follow @nursekaren on Twitter!

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Booster Shot: JW and Blaze obliterate all competition for 2010 Trinidad Roadmarch

Let me waste no time.  I think the numbers speak for themselves. I feel sorry for the judges that had to listen to ONE song for the WHOLE day yesterday.  Congrats to JW and Blaze for totally dominating Carnival 2K10!

The numbers reflect how many times each song was played at the various judging points:

1	JW and Blaze	Palance	417
2	Faye Ann Lyons Alvarez	True Lies	40
3	Machel Montano	No Behavior	11

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene: "Chutney Bacchanal" is a song...2010

Winners row: Moses Charles 3rd, Rikki Jai 2nd and Ravi B 1st.

Neeshan D Hitman on stage at Chutney Soca Monarch 2010

De News:

Bacchanal Season?

Wherever it hav carnival competitions it bound to hav Bachannal. Wheese! Why boy?

Last Saturday was de NLCB’s Chutney Soca Monarch Competiton. Congratulations Ravi (Bissembhar) B, who was crowed the winner and is also the youngest (27 years) person to ever win the show, opps sorry competition.

The champ came on stage after 10 pm and according to the Newsday newspaper (T&T) was “carried on a sofa by members the bmobile Shiv Shakti Dance Company. He was accompanied during the performance, which was filled with dance and drama, by Barbadian soca star Allison Hinds and his sister, popular chutney singer Nisha Bissembhar.”

Ah sorry eh allyuh, buh ah had a lil gig the same time so ah really didn’t get to see the winning performance. Ah sure ah will ketch ah repeat soon.

Ravi B won TT$200.000.dollars plus a spot in the Bmobile Groovy Soca Monarch competition. He also said he and his band KARMA are booked to perform everyday till Carnival. (and allyuh know is 3 and 4 gigs per nite wit dem bands now rite). Sweet Ravi, SWEET…

Rikki Jai, came in 2nd earning himself TT$100,000 with his song “BARMAN”.

3^rd place went to Moses Charles wit his song “Indrani.

Hmmm, like song on RUM, WOMAN an touched by producer Big Rich (Zaheer Khan) of de Pungalunks Factory RULE ….

Now dah seems clear enough, yun enter, yuh make it t the finals, yuh perform. We “The People” text fuh we favorite an tadaaah a winner. Bu NOOOO….

An ah tell allyuh it must have ah bacchanal. The following is a note written by Neeshan D Hitman (who was also a contestant in Saturday’s grand finale) on his facebook account.

Today (Febuary 1st) at 10:28am

“ I am too blessed to be stressed !

First of all let me congratulate RAVI B and RIKKI JAI on their well deserved first and second place !

I do feel cheated however by amount of complains i have recieved from numerous fans friends and family WHEN THEY TRIED TEXTING DURING THE ENTIRE COURSE OF THE NIGHT their votes were not going thru I have that evidence on my phone also , I am not in anyway upset that i did not win , I DID NOT NEED it as badly as others did , I am me and will continue to be me , with or without that crown , I dont need it to prove a point , I dont need it to pass on others and i certainly dont need it for you to love and support me .

Rikki Jai knows how I feel about him entering the competetion thats just my opinion because if I had won so many times I would have steped back and give a younger artiste that chance , but I am not always right and he really put out his all to earn his position , even though props , glitz and glamour should not be the winning points he works hard at giving us a great show.

Ravi B knew what he wanted and he did not hold back , from the many billboards to his massive presentation , he wanted the crown and he worked also very hard to get it . So I am very Happy for him and Congratulate him once again , i hope he bears in mind that he won the CHUTNEY SOCA CROWN and represents it to the max , not the film song crown or the reggae , dance hall crown etc but CHUTNEY SOCA CROWN.

All i am upset about is the fact that the real amount of VOTES were not reflected towards my Name !"

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

D Hitman also claimed Ravi B’s winner song was also offered to him first but he refused to sing it because he felt he had done too many rum songs during his career
.

Now D Hit man is meh boy eh. Since I met him and his family a few years ago ah always find dem to be real peeps (an allyuh know how ah feel bout keeping it real). An even though ah understand his concerns regarding de text fiasco, ah wondering if he shuda post his note so soon after. In my opinion, YES, address the issue, but maybe he cuda wait ah bit. Seek a meeting with the promoters. But I can’t blame some of the people that responded to he note by calling him a sour grape. Ah mean according to my research, dis is not de first year there have been complaints concerning the text set up. So address it before or address it in a proper manner. Buh daiz just my take on it eh. Hitman doh vex ,ah still love yuh.

What allyuh tink?

Genres may divide us but can understanding an acceptance bring us together?

Bless,

Knyx...

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Booster Shot: Behind the scenes at Lil Bitts' video shoot for "Careful"

Few artists show as much raw enthusiasm for every aspect of their career as Trinidad's Lil Bitts.  With J'ouvert morning just a little over a month away, the upbeat songstress is making a big push with hope to keep her groovy hit "Careful" at the top of the charts.  Bitts submitted "Careful" into Groovy Soca Monarch competition last week.  Hopefully she will have better luck in 2010, as she didn't make it to the finals in 2009.

On Tuesday, the "Careful" video was shot in two locations in Trinidad.  An early morning in-studio shoot featuring men playing brass instruments began the day.  Then around 8pm the public was invited for a larger scene at the ECM Car Park.

Lil Bitts poses with video cast

Credit where credit is due:

Written by Sherrard Churche (Bitts' brother)
Produced by:  Richard Char Su Ahong

Shot & Directed by: Declan "Gecko" Leeloo and Kevon "Lerbz" Savoury
Car owned by: Psycho Sounds
Models: Ebony Baird and Samantha Armorgan
Dancers: Pengstar and Bling Trini Alliance
Lil' Bitts Clothes sponsored by: CACHE

Bitts seemed pretty contend about how things turned out, and had a few people to thank...

"Big up Pengstar outta the Trini Alliance family...my leading man!! And also my director Gecko u big uno!!"

- Lil Bitts.

Lil Bitts working it for the camera

Make sure you keep following Nurse Karen Etc to see the "Careful" video when it's complete!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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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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Eye Unit: Tian Winter interview with (muppet) Whitney Williams on Rango Radio

For everyone who has been hoping to learn a little more about Antigua's reigning 2009 Party and Groovy Soca Monarch, Tian Winter. here's a little interview you should enjoy from Gayelle TV in Trinidad.  Here, he sits down with a muppet version of American radio (and now TV) celebrity, Wendy Williams.

Whitney Williams is just as outrageous, but Tian handled her well and still got his points in.  It's hard to tell if the producers already knew exactly what he has accomplished so far in his brief career.  However, he went right ahead tells the viewers that he will be representing Antigua and Barbuda in the International Soca Monarch finals with "Soca Rebels" and explains how he hooked up with Patrice Roberts on "Bump N Grind".  He even drops a little hook from Baby I.  So, apart from being easy on the eyes, Mr. Winter knows how to handle the media

...a lesson many more established artists could still stand to learn.

See for yourself!



Love and Soca,


Nurse Karen
P.S.  Click my name to follow me on twitter!

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Booster Shot: International Soca Monarch CEO Quits

Three months to go till Carnival in Trinidad, but the bacchanal has begun early!  Gregory Fernandes, resigned as CEO of the Caribbean Prestige Foundation yesterday.  That's the organization responsible for producing the International Soca Monarch, Groovy Soca Monarch and Schools Soca Monarch competitions each year.  

It's pretty obvious that there has been some serious tension among the executive ranks of the CPF lately.  His resignation comes rather suddenly, following a press release issued from the Caribbean Prestige Foundation that distances the organization from comments made by Ferndandes earlier this week.  

At a news conference on Tuesday, Fernandes made comments expressing displeasure with the government's policy that prohibits the staging of major events at large national sporting facilities like the Jean Pierre Complex and Hasely Crawford stadium.  Fernades called on the government to reverse its policy because there's nowhere else big enough to host an event like Soca Monarch. He also criticized the new Academy for the Performing Arts.

Well, one would expect the organization to have his back right?  As if!  Nah bredrin, these people didn't stall at all.  Insead, they issued a release stating that the Foundation was not associated with the news conference hosted by  Fernandes, where both promoters and artistes alike protested the lack of suitable venues. The CPF press release praised government initiatives...and kinda hung Fernandes out to dry.  As a Scorpio, I rate loyalty so this one gets a great big *suck teet* and *eyes roll* from me! 

Although the lack of confidence from his colleagues was enough to cause him to close that door, Fernandes says it's not the end of him and Culture in T&T.  He has been with CPF since the very beginning and is one of the key players behind starting the Soca Monarch event in Trinidad and Tobago.

Well, the show will definitely go on.  We're just not sure where, and who will be at the helm.

Love and Soca!

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: RIP Almanac, etc...

Ok Allyuh, I have good news and bad news. Bad news first: I didn't report anything whatsoever about Anya Ayoung-Chee, because her recent sex tape (miniseries) buzz has NOTHING to do with soca or carnival. (If you don't know who I'm talking about...don't worry about it.) Good news: The Rounds are posted below! Carry on...

The Rounds: Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto "Soca Therapy" on Sunday, November 8, 2009

In this edition:
- Soca or Die 10 a success (Canada)
- Destra's Birthday (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Synergy TV Soca Star 5 starts this week (Trinidad and Tobago)
- RIP Alamanac (Trinidad)
- HD bus driver shot (Trinidad and Tobago)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Well, Toronto he’s done it again. Last night SOCA or DIE 10 proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this city is the international Soca mecca, when thousands of you packed kool haus to see a show with surprise cast! Wow, allyuh must really trust Dr. Jay. Well you definitely had good reason to. Soca or Die 10 delivered the goods with Grenadian soca fave Tallpree, Vincy bad boy Problem Child and Bajan General Edwin Yearwood putting on amazingly strong performances.

Surprise birthday cupcake Cake for the celebrating Scorpios and guests!

To all the Scorpios who were celebrating last night, Happy Birthday!!! Thanks for making our birthdays memorable too. One soca Scorpio who you won’t catch in a fete anytime soon will be turning 32 on Tuesday. Destra Garcia is taking it easy as she awaits the January arrival of her first child. She might as well get some rest now, since the plan is to reappear post bebe late in the Carnival season.

These days, I seem to be talking a whole lot about WHEN soca stars are born. But do you ever wonder HOW? Well Fireball and Umi Marcano got their chance at stardom thanks to a Trinidad based idol-style singing competition called Synergy Soca Star. In the past 4 seasons of the TV show, other winners have been Blue, O.G and Chinee. Well Season 5 is about to get underway on Wednesday, November 11th, and SupaJigga TC will be back at the host. Then, just a few days later on Saturday, the brand new crop of 15 finalists will dive headlong into the real deal by giving their 1st public performance at the St. James amphitheatre. Boy do I wish we could watch it here in Canada.

Trinidad lost another Calypsonian artiste this weekend. St. Lucian-born Calypsonian Almanac passed away in hospital on Friday due to Liver cancer. He migrated to Trinidad when he was 14 years of age, and was blind for all of his adult life. Over his career he composed more than 400 calypsoes, spent time teaching the craft to the next generation and even performed alongside Trinidad’s top acts in the genre. We at Soca Therapy would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Anthony Francis as we all mourn the loss of this important cultural figure.

Last but not least, a member of Machel Montano’s entourage took a bullet in the wee hours of yesterday morning. The driver of the HD tour bus was involved in a scuffle at a KFC restaurant that got a wee bit out of hand after police were called. He was shot in the foot, but he’s stable and recovering at home. Another man present at the time endured two gunshot wounds.  At last report, he was still being treated in hospital.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on everything mentioned here, visit me online everyday at Nurse-Karen.com,  follow me on Twitter, and be sure to send me b-day greetings ALL WEEK!  Now, back to de Docta!

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Lil Bitts

Sending warm  wishes to Miss Shivonne Churche aka Lil Bitts who will be dressing up as someone one year older for Halloween.  What I mean is...Happy Birthday!  From what I hear, Trinidad's smallest soca darling will be spending the day on a beach with her friends to celebrate the occasion.  Sound nice, huh?

Well Bitts!  Enjoy a much deserved day off today.  Looking forward to happy and successful year ahead.  Keep aiming high!



Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

P.S.  Here's a nice lil home video of the Bitts at home with her hot shirtless brother (and songwriter) Sherrard performing their big hit from Carnival 2K9 "Hold Meh". Ooh, by the way his birthday was on October 20th. So happy b-day to you both!





Click their names to follow them both on twitter.

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Eye Unit: Xante - Jump Start

Here's another one.  I admit, I don't know much about this group.  The sound is a little dated.  Kinda reminiscent of Shurwayne Winchester's uptempo chunes 5 years ago.  Nonetheless, I do applaud them for putting their faces out there.  Videos definitely help raise awareness.

Trini posse, fill me in!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: New Group Xante - Thick / Temptress

Ever heard of this group?  Here's a couple of new songs / a video from a soca group out of Trinidad called Xante.

Enjoy!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Artistes doing their Lil Bitts for Charity

Mel, Miki, Bitts and CutieRae

We like to look good.  We like to party.  We like to fete and carry on like every day is our last...but the soca community is more than just music and mas!  Trinidad's bite-sized soca darling Lil Bitts is doing her part for charity with a new initiative called M2BC.  It stands for Making Music to Benefit Charities, or simply the initials of the young ladies involved, Mel (Shivorne Melissa Mitchell), Miki (Tamika Ward-Lewis), Bitts (Shivonne Churche), CutieRae (Elena Rachel Rawlins)


I was very happy with Lil Bitts told me a little bit about the community work, she and her friends were delving into.  As you know, giving back is close to my heart, especially when it comes to the Arts.  Here's what Bitts had to say...

This foundation is a group of young intelligent talented women who have all been blessed with great vocals and the ability to play different instruments. We would now like to share our gift to benefit other young people like ourselves.

We plan to do this by having fund raisers and hosting various events throughout Trinidad. The money made would be used to purchase instruments for numerous homes and orphanages in Trinidad. Our goal is to go to these homes and teach the young people how to play, sing and even put on shows.

However, we do not intend to stop there. We wish to broaden our horizons as time goes on by indulging in different activities around the lines of music and exposing the talent that both we and our fellow colleagues in the music world have.

We had our first event on Friday October 9, 2009 at the Bishops/Trinity East School called "Do re mi...Karaoke".  Students, parents, family members and good friends came out and participated by using their vocal chords whether the sound coming out was good or bad.  The cost was $5.00TT and there were eats and drinks on sale...chocolate and sponge cake, sweetbread, brownies, puffs, juice, soft drink, water and of course no trini event is an event without corn soup.

Special thanks to Mr. Brown and Dawn for use of the Bishops/Trinity School, Gemma an advisor at our school COSTAATT, Gregory Mc Kay for the sound system, Robert and Bux from www.xclusiveventz.com for taking the photos, John Soon hon for designing our logo and everyone who supported and donated to the event.

All in all in a tiny class room we raised $978.00TT.  People sang and danced from 6pm - 9pm and when it was over they wanted more.  All in all it was a successful event and look out for more events coming soon!!!

For more pics from the event you can go to http://www.xclusiveventz.com

Keep up the good work ladies!

Spreading love through music,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: TUCO pays tribute to Father of soca, Ras Shorty I

It's Calypso History Month in Trinidad! Pretty cool, huh? It's also Black History Month in the UK, so I'm gonna do my part to give you guys a mini-course in soca's roots. Taking notes?

You all know the name Ras Shorty I? The late Garfield Blackman was a Trinidadian Calypsonian, and pan arranger. In our day he is highly respected as one of the key persons behind the development of Calypso's most popular variant, SOCA.

Next Tuesday (October 6, 2009), The Trinbago Unified Calysponians Organisation (TUCO) - North Zone will honour the deceased music icon on Harris Promenade, San Fernando. TUCO will be hosting a Vintage Kaiso Show.

If Ras Shorty I were with us today, October 6th would have been his 68th birthday. So, if you're in Trinidad and you love soca, you should check it out. The show starts at 8 pm.

Love and History!

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene: Lerbz' Fundraiser, I'm so ashamed!

"As most may already know, Kevaughn was involved in a terrible vehicle accident early Wednesday morning in the vicinity of downtown Port of Spain, suffering severe injuries and managing to escape from a horrific scene alive. He is extremely fortunate to have survived such an incident.Six (6) pints of blood were needed, and for those who contributed many many thanks!He is due for surgery soon & we are all praying for it to be successful and wishing him a quick recovery.Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, we all know he has a really good heart and is clearly meant for greater things. PLEASE let this be a lesson to all- DRIVE SAFELY! It would have been an awful tragedy if we lost someone so special".

Photo of Lerbz's Car after the accident

The above was taken from the Facebook page “RECOVERY In Aid of Kevaughn Lerbz Savory“. It was created to keep friends & fans updated on Lerbz‘ condition, to advertise a party to raise funds for his medical treatments, and to help raise road safety awareness (You speedy Gonzales out there).

Lerbz is a camera man. He’s worked for several different companies, including Synergy & C TV (CNMG) , he’s worked on videos and news, he’s also an On Air Presenter at RED 96.7fm here in Trinidad. In the entertainment industry, Lerbz, is one-ah-we.


Last Tuesday, a Fundraiser was held at Alchemy, one of the newest clubs that the plenty young, and few not so young party goers patronize. The tickets were ONLY TT $100 and DJ’s gave of their time and skills for free. Bless up to Links, Merry Perry, & Ezel (some of the DJs I saw) & Synergy TV. It was suppose to be a night of good vibes.. As a mater of fact, as I was leaving the hospital that same day, I said to Lerbz, “jam gonna be so packed tonight but I will still wine for you while you’re getting prepped for your 2nd surgery.“ Having recently gone through a similar experience, I knew how tough it can, be so I was trying to keep his spirits up, which by the way always seem to be up. Other than myself, I don’t know anyone else as upbeat & positive, about to go under the knife. Hahahahahaha.

Flyer for Lerbz's Fundraiser

Now, I’m upset…Shamed… Jam packed? What! Steups. ...Ah cudnah be more wrong.

To start with, I got a little annoyed when I got a message from the group asking people to refrain from asking for free tickets or guest list as this was a fundraiser! I thought, clearly, they must not have understood the word fundraiser, they probably thought that was the name of a regular party. Surely.
Secondly. As yuh girl drove up to the club and saw the cars, all meh friends hearing from meh is "hmmm hmmmm hm hm hm" and they knew Knycky was not pleased about something.

Alchemy’s designated car park, the gas station opposite, was almost empty, there were about 10 cars on the street, I looked at my watch (my phone) minuets to 1 on Wednesday Morning.　

All of you who wanted me to throw Jam to raise funds for MY medical bills, see why I shouted “I WILL DO IT ALONE, no matter how hard it may be”. I’ve learnt to put trust in God, man can fail you and fail Lerbz they did. Out of the hundreds of people he reaches everyday via his radio show, the 1,524 group members, over 700 confirmed to attend, Alchemy had about 250, 300 people that Tuesday, including workers.Thanks to those that weren’t there but still contributed by buying tickets. I have no beef with allyuh eh. But I’m not feeling the love from some of our “friends in de business”.
Would it have been so hard to use their influence to ram out that Club? All it would have taken were a few Facebook, Twitter status etc.
Maybe I’m upset because I’m just out of recovery & I know how hard Lerbz is going to have it emotionally, financially as a matter of fact every which ally you can think of, he’s going to be there (no pun intended).
Maybe I’m just fed up of the same thing happening over & over again, we talk a good talk. Maybe up and coming doesn’t have quite the same ring as hot stepper, in our business. In the DJ business if yuh not a Hypa Hoppa or a Shal, crapaud smoke yuh pipe. Lerbz hurry up and build your brand! Work hard like these guys did & you’ll soon see! But why do we have to be a “big name” to receive assistance when needed? I thought that just came naturally, friends help friends. Brother’s keeper?

Lerbz himself!

Maybe it was the fact that I saw some brand names in the business drive up to the club, realize it wasn’t crowed so they couldn’t show off (I‘m guessing), and drove away. Ah was watching allyuh from the roof top!

Maybe I’m just tired that when some of us in the position to help a fellow man, a friend in the business, a bredren (as they call him to his face) not many step up to the plate.On stage, in front the cameras, we’re so…“Iz ah family, Iz ah love, Iz ah unity” but when the time came for us to show that love, we stayed in our beds and slept.

Like my Twitter profile said after I got home that morning, “I pray that you guys never need a recovery party” and I honestly do.Sorry, pictures not available cause ah was just vex. But I handled myself well and made sure I had a really good time with the few supporters who came out. So yes, I can wine with a heavy heart.

Aswaad, Jabari, and the rest of the Recovery crew, I applaud you guys for taking the bull by the horn and ramping with it. Keep up the great work. You put your promotional skills to great use.I know plenty people wont like my little rant here eh, but guess what, if the cap doh fit, put it down, is not you ah talking to is it? The only way you could (should) tote feelings after this, is if the cap is your size. Then yuh know!

As for me I feel it’s better to be hated for what I am, than to be loved for what I am not so I will continue to do me and TALK NAH!

We can do be better, much better. We SHOULD!

Peace,

Always keeping it real,
Knyxx

Oceans may divide us, will (Soca) music unite us?

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Booster Shot: Eastern Caribbean Ferry Service makes Carnival hopping much easier!

Wouldn't it be cool if you could take a ferry boat from one island to the next to check out carnival celebrations all summer long? Very soon, you will be able to, as a new, affordable ferry service to be launched in October will link the islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, Barbados and Trinidad.

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CARIBBEAN FERRY SERVICE TO BE LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH

By Al Edwards

Friday, September 18, 2009

A new ferry service linking the Caribbean is earmarked to be launched at the end of next month. Owned and operated by BEDY Oceanlines, this latest attempt at regional transportation will have its inaugural launch on October 20.

This service will focus more on the Eastern Caribbean taking in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenada. The plan is to add more islands as it becomes more established. According to BEDY Oceanlines, the service will be offered daily with two bases: one in St Vincent responsible for the St Vincent to Barbados and St Lucia routes, the other in Grenada which will service the Grenada to Trinidad and Barbados route.

One of the main hindrances to the effectiveness of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) has been a viable

To get the full story, read CLICK HERE

Sounds good huh? Next June how about we start out at Vincy Mas, move up to St. Lucia Carnival, Over to Barbados, and close out at Spice Mas? Are you in?

Love and Carnivel,

Nurse Karen

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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: Shurwayne Winchester - Rough Wine Remix feat. Cecile (video)

Jamaican dancehall bad gyal Cecile was hanging out in Trinidad about a month ago to shoot a video with Mr. Shurwayne Winchester.

Thanks to Island Mix dot com ...you get to see it NOW!

It gives me a bit of a Grease Lightning feel....Only Cecile knows how to do rude a lot better than Olivia Newton John.

Enjoy!



Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Mista Vybe brings his "A" game to the internet

Trinidadian artiste Mista Vybe has long been a web savvy user of social media. However, this week his surfing, networking, updating and browsing came together under one sleek umbrella in the form of a new website.

www.MistaVybeWorld.com

It's the result of months of conspiring among a team of foreign-based entertainment and media

personnel (mainly living in Toronto), as well as sleepless nights on end from the artist himself. (I didn't read that anywhere...but I know how de man stay). What transpired is a one-stop shop

for all things Vybe. That includes a few elements you might not have expected.

Patrick "Vybe" Gordon is an entertainer who pays attention to detail. You can't miss this fact as you peruse the new web portal. It is clear that Vybe is deliberatly sharpening his self-expression chops with an eye keenly focused on the blogosphere.

Fans can look forward to regular posts concerning upcoming projects and tour dates, but also a direct window into a complex man's mind, his commentary on what interests him, and maybe even some opinion thrown in here and there. It should not come as a surprise that Mista Vybe has something to say. After all, this is a guy whose own parents successfully ascended the ranks of Trinidadian journalism and politics.

The site is eye-catching and simple to navigate. Definitely take a look and let us know what you think.

Vybe, congrats on the new step. Looking forward to hearing, seeing and reading a whole lot more of you!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Free Download: Various Island Soca 2009 by DJ Bass

DJ BASS

Afternoon Nurse Karen Posse!!!

Tuesdays are perfect for new music. Luckily today, I'm giving you something extra special with the kind compliments of Toronto's own DJ Bass. If you live in THIS oddly humid city, then you probably know Bass as a co-host of CIUT 89.5 FM's Island Breeze Program, Friday evenings from 6 to 8 PM.

He took it over from 15-year host Jaro sometime last year...and I've got to say, he's doing a fine job of "lifting up everything and anything its path".

Several years ago...Island Breeze became a favourite weekly tradition of mine, as I would drive into the city from the West End to host my weekly open-mic event, La Parole. I would always get the latest soca...and since I usually tuned in a little bit late I was treated to the "Bass Mix" or something so. That was my DJ friend's exclusive uninterrupted weekly mashup of the best of the best.

He's always had an ear for the obscure, and never been afraid to run tunes that other DJ's may not be playing...or rather... some tunes other DJ's have never even bothered to listen to . Well, that's their problem. DJ Bass is an equal opportunity music man, sampling sounds from multiple Caribbean Islands and giving fans a chance to appreciate the music in its many facets and expressions.

So with Grenada crossing the stage for Carnival Tuesday this Morning, the Caribbean-based Summer carnivals have nearly run their full gamut. Wouldn't you say it's time for a recap of some of 2009's hidden gems?

I present to you "Island Breeze, Various Island Soca 2009 by DJ Bass"

VARIOUS ISLAND SOCA 2009 - AKA OECS PLUS OTHERS

89.5 FM's Island Breeze

Download it HERE

VARIOUS ISLAND SOCA 2009 - AKA OECS PLUS OTHERS

MIXED BY DJ BASS

1. Bomani (SVG) - Do Something (Good Times )
2. Fullclip (SVG) - Wine Girl Wine
3. Tian Winter (ANU) - Baby I
4. Frank White (BIM) - Wine Fuh Me Gal
5. Alison Hinds (BIM)- Gimme De Juk Juk
6. Rupee (BIM) - Standing Up
7. Patrice Roberts (T&T)- Waist Line Roll
8. Peter Ram (BIM) - Real Tight F.Che'Nelle (JA)
9. Lil' Rick (BIM) - One Juk For The Carnival
10. Zan (T&T) - Back Bone
11. Farmer Nappy (T&T) - Go Brave
12. Biggie Irie(BIM) - One More day
13. Farmer Nappy (T&T) & General Grant (T&T)- Looking to Wine
14. Patrice Roberts (T&T) - Wuk It
15. Machel Montano - Slow Wine
16. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood - Carnival on my Mind
17. Tian Winter - Gimme a Taste
18. Shurwayne Winchester (T&T) - Murdah
19. Benjai (T&T) - Fun Fun Fun
20. Uncle Sam (USA)- Serves a Purpose
21. Danielle Veira (SVG) - I Wan me Soca
22. Biggie Irie (BIM) - Slow Wine
23. Shyann Bailey (T&T / CAN) - Pure Sweetness
24. Machel Montano (T&T) - Ramajay
25. Statement (BIM) - All Night
26. T.C. (BIM) - Hot Sun & Riddim
27. Gorg (BIM)- Keeps Drinks Coming
28. Mr Dale(BIM) - Come out
29. Luta (SVG) - Shake
30. Fox (BIM) - Staggerah
31. Ziggy Ranking (T&T) - Staggerah
32. Wayne Marshall (JA) - Lumbah
33. Pupa Leendi(GRE) - Same Strength
34. Maddzart (SVG) - Is me Friend
35. Maddzart (SVG) - Let Go Yo Waistline
36. Jamesy P (SVG) - Horna Man
37. Statement (BIM) - Its Carnival
38. Lavaman (GRE) - Dey Do You
39. Skarpyon (SVG) - Want Back Dem Days
40. Pupa Leendi (GRE) - Ft. Lyrikal (T&T) - Get on Bad
41. Lively(SVG) - Condom
42. Berbice (GRE) - Gasoline
43.Fryktion (SVG) ft. Problem Child (SVG), and Parry Jack (SVG) - Yo Woman Buttin Me
44. Pupa Leendi (GRE) - Ovaz
45. Lil Rick (BIM) - Bajan Wuk Ups
46. Lively (SVG) - Mash Up
47. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood (BIM) - Socaholics
48. Problem Child (SVG) - Rude N Freaky
49. Luta (SVG) - Water
50. Lil Rick (BIM) - Riding
51. DJ Tarrus (SVG) - Rum in ah me Head
52. Avalance (USVI) - Get A Drink
53. Jamesy P (SVG) - Patriots
54. Problem Child (SVG) - Anything
55. Chow Mein the Black Bajan Chinese Executive Chef (BIM) - The Chinese Connection
56. Salt (BIM) - See Me
57. Luta (SVG) & Jamesy P (SVG) - Bruk she Waist
58. Lavaman (GRE) Ft. Von - More Horn
59. Lil Rick (BIM) - Wuk Pon Top Ah Wuk
60. Pong (BIM) - Wood
61. Stabby (BIM) - Major Stabby Pain
62. Ricky T (SLU) - Like a Jumbie
63. Skinny Fabulous (SVG) - Leggo D Beast
64. Blood (BIM) - Chaos
65. Mikey (BIM) - Riddum Sekshun
66. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood (BIM) - In De Middle ah de Road
67. Problem Child (SVG) - Madhouse

You may not be aware that this mix represents a lot more intra-regional cross pollination than one might expect. Many of these artists are based in the US or other locales, and work with producers who wave different flags. Also, the bulk of the songs marked "T&T" were produced by Bajan producers, and released therefore for Crop Over. Working together is becoming the norm, rather than the exception...and THAT...is a very good thing.

You'll notice the selections heavily favour Bajan and Vincy releases. Clearly there are some toppa top Lucia, Antiguan, and Grenadian tunes that could easily find their home on a mix like this...but dudes...this is just ONE mix. All that means, is I'll have to hit you back with another one just now!

In the meantime show some love to the DJ who JUST hooked you up:

MySpace

Twitter

Enjoy!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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