Jamaica - Community Events

Sly & Robbie, Cherine And The Taxi Gang Rocks New Zealand's Raggamuffin Festival, January 28, 2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:02 UT

Legendary rhythm twins Sly & Robbie, International recording artist Cherine and the Taxi gang gave a blazing "reggaefied" performance to a jam packed venue at the 2012 Raggamuffin Festival in Rotorua, New Zealand on January 28.

The Kiwis who turned out in thousands, showed their love for reggae and dub, singing and dancing to the musical selections from the Jamaican entourage who were among the headliners for this year's festival. Sly & Robbie pulled from their vast collection of hits and performed tracks such as "Swing Easy", "Rockfort Rock", "Real Rock" and "Taxi".

Bass maestro Robert "Robbie" Shakespeare and his sidekick guitarist Darrel Thompson marked their presence on stage performing various pieces and displayed their range of talent which brought the set alive. Drummer Sly Dunbar stuck to his "A" game and added beats to the set that only a true legend could create. Taxi gang member Ronald "Nambo" Robinson performed "Shine eye girl" and Peter "Peter G" Gayle brought additional fire to the stage performing hits such as, Dennis Brown's "Revolution" and Gregory Isaac's "Night nurse".

Adding more heat to an already charged set, the sexy Dancehall Soul Queen Cherine touched the stage, making her New Zealand debut. Cherine gave the crowd a taste of her dancehall soul music matched with an excellent performance which was well received by the reggae loving fans.

Known for her powerful voice and superb stage presence, never to disappoint, Cherine filled the Rotorua International Stadium with an exhilarating rendition of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" . She later turned the heat up with "Talk If You Talking", definitely gave the guys "Good Love" and represented for independent women with the 2011 female reggae anthem "Rebel", a hit collaboration originally done with dancehall artist Danielle DI. "New Zealand surpassed my expectations. The place is beautiful, the people are lovely and I am truly appreciative of the very positive response towards my music. I hope I'll get the chance to perform in New Zealand again very soon. As always, working with Sly & Robbie is terrific, lots of fun. We all had an amazing time" said Cherine.

Rocksteady Revival Night, February 5, 2012, Los Globos In Silver Lake, CA

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:15:00 UT

As part of the magnificent and timely on-going series that has already showcased such Jamaican legends as Eric Monty Morris and Stranger Cole, the popular new Los Angeles club Skamania is now presenting Rocksteady Revival. This comprehensive line-up at the new location of Los Globos Nightclub will feature headliners the renowned Melodians, who made iconic hit “Rivers of Babylon,” and the equally spectacular Errol Dunkley. To round out this majestic evening are Annica Banks, Yellow Wall Dub Squad plus local favorites Queen P, The Delirians, The Ifficials, Soul Fool Selector and Sureshot Soundsystem and MC Junor Francis.

Los Globos Nightclub is located at 3040 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026. Doors at 7:30pm. Music at 8:00pm. Advance tickets are $15 and $17 on the night of show. 18 and over are welcome.

Alumni Head Winterfolk Festival X, February 17-19, 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:45:00 UT

The Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival is proud to announce the stellar lineup for the upcoming TENTH ANNUAL WINTERFOLK FESTIVAL which will take place from February 17-19, 2012 at the Delta Chelsea, Toronto's Entertainment Hotel. Performances will fill Monarchs Pub, the Market Garden Stage and various other stages, all within the hotel. In this 10th year, the festival will feature alumni from the first year including Danny Marks, David Gillis, Jack DeKeyzer, Jory Nash, Laura Fernandez, Mr. Rick & The Biscuits, Noah Zacharin, Tony Quarrington and founder Brian Gladstone. Returning artists and newcomers include Lynn Miles, Ariana Gillis, Lynne Hanson, Jay Aymar, Gary Kendall, David Essig and more!

From its humble roots (initially the festival was staged at a few clubs in the Spadina and College area and drew about 500 people), it moved to the Danforth and grew in concept, scope, appeal and artistic value. It rapidly drew attention from artists, media, venues and audiences as well as all facets of the blues and roots communities in Toronto. Winterfolk’s success in part, came from providing much-needed commerce and revenue to area merchants during a typically slow retail time. Presented annually in February, Winterfolk fills a gap in the calendars of festival- goers, artists and the community.

Winterfolk, now celebrates its 10th year by featuring those artists that were there from its inception and those returning to join the festivities. Singer/storyteller Jory Nash was one of the first-year musicians along with sultry Latin singer Laura Fernandez, mesmerizing singer-songwriter Noah Zacharin, guitar genius Tony Quarrington, original alt-country power trio Mr. Rick & The Biscuits, award-winning fingerstyle guitar champ David Gillis and outstanding blues faves Danny Marks and Jack DeKeyzer. Returning artists include “Bernie Taupin fave” Ariana Gillis, shoot from the hipster Jay Aymar, bluesmen Gary Kendall (Downchild), Al Lerman (Fathead), the legendary David Essig, and award-winning Rick Taylor.

Juno and Canadian Folk Music Award winner Lynn Miles will showcase on the Market Garden stage as well as present workshops in the special “Listening Room” on the 27th floor. Another award-winning Lynn (Lynn Hanson) will bring her ”porch music with a little Texas red dirt” to the festival stages.

Many of this year’s lineup have played the festival in previous years such as roots music pioneers Crabtree & Mills, “colour blind” Brian Blain, known for his successful campfire jam sessions at various festivals, powerhouse roots/pop songstress Grainne, John Jackson of Kensington Market and Perth County Conspiracy fame, dynamic vintage hillbilly swing duo HOTCHA!, five-piece veterans of Tommy Hunter fame Whiskey Jack, earnest folk duo Sue & Dwight, driving guitar-picker Phillip Brown, preacher to the choir, the Reverend Max Woolaver Band and roots/folk/country picking icons The Guitar Boys of Alderon.

Winterfolk prides itself on helping to boost the careers of newcomers and this year is no exception. Audiences will be stunned by the extreme talent and high energy of emerging bands like frenzied fiddler Jaron Freeman Fox & the Opposite of Everything, gypsy/Balkan/klezmer street-folk revolutionaries The Lemon Bucket Orkestra, wild gypsy, old-jazz, klezmer, folk troupe The Boxcar Boys, “Emmylou Harris meets unplugged vintage rock ‘n roll” band The Wanted, harmony queens from Kingston The Lady Racers and rockabilly sensation The Allistair Christl Trio.

31st Annual Tribute To The Reggae Legends, February 18 & 19, 2012, San Diego

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:15:00 UT

WHAT: Worldbeat Cultural Center presents 31st Annual Tribute To The Reggae Legends, 2 Day Reggae Festival featuring Don Carlos, King Yellowman, Johnny Osbourne, Junior Reid, Alborosie, J-Boog, Big Mountain, Sinster Carol, Prezident Brown, The Wailing Souls, Sister Nancy, The Itals and many more.

WHEN: February 18 & 19, 2012

WHERE: BROADWAY PIER / PORT PAVILLION
1000 North Harbor Drive & Broadway
Downtown San Diego
4pm Doors / 5pm showtime

The Expendables Winter Blackout Tour 2012 Live At MontBleu Casino Resort, February 11, 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:35:00 UT

The Expendables Winter Blackout Tour 2012 is coming to the MontBleu Theatre, Saturday, February 11, 2012. Special guests include MTHDS, Through The Roots, and Fortunate Youth.

Tickets are just $18 in advance, or $20 the day of show, and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, and at the MontBleu Box Office, or online.

The Expendables enjoyed a laid--back lifestyle growing up in Santa Cruz, CA; surfing, skating, partying, and playing music were commonplace. Since 1997, The Expendables have staked their claim in the California surf/rock genre by headlining venues from coast to coast. Blending Reggae, Punk Rock, and 80s style dueling guitar solos, The Expendables have made heads turn and floors shake for years.

The band consists of four longtime friends: Geoff Weers (Guitar and Vocals), Adam Patterson (Drums and Vocals), Raul Bianchi (Lead Guitar) and Ryan DeMars (Bass). The first seven years of their career was fueled with three full--length, completely independent releases. No Time To Worry (2000), Open Container (2001), and Gettin’ Filthy (2004), would bring in a combined total of over 40,000 units sold with no physical distribution and no record label.

While touring and supporting their album, Gettin’ Filthy, The Expendables would share the stage with Slightly Stoopid and catch the attention of founders and front men Kyle McDonald and Miles Doughty. In 2007 Slightly Stoopid formed their own independent label, Stoopid Records, and signed The Expendables for the label’s first non--Stoopid release, which was The Expendables self--titled. Released in September 2007, the album would be accepted as an instant classic by fans and received rave reviews from critics.

The band continued supporting the album with hundreds of shows over the next two years, gaining fans around the world, and respect from the bands that influenced them. The band would share the stage with bands like Slightly Stoopid, NoFX, Less Than Jake, Pennywise and Pepper to name a few. At the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010 the band would work on their next album Prove It produced by Paul Leary (producer of Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Pepper, Supersuckers, as well as the guitar player for Butthole Surfers) and El Hefe (guitar player for NoFX).

Prove It was released May 11th 2010 debuting at #158 on the Billboard Top 200, #30 on Billboard’s Independent charts, and #4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers! The album also pushed to #15 on iTunes Top 200 and #5 on iTunes Alternative Charts, jumping The Expendables to a new level in their career. The band’s new release would include guest performances by C--Money, OG, and Dela of Slightly Stoopid throughout the album. Jumping into the mix as well would be long time friend G. Love on the ballad “Wells”.

The Expendables have continued their tenacious touring schedule in 2011 and was a featured band on all dates of the massive yearly festival favorite, Warped Tour. Moving into 2012, The Expendables will be ringing in the New Year with Slightly Stoopid at Hard Rock Live in Orlando, followed by their annual Winter Black Out Tour, traveling through the West and mid--West on a 14 date run.

Thirteen years later, five albums down and countless miles covered, The Expendables show no signs of slowing down.

Joining The Expendables will be special guests MTHDS, Through The Roots, and Fortunate Youth.

Discussion On Jamaica’s 50th Year Of Independence And Cultural Quiz Bowl Highlight JAMCCAR’s Celebration Of Black History Month At Monthly Meeting On Friday, February 10, 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:45:01 UT

The Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland, Inc. (JAMCCAR) is proud to announce that Dr. Winsome Downie-Rainford, Professor of Government at Manhattan College will lead an interactive presentation / discussion on Jamaica at 50: A Retrospective, at its monthly meeting on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Spring Valley Youth Bureau, Louis Kurtz Civic Center, 9 North Main Street, Spring Valley, New York. This will be a continuation of JAMCCAR’s yearlong celebration of Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence and JAMCCAR’s 22nd year. The evening will include the popular annual Quiz Bowl with impromptu teams of adults and youth testing their knowledge of African-American /African/Caribbean History and Culture, with a focus on the last 50 years, in a fun atmosphere. Prizes will be awarded to all participants. Come and join a team or cheer one on. There will also be sharing of exciting plans and ideas for Independence-related civic, social, and cultural activities during 2012 for both youth and adults. JAMCCAR’s annual membership drive will continue with prizes for both new members and renewals. The evening will end with networking, fellowship and refreshments hosted by the Hospitality committee.

