King Dice and Friends: A concert for the fathers

Four-time calypso and 5-time road march winner Dennison “King Dice” Joseph promises a spectacular event for patrons attending the King Dice and Friends Father’s Day Concert on Saturday June 19th at Dominica’s Harlem Plaza.



According to MC and co-organizer, Val “Young Bull” Cuffy, this concert was organized especially with fathers in mind. “Mother’s Day gets a great deal of coverage and is such a big event in the annual calendar; we want to do the same for fathers. They deserve their roses too.” He added, “We have for them a strong lineup of popular local artists including headliner King Dice a favorite of many Dominicans."

King Dice will ring in Father’s Day with a variety of songs from his repertoire including moving social commentaries like “(Help) My Brothers’ For Me”, “Higher” as well as the Reggae lovers’ anthem “Chance”. Having not performed at Calypso Finals this year, King Dice believes that this show will be a treat for the fans. “I will deliver like I am at the finals, so they can expect props, extras, wardrobe changes, and stage effects.” Dice, who was approached by Cuffy with the idea for the show, also believes in the importance of recognizing and celebrating fatherhood. “I am a father too and it’s a great feeling to honor dads like this. I think it will be a great show full of love and positive energy.”

Preceding Dice on stage will be local Reggae artists Dr. Silk, Atunyah and Abessah. The nine performing calypsonians are: Sye, De Professor (Jr. Calypso Monarch 2009 & 2010), Soul Puss, Hunter (Former Calypso King), Tasha P, Yakima, Checker, Triumph and Prosper.

Tickets for the show, which starts at 9PM, costs $30.00 and $50.00 VIP. It is sponsored by LIME as well as Bulls Eye Pharmacy, Heineken, Jolly’s Pharmacy, Minya’s 7-11 and Courts.

For ticketing info call (767)265-0208 or (767)245-8601




ABOUT KING DICE

A former Junior Calypso Monarch, Dennison “King Dice” Joseph is the youngest and only calypsonian to win four national crowns and five consecutive road march titles in Dominica calypso history. His first win was in 2004 with the songs “Peace Is My Business", dedicated to world leaders, and the second round crowd pleaser "Animal Farm," which compared politicians to various farm animals. In 2005 he captured the crown with his songs "Help My Brother For Me” and the political satire “Puppet Master." On February 25th 2006, King Dice made history by becoming the third but youngest calypsonian in 30 years to win 3 calypso crowns in 3 consecutive years, accomplishing what many veteran calypsonians have yet been able to do. "These Are The Days" and "I Eh Fraid Of Them" were the two songs he performed that night. Although Dice was definitely the crowd favorite on the night of February 17th 2007, where he performed "Lights" and "Follow Your Leader;" He placed 4th out of nine other calypsonians. Not breaking from the recipe that secured his prior wins, Dice with the help of songwriter Pat Aaron came back a year later to capture the crown with "Roll The Dice And See" and "On My Own." By then he had won the road march five times in a row with the songs "Tarzan"-2003, "Animal Farm-2004, "Puppet Master"-2005, "I Eh Fraid"-2006 and "Lights"-2007.

King Dice is presently contracted as the face of Heineken Beer in Dominica. He has received several awards for his accomplishments in the calypso arena including A Young Achievers Award in 2004 from the Commonwealth of Dominica Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, Sports and Human Resource Development for his contribution to culture. In July 2006, he became a member of the Elite- Tri Peat Club. Along with the other two calypsonians who have won 3 consecutive crowns he received his blue 3 peat jacket from the University of the West Indies in Dominica and Pawol Inc. He also received in 2006 a Youth Ambassador Award from the National Youth Council of Dominica in recognition of his contribution to calypso art form and for his 3-peat achievement. King Dice has taken part in workshops and forums on the island, with several groups including the Optimist Club who's main focus is youth development. In 2006 he released his 13 track debut CD entitled A Little Higher, co produced by himself and his writer Pat Aaron, consisting of all his calypsos from as far back as 2003, the ever popular “Chance,” "Hold On To Cricket", a song for cricket fans all over the Caribbean, urging them to have faith in the west Indies cricket team, and a few other party tunes. His latest album is a compilation of his hits called

Currently on hiatus from formal calypso competition, Dice hopes to return to the big stage in 2011. In the meantime he performs for fans in Dominica and the world at stageshows, music festivals and other events.


KING DICE ONLINE
Facebook
MySpace
King Dice Interview With The LIME




DOWNLOADS
"Chance"

"(Help)My Brothers For Me"

DOMINICAN HIP-HOPERA ARTIST MARIE-CLAIRE TO OPEN FOR FAITH EVANS IN ANTIGUA

Dominican-born, Bronx-reared, Hip-Hopera artist marie-claire is the only regional performer outside of Antigua to perform at the two-night Love Is All We Need concert at the Sugar Ridge Hotel which takes place June 19th and 20th. On the first night, dubbed “Queens of State,” she will join Antiguan singer Shermain Jeremy as the opening act for headliner Faith Evans, the Grammy-winning, RnB powerhouse from the US. marie-claire will also be present at several pre-concert press events, including a in-store reception at Colombian Emeralds.