Dr. Winsome Downie-Rainford has a B.A., from Barnard College / Columbia University , and an M.A, M.Phil. and Ph.D degrees from Columbia University. She is the author of several articles on the politics of development in post-colonial Jamaica and the Caribbean and on women in politics in Jamaica, the U.S.A., the Caribbean, South Africa and other areas of Africa and the African Diaspora, and has completed a book manuscript on the Politics of Independent Jamaica. She currently serves on JAMCCAR’s Board as Parliamentarian and is also president of the Board of the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center in Spring Valley, New York.

JAMCCAR’s President Millicent Johnson-James, said, “In January, we had a fantastic start to our yearlong celebration of Jamaica’s 50th and JAMCCAR’s 22nd year with Mr. Irwine Clare and Mr. Aubrey Campbell, our steel band, and our dramatist, Mrs. Stafford. We will continue in that same vein in February with our expert on Jamaican history and politics, Dr. Winsome Downie-Rainford and our always popular Quiz Bowl! In the spirit of JAMCCAR’s motto of Jamaicans and Friends Working Together, please share with everyone and come out for what will definitely be another informative, fun and relaxing evening. In addition, identify the current heads of government below and be eligible to win a prize at the meeting.”

JAMCCAR, Inc. is a non-profit, community organization with a mission of fostering good relations with Jamaican-Americans and friends in the metropolitan area, with the purpose of promoting the civic, economic, and cultural aspects of the Jamaican, Caribbean, and Pan-African cultures.

The Expendables Winter Blackout Tour 2012 With Special Guests MTHDS, Through The Roots, And Fortunate Youth Live At MontBleu Casino Resort, February 11, 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:30:02 UT

The Expendables Winter Blackout Tour 2012 is coming to the MontBleu Theatre, Saturday, February 11, 2012. Special guests include MTHDS,Through The Roots, and FortunateYouth.

Tickets are just $18 in advance, or $20 the day of show, and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, and at the MontBleu Box Office, or online at www.ticketmaster.com You can also purchase by phone by calling MontBleu Resort, 775-588-3515.

The Expendables enjoyed a laid--back lifestyle growing up in Santa Cruz, CA; surfing, skating, partying, and playing musicwere commonplace. Since 1997, The Expendables have staked their claim in the California surf/rock genre by headlining venues from coast to coast. Blending Reggae, Punk Rock, and 80s style dueling guitar solos, The Expendables have made heads turn and floors shake for years.

The band continued supporting the album with hundreds of shows over the next two years, gaining fans around the world, and respect from the bands that influenced them. The band would share the stagewith bands like Slightly Stoopid, NoFX, Less Than Jake, Pennywise and Pepper to name a few. At the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010 the band would work ontheir next album Prove It produced by Paul Leary (producer ofSublime, Slightly Stoopid, Pepper, Supersuckers, as well as the guitar player for Butthole Surfers) and El Hefe (guitar player for NoFX).

Prove It was released May 11th 2010 debuting at #158 on the Billboard Top 200, #30 on Billboard’s Independent charts, and #4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers! The album also pushed to #15 on iTunes Top 200 and #5 on iTunes Alternative Charts, jumping The Expendables to a new level in theircareer. The band’s new release would include guest performances by C--Money, OG, and Dela of Slightly Stoopid throughout the album. Jumping into the mix as well would be long time friend G. Love on the ballad “Wells”.

The Expendables have continued their tenacious touring schedule in 2011 and was a featured band on all dates of the massive yearly festival favorite, Warped Tour. Moving into2012, The Expendables will be ringing in the New Year with Slightly Stoopid at Hard Rock Live in Orlando, followed by their annual Winter Black Out Tour, traveling through the West and mid--West on a 14 date run.

Thirteen years later, five albums down and countless miles covered, The Expendables show no signs of slowing down.

Joining The Expendables will be special guests MTHDS, Through The Roots, and Fortunate Youth.

Jamaican Novel Selected For Presentation On “Mixed/Fixed Relations” At International Humanities Conference, Montreal, Canada, June 2012

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:02 UT

Award-winning Jamaican-born Canadian author Horane Smith’s popular novel, Lover’s Leap: Based on the Jamaican Legend, will be the subject of one of dozens of papers on cultural and social issues that will be presented at the 10th International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities, which will be held in Montreal, Canada, in June, this year.

Noha Faisal Mohamed, Associate Professor of English Language and English Literature at Ain-Shams University, Cairo Egypt, has selected Lover’s Leap as one of two novels she proposes to discuss the subject of mixed/fixed relations. The other novel is Forbidden Quest by American writer Dar Tomlinson.

Professor Faisal Mohamed, whose proposal is presented on the conference’s website, notes that, “in Lover's Leap, Horane Smith, drawn by his Jamaican tradition, revives the legend of Lover’s Leap. He presents Jerome, the Jamaican slave, who is secretly in love with Anita, his master’s daughter. At the same time Alice, another slave, is in love with him. He has to choose between Anita and Alice. Is he going to choose Anita or Alice, wealth or poverty, freedom or slavery? In short, is he going to choose a mixed or a fixed relationship with the other/colonizer?”

On the other hand, Dar Tomlinson’s Forbidden Quest is about Paul Michael Quest, a handsome immigrant from Jamaica. He meets Carolyna Sinclair who belongs to a wealthy, prejudiced family. Both Paul and Carolyna are faced with the same choice of mixed/fixed relationships with the different other. Will the protagonists of both novels, though belonging to different races, different cultures, and have different values, succeed in breaking and crossing the boundaries separating them to reach harmonious grounds and a common territory, thereby achieving the interconnection of two different nations?

According to the professor, “this paper will focus on interracial relationships and cross-cultural issues. Driven by the differences in the cultural and gender identities of both authors, the paper will also investigate the points of view of both writers −as apparent in their works− towards discrimination, racism, prejudice, stereotypes, and the possibilities of overcoming such obstacles to cross the social, political, and cultural frontiers.”

It’s not the first time that Smith’s novel Lover’s Leap, which has just been re-released as an ebook, has caught international attention. Shortly after its publication in 1999, the late British best-selling author John Prebble picked up the novel at a bookstore in London, describing Smith as “one of our best emerging writers.” In 2006, the sequel to Lover’s Leap – Dawn at Lover’s Leap, was a finalist in the USA Booknews Bestbook Award for Historical Fiction.

Speaking from Toronto, where he lives, Mr. Smith said he was “thrilled with the selection. This is my small gift to Jamaica on the 50th anniversary of its independence. Lover’s Leap is bigger outside of Jamaica than it is back home, so the selection doesn’t surprise me. This novel has appealed to all races and cultures, hence the reason for its inclusion in this paper.” The 1999 novel tells the story of the legend of Lover’s Leap, in St. Elizabeth, where forbidden love ended in tragedy on the 1700 ft. cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The Egyptian professor will be making a virtual presentation in English. She has conducted many researches focusing on interdisciplinary studies, feminism, ecology and sociology.

The Humanities Conference is held annually in different locations around the world. Over the past eight years, the Humanities Conference has established a reputation as a focal point for new ideas and new practices in humanities research and teaching.

Mr. Smith is also the author of Port Royal, Reggae Silver, Underground to Freedom, The Lynching Stream, Seven Days in Jamaica and his latest Marooned in Nova Scotia – A story of the Jamaican Maroons in Canada. He’s the first recipient of the BURLA Award for outstanding contribution to African-Canadian and Caribbean literature, and has also been recognized among the top one hundred outstanding Jamaicans by the Jamaica Diaspora Foundation Canada, for his contribution to local literature. More information on his books is available at www.horanesmith.com

Best Of The Reggae Film Festival At Redbones, February 18, 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:15:00 UT

2011 was a good year for the REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL in which a number of excellent films won awards. For those who missed them, the Movie Garden of REDBONES - THE BLUES CAFE, New Kingston will be the venue for a programme of BEST OF THE REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL 2011 on Saturday, February 18. Among the films to be shown are the feature film Rocksteady - the Movie (winner Best International Feature) starring Cedric Sanders and David 'Steel Pulse' Hinds, and the Rasta -reggae documentary Holding On To JAH (winner Honour Award - Special Documentary).

An important feature of the evening will be the screening of three new Jamaican short films including a new episode of the animated series 'DUTTY BWOY" by Reinardo 'Mental' Chung (winner DIGICEL Animation Award) , and the 3 winning films of the 2011 RBC Make A Film in 24 Hours competition.

THANK YOU FROM THE JAMAICA FILM ACADEMY As we look forward to the 2012 event, the Jamaica Film Academy would like to take a moment to thank our film makers for submitting great films, our sponsors for making it possible, and our volunteers and friends for supporting the Festival. We couldn’t have done it without YOU!!!

Jamaica Film Academy Directors: Carl Bradshaw (Chairman), Barbara Blake Hannah (Festival Director), Peter Gittins (Reggae Films UK), Sally Henzell, Cordel Green (Broadcasting Commission), Kevin Jackson (Jamaican Film Industry), Rick Elgood (Director), Colin Leslie.

Clonmel Potters At Harmony Hall, February 5, 2012

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:45:00 UT

WHAT: Harmony Hall invite you to view recent works by the Clonmel Potters with opening remarks by Mr Jason Sharp, Director, Coffee Traders Ltd. There will be complimentary cocktails, handicraft in the garden, and lunch will be available at Toscanini's.

WHEN: Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 12 noon until March 2, 2012

WHERE: Harmony Hall

Discussion On Jamaica's 50th Year Of Independence And Cultural Quiz Bowl Highlight JAMCCAR'S Celebration Of Black History Month At Monthly Meeting On February 10, 2012

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:45:01 UT

The En Sound Music Awards Heads For The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, Decatur Georgia On July 29, 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:10:00 UT

The En Sound Music Awards, one of Gospel's most recognized awards events of its kind, will be heading to the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in the city of Decatur, GA on July 29, 2012 and promises to be an evening packed with great performances and surprises.

This year, the event will be held for only one day and will honor longtime Gospel music Radio Personality, Big Brother CJ.

Founded in 2006 by independent gospel recording artist and Founder of En Sound Entertainment, Delroy Souden, this award ceremony has created a buzz on all continents and is one of the most talk-about event of its kind in Gospel music. Its purpose is to recognize independent Christian and gospel artists – who are often ignored by other awards shows that cater to major-label artists.

There's hardly a day that goes by when someone doesn't ask, "When is the next En Sound Music Awards?" or, "Are you accepting submissions for the next En Sound Music Awards?" Souden said.

Trophies will be handed out in 16 categories this year in such categories including Male Vocalist of the Year; Female Vocalist of the Year; Song of the Year and Artist of the Year and Song of the Year among others.The host of the evening will be announced in the coming weeks.

Requirements for the En Sound Music Awards include but not limited to artist visibility on the web; Internet/Terrestrial radio; press releases; blogs; interviews; album reviews; television appearances; busy performance schedules etc., and must become a member of the Christian Internet Radio Association before April 30, 2012. Artists wishing to submit their professionally produced and packaged CD releases or mp3 files to be considered, must do so no later than April 30, 2012 to:

En Sound Music Awards - PO Box 32507, Newark, NJ 07102-0907

Voting for the 2012 En Sound Music Awards will take place online and via text messaging and anyone over the age of 13 will be able to vote for his or her favorite artists. En Sound Entertainment is elated that this event will be held in Georgia, and everyone who will be in attendance can expect a spirit-filled evening that features some of the finest independent Christian artists of today.

Jamaica Farewell, February 2012, Georgia

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:00:00 UT

WHAT: The Academy Theatre presents the international hit Jamaica, Farewell, written and performed by Debra Ehrhardt

WHEN: February 4-12, February 18 -19, 2012

WHERE: Academy Theatre
119 Center Street
Avondale Estates
Georgia, 30002

TICKETS: $30

Personal Development Expert, Author & Motivational Speaker Plans Interactive Book Signing Event At Knowledge Book Store, Brampton, February 11, 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:20:00 UT

Brampton, Ontario: Personal Development expert, author and motivational speaker Paulette Tiedemann has announced plans for an interactive book signing for her new book "Your Best You" which was published last year. The book signing will take place on February 11, 2012 at Knowledge Book store, located at 177 Queens Street in Brampton, Ontario from 1:00 PM to 4:00PM.

"Book sales have done extremely well since it was launched on October 31, 2011” Tiedemann beamed.

Her agent Sandra Mills expressed confident that the book will make the best seller’s list based on feedback from readers and sales projections for 2012.

"2012 will be a very busy year for Paulette. I have put together a very hectic book tour schedule for her that will make stops here in Canada, the US, the Caribbean and Europe." Plans for touring Nigeria, Ghana and other parts of Africa in 2012-2013 are being contemplated as well.

"I am confident it will be a best seller" she reiterated.

In "Your Best You," Tiedemann contends that "Living the successful life is both attainable and sustainable by everyone, regardless of creed, race, or social status. She stated that the single most influential element of living a successful life is to be vigilant and taking control of your life and managing the various components - health, social, and education, emotional, spiritual and physical. "With proper self management, the sky is the limit" she declares.

"Taking ownership of your life and planning for success is something that only you can do for yourself. This is the single most important job you will ever have in your life”, she states. In fact, she alluded to the fact that if one is not competent at self management, he or she will not be able manage other areas outside of self successfully: Parental role, career, marriage and so forth.

Biedermann outlines some of the basic contributing factors to success in her book which assists readers to objectively evaluate and analyze where things are in their lives today versus where they would like to be in the future. Some of the important influences that shape our lives such as media, family of origin, self esteem (or lacking thereof), religion, personality, community, poverty, neglect and abuse are identified and explored in the book. Readers learn how they evolve into who they are. Suggestions and guidance are readily available via tips, techniques and strategies that can be used to set realistic and attainable goals. The book also outlines healthy habits and practices of successful people.

When asked why the book's popularity is growing, Biedermann said, “Your Best You” is reader friendly and is presented from a common sense perspective using real life case studies based on my experiences working as a psychotherapist and Mental Health Nurse."

She expects that the book will be a great resource for youngsters who may be struggling with mapping their future or who are faced with important life altering decisions. "You Best You" is currently available at Wal-Mart, selected Chapters, Shoppers and several independent book stores. Part proceeds from book sales will be used to assist marginalized youths in poor neighborhoods in Canada and Jamaica.

“I will only be successful as an author and motivational speaker if I am able to help those most in need” she reiterated.

Biedermann's second book which will be published in spring 2012.

Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival, March 17-18, 2012

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:50:00 UT

The lucky 7th year of the two-day Jazz in the Gardens music festival returns to Miami Gardens with an incredible line-up sure to put the audience at Sun Life Stadium on their feet on March 17 and 18, 2012. Beginning Saturday, March 17, 2012, “Jazz in the Gardens” attendees will be treated to exhilarating performances by Jill Scott, Kem, Ledisi, Doug E Fresh and Ramsey Lewis. The Sunday, March 18, 2012 line up will feature the incomparable voices of Mary J Blige, Patti LaBelle and Nicole Henry as well as the smooth instrumental sounds of Kenny G and Kevin Eubanks.

“Jazz in the Gardens” owes its success to a simple formula: a star-studded line-up, great food, extraordinarily affordable ticket prices and amazing weather. For the past six years the festival has enjoyed unprecedented growth, consistently delivering stunning increases in attendance. The 2011 festival attracted over 48,000 music lovers, from the Carribean, the United States and all over Florida, to the beautiful City of Miami Gardens

“Just like all Jazz in the Gardens fans, I anxiously wait to hear who is performing and every year turns out to be a better line-up than the last! The 2012 line-up is absolutely incredible and I look forward to all the fans from around the nation joining us again. This signature Miami Gardens event brings added value to the City and to South Florida in general. I am proud of this City; in the eight years since incorporation, Miami Gardens has seen a steady stream of positive changes, improvements and additions like Jazz in the Gardens, which is more than a concert, it is an opportunity and experience that people want to enjoy year after year,” says Mayor Shirley Gibson.

The 2011 "Jazz in the Gardens" featured performances from legendary artists including Ms. Lauryn Hill, Charlie Wilson, Al Jarreau, Jazmine Sullivan, Gladys Knight, The Isley Brothers, EnVogue, Lalah Hathaway, Branford Marsalis and former New Edition members Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant. Previous years have included celebrated artists such as Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, John Legend, Robin Thicke, the late Teena Marie, Wyclef, Babyface, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Chaka Khan, Chrisette Michele, Common, Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton and Roy Ayers.

Caribbean Immegration Seminar, January 20, 2012

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:45:00 UT

WHAT: The Caribbean Association of Georgia Invites You to A Free CARIBBEAN IMMIGRATION SEMINAR

WHEN: FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012 7 PM - 9 PM

PRESENTED BY: ATTORNEYS JUNE HYATT & ATTORNEY SKEETER-JO FRANCOIS

SPECIAL GUESTS:
Attorney Vin Martin, Jamaica Honorary Consul of Atlanta
Mr. Gandy Thomas, Consul General of Haiti
Councilman Cyril Mungal, Stone Mountain (Trinidad)

WHERE: SOUTH EAST ATLANTA SEVENTH DAY BAPTIST CHURCH
60 DAILEY MILL ROAD
MCDONOUGH, GA
30235

Fantasy - The Ultimate All White Party Kicks Off In Mobay, January 28, 2012

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:55:00 UT

With thousands of Jamaica nationals in the Diaspora all packed and ready to head south to Jamaica for the 16th annual Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival to see acts like Celine Dion, Ce Lo Green, Shaggy, Richie Stephens, Gentleman, Yellowman and others, the question is what other fun activities are available for vacationeers to do in Montego Bay?

For the past three years, New York promoters Clive “Kali” Drummond and business partners Esroy Bernard, Dale Getfeld of Peoples Choice Furniture and Derrick 'TaxMan' Shippy have been providing that answer with their annual FANTASY ,’the ultimate all-white beach party that will again be held at Tropical Beach, located on the strip behind the Sangster International Airport in Mobay. The date is Saturday, January 28 and the fun starts at 10am - 8pm.

“In terms of value for entertainment, we plan to raise the bar with the Fantasy Beach Party this year for Jamaica's 50th anniversary celebrations" Drummond said. "This year we have up the ante and are placing emphasis on targeting the more affluence music lovers at home and those travelling down from the Diaspora" he said.

To ensure patrons have a fabulous time, Bernard said his team has been working the local radio stations in Jamaica and have street teams handing out fliers at local events in an effort to get the word out. They have also stepped up international promotions in key markets like New Jersey, Atlanta, Philly, Florida, Washington, Connecticut, Boston and Toronto.

"The plan is to create a one of a kind party experience that will rival the best beach party that has ever been held in MoBay or Negril. We have the knowledge and the wear it all to make it happen in a big way, so come get yuh fantasy on” he said.

Taxman-Shippy and Dale "The Furniture Man" have put together the hottest team of selectors that will create a festive beach party in MoBay.

"We have DJs like Richie Poo from New York, the award winning Ambassador, DJ Roy of the Irie Jam Family and radio host Brother Gary of Link up Radio who will throw down some magical selections for patrons. The icing on the cake will be master mixer, the original DJ Squeeze out of Kingston, Jamaica. Squeeze made his name in Jamaica in the late 70's - early 80's as a member of the renown Mellow Canary and Peacemaker discos.

“Squeeze is a master on the turntable. With over 30 years in the business, Squeeze is the best at what he does. He has stayed current and relevant in the industry” Getfield noted.

Award winning author Sandy Daley of ‘Who’s Vagina is it really?' will serve as MC for the event. Other highlights include a fashion show, face painting, tattooing and an erotic wet T-shirt contest.

UK's Reggae Scene Takes Over Texas On March 16 & 17, 2012, The Official SXSW 'Bass Culture' Showcase

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:20:00 UT

British Underground, an organization responsible bringing UK's top talent to South by Southwest for the past 10 years, presents this year's SXSW 'Bass Culture' panel and showcase, which explores the resurgence of reggae in the British music scene. Reggae’s journey has played a vital role in the development of jungle, drum & bass, dub-step, grime, UK reggae and UK hip-hop, evolving into an all encompassing title known as Bass Culture. This diverse palette of sub-genres will be well represented by Bass Culture's most prominent artists - including Gappy Ranks, Little Roy, Natty, Lady Leshurr, Rasites and Kenny Ken.

The SXSW showcase will feature live performances by the previously mentioned artists at The Driskill Hotel's Victorian Room on Friday, March 16. On the following day (March 17) a panel of industry experts discuss their influential roles in Bass Culture. These key figures include producer/writer Mykaell Riley from the Grammy-winning group Steel Pulse, Channel One Sound System DJ Mikey Dread, BBC's radio personality Robbo Ranx and recording artist Lady Leshurr.

An official website for the project ukbassculture.net will launch February 1 and unveils an archive of key tracks, podcasts, rare documentaries, editorial, directory and schedule of events. There will also be a one-off Bass Culture fanzine - edited by Paul Bradshaw and designed by Swifty from respected underground British magazine 'Straight No Chaser’ -that will be distributed exclusively at SXSW.

Official Launch Of Jamaica 50th, January 22, 2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:30:00 UT

WHAT: Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Atlanta, the Honorable Vin Martin will be hosting the official launch of Jamaica 50th. Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States her Excellency Audrey Marks will be in attendance.

WHEN: Sunday, January 22, 2012, 5 pm – 7:30 pm

WHERE: The Atrium, Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303

Please RSVP (404) 297-7697 by January 15, 2012

Meet The USA Ambassador, January 12, 2012, Port Antonio

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:10:00 UT

WHAT: THE Portland chamber of commerce invites you to join meet and hear The United States of America Ambassador to Jamaica, The Honourable Pamela E. Bridgewater And to attend the Chamber of commerce’s Annual general meeting

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Ken Wright Terminal Of the errol Flynn marina
Port Antonio, Jamaica

Macka Diamond Ring In The New Year With Weekend Birthday Celebration/ 2011 Reign As Female Rapper/Dj Of The Year

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:15:00 UT

Known across the length and breath of the Dancehall circuit for her relentless work ethics and mastering the art of re-inventing her image, Money O Diva Macka Diamond ring in the New Year with what promises to be an exciting weekend dubbed, 'Macka Diamond Birthday Weekend.' The first of three, the 'Pre-Party' kicks off on Friday January 13 at Club Impulse located at the center of Kingstons' night life city, New Kingston. Party goers and seekers as well as guess will then roll out on Saturday January 14 to the 'Rock n Roll Club' in the cool parish of Mandeville and from thereafter to experience the grand finale on Saturday January 15 cool it down at the, 'Pool Party' at Club Cali in Trelawny in the parish of Westmoreland.

Special Guest Artistes will include head of the Alliance, Bounty Killer and Future Fambo as well as selectors Panta from Black Kat Sound, Foota Hype, Gary Chucks, Kirk Riley the party animal, Little Richie and the Rich Squad, Black Shadow from Canada, Alex Frass, Richie Pooh, DJ Sparks, DJ Satday, Dancers Shelly Belly, Latesha, M.O.B., Global Dancers and more.

Awarded the 2011 Female Rapper/DJ of the year by IRAWMA, Macka shun throughout the year holding down the summer with one of the hottest songs in the dancehall, 'Cowfoot' which became viral for its eclectic dance move choreographed by popular dancer, Shelly Belly. Macka went on to release a series of other tracks and collaborations with several artistes across the Caribbean, United States and Canada. Relentless in her efforts to live up to expectation as well as accomplish personal goals, Macka dropped her 'Don't Disturb Mi' album on iTunes and there after placed focus on promoting a track called 'Wine' by releasing a video that hit the World Hip-Hop dot com website and quickly garnered over one hundred thousand views in the first week. She was placed in the Top 10 list of 10 Most Fascinating People of The Caribbean highlighted for her hits like, Cowfoot, Tink Mi Easy, Try Wid Him, Hoola Hoop and Mr Teki Back as well as her continued success of having been in the music industry for over two decades.

Macka Diamond is also successful at producing a weekly 'Cowfoot Fridays' event in Kingston. The socializing, after work party type event began at first as an streetside event in Gregory Park, St. Catherine creating a haven for fans of the popular Cowfoot dance. The support from fans swelled so the Diva decided to have a series of events across Kingston and St. Catherine and as summer ended it was moved into one of the popular clubs in New Kingston. Cowfoot Friday thereby became a 'Celebrity' type event supported by Dancehall giants like Beenie Man and Bounty Killer each week. Wishing her continued success in 2012 and beyond, congratulations Macka Diamond

Rebelution Brings Reggae Dance Party To Grand Sierra Resort In Reno On New Year’s Eve

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:55:00 UT

Southern California reggae band, Rebelution, along with hip-hop artist from Hieroglyphics, Pep Love, and reggae-rockers, Thrive, will perform on Saturday, December 31 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno for an all-ages New Year’s Eve dance party. Doors are at 8pm and the music starts at 9pm. Tickets are $45 in advance through Ticketmaster or by phone 775-789-2285.

Originally formed in 2004, members Eric Rachmany (vocals/guitar), Matt Velasquez (vocals/guitar), RoryCarey (keyboard), Wesley Finley (drums), and Marley D. Williams (bass) met in college while residing in Isla Vista, a beach-side community in Santa Barbara. Throughout 2004-2005, Rebelution began to build momentum through consistently playing local shows and by independently releasing an EP.

Rebelution released their first full-length album “Courage to Grow” in 2007, which would become the breakthrough album for the band, praised for its crafty melodies, socially conscious lyrics, and savvy musicianship. “Courage to Grow” went on to garner mass downloads and radio play on stations such as San Francisco’s Live 105 where their single “Safe and Sound” was played on heavy rotation, with spins on San Diego’s 91X and Los Angeles’s KROQ. The album was selected as iTunes Editor’s Choice for Best Reggae Album of 2007. In addition, “Courage to Grow” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart.

Two years later, Rebelution released their sophomore full-length album “Bright Side of Life.” It dominated the iTunes charts, solidifying the #1 spot on iTunes in the reggae music genre, and the #3 spot for top albums downloaded in the United States in all genres of music. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart!

The band performs at high-profile festivals including the 2010 Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, California with other well-known acts such as The Expendables (American band), Slightly Stoopid and Lauryn Hill.

On January 10, 2012, Rebelution will release their 3rd studio album, Peace Of Mind, through their label 87 Music. Fans can get a free download of all three versions of Peace of Mind’s first single, the upbeat “Sky is the Limit”.

Reggae Rockers, Thrive, also Pep Love, a hip hop artist and motivational speaker who is also one of the founding members of the Oakland, California-based underground hip-hop collective Hieroglyphics, will also be performing.

Happy New Year - January 2011 Events

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:45:02 UT

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Here at thank all our advertisers, readers and well wishers for their continued interest in our quarterly e-bulletins and website. Without your support and interest we would not have developed as much as we have so far.

The last 12 months has seen our circulation grow from strength to strength, to the point where we’ve been asked specific questions of services outside the London area (e.g. Kent, Nottingham and Cambridge-shire, for instance). We want to link up as far afield as we can and will therefore need your help.

For 2011, we would like to hear from businesses from outside London. Do go online and register—there is no cost.

- Blessings,

Linkupcaribbeans.com

Got to Dance 2011

One of the organisations we have been promoting has auditioned to appear on the Got To Dance 2011 show, starting 2nd January 2011, Sky 1.

We are proud to be associated with them and let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Gospel Concert 2011

Saturday, 22nd January 2011, Camden Centre. An inspired evening of gospel and soul music. For group bookings contact: sandrahome@ntlworld.com

31st Annual Tribute To Jamaica's Self-Taught Artists, January 1, 2012

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:50:00 UT

WHAT: Harmony Hall wishes you all a Happy Holiday Season and invites you to view their 31st annual tribute to Jamaica's self-taught artists - Intuitives XXXI.

WHEN: Opens on Sunday January 1st, 2012 at 12 noon

More Info: There will be complimentary cocktails, handicraft in the garden and Lunch will be available at Toscanini's.

Jamaica Top Roots Reggae Concert, Pepsi Rebel Salute, To Feature All-Star Line-Up, January 14, 2012

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:15:00 UT

The 18th Annual Pepsi Rebel Salute has returned and will feature a superstar line-up, including Stephen Marley, Johnny Obsourne, Maxi Priest, Gramps Morgan, Queen Ifrica, Tarrus Riley, Luciano and Tony Rebel, the festival organizer. The Pepsi Rebel Salute will take place on Saturday, January 14, at the Port Kaiser Sports Club in St. Elizabeth. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is among the sponsors for the concert event.

Jamaica’s top roots reggae show, the event attracts visitors from the United States, Canada and Europe, who are looking for reggae in a family-friendly environment. The show’s mantra focuses on the principles of positive living. Attendees of the Pepsi Rebel Salute have healthy food and beverage choices including fresh juices, vegetables and fruits.

“The continued success of the festival provides yet another opportunity for us to promote

Jamaica and its rich musical heritage to a global audience,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism John Lynch. “We salute the organizers for creating an environment in which quality reggae can be enjoyed.”

According to festival organizer Tony Rebel, he and his team are working to expand the concert to two days in the future.

“We want to redefine and re-imagine the festival experience while expanding the Rebel Salute brand,” said Rebel. “This festival is in a unique position to lift up and support other artistic disciplines while breaking new ground on the festival circuit.

Surfing T&T Tobago Pro 2012

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:15:00 UT

Introduction

The SURFING T&T TOBAGO PRO 2012 is an event that builds on the overwhelming success of the Caribbean Waterman COCRICO PRO TOBAGO 2010 that was held at Mount Irvine during a classic swell in December, producing stand-out performances and excellent displays of camaraderie by the local surfing fraternity. During the COCRIO PRO TOBAGO 2010, hundreds of spectators witnessed as junior surfers (U18) and seasoned veterans shared 8-10+ foot set waves from the point in Mount Irvine, giving their best efforts in the challenging conditions to be recognized as the best performers in several pre-determined categories.

In 2012, the Surfing Association of Trinidad and Tobago (Surfing T&T) is building on the success of the predecessor and plans to make the Surfing T&T TOBAGO PRO 2012 truly a surfing event “By the Surfers, for the Surfers” boasting the best local surfers going head to head in the best local waves. Although the competitive spirit and performance levels will be elevated during the surfing will be in the water, one can rest assured that the great vibe and camaraderie of local surfers will prevail throughout the event.

Venue

Mount Irvine is home to one of the best surfing waves in the Caribbean. Some surfers consider it one of the most perfect waves in the world. The surfers of Trinidad & Tobago wait patiently for the majority of the year for the few days when this gem comes alive and produces perfectly groomed blue walls of water for the locals to enjoy. The surfing fraternity considers this venue to be sacred.

Breath of Strength Foundation

In June 2011, the Surfing T&T fraternity lost its brother Scott Tucker to a diving related injury in Tobago. Scott was an avid surfer, diver, and waterman. He was a regular on the point in Mt.Irvine, especially when the surf was big and many other surfers were more comfortable looking for safer ground. Average surf competitions in meager surf did not particularly interest Scott, however the Big Wave, High-Quality Surf oriented contest that was the COCRIO PRO TOBAGO 2010 was the type of event that he lived for.

Scott was one of the first entries into the event, motivated by the forecast of a classic giant swell predicted to hit Tobago during the waiting period. He charged the huge waves alongside his friends and was a stand-out performer. It was the last surfing competition that Scott competed in. Many of the top surfers who would vie for top positions in the Surfing T&T TOBAGO PRO 2012 were very close to Scott and soon after his passing organized a Traditional Surfer Paddle Out at Mt.Irvine in his memory, which turned out to be the biggest of its kind ever in Trinidad and Tobago. Scott’s Memorial Paddle Out would be forever engraved in T&T’s Surfing History.

To further his Legacy, Scott’s family has started the Breath of Strength Foundation. The Tucker Family donated the Scott Tucker Memorial Trophy custom built by Perry Faanes from California. This exquisite work of art will be presented to the best overall waterman, whose name will be engraved on the trophy each year.

In addition, the Tucker Family will be donating two (2) top of the line, custom made surfboards. One will go to the winner of the Trophy and one will go to the top performing Junior (U18) surfer.

FORMAT

· Maximum of 24 surfers total in the event.

· 6 spots guaranteed for Juniors.

· 6 spots guaranteed for Masters.

· 10 spots guaranteed for Open.

· All surfers who were awarded prizes in Cocrico Pro 2010 have guaranteed spots in TP12.

· All spot guarantees expire on December 15th and must be PAID before that date.

· 2 foreign wildcards allowed, but no spots guaranteed.

· All entries must pay $100 Surfing T&T 2012 membership.

· All entries must pay $100 Tobago Pro 2012 entry fee.

· All entries are on a first come, first serve basis. No exceptions.

· Entries are only official with CASH OR CHEQUE.

· Entries can be made at Beach Break Surf Shop Westmall / Trinicity, or Contest Director Jason Apparicio in Tobago.

· Registration Begins December 1st and Ends December 20th.

· Contest will be called on Alert 7 days before, Standby 5 days before, and ON 3 days before.

· Contest will be run in 8-man heats, 2 rounds, 6 heats total. 40 minute heats.

· Contest will be run in a total of 4 hours.

· Each surfer surfs twice. No eliminations.

· Each surfer can ride 5 waves that will be scored in each heat and must come in after last wave.

· A 6th wave ridden to come in to the beach will be tolerated, but not scored.

· Any wave ridden after wave #6, surfer will lose 1 point per wave off highest score.

· Surfers’ Highest score from Round 1 and Round 2 will be combined for a 2 wave total.

· Competitive heat strategies and hassling is strongly discouraged with this format.

· The goal of this format is for surfers to pick the best possible wave and surf it the best he can.

· Normal point etiquette rules apply and will be monitored by officials for abuse of privilege.

· Spotters will be stationed on the point with VHF radios to communicate with judges.

· Junior / Open / Masters will all surf together in mixed heats, points will go to each division.

PRIZES

· MOST OUTSTANDING WATERMAN – SCOTT TUCKER MEMORIAL TROPHY

This is for the surfers who not only excels in the surfing performance arena of the contest, but is also a stand-out all-round Waterman. He must be respectful of other watermen, respected by other watermen, an ambassador for surfing and Mt.Irvine, have a good & positive attitude, be a role model for the youths, and of course be an Outstanding Waterman!

The winner of this honor will be determined 50% by the performance / result of the contest itself and 50% by votes of the competitors, judges and officials of the event. The winner of this honor will have his name engraved in the Trophy and will take home a Brand New Custom …Lost Surfboard courtesy of the Tucker Family and in support of the Breath of Strength Foundation.

· BEST PERFORMANCE BY A JUNIOR (U18) SURFER - …LOST SURFBOARD

This is for the junior surfer that posts the two highest scores in the event. He will win a brand new Custom …Lost Surfboard courtesy of the Tucker Family and in support of the Breath of Strength Foundation.

· BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MASTERS (35+) SURFER – Weekend for 2 at BLUE WATERS INN

This is for the masters’ surfer that posts the two highest scores in the event. He will win a weekend (2 nights) at the Blue Waters Inn, Speyside, courtesy of the Breath of Strength Foundation.

· PROFESSIONAL DIVISION PRIZEMONEY – THE SHADE … A Cool Scene!

This is prize money awarded to the Top Performing surfers in the event (2 wave totals).

1st Place - $1200

2nd Place - $600

3rd Place - $400

4th Place - $200

Most Outstanding Ride - $500

The Opening Ceremony will be held on Mt.Irvine beach at 3.30pm on Friday 30th December 2011. At this ceremony the Scott Tucker Memorial Trophy will be commemorated.

The Closing Ceremony will be held at the Shade Night Club in Bon Accord soon after the final heat of the event, where all prizes will be awarded to competitors.

The age is the persons age at January 1st of 2012. Change that to 10 spots reserved for Open = 24 spots.

A junior can win open pro prize money and the Best Performance by a Junior, but cannot with the Best Overall Waterman.

An open surfer can only win the open pro prize money and potentially the Outstanding Waterman Prize.

A master surfer can win the open pro prize money and potentially the Outstanding Waterman Prize, but cannot also win the Best Performance by a Master as well. Therefor, the Best Performance by a Master goes to the highest combined score by a master that has not won the Outstanding Waterman Prize.

Event Timeline

1/12/11 – 20/12/11 Event Registrations.

30/12/11 Opening Ceremony – 3.30 pm.

31/12/11 – 1/1/12 Competition Waiting Period Days 1 / 2.

7/1/12 – 8/1/12 Competition Waiting Period Days 3 / 4.

14/1/11 – 15/1/12 Competition Waiting Period Days 5 / 6.

21/1/11 – 22/1/12 Competition Waiting Period Days 7 / 8.

28/1/11 – 29/1/12 Competition Waiting Period Days 9 / 10.

Eligible Surfers

Masters

1. Che Lovelace

2. Alan Davis

3. Jason Apparicio

4. Barry St George

5. Larry “Shrimpy” Coehlo

6. Stuart “Fowl” Abraham

7. Andrew “Killer” Miller

8. Andrew “Quincy” Cabral

9. Lawrence Morales

10. Mark Nunez

11. Sheldon Wong Chong

12. Stuart Hutton

13. Wayne Hadeed

14. Sherrard Spiers

15. Andrew Awai

16. Craig “Barney” Evelyn

17. Eamon Healy-Singh

18. Edward Albada

OPEN

18. Keith Lewis

19. Chris Dennis

20. Shane Hennaman

21. Kevin See Tai

22. Justin Tang

23. Donald Koo

24. Mark de Verteuil

25. Alan de Verteuil

26. Duane Kenny

27. Brett Kenny

28. Ryan del Pino

29. Jeffery Stauble

30. Dominic Besson

31. Aaron Besson

32. Troy Hadeed

33. Christian Hadeed

34. Andre Stewart

35. Ryan Chin

36. Stephen Mackenzie

37. Shawn Rostant

38. Jesse Jarvis

39. Brian Ramcharan

40. Christian Reece

Juniors

41. Mathew Milne

42. Dario Jordan

43. Adrian de Silva

44. Steve Aeschlimann

45. Caelum Blandford

46. Ian Ross-Schweiden

47. Victor

Foreign Wildcards

48. Dean Winters

49. Tom Earl

50. Cheyne Jobson

Any Surfer not listed can contact surfing T and T in writing for consideration to be added.

Cocrico Pro 2010 RESULTS

Monster Drop / Biggest Wave – DUANE KENNY

Best / Biggest Barrel Ride – ALAN DAVIS

Heaviest Wipeout – SCOTT TUCKER

Best High-Performance Surfing Exhibit – ANDRE STEWART

Best Big-wave Surfing Exhibit – BARRY ST.GEORGE

Best Overall Waterman Performance – BARRY ST.GEORGE

Most Improved Performer (OPEN) – ANDRE STEWART

Most Improved Junior (U18) – MATHEW MILNE

Best Master Performance (35+) – CHE LOVELACE

SPIRIT OF SURFING AWARD – EAMON HEALY-SINGH

Super-Session 1st (OPEN) – ALAN DAVIS

Super-Session 2nd (OPEN) – JASON APPARICIO

U18 juniors 1st (Male) – ADRIAN DE SILVA

U18 juniors 2nd (Male) – MATHEW MILNE

U18 juniors 3rd (Male) – DARIO JORDAN

U18 juniors 4th (Male) – CAELUM BLANDFORD

U18 juniors 5th (Male) – IAN ROSS-SCHWEDEN

Gentleman, Europe’s Platinum Reggae Artist, Announces North And South American Tour Dates For March 2012

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 03:35:00 UT

Gentleman, the German multi-platinum and award-winning reggae artist set to release his U.S. debut album Diversity on Feb 14 (VP), will embark on North and South America tour beginning in March 2012. The first leg of the Gentleman & The Evolution Diversity Tour has been announced and the U.S. portion includes a west coast run supporting SOJA and his debut NYC showcase. He will continue to tour in South America until April 1st. See schedule below and more dates will be added.

Gentleman is a crucial component in the movement of international artists beyond Jamaica who are expanding the footprint of reggae music. NPR’s Saturday Weekend Edition talks in more depth on a special segment about non-Jamaican reggae music and recently called Gentleman the"Eminem of Reggae."

With six albums under his belt and over one million collectively sold in Europe, Gentleman is long overdue for his U.S. debut of Diversity. The international version of the album already charted at #1 in Germany as well as #2 in Switzerland and Austria and is the follow-up to his Europe platinum-selling record Confidence. On Diversity, Gentleman stays true to his first musical love - roots reggae - and teams up with top Jamaican recording artists, including reggae lyricist and singer Tanya Stephens, the late Studio One veteran and dancehall pioneer Sugar Minott, Christopher Martin (Season Two winner of Jamaica’s televised talent competition, Rising Stars) and producers Don Corelone, Red Roze, Shane Brown, Xterminator and Firehouse Crew.

U.S. Tour Dates:
3/7 @ The Fillmore in San Francisco (opening for SOJA)
3/8 @ The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, CA (opening for SOJA)
3/10 @ House of Blues in Hollywood, CA (opening for SOJA)
3/11 @ House of Blues in San Diego, CA (opening for SOJA)
3/13 @ Le Poisson Rouge in New York, NY
3/14 @ State Theatre in Falls Church, VA

South America Tour Dates:
3/16 @ Figali Convention Center in Panama City, Panama
3/17 @ Puntarenas in Jaco, Costa Rica
3/20 @ Teatro Bar in Caracas, Venezuela
3/22 @ Teatro Bar in Valencia, Venezuela
3/23 @ Sala Ferimar in Maracay, Venezuela
3/28 @ Teatro Colegiales in Buenos Aires, Argentina
3/30 @ Festival Estereo Picnic in Bogota, Colombia
3/31 @ Lollapalooza Festival in Santiago de Chile, Chile

The FAB 5 Holiday Tour Across Florida, December 23 – 30, 2011

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:00:00 UT

To end the year, Jamaica’s #1 show and dance band will be taking their fans in Central and South Florida on a musical adventure as they make a 4 city stop before ringing in 2012 back home in Jamaica.

Starting out on Dec. 23, the ever popular band for over 40 years will make a quick performance stop in Central Florida for a Christmas Jam at the BCASCA Development Center Clubhouse in Palm Bay. With the city of Palm Bay having not hosted the likes of FAB 5, this no doubt will be a very special occasion in Brevard County, hosted by the Brevard Caribbean American Sports & Cultural Association Inc. (BCASCA).

On the Monday Dec. 26th, the celebration moves south to the parking lot of the Reggae Village in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. With Monday being the official observed Christmas Holiday for 2011, the gates will open from 5pm for an early bird holiday lime with special features until 8pm, shortly after which we enter in to prime time when FAB 5 hits the stage. This Boxing Day Jam will also feature party music from DJ Mark Swaby and DJ Yo Yo.

All the limited tickets for Dec. 26th are available before the event at pre-sold prices at the usual Caribbean ticket outlets as well as from alumni and other charity associations with proceeds from their ticket sales going towards that association’s efforts. With the limited amount of tickets available, when all the tickets are sold, none will be available at the gate.

The next stop for the Florida Tour takes place Wednesday night Dec. 28th at the world famous Skippers Smokehouse in Tampa. With the gates opening at 7pm, this will be a Caribbean Holiday celebration in a “Key West” style atmosphere. Skipper’s resident island band Impulse will kick off the night at 8pm after which FAB 5 will rock the house until around mid-night. The expected attendees will be an even mix of Caribbean and non-Caribbean nationals that will experience a Holiday jam, “Island Style”, which they will not soon forget.

The Tampa fans can meet and greet, and hang out with FAB 5 on Tuesday Dec. 27th from around 7pm at the Jerk Hut restaurant on E. Fowler Ave.

The Florida 2011 Holiday experience with FAB 5 ends by returning to Central Florida for a Pre-New Year’s celebration on Friday Dec. 30th in Orlando. This party style celebration takes place in the elegant ballroom of the Orlando Airport Marriott Hotel just outside of downtown Orlando. The doors will open at 8pm and will also feature Orlando’s very own DJ Charlie Brown. Tickets are available all cross Orlando and surrounding areas at many Caribbean business locations.

A special meet and greet, and lime with FAB 5 will held on Thursday Dec. 29th at Caribbean Sunshine Bakery in Winter Garden, at which time Caribcast plans to have a “Jamaica Election Returns Watch Party” live on TV from the television station in Jamaica.

Not only will attendees experience a Holiday celebration like no other, but they will have the opportunity to possibly purchase the latest CD from FAB 5, which has not yet hit store shelves, and has the theme, “Covering 50 Years of Jamaica’s Music”

Reggae Artist Wayne Wade To Headline West Indian Social Club Holiday Ball, December 18, 2010

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:00:01 UT

Reggae Artist Wayne Wade will headline the West Indian Social Club’s SNOWFLAKES AND SHADOWS 60TH HOLIDAY BALL taking place Saturday, December 18, 2010. The event will be held at the organizations 3340 Main Street location in Hartford. The event is a continuation of the West Indian Social Club’s year long, 60th anniversary celebrations and includes a tribute to the women of the former Ladies Auxiliary.

Incorporated in 1950, the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc. is the oldest continuously run organization of its kind in the United States. Because membership of the club was restricted to males, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1954, to give women, most of whom were American, the opportunity to join the organization with limited benefits. Mrs. Connie Mills served as the Ladies Auxiliary’s first President. In addition to upkeep and maintenance of the facilities, the Ladies Auxiliary members were responsible for many of the Club’s social programs including the highly successful and very popular Snowflakes and Shadows (black and white) Ball.

In 1980, the Ladies Auxiliary was dissolved and the women were absorbed into the general membership of the organization. This change of policy allowed women to become full voting members of the organization and opened the opportunity for women to serve on the Executive Board. Today, many of the former Ladies Auxiliary members serve on what has become known as the Over 40 Committee and are responsible for the annual Memorial and Men’s Scholarship Programs. The Executive Board and members felt it was fitting to recognize these women to show their appreciation for their contribution and their length of service by reprising the Snowflakes and Shadows Ball and honoring the former members at the December 18th event.

The event also includes: dinner, cocktails and entertainment featuring a performance by WAYNE WADE, backed by the EMERGENCY BAND and music by SNOW WHITE DISCO. WAYNE WADE is a roots and lovers reggae singer whose songs “Love You Too Much,” “Kiss an Angel” and cover of Kenny Rogers “Lady” catapulted him to legendary status in the reggae genre. He currently resides in Florida where he continues to write and record music. This will be his first performance in Connecticut.

The red carpet reception begins 6:00 PM, Dinner 7 PM and Program, concert and dance begins shortly thereafter. This is a formal event, therefore we suggest evening gowns for the women and jacket and tie for the gentlemen.

A big thanks to event sponsors EverythingYard.com; event planner and decorator Jackie Thomas of Jacqueline Events Planning; and Organo Gold Coffee who will be providing goodies for the event swag bags that will be distributed at the December 18th event and who will be hosting the Snowflakes and Shadows noon time brunch on Sunday, December 19th at the West Indian Social Club.

Tickets ($25 for individuals and $40 couple) are available at JAHMSKE’S CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT located at 1229 Albany Avenue in Hartford and DUNNS RIVER RESTAURANT located 2996 Main Street in Hartford.

Actor And Singer, Leon, To Perform In New York, December 13, 2011

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:15:00 UT

Come join the live performance from Actor/singer, LEON at Sullivan Hall (214 Sulivan Street, New York, NY). The Holiday concert, which will also feature performances by Curtis Bailey & The Clinic and Alexis Layne, is held in conjunction with The American Friends of Jamaica, who will host a Toy and Book Drive during the event. Concert goers are asked to bring a toy or book unwrapped to benefit one of the children's homes supported by the AFJ in Jamaica.

A press reception will be held at 7:00 pm, followed by performances at 8:00pm. Admission is $10.00.

Carnival International de Victoria, March 2-4, 2011, Seychelles

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:15:00 UT

WHAT: Carnival International de Victoria

WHEN: March 2-4, 2012

WHERE: Seychelles

Annual Fund Raising & Service Award Recognition Banquet, December 10, 2011

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:00:00 UT

Coalition for Jamaica will be honoring Dr. Alston Meade with a special “Award of Excellence” for his years of dedicated service to the Caribbean community. Please join us in showing our appreciation to a man who has worked so passionately to empower our community. We still have tickets available which can be purchased at the door.

As Jamaicans it is our utmost responsibility to uphold and demonstrate the positive sides of our people and our culture, and as a group we strive to show the level of our abilities worldwide: and will carry this responsibility proudly. We are here to make a difference we are here to represent we are Coalition for Jamaica WWW.CoalitionforJamaica.com 215-681-1078 office.

WHAT: Coalition for Jamaica Education Sector presents their Annual Fund Raising & Service Award Recognition Banquet

WHEN: December 10, 2011, 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

WHERE: Clifton Heights Fire Company
20W Baltimore Ave Clifton Heights PA 19018

DONATION: Adult $50, children 12 & under $30

Listener Appreciation Christmas Gala, December 17, 2011

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:40:00 UT

WHAT: Falcon Banquet Hall Presents Carrie Mullings and DJ Cool
Listener Appreciation Christmas Gala

WHEN: Saturday, December 17, 2011

WHERE: Falcon Banquet Hall
1852 Dundas Street East Mississauga

DRESS CODE: Formal

TICKETS: $50 Couples, Dinner and Dance
$30 Singles, Dinner and Dance
$15 Dance Only.

Greater Caribbean American Chamber Of Commerce Christmas Party & Awards Presentation, December 8, 2011

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:50:00 UT

WHAT: Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party & Awards Presentation

WHEN: Thursday, December 8, 2011

WHERE: Genesis Restaurant, Lounge & Banquet Center

Jermaine Gordon On Love 101, December 6, 2011

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:25:00 UT

A fresh wind is blowing in the gospel music industry in Jamaica.

Music Director, Worship Leader and Author Jermaine Gordon is releasing his debut album.

Join Jermaine Gordon on radio for an exclusive listening of his debut album on December 6, 2011 at 6 pm on love 101 FM or online at www.lovefm.org

The album titled, ‘Lord I Surrender’ is described as comforting and spirit-filled.

The album includes several special guests, including Ryan Berry, Dawn Martin and Judith Gayle.

Lord I Surrender speaks to the core of the human soul with a desperate cry, offering songs of adoration and worship up to God in several styles and genres.

The album opens with a song declaring God as number one.

Visual Art Master Bernard Hoyes Presents The Bernard Hoyes And Friends Holiday Art Sale Gala, December 17-18, 2011, Los Angeles

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:40:00 UT

This holiday season will be a wondrous celebration of love, light and vibrant color when Los Angeles' own cultural icon, visual artist Bernard Stanley Hoyes, not only opens his studio for a two-day sale, but also invites several of his friends from the art community to participate with the offerings as well. The Bernard Hoyes and Friends Art Holiday Sale Gala will be held Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 from 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm at his Artist's Studio located at 985 Westchester Place (one block west of Wilton, off Olympic Blvd.) in Los Angeles.

Hoyes' work is currently on display as part of the "Places of Validation, Art & Progression" exhibit organized by the California African American Museum as part of the Getty initiative "Pacific Standard Time: Art in LA 1945-1980" exhibitions; and can be seen in Lyn Kienholz's coffee table New Art Encyclopedia pictorial, "L.A. Rising: SoCal Artist before 1980" also supported by the Getty Foundation.

"The holidays always present a special time to gather with family and friends. This gathering of my friends from the art community to offer our crafts to the public is therefore noteworthy at this time. We are artists who have been documenting culture since the 1970's, so this is an incredible opportunity to purchase distinct and exceptional gifts at affordable prices," cites Hoyes.

An internationally celebrated painter, Hoyes' work is known for its African American and Jamaican influences, brilliance in color and depth of spirituality. His recent exhibits include the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series in San Francisco, presented in partnership with Russell and Danny Simmons' Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation and "Shout" an exhibition celebrating gospel music at Avisca Fine Art Gallery in Atlanta. Hoyes is the recent recipient of the 2010 Florence Sabin Distinguished Alumni Award at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, VT and selections of Hoyes' work have been featured in several television shows including the Showtime hit series, "Dexter" and collected by Oprah Winfrey. President Barack Obama has even been photographed in front of his work.

Originals from his collection, as well as watercolors, serigraphs, etchings, limited editions, and poster, framed and unframed art will all be available for discount purchase. The event is free and open to the public and offers made are good for the sale days only.

Rebelution Brings Reggae Dance Party To Grand Sierra Resort In Reno On New Year’s Eve Along With Special Guests: Pep Love And Thrive, December 31, 2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:50:00 UT

Southern California reggae band, Rebelution, along with hip-hop artist from Hieroglyphics, Pep Love, and reggae-rockers, Thrive, will perform on Saturday, December 31 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno for an all-ages New Year’s Eve dance party. Doors are at 8pm and the music starts at 9pm. Tickets are $45 in advance. through Ticketmaster or by phone 775-789-2285.

Originally formed in 2004, members Eric Rachmany (vocals/guitar), Matt Velasquez (vocals/guitar), Rory Carey (keyboard), Wesley Finley (drums), and Marley D. Williams (bass) met in college while residing in Isla Vista, a beach-side community in Santa Barbara. Throughout 2004-2005, Rebelution began to buildmomentum through consistently playing local shows and by independently releasing an EP.

Rebelution released their first full-length album “Courage to Grow” in 2007, which would become the breakthrough album for the band, praised for its crafty melodies, socially conscious lyrics, and savvy musicianship. “Courage to Grow” went on to garner mass downloads and radio play on stations such as San Francisco’s Live 105 where their single “Safe and Sound” was played on heavy rotation, with spins on San Diego’s 91X and Los Angeles’s KROQ. The album was selected as iTunes Editor’s Choice for Best Reggae Album of 2007. In addition, “Courage to Grow” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart.

Two years later, Rebelution released their sophomore full-length album “Bright Side of Life.” It dominated the iTunes charts, solidifying the #1 spot on iTunes in the reggae music genre, and the #3 spot for top albums downloaded in the United States in all genres of music. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard TopReggae Albums chart!

The band performs at high-profile festivals including the 2010 Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, California with other well-known acts such as The Expendables (American band), Slightly Stoopid and Lauryn Hill.

On January 10, 2012, Rebelution will release their 3rd studio album, Peace Of Mind, through their label 87 Music. Fans can get a free download of all three versions of Peace of Mind’s first single, the upbeat “Sky is the Limit”.

Reggae Rockers, Thrive, also Pep Love, a hip hop artist and motivational speaker who is also one of the founding members of the Oakland, California-based underground hip-hop collective Hieroglyphics, will also be performing.

Villages As Businesses Workshop Launch, December 12, 2011, Manchester

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:30:01 UT

WHAT: Villages as Businesses Workshop Launch

WHO: Countrystyle Community Tourism Network
The National Best Community Foundation
Villages as Businesses Programme

WHERE: Mandeville Hotel, Mandeville, Manchester

WHEN: December 12, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Jamaica Farewell, December 11, 2011

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:45:02 UT

WHAT: Sunset Jamaica Grande presents Jamaica Farewell

WHEN: December 11, 2011, 6:00 pm

WHERE: Sunset Jamaica Grande/Portland Ballroom

TICKET PRICES: Pre-paid $1500, Door $1,750

French Departments Of The Americas Focus On Caribbean Integration, November 30, 2011 - December 2, 2011

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:30:00 UT

The closer integration of French Caribbean Departments with non-French speaking countries and territories in the region is the focus of a conference in Guadeloupe next week.

The first conference of this nature, called Forum FDA (French Departments of the Americas), is slated for November 30 to December 2, 2011 at Université des Antillles et de la Guyane (UAG) in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe in the French West Indies.

In seeking greater regional integration of the French Departments with the wider Caribbean region, Forum FDA delegates will also look to position the French West Indies as the "Mediterranean of the Americas". In so doing delegates will aim to position the French Caribbean as a center for training, professional development, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The French Departments of the Americas include French Guyana, Guadeloupe and Martinique, while St. Barthélemy and St. Martin are considered territories.

"Today it is necessary to redraw our borders and to engage with the American continents to the North and the South, by learning about our history and by investigating the future of this melting pot of civilization and development - regional integration must be managed while protecting and favouring its rich diversity," said Xavier d'Arthuys of the Forum FDA Secretariat.

The French Caribbean has an important role to play, he added, and must find a way to work more closely with their Caribbean neighbors regardless of linguistic heritage. Other areas for cooperation and collaboration, he asserted, included research and development, ecological development, as well as artistic and cultural development.

Numerous academics and professional experts from France, the French West Indies, Barbados, Cuba, Jamaica and Mexico will be participating in the three-day conference, which will be opened by Victorin Lurel, President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe; Pascal Saffache, UAG's President, as well as Marie-Luce Penchard, French Minister of Overseas Departments, Territories and Immigration.

The conference will be held at the campus of Fouillole (Amphitheatre Le Pointe, Salle du Conseil and Salle L of the Faculty of Law) in Pointe-à-Pitre where UAG is headquartered.

The Paris-based association Al'Chimie has been commissioned by L'Année des Outre-Mer Français 2011 to organise Forum DFA, in partnership with UAG, the French Regional Institute of Cultural Affairs of Guadeloupe, and the French Embassy in Saint Lucia.

Rebelution Brings Reggae Dance Party To Grand Sierra Resort In Reno On New Year’s Eve Along With Special Guests: Pep Love And Thrive, December 31, 2011

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:25:00 UT

Originally formed in 2004, members Eric Rachmany (vocals/guitar), Matt Velasquez (vocals/guitar), Rory Carey (keyboard), Wesley Finley (drums), and Marley D. Williams (bass) met in college while residing in Isla Vista, a beach-side community in Santa Barbara. Throughout 2004-2005, Rebelution began to build momentum through consistently playing local shows and by independently releasing an EP.

Rebelution released their first full-length album “Courage to Grow” in 2007, which would become the breakthrough album for the band, praised for its crafty melodies, socially conscious lyrics, and savvy musicianship. “Courage to Grow” went on to garner mass downloads and radio play on stations such as San Francisco’s Live 105 where their single “Safe and Sound” was played on heavy rotation, with spins on San Diego’s 91X and Los Angeles’s KROQ. The album was selected as iTunes Editor’s Choice for Best Reggae Album of 2007. In addition, “Courage to Grow” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart.

Two years later, Rebelution released their sophomore full-length album “Bright Side of Life.” It dominated the iTunes charts, solidifying the #1 spot on iTunes in the reggae music genre, and the #3 spot for top albums downloaded in the United States in all genres of music. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart!

The band performs at high-profile festivals including the 2010 Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, California with other well-known acts such as The Expendables (American band), Slightly Stoopid and Lauryn Hill.

On January 10, 2012, Rebelution will release their 3rd studio album, Peace Of Mind, through their label 87 Music. Fans can get a free download of all three versions of Peace of Mind’s first single, the upbeat “Sky is the Limit”.

Reggae Rockers, Thrive, also Pep Love, a hip hop artist and motivational speaker who is also one of the founding members of the Oakland, California-based underground hip-hop collective Hieroglyphics, will also be performing.

Sola RosaLive At Blu Nightclub - MontBleu Casino Resort, December 3, 2011

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:20:00 UT

MontBleu Casino Resort and PR Entertainment, Inc presents New Zealand’s Music Award-Winning sensation, Sola Rosa, who will perform their amazing Reggae/Funk/Jazz/Latin/Hip-Hop Fusion, Saturday, December 3, 2011, inside Blu Nightclub at MontBleu Resort. Tickets are just $7.00, or $5.00 for locals and FREE for all local Ski Resort Employees, as MontBleu welcomes winter and all ski resort industry employees to the Lake Tahoe basin. Tickets are available at the door only. 9p doors. Must be 21.

Acclaimed New Zealand combo SOLA ROSA will bring their groovalicious blend of hip hop, reggae, jazz, Latin, soul and funk to lucky U.S. audiences for the first time this winter, via a series of tour dates just announced. Starting November 29th, frontman Andrew Spraggon will take the stage alongside Spikey Tee (Jah Wobble, Mr. Scruff, Bomb the Bass) and Lila Tomlins (Kiwi vocal sensation) for a Sound System tour of ten North American cities, beginning in New York, NY and ending in Ensenada, Mexico. SOLA ROSA is ready to prove to the U.S. audience that they have that special element it takes to make it in the ever-growing musical world.

SOLA ROSA’s debut North American album, Get It Together, was recently released on October 11th, 2011, and already garnered a mention in the Village Voice, a single premiere for “Turn Around” in Baeble Music, and a video premiere for the same song on PopMatters. This is not surprising, as the album has stayed at #1 in NZ for over four months.

SOLA ROSA frontman Andrew Spraggon ignores the niceties of genre boundaries and opts instead to blend his diverse influences into an otherworldly aural experience. Since 1999 he has been honing his craft by keeping good company on the road and in the studio, eventually earning himself a nomination for Best Producer at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards in 2006 and 2009. Get It Together was nominated for Best Electronica Album, and the album’s second single, ‘Turn Around’, was nominated for Best Video.

While Sola Rosa’s first three albums undoubtedly cast Spraggon as one of New Zealand’s finest purveyors of downbeat-electronica – something that was backed up by a raft of accolades including a NZ Music Award for 2001’s Solarized, and b-net awards for 2000’s Entrance To Skyway and 2003’s Haunted Out-takes – his fourth long player, 2005s Moves On, saw a change in tact. Not content to simply stay within the bounds of any one genre, Spraggon expanded the Sola Rosa sound, incorporating more live instrumentation and adding a healthy dollop of funk, soul and reggae to an already considerable list influences. The new direction not only reinvigorated the Rosa sound, but earned Spraggon another nomination for Best Dance/Electronic album at the 2006 NZ Music Awards.

Despite the rapturous reception that all six of Sola Rosa’s releases have garnered, it’s Spraggon’s latest album, Get It Together, which has so successfully captured the breadth of his vision and piqued the most interest from record labels, artists and fans the world over. Like its predecessor, Moves On, Get It Together builds on a more performance based template than Sola Rosa’ early work, featuring a full band. It’s also Sola Rosa’s most ambitious to date, something which can largely be attributed to the talented musical cast Spraggon surrounded himself with over the course of the album’s recording. Long-term Sola Rosa collaborators Matt Short (bass), Ben White (Guitar), and Will Scott (drums) were joined by vocalists Spikey Tee (best known for his work with Jah Wobble, Mr Scruff, and Bomb The Bass), UK MC Serocee, German-based poet and singer Bajka, and Wellington songstress Iva Lamkum. Beyond the outstanding vocal collaborations a bevy of New Zealand’s most talented musicians have lent their hand on the album as well – Julian Dyne, Scratch 22, James Duncan, Victoria Kelly and Miguel Fuentes to name a few.

As a result, it’s no surprise that Get It Together has been so well received in New Zealand, chalking up the number one spot on iTunes and the Independent NZ Music Album Chart (where it stayed for four months), and reaching number 15 on the NZ Album Chart – all on the way to achieving Gold status. If that wasn’t enough, Spraggon was nominated for Best Producer at the 2009 Vodafone NZ Music Awards, Get It Together was nominated for Best Electronica Album, and the album’s second single, ‘Turn Around’, was nominated for Best Video. Perhaps most tellingly though, the success of Get It Together has spawned a remix album, Get It Together: The Remixes, which features the likes The Nextmen, DJ Vadim, Yes King, TM Juke and J Star reworking Sola Rosa originals for maximum dance floor effect.

Along with attracting a who’s who of international producers to remix the album, Get It Together’s heady mix of hybrid funk and tough beats has caught the attention of various labels throughout Europe. Lead single ‘Del Ray’ has been licensed for release through Sony BMG Germany for its Exotic Lounge Sessions compilation, and DJ Ease of Nightmares On Wax selected ‘Del Ray’ for his edition of Stereo Deluxe’s Coming Home series. This adds to an already impressive list of releases through revered global labels like Ministry Of Sound, Guidance, Different Drummer and Satellite K.

With a recent deluxe edition vinyl release of Get It Together, along with the albums release in Australia and scheduled release in Europe, Canada, Japan and the US early next year, Sola Rosa is slowly but surely spreading from their South-Pacific roots, letting the world in on what Kiwi music-lovers have been blessed with for years.Sola Rosa will be performing live at MontBleu’s Blu Nightclub, Saturday, December 3, 2011. Doors open 9p. Tickets are available at the door for $7.00, locals are $5.00, and all ski resort employees get in for FREE. (with employee ID).

The Errol Flynn Christmas Ball, December 17, 2011, Portland

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:00:00 UT

WHAT: The Portland Chamber of Commerce in association with The Richard & Diana Stewart Foundation present The Errol Flynn Christmas Ball - Dancing to the Fabulous FAB 5

WHEN: Saturday, December 17, 2011, 7:30 PM

WHERE: Ken Wright Pier, Errol Fliynn Marina
Port Antonio, Portland

Peaceful Demonstration To Preserve Winnifred Beach, November 25, 2011, Port Antonio Square

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:45:00 UT

WHAT: Winnifred Beach needs to be free and public! Do not allow UDC to take the beach from the people! Join the peaceful demonstration to preserve Winnifred Beach for our children. Is our last free beach! Don't let them sell our country!

WHEN: Friday, November 25, 2011, 12:30 PM

WHERE: Port Antonio Square

Jamaican Attorney , Safiya Byars, Hold Annual Immigration Workshop, December 3, 2011, Decatur, Georgia

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:00:00 UT

The Law Office of Safiya Byars is dedicated to providing its clients with expert immigration advise and education. On December 3, 2011 Attorney Byars will host her workshop on the common "Green Card" petitions, Employment Visas, and strategies to avoid denied petitions. Mrs. Byars will be available to personally answer all your immigration questions. All attendees will receive educational materials at the close of the workshop.

Registration will end on November 29, 2011.

When: Saturday, December 3, 2011, 10:00-12:00 noon

Where: Law Office of Safiya Byars
160 Clairemont Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30030

Sola Rosa To Perform At Blu Nightclub, December 3, 2011

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:00:00 UT

MontBleu Casino Resort and PR Entertainment, Inc presents New Zealand’s Music Award-Winning sensation, SOLA ROSA, who will perform their amazing Reggae/Funk/Jazz/Latin/Hip-Hop Fusion, Saturday, December 3, 2011, inside Blu Nightclub at MontBleu Resort.

Tickets are just $7.00, or $5.00 for locals and FREE for all local Ski Resort Employees, as MontBleu welcomes winter and all ski resort industry employees to the Lake Tahoe basin.

30th Anniversary Exhibition At Harmony Hall, November 27, 2011

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:00:00 UT

WHAT: 30th Anniversary Exhibition

WHEN: Sunday, November 27th, 2011 at 12 noon

OPENED BY: Glynne Manley

ARTISTS INCLUDE: David Boxer - Jonna Brasch - Deryck Campbell - Rani Carson - Cecil Cooper - Graham Davis- Laura Facey - Judy Ann Macmillan - Jag Mehta - Gene Pearson - David Pinto - Lisa Remeny - George Rodney - Norma Rodney-Harrack - Susan Shirley - H. Lisa Solon - P.J. Stewart

MORE INFO: There will be invited craft producers in the garden and complimentary cocktails from 12-1.30.
Toscanini’s will be serving lunch from 1 pm. Reservations requested: 975 4785.

The exhibition runs until December 30th

Gallery hours: 10am – 5.30pm.Toscanini’s open for lunch & dinner.

Legendary Jamaican Singer Returns To Los Angeles, December 3, 2011

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:15:00 UT

Legendary ska, rocksteady and reggae hit maker Stranger Cole will make a rare appearance in Southern California on Saturday, December 3, when he headlines the monthly Ska Mania Night at The Joint in Los Angeles. Backing up Stranger for the night will be veteran LA singer Queen P (of Ocean 11, L.A. All Stars) and The Delirians, plus Penny Reel and The Hashishans. They will all showcase their talents to help make for an unforgettable night.

Stranger Cole was recently featured, and narrated in the documentary Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae and will soon be highlighted in Legends of Ska: The Movie. On December 3, Stranger is sure to delight fans with his catalogue of popular songs from Jamaica’s heyday, including “Rough & Tough,” Stranger at Your Door,” “When I Call Your Name,” “Hey Hey Baby,” “Artibella,” and “Uno Dos Tres,”

It is guaranteed to be one musical extravaganza with one founding father and four of the Southland’s most popular Jamaican- inspired acts!

The Joint is located at 8771 W. Pico Blvd in Los Angeles (just east of Robertson Blvd.). Doors at 8pm. Music at 9pm. Tickets are $15.

The Joint is committed to bringing the “one love” reggae vibe to the Westside. The popular night spot and Jamaican restaurant has previously featured the likes of Judy Mowatt, Pato Banton, The Mighty Diamonds, Eric Monty Morris, Glen Washington, Sierra Leone Refugee Allstars, distinguished members of Peter Tosh’s band, plus a Jamaican Independence Ska & Rocksteady Celebration.

2011 Caribbean HIV Conference Attracts More Than 2,000 Participants From Across The Region, November 18-21, 2011

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:00:00 UT

The 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference: Strengthening Evidence To Achieve Sustainable Action will commence this evening with more than 2,000 individuals from across the region in attendance. These individuals represent a wide range of interests, perspectives, and backgrounds, but they all share a common goal -- to take part in forming a collaborative and sustainable response to the HIV epidemic in the Caribbean region.

The 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference will take place November 18-21, 2011, at the Atlantis Conference Center in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Tonight's opening ceremony will feature a keynote address from The Right Honorable Hubert Alexander Ingraham, Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, as well as a performance by acclaimed actress, singer, and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph of the United States. Best known for creating the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, Ms. Ralph will perform Sometimes I Cry, her one-woman play about women infected with and affected by HIV.

The opening ceremony also will include:

Remarks from the three Conference Co-Chairs about the unique opportunity this conference provides; how the conference was developed; and its history, goals, and expected outcomes
An invocation from The Most Reverend Patrick Christopher Pinder, Archbishop of Nassau
A performance by the Bahamas National Youth Choir
Video messages from individuals across the Caribbean speaking about why the conference is needed and why they are taking part
Achievement awards presented by the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS and the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition
An award presentation to The Honorable Donna M. Christensen, U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress, for her years of service in the fight against HIV

"This evening's opening ceremony is designed to provide attendees with an informative, dynamic, and culturally meaningful introduction to the conference," said Conference Co-Chair Prof. Daisy M. Gely of the Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico. "We are all looking forward to marking the beginning of a collaborative and productive 4 days."

Focused on Sustainability

The theme for this year's conference, Strengthening Evidence To Achieve Sustainable Action, focuses on identifying a viable path that can be maintained in the future regional response to HIV. "In the process of identifying the theme for this Conference, we reviewed the Caribbean's HIV experience over the last three decades or so, and identified two critical and related concepts that we felt should be central to the Conference program -- sustainability and the importance of evidence in guiding the strategies that will attain this goal," said Conference Planning Committee member Roger McLean of the University of the West Indies at St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. "Sustainability is a key challenge facing the regional HIV response, and, to confront it effectively, we need to carefully evaluate what has and hasn't worked well previously, share good practices and lessons learned, and work together in their application through more integrated approaches."

The theme is woven throughout the conference agenda. It is incorporated into each of five program tracks, and it is the focus of the following sessions:

Sustainability Issues. Sunday, November 20, 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Sustainability-Sustainable Caribbean HIV Conferences. Sunday, November 20, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ensuring Sustainability: Increasing Funding for Community-Based Organizations To Fight HIV in the Caribbean. Sunday, November 20, 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Small Island States-Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities. Monday, November 21, 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Winning the Fight on HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean: How Partnering With Business Can Yield Significant Impact. Monday, November 21, 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

A major objective is that the conference will establish a special committee that will present preliminary recommendations to form the basis for a sustainability action plan. "We see the conference itself as a key component in the future," said Conference Planning Committee member Osborne Nurse, who will lead the Caribbean HIV Conference's special session on sustainability. "We see it as an activity that can dovetail into a regional strategic framework and be aligned with one or more of the key strategic objectives of such a plan."

This event is the third Caribbean HIV conference in the past decade, and it is designed to build on successes of the previous events, which demonstrated that regional cooperation and collaboration are key to confronting HIV in the Caribbean. Leading political, scientific, and public health leaders are included in the impressive roster of speakers contributing to the agenda.

International Film Distribution Workshop Set For Trinidad, November 19, 2011, Trinidad

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:55:00 UT

WHO: Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO, CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution (CTWD).

WHAT: CTWD International Distribution Workshop, presented by CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution in partnership with Animae Caribe and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company.

WHEN: Saturday November 19th, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company, Victoria Avenue, Port of Spain, Trinidad. (868) 701-4722

WHY: The first in a series of regional workshops on International Film Distribution takes place this Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 1-5 pm at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company, Victoria Avenue, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Entitled “Taking Caribbean Films to the World” and presented by CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution -- the Region’s premier film distribution company, the event is aimed at film and television producers, film industry stakeholders and film and animation students.

It marks the Official Launch of an important new partnership between CTWD, the Animae Caribe Film and New Media Festival, and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company, that envisions Trinidad and Tobago films holding an increased platform and building a stronger profile on the world stage.

Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO of CTWD said: “We are delighted to be working with these two extremely important local organizations in a sustainable partnership that will bridge the gap between local production and the international market and take the local industry to the next stage.”

Carla Foderingham, CEO of the TTFC, said."The CTWD-led workshop is timely as the commercialization of local content is the next natural area of focus for local filmmakers and by extension the TTFC."

The workshop will cover principles of marketing and distribution of Caribbean content, and ways to work with international distributors. Solomon added “We know these are areas where local producers can benefit from a deeper and better understanding of skilled practice.”

Animae Caribe’s CEO and Founder Camille Selvon Abrahams summed it up: “Our partnership with CTWD is necessary and integral to the development of our industry going forward, as it connects us to the Bigger Picture.”

The cost of the workshop is $175TT, with a special discounted rate for students of $50.

Jamaica - Community Events

Sly & Robbie, Cherine And The Taxi Gang Rocks New Zealand's Raggamuffin Festival, January 28, 2012

Rocksteady Revival Night, February 5, 2012, Los Globos In Silver Lake, CA

Alumni Head Winterfolk Festival X, February 17-19, 2012

31st Annual Tribute To The Reggae Legends, February 18 & 19, 2012, San Diego

The Expendables Winter Blackout Tour 2012 Live At MontBleu Casino Resort, February 11, 2012

Discussion On Jamaica’s 50th Year Of Independence And Cultural Quiz Bowl Highlight JAMCCAR’s Celebration Of Black History Month At Monthly Meeting On Friday, February 10, 2012

The Expendables Winter Blackout Tour 2012 With Special Guests MTHDS, Through The Roots, And Fortunate Youth Live At MontBleu Casino Resort, February 11, 2012

Jamaican Novel Selected For Presentation On “Mixed/Fixed Relations” At International Humanities Conference, Montreal, Canada, June 2012

Best Of The Reggae Film Festival At Redbones, February 18, 2012

Clonmel Potters At Harmony Hall, February 5, 2012

Discussion On Jamaica's 50th Year Of Independence And Cultural Quiz Bowl Highlight JAMCCAR'S Celebration Of Black History Month At Monthly Meeting On February 10, 2012

The En Sound Music Awards Heads For The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, Decatur Georgia On July 29, 2012

Jamaica Farewell, February 2012, Georgia

Personal Development Expert, Author & Motivational Speaker Plans Interactive Book Signing Event At Knowledge Book Store, Brampton, February 11, 2012

Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival, March 17-18, 2012

Caribbean Immegration Seminar, January 20, 2012

Fantasy - The Ultimate All White Party Kicks Off In Mobay, January 28, 2012

UK's Reggae Scene Takes Over Texas On March 16 & 17, 2012, The Official SXSW 'Bass Culture' Showcase

Official Launch Of Jamaica 50th, January 22, 2012

Meet The USA Ambassador, January 12, 2012, Port Antonio

Macka Diamond Ring In The New Year With Weekend Birthday Celebratio​n/ 2011 Reign As Female Rapper/Dj Of The Year

Rebelution Brings Reggae Dance Party To Grand Sierra Resort In Reno On New Year’s Eve

Happy New Year - January 2011 Events

31st Annual Tribute To Jamaica's Self-Taught Artists, January 1, 2012

Jamaica Top Roots Reggae Concert, Pepsi Rebel Salute, To Feature All-Star Line-Up, January 14, 2012

Surfing T&T Tobago Pro 2012

Gentleman, Europe’s Platinum Reggae Artist, Announces North And South American Tour Dates For March 2012

The FAB 5 Holiday Tour Across Florida, December 23 – 30, 2011

Reggae Artist Wayne Wade To Headline West Indian Social Club Holiday Ball, December 18, 2010

Actor And Singer, Leon, To Perform In New York, December 13, 2011

Carnival International de Victoria, March 2-4, 2011, Seychelles

Annual Fund Raising & Service Award Recognition Banquet, December 10, 2011

Listener Appreciation Christmas Gala, December 17, 2011

Greater Caribbean American Chamber Of Commerce Christmas Party & Awards Presentation, December 8, 2011

Jermaine Gordon On Love 101, December 6, 2011

Visual Art Master Bernard Hoyes Presents The Bernard Hoyes And Friends Holiday Art Sale Gala, December 17-18, 2011, Los Angeles

Rebelution Brings Reggae Dance Party To Grand Sierra Resort In Reno On New Year’s Eve Along With Special Guests: Pep Love And Thrive, December 31, 2011

Villages As Businesses Workshop Launch, December 12, 2011, Manchester

Jamaica Farewell, December 11, 2011

French Departments Of The Americas Focus On Caribbean Integration, November 30, 2011 - December 2, 2011

Rebelution Brings Reggae Dance Party To Grand Sierra Resort In Reno On New Year’s Eve Along With Special Guests: Pep Love And Thrive, December 31, 2011

Sola RosaLive At Blu Nightclub - MontBleu Casino Resort, December 3, 2011

The Errol Flynn Christmas Ball, December 17, 2011, Portland

Peaceful Demonstration To Preserve Winnifred Beach, November 25, 2011, Port Antonio Square

Jamaican Attorney , Safiya Byars, Hold Annual Immigration Workshop, December 3, 2011, Decatur, Georgia

Sola Rosa To Perform At Blu Nightclub, December 3, 2011

30th Anniversary Exhibition At Harmony Hall, November 27, 2011

Legendary Jamaican Singer Returns To Los Angeles, December 3, 2011

2011 Caribbean HIV Conference Attracts More Than 2,000 Participants From Across The Region, November 18-21, 2011

International Film Distribution Workshop Set For Trinidad, November 19, 2011, Trinidad

Macka Diamond Ring In The New Year With Weekend Birthday Celebration/ 2011 Reign As Female Rapper/Dj Of The Year