According to Director of the US Tourism Team Derede Samuel-Whitlock, marie-claire brings something new and fresh to the mix. “Overall we want to create something entirely different from the existing festivals that currently exist throughout the Caribbean. In addition, the artists will become in involved in volunteerism, and do some charity work. I believe marie-claire has the right personality and image for the entire experience.”

The Father’s Day weekend event will coincide with the fourth annual Destination Wedding ceremony. New York couple, Doug Singer and Charmaine Bennett will wed in the Caribbean’s premier romance destination, during Antigua’s official month for romance. Upon arrival on Friday June 18th, they will select their rings at Colombian Emeralds accompanied by tourism officials, members of the media and performers including marie-claire. The lucky pair will wed the following day at 6 pm during a private ceremony at Sugar Ridge’s Carmichael’s Restaurant; after which there will be a Vegas-style procession to kick off the concert!

On June 20th, Father’s Day, renowned actor, and director Malik Yoba of Why Did I Get Married Too fame will host the “Men of Soul” concert featuring Ginuwine (another RnB great), and local artistes Kenne Blessing and the legendary King Short Shirt.

Both nights will feature several romance-themed activities including “a kissing booth, where couples will be photographed while kissing; cooking demonstrations with Malik Yoba making aphrodisiacs with a local chef; as well as cultural performances.” says Samuel-Whitlock.

Love Is All We Need replaces the Romantic Rhythms concert which pulled in up to ten thousand visitors in 2008. When asked about turnout at the 1300-capacity Sugar Ridge hotel Ms Samuel-Whitlock.states “Clearly, the theme of romance resonated with Romantic Rhythms and there is significant potential to build brand equity. We also know that bookings for the month of June are particularly strong, especially with honeymooners, so we will also appeal to the visitors who are already here. We also believe that marie-claire will help bring out the large Dominican following in Antigua and Barbuda as she did during her performance at Russell's earlier this year.”


Fans can look forward to several songs from her debut album the dreamland project which will feature operatic renditions of reggae standards as well as some original pieces.

Tickets for Love Is All You Need concert are US $50 per person for each night or US $80 for both nights. For ticketing and other information call Sugar Ridge Hotel on 562 7700 or Antigua’s Ministry of Tourism on 562 4756.


ABOUT MARIE-CLAIRE

marie-claire is an Italian-trained opera singer who has performed at Carnegie Hall and who’s songs have been featured in feature films such as Lovin Jezebel and The Roommate. She spent time in front of the camera as a cast member on the second season of Chapelle’s Show on Comedy Central. Since marie-claire’s return to her homeland Dominica, she has through her girlfullofgold productions ltd, produced and hosted local music programmes, while still making time to perform at events such as LIME Creole in the Park and various private functions. marie-claire has performed at several regional events including Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Jamaica Jazz and Blues and Love Fest in St. Lucia. Venues such as Russell’s in Antigua and Weekenz, Christopher’s Jazz Café and Red Bones Blues Café, in Jamaica are almost second homes, for the celebrated singer.

marie-claire’s passion is to seamlessly blend opera and hip-hop, as she finds the two genres covering the same themes with their highly dramatic lyrics, just listen to her amazing voice on DJ Logic’s The Anomaly, or her songs “Red” and “Desperation.” Now it is time to condense this blend of Opera, Hip-Hop and Reggae into a mature, sexy, and delightful album- a fitting description of marie-claire herself. Look out for the dreamland project which will feature marie-claire singing celebrated reggae songs (like Bunny Wailer’s “Dreamland”) in Opera, and will include some original reggae selections such as “Care For You” a sweet and timeless lover’s rock with and old soul. This girl full of gold is a treasure you don’t want to miss!

MARIE-CLAIRE ONLINE

myspace.com/marieclairegirlfullofgold

facebook.com/marieclairegirlfullofgold

reverbnation.com/marieclairegirlfullofgold

youtube.com/marieclairemusic

Video clips of Nicki Minaj at Best of the Best and Hot97 Summer Jam with Gyptian

One thing, Nicki Minaj is really growing on me. The more collabs she does, the more I like her. I especially like her on Ludacris "My Chick Bad", Usher's "Little Freak" and Gyptian's "Hold You". What I don't like is the live lip-synching....If you check out the vids below, you can hear her real voice and it doesn't sound that bad.....so y do it??? I mean I would not come to Best of The Best to hear her sound exactly like the album... You have talent my girl...(at least I hope so)....don't let the machine do all the work.

Best of the Best 2010 x Nicki Minaj from Halo Media Entertainment on Vimeo.

Hey it look like Gyptian doing the lip sync too...wah di ras.....

Rihanna tries to moonwalk in heels: EPIC FAIL

I am a fan of Rihanna's- I like her edgy fashion, her daring hairstyles, her flawless makeup and of course her music. Yes, I even like the tone of her voice. But I gotta say I was ROTFL when I saw these clips on You Tube of her doing the moonwalk and falling during some performances.

Take a look:

During a show Saturday at Color Line Arena (formerly O2 World Hamburg) in HamburgRihanna tries to moonwalk in heels- I say she was just walking backwards man...yow she should never do that again, ever, ever, ever!!!!!





On Monday, Riri took a fall at the London's O2 Arena, during the beginning of her Spanish ballad "Te Amo." Ouch.




Three is the charm right?? Lol. Here she is in Marseille where she almost busted her face while sing... uh I mean synching "Let Me"


Source

Would you let your daughter see Rihanna do this????

Rihanna is all over Europe right now on her "Last Girl On Earth Tour" and will soon be in the US and Canada. From all the pics I have seen, her costuming and actions are very sexually suggestive. Now it's not like she is reinventing the wheel right? We are not surprised when Madonna, Grace Jones, Lil Kim, or a more recent example, Nicki Minaj do it. Is it safe to say that many of her core fans are teenagers??? I honestly don't have any statistics but if I was a mom of a teenage daughter (or son for that matter) I don't know that I would send or take my child to see this. I guess the staging has to match are lyrics huh???? What's your take?????

REVIEW: Tanya stephens is not "Infallible", she just keeps it real!

It was almost 9:00 PM when I made it to Christopher's Jazz Cafe in New Kingston on Thursday Night. For a show scheduled to start at 7:30PM (8:00 island time) I was pretty late. Lucky for me, so was Tanya Stephens. Lucky for her, the bar took up half of the room, and having received a complimentary drink upon entry, most patrons were sufficiently inebriated.

By the time she strolled in draped in black (big black shades, black button-down, black leather pants and a pair of seriously haaawttt black biker boots) and flashed a braces-free smile, all was surely forgiven. And she started. "We need to go way back, I mean way back....to when artists had watch and did know how to tell time." Oh what an apology- only as Tanya would do it. Known for her "sick sense of humour" her excuse that she had to find a wig sent the crowd into peals of laughter. How can we not overlook her tardiness, after all she haffi look good for us right? LOL.

Tanya speaking to the captive crowd

Photo source

She kicked off her set with well-known favorites like "What's Your Story", "Cyan Breathe" "After You", "Boom Walk" (AKA Long Ding Dong), "Home Alone"( AKA Easter Bun AKA Girl Like Me AKA What would you do -LOL), "White Lies". In between songs she took time to share with the audience her views on life (it's all in the mind, if I make up my mind to have a good time, I have a good time), domestic disputes (bawl,vent-do not slash the tires. Get a lawyer), infidelity (no one runs from freedom, only from bondage), and men who are not too well- endowed (Bigging up di men wit di short ding dong in the house). But the audience was constantly reminded that she was not there "for moral guidance" or to give "rules to live by"


Intermission came a little to soon, boy, people were all wrapped up in the intimate vibe. Oh gosh, you should see dem plead for her to keep singing. Tanya had to get her drink on too, so she just flashed a big grin and made her exit. Ok. We'll wait. And let me tell you, wait we did. Now I know it was standing room only and for anyone trying to make it to the front door, it was an awkward dance of avoiding too close bodies, and half drunk glasses of liquor- an exercise in making moves and going nowhere. (Time out for a short visit down memory lane-I don't know how to swim, so when I was younger, I would say I can swim but only underwater. Funny thing is, I would be underwater kicking my legs and flailing my arms, but when I came up for air, I was still in the same place. Hahaha. That's what it was like trying to move in that club that night. Jah know...memories boy...anyways back to the review). Ya, but really I think most people stayed cause they really loved Tanya and she hadn't pulled out the big guns yet.

During the second set she spoke of her new album Infallible which she is giving away for FREE. Yes my people F-R-E-E. Some songs from the album include "Train of Thought," "Siddung Pon It", "No Means No", and the awesome HIV/AIDS awareness song "Still Alive." One ting I noticed, all the leave she wanted to leave and go wet her throat, Tanya loves the stage and she loves pleasing her fans even more, so when di jukebox came out, she just fired round after round of hits! The crowd was matching her word for word "I wish you woulda treat me like your glock/I woulda love it if you keep me pon cock/I wish you woulda treat me like your yatch/keep me wet while de waves dem a rock...and by the time she got to the hook, "these streets don't love you like I dooo" the glee was contagious, the collective voices filling the room and everyone singing the song to that person that they just love sooo much who never gave them their all. Next tune from de jukebox. "I said if we never...." pppuuuullllll uuuuuppppppp!!!! Bullet! Bullet! (lyrical bullets, The Lime and Tanya don't promote war uzeet) Madness!!!! Yow.. trust me. You had to be there to feel the energy. And so the hits kept coming- by request: "Goggle", "Still A Go Lose", "Cherry Brandy", "The Truth" "Damn You", "Reminiscing", "Do You Still Care" AKA Bubba, "Spilt Milk", "Put It On You" "Gangsta Gal" and "Do You Expect me". And then it was over. Time for the pics with the fans. And in true Tanya fashion, time for de boots fi come aff. I went home on cloud nine anxious to download my copy of Infallible.

Tanya Stephens and Ayeola (in Mamayashi)

Photo source

I've listened to Infallible, it's awesome. Tanya is older, she is occupied running her bar H2O in Ocho Rios, her kids are growing up and the maturity is reflected in the music. No "Gangsta Gal" here, but don't get it twisted, she still has her swag. Some of the songs I like are "Infallible" (it's a message to her child saying basically I am not infallible but listen to the wisdom I have gathered over the years), I also like "Turn It Up" (it's just bold, when I heard her sing it at the club I was like "Damn it sound like a threesome about to go down!LOL), "Siddung Pon It" ( I love the repeat of raaeee which is one of the favorite terms I've learnt in Jamaica:-). "Pull Up" could be a groovy Soca-and I'm partial to Soca. "Train of Thought" has a bluesy, bluegrassy, folk vibe. What else? I pretty much love dem all you know. Tanya cyan do wrong my be. So since it's FREE go cop that and make sure to attend her shows after all is not record sales that fattening her bank book, uzeemi.

To pics from the show click the following links:***Note, they are facebook pages**
IShango Photos
Social Lingua

Big ups to Christopher's for the awesome live music and Nuff Respect to the bandMo' Muzyk Pros!!

Oh and big up to Tanya's #1 FAN Tiffany who is a MAJOR reason why I am writing this review. Thanks for the motivation my girl...Is not everytime the words want to come out of my brain and on to the paper.

A favorite from "Infallible"



Classsicccccc!!!!

Rihanna Falls at Lyons concert!

Dang didn't Rihanna just hurt her rib on Monday night??? Well in Lyons last night she fell but my girl Riri played it off man....check it

St. Lucian Taj Weekes featured in Houston Chronicle, Performs at iFest this weekend

Gosh, iFest, for years I've been praying for a Caribbean theme, I went to iFest when it was Ireland (2001), when it was India (2005), when it was Jamaica (2006) when it was China (2007), when it was Africa (2008) and how many other countries between 2001 and 2008 praying each year, that the next would focus on the region I love. 1998 was the last time the Houston International Festival had a "Caribbean" theme. So those of you in Houston please enjoy the last weekend of iFest which has as its the theme this year "Spotlighting the Caribbean."




If you go on Saturday, make sure to check out St. Lucian Reggae artist Taj Weekes on the Bud Light World Stage. He was featured in the Houston Chronicle- Here's an excerpt:

When Sunday morning comes down in St. Lucia, one might hear Johnny Cash on the radio, according to Taj Weekes, a reggae superstar from the Caribbean island.

Weekes said a typical morning might include songs by Jim Reeves, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. The radio isn't formatted, so there's also calypso, some classical pieces and maybe some Elton John.

“I think it's healthier for us, rather than having one genre on a station every day of the year,” he says. “It leaves you feeling refreshed, and you get this rich musical education.”

Such a varied education is at least partially responsible for Weekes' status as the most interesting roots reggae singer to come along in a generation. There are no gimmicks in Weekes' music: no hip-hop, no party anthems, no visual shtick, crutches that have made dancehall a profitable, if shallow, permutation of reggae's history. Weekes sings in a high, brittle and otherworldly voice. But he's a songwriter first. His songs play out vibrantly with a band, but strip them down to just voice and guitar and they remain smart and melodic.

Weekes bristles at the notion that reggae must come from Jamaica. Though he heard a lot of calypso growing up, reggae is what carried his attention.

“But they're similar,” he says, “both followed the same tradition of telling stories. That's where dancehall has let us down; it's like they've forgotten about the message and the music. It's about affluence and things that don't matter. It moved away from telling a story into being about material things along the way.”

Weekes is less interested in the acquired things that make us different, which is why he titled his new album Deidem, which translates “all of us.”

“I think we're more alike than we are different,” he says. “We really need to pay attention to this, only way to truly understand each other is to sit and talk. We're too caught up in preconceived ideas about who people are and what they are. At the end of the day, I've never seen anybody with three feet and four eyes.”

For all of Weekes' one-world talk, Deidem actually started with a period of self-involved contemplation. Both of his parents had recently died and Weekes wrote seven songs “about my sorrowful state of mind.”

To read the rest of the article click HERE

My girls and guys from Stamina band will be in their costumes on Saturday. Of course Taj Weekes will perform. George Clinton performs on the same stage as Taj Weekes. On Sunday there will be moko jumbie dancers from Puerto Rico, and Steele Pulse, Baaba Maal from Senegal...OMG The Dominicans are representing with Dance (I hope Dominica and not Dominican Republic- you know I would be licking dem with some serious bele if I was in H-Town), who else??? Oh, steel pan from TnT and Haitian drummers ....it's a long list ya'll click HERE to see remaining artists. And I have to mention Kyra Noons -The Neutral Sister who performed with Blacc Sheep and Yard Band..Nuff respect guys and Big up my girl Karina Nistal!!!!


To go to iFest official site click HERE

To go to iFest official after party, get info on JugglersUnited.com

Watch Alica Keys' Idol gives Back Performance

Last night Alicia Keys performed "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready) and "Empire State of Mind Part II (Broken Down)" on the show.

Idol gives back is Idol Gives Back, the historic Emmy Award-winning television event and music celebration has raised more than $140 million to benefit charities around the world and across the United States. Beneficiaries for this year's event include Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children's U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation.





Alicia Keys has her own charity she founded called Keep A Child Alive.
Photo source

Ash forces Nas and Damian Marley to cancel London show

The Nas and Damian Marley show in London has been canceled as a result of the shutdown on flights in the U.K.



However, travel restrictions have been lifted and flights began landing again in the U.K. on Tuesday night (April 20). The volcanic ash from Iceland closed U.K. airspace for six days, and across Europe more than 95,000 flights were canceled.

The TCO-promoted Nas and Damian Marley Show at the Electric Ballroom has been canceled, though. They have collaborated on the "Distant Relatives" (Island) album, out May 17. Tickets will be valid for the July 20 London Hammersmith show.

Melissa Auf der Maur had to cancel shows last weekend in Oslo and London, where she had a sold-out date at Cargo. But she has been traveling across sea and land to make a newly-booked date at London Jazz Café today (April 21). There is also an April 21 screening of the film accompanying the new album, "Out Of Our Minds" (Roadrunner), and a Q&A at London's ICA.

LCD Soundsystem had to pull its Dublin dates but the act said on Twitter "we will make it to London." They traveled from L.A. to Spain and will continue to the U.K. for April 23 at Brixton Academy.

Other acts have been unable to make shows in Europe. Swedish act Nina Kinert and U.K. band Delphic both canceled French shows, and Bobby McFerrin pulled his April 18 Paris gig, which is rescheduled for May 3.

U.K. singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner has been stuck in Hong Kong. His April 21 Paris show has been postponed to June 14.

Source

BEST OF THE BEST GETS BIGGER

With just over a month left to showtime, the Best of the Best International Music Festival (BOTB) gets even bigger and promoters are promising there will be more artists to come! Hip-hop heavyweights Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj join Caribbean icons Capleton, Barrington Levy and Cocoa Tea, plus dancehall thriller group T.O.K., as some of the latest artists added to the show's lineup, which boasts the hottest names in urban music today. Music mogul Diddy is set to host the annual blockbuster concert event, taking place during Memorial Day weekend, on May 30 at Bicentennial Park in Miami, Florida.



Rick Ross returns to BOTB from his smash performance last year, and will once again showcase his Maybach Music dancehall artist, Magazeen. Fans can expect classic Rick Ross hits as well as an unveiling of his new tunes, as "the boss" will be promoting the release of his new album, Teflon Don, due in stores on June 29.
New rap sensation Nicki Minaj will see this as her first major performance in South Florida for the year. The Young Money artist has been making waves since she hit the scene as Lil Wayne's proteje, and recently scored major points with the Caribbean audience by jumping on the remix for "Hold Yuh" by reggae crooner Gyptian, who is also appearing on BOTB. The remix is currently receiving massive airplay on urban radio across the nation and keeps Gyptian on Billboard's Hip-Hop/R&B chart.

BOTB's official host, Diddy, is also hitting the stage to promote his upcoming album, Last Train to Paris, and will be bringing his friends in tow to hit the holiday audience that will be packed into Bicentennial Park come May 30. As fans know, no one is more dynamic when it comes to promotion than the 'Bad Boy' of hip-hop so patrons will be in store for a very special treat. DJ Khaled will also bring his 'special' friends to help promote his current album, Victory, which is now in stores and features everyone from Usher and Ludacris to Mavado and Buju Banton.
The newest additions also include dancehall's most successful male-group, T.O.K, who will see this BOTB performance as one of their biggest since releasing their latest album, Our World, last year. They will be joined by newcomers Richie Loops, who is enjoying sweet success in the dancehalls with his current hit, "My Cup," singer Romain Virgo, and dancehall's newest princess, Tiana, who will debut her hit single, "Skippin' Feelin,'" to the BOTB crowd.

Hip-hop rockstar Gucci Mane rounds out the BOTB cast, which also features Serani, Mr. Vegas, Baby Cham, Machel Montano, Lady Saw, Anthony B, Ding Dong, Demarco, Tony Matterhorn, Pinchers, G. Whizz, Chino, R.D.X., Sammi Starr and the New Kingston Band. The concert is just part of the four-day festival, which runs from Friday, May 28 to Monday, May 31. See details at http://www.bestofthebestconcert.com/.Best of the Best takes place at Bicentennial Park, located at 1075 Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami. Park gates open at 1:00 pm and show time is set for 1:30pm sharp. For further information on each event and to purchase tickets, log on to http://www.bestofthebestconcert.com/ or call 1-305-438-9488, or also visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/.

Puitbull brings "Carnaval" to US Tour

According to Billboard:

Pitbull (Photo by David Rosario)

Photo source

Pitbull and AEG Live will bring his "Mr. Worldwide's Carnaval" tour to 19 cities in the U.S. this summer, in what will be the bilingual rapper's biggest domestic tour to date. The U.S. tour starts May 25 at Denver's 1stBank Center and wraps June 27 at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom. The club, theater and arena shows have an average capacity of 3,400 people and will likely have an opening act to be determined. In keeping with the Carnaval theme, the production will include Brazilian dancers as well as a live band; merch will be handled by Bandmerch. Pitbull will be touring in between the releases of his Spanish album, “Armando,” slated for release sometime in June on Mr. 305/Sony Latin, and his English follow-up on Mr. 305/Polo Grounds/RCA, which will likely come out in the fall, according to manager Charles Chavez. "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" is at No. 22 this week on Billboard's Hot 100 Recurrent Airplay chart. Pitbull also has four songs on this week's Latin Rhythm digital songs chart: "I Know You Want Me" (at No. 1); "Watagatapitusberry," featuring Sensato del Patio, Black Point, Lil Jon and El Cata; "Culo," featuring Lil Jon; and "Blanco," featuring Pharrell. His "Egoista," with Mexican pop singer Belinda, is No. 40 on Hot Latin Songs. The tour will be heavily marketed with consistent imagery across English and Spanish media, and will include heavy street team and club promotion. "He is very much that universal party act," says Rebeca Leon, VP of Latin talent for AEG Live/Goldenvoice. "Because he’s so universal and he plays to so many audiences, it’s very hard to put your arms around it. It’s a blessing but you have to be really savvy." Another key part of the tour strategy is low ticket prices, at an average of $34, according to Leon. Another idea in the works? Afterparties, in which fans can buy an add-on to their ticket for the chance to party with Pit at a club after the concert. Chavez says Pitbull has grown out of the club circuit, where he had made "a decent amount of money." But for bigger venues, "his price went down to prove he could sell tickets," says Chavez. Pitbull's U.S. trek will include additional dates at Six Flags parks in Connecticut, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, Atlanta and Charlotte. Pitbull will perform at the Billboard Latin Music Awards on Telemundo on April 29 in the midst of an international tour that will take him to Australia, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Cara Lewis and Michel Vega at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment represented Pitbull in booking his tour. Here are Pitbull’s U.S. tour dates: May 25-Denver 1stBank Center May 27-San Diego Sports Arena May 28-Los Angeles Nokia Theatre May 29-San Francisco Warfield May 30-Las Vegas Beach at Mandalay Bay June 2-Phoenix Celebrity Theatre June 3-El Paso El Paso Coliseum June 5-Laredo Laredo Events Center June 6-McAllen Kai June 9-Corpus Christi Concrete Street Amp June 10-Houston Club Escapade June 11-Dallas Nokia Theatre June 12-Austin Austin Music Hall June 13-New Orleans TBD June 16-Atlanta Six Flags June 17-Charlotte Six Flags June 18-Virginia Beach NorVA June 19-Jackson, NJ Six Flags June 20-Boston Club Lido June 23-Connecticut Six Flags June 24-New York City Nokia Theatre June 25-DC Six Flags June 26-Detroit Motor City Casino June 27-Chicago Aragon Ballroom

Source


Here's a little sometin to get u in top form for Pitbull's show!!! Enjoy.

Aww Shyt: Nicki Minaj pulls out of Rihanna tour...

Ya I know I recently posted that Nicki Minaj was touring with Rihanna and Ke$ha. Seems she will not be on the tour after all....

Photo source


Why? Well she tweeted that it's to work on her album.

“Barbz I'm sorry 2 say I will not be going out on RiRi's tour. I've decided 2 use that time 4 the completion of my album. Hope u understand.

Not sure about that, I would not let an opportunity like that go. It's where you test your skills, where you connect with fans, and a sure way to get paid. Good luck with the album my girl.

Best of the Best Continues

The Best of the Best International Music Festival (BOTB) continues to buzz with an explosive lineup showcasing the very best in urban entertainment, and this year the excitement grows as some of the hottest names in music are set the take the stage during Memorial Day weekend, on May 30 in Bicentennial Park in Miami, Florida. Music mogul Diddy is tapped as the official host of the concert event of the year, which also features DJ Khaled, Gucci Mane in his first major performance of the year, alongside blazing Caribbean acts including Serani, Gyptian and Machel Montano, plus many surprise guest stars and MORE ARTISTS TO BE ADDED IN THE COMING WEEKS.




BOTB ALWAYS DELIVERS

Now in its fourth year, show promoter JBJ Entertainment sets the bar for the ultimate showcase of urban music and each year they deliver. This edition is gearing up to be no different as none other than Diddy is set to host the show, with his surprise friends in tow, along with DJ Khaled and his stable of friends also for the ride. Last year's show boasted stunning appearances from Diddy, Flo Rida, Brisco and Ace Hood, and there is no way to predict which celebs will grace the stage come May.


"I'll be there promoting my new album Victory, a sizzling collaboration effort with my friends," declares superstar radio jock DJ Khaled. "I'm bringing all my friends with me to Best of the Best so make sure you don't miss what's sure to be the best concert this summer because as you know, we the best!"


Diddy will also be promoting his latest album, Last Train To Paris, which is scheduled for release in June. Like Khaled, he is also scheduled to appear with his friends. And with the likes of Miami's own Rick Ross on his current radio hit, "Angels," there is no telling who the Bad Boy CEO will have join him on stage.


CARIBBEAN MUSIC SHINES

This massive showcase also features the best sounds in Caribbean entertainment today, including dancehall stars Serani and Gyptian, both of whom currently have radio smashes on mainstream radio. Serani has been enjoying a massive crossover following his breakout hit, "No Games," and now Gyptian joins with his current Billboard coup, "Hold Yuh."

Joining them will be the internationally renowned 'King of Soca,' Machel Montano, who recently shared the stage with Beyonce during Trinidad's Carnival, and has already performed to a sold-out crowd in South Florida this year. His performance in Fort Lauderdale in March was enjoyed by Miami Heat star Dwayne Wade and actress Gabrielle Union, just to name a few of the stars that turned out to bask in sounds of Caribbean music.

They will be joined by a solid lineup of more Caribbean sensations including Mr. Vegas, Baby Cham, Ding Dong, Demarco, Lady Saw, Tony Matterhorn and reggae star Anthony B, just to name a few. And after all that, show promoters reveal they will be adding even more artists to the lineup as we inch closer to show time.


BOTB EXPANDS TO FOUR DAYS

The festival also expands from a one-day event to four days of fun-filled fiestas for all journeying to Miami for the holiday weekend, thus renaming it Best of the Best weekend. The Best of the Best Weekend runs from Friday, May 28 to Monday, May 31. It kicks off on May 28 with the BOTB Official Welcome Party at the Opium Nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.

On Friday, sun seekers can head to the BOTB All White Pool Party at the ravishing Deauville Beach Resort in South Beach. On Sunday, where else to be in Miami but at Bicentennial Park for the Best of the Best Concert, followed by the BOTB Official After Party at Bongos Nightclub at the American Airlines Arena. Then if that's not enough, join the musical clash at the New York Vs. Miami showdown at the magnificent Mansion nightclub in Miami Beach.



TICKET/PRESS DETAILS

The BOTB concert takes place at Bicentennial Park, located at 1075 Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami. Park gates open at 1:00 pm and show time is set for 1:30pm sharp.

For further information on each event and to purchase tickets, log on to www.bestofthebestconcert.com or call 1-305-438-9488, or also visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Rihanna Announces Tour With Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha

Rihanna will hit the road this summer for her "Last Girl On Earth Tour" and she's tapped two of her famous lady friends to join her.



Lil Wayne protégé Nicki Minaj and pop singer Ke$ha will be opening up for the Bajan singer on the trek, which kicks off July 2 in Seattle, Washington, and wraps up in Chicago on Aug. 25.



The 25-date tour will also make stops in Canada, Tampa, L.A., New York and Las Vegas. Tickets will go on sale at LiveNation.com on Friday (April 9). Additional dates will be announced soon.

The full list of tour dates for the "Last Girl on Earth tour" are:

7/2: Seattle, WA (White River Amphitheatre)
7/4: Vancouver, BC (General Motors Place)
7/6: Calgary, AB (Pengrowth Saddeldome)
7/9: Sacramento, CA (ARCO Arena)
7/10: Mountain View, CA (Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View)
7/14: Albuquerque, NM (Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque presents The Pavilion)
7/15: Denver, CO (Comfort Dental Amphitheatre)
7/17: Las Vegas, NV (Mandalay Bay Events Center)
7/21: Los Angeles, CA (Staples Center)
7/22: Phoenix, AZ (Cricket Wireless Pavilion)
7/28: Atlanta, GA (Philips Arena)
7/30: Tampa, FL (Ford Amphitheatre)
7/31: Miami, FL (American Airlines Center)
8/3: Indianapolis, IN (Verizon Wireless Music Center Indianapolis)
8/5: Toronto, ON (Molson Canadian Amphitheatre)
8/7: Montreal, QC (Bell Centre)
8/8: Boston, MA (Comcast Center)
8/11: Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena)
8/12: New York, NY (Madison Square Garden)
8/15: Wantagh, NY (Nikon at Jones Beach Theater)
8/18: Camden, NJ (Susquehanna Bank Center)
8/20: Bristow, VA (Jiffy Lube Live)
8/21: Hershey, PA (Hersheypark Stadium)
8/22: Detroit, MI (DTE Energy Music Theatre)
8/25: Chicago, IL (United Center)

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Review of 2nd Year of the Child concert

I was not present for this event but I really like this review of the concert by Celia Sorhanido. Enjoy and make sure to click the link to view her pics!

In January I attended the 1st Dominica “Year of the Child” Concert held at Krazy Kokonuts in Roseau. It was a top class reggae event with an impressive line-up of stars including Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica & Duane Stephenson as well as our own local talent in the form of Nelly Stharre, Fanatik Band, Aima Moses, Dr. Silk, Natural Vybz and others. Most agreed it was a success and the trouble free, “good vibes”, entertaining event raised ECD$20,000 for Camp Rescue, a charity organization providing much needed life skills to at risk youth.

When I heard that the 2nd concert was going to be a Jazz concert held at the State House grounds, I must admit I thought it was a seriously brave move and I was a little worried for the organisers. It’s one thing for the hard working and well respected Nelly Stharre to have the support of her friends in organising a reggae event at a popular venue but a whole other thing to organise a Jazz event at a venue I have never seen used for a music concert. Although we have our share of die-hard Jazz fans, the genre has not received massive popularity in Dominica as shown in the demise of the missed “Jazz Walk”.

The event was held on March 27th and was due to start at 6pm. The weather was great and people started arriving before 6pm which was an encouraging sign but took the organisers by surprise; the food and drink stalls were not ready (for most events you can normally safely expect that things will not get going until at least half an hour after the scheduled start time). From then on there was a steady flow of people and soon it was apparent that the crowd numbers were going to be good.

Arturo Tappin captured in a candid moment! (Photo by Celia Sorhaindo)


Dominican flutists opened the proceedings with the National Anthem and Athie Martin was the competent MC. The line up was: Steel pan with Athie Martin, his brother Julie & friends (DMA), Kannick (GLP), Gelina Fontaine and Ross Leblanc (DMA), Armstrong James and his “Jazz Walk” band (DMA), Jahkoostick Musical Ensemble (JAM), Nelly Stharre (DMA), Free Joseph and friends (DMA), Marie-Claire Giraud (DMA), Arturo Tappin (BRB), Cornell Phillip & Athie Martin (DMA) and Arturo Sandoval (CUB).
There was also a surprise visit from Ms Barbados Leah Marville who has a charity called The Love Campaign which helps children with HIV/AIDS.

All the bands looked like they were genuinely having a good time and the crowd seemed to be enjoying the mellow vibe too. It was probably a long time since many had heard live Jazz in Dominica.

I enjoyed them all but my personal favourite of the night was Arturo Tappin. What a cool dude with his super long locks. I just loved his “down to earth” energy. An amazing entertainer, at one point he took off his shoes, rolled up his trousers and jumped of the stage to play bare foot walking through the crowd. He was also really approachable and accommodating for signatures and photos.

It turned out to be a fab concert and I was so glad my worries were allayed.
The rain, although needed, delayed things slightly and sent some people scurrying for shelter and sent others home prematurely. There were also some minor mike/sound issues and a couple of the performances went on a little too long but overall I thought the Jazz concert was a resounding success.

What really made this event extra special was not just the great line up, it was the attention to the little details which hinted that some serious effort and thought had been invested. Bamboo flambeau’s, potted plants, draped fabric for stage back drop, seating, tables with candles and an area for local artisans to display and sell their arts & craft on the venue grounds, created just the right ambience for this type of concert. Paintings by local artists Earl Etienne, Ellingsworth Moses and Petros Meaza & CDs, body oils and hand made greeting cards were on sale but it was a shame more artisans did not take up the offer to display.

Patrons enjoying local art! (Photo by Celia Sorhaindo)

Year of The Child Organisers: Nelly Stharre, Anna Raffoul, Emile Raffoul, Cornell Phillip and Marie-Claire Giraud.

Sponsors: BET Centric, LIAT, Dominica Beverage and Brewery Ltd., Fort Young Hotel, LIME, Papillote Wilderness Retreat

Click HERE to view Year of the Child Jazz Concert Images.

Click HERE to view Celia's blog, and read the rest of the review!

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Beenie, Bounty, Aidonia & Mavado's visa's cancelled!!!

The visas of five of Jamaica's top entertainers have been revoked, THE WEEKEND STAR understands. According to information coming from the Fraud Prevention Arm of the United States Embassy in Kingston, the visas of Bounty Killer, Mavado, Beenie Man, Adonia and selector Ricky Trooper are in the process of being cancelled.

When contacted for confirmation last night, Minister of National Security, Senator Dwight Nelson, relayed through his communications department that "he has no such information."

Bounty Killer and Mavado

Photo source


However, a document obtained by THE WEEKEND STAR stated that: "The Embassy of the United States in Kingston, Jamaica, is in the process of revoking the visas of the following citizens of Jamaica. The people mentioned here currently hold a US visa that we have not yet been able to physically cancel. Do not allow these passengers to board any flights bound for the United States in reliance on this visa."

revoked

The document then names Moses Anthony Davis (Beenie Man) two visas; Garfield Augustus McKoy (Ricky Trooper), two visas; Sheldon Ricardo Aitana Lawrence, (Aidonia); David Brooks (Mavado), two visas; and Rodney Basil Price (Bounty Killer) two visas, as those persons whose visas are in the process of being revoked.

The document also lists the date of birth of each person, their respective passport numbers and visa control numbers.

Click HERE to read more!

If that is true I hope it gets resolved soon as Bounty, Beenie, Mavado and Aidonia all confirmed for Best of the Best this memorial weekend in Miami....


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Damian Marley to close WOMAD fest in Abu Dhabi

In what will be his first ever visit to the United Arab Emirates, reggae star Damian Marley will close the three day World of Music Arts and Dance (WOMAD) festival on April 24 in Abu Dhabi. The second ever WOMAD festival also comes just a few weeks before the release of Marley's highly anticipated collaboration album with Nas, titled 'Distant Relatives.' As GulfNews reports, Marley will perform alongside some of the biggest names across the globe, including Femi Kuti, Tinariwen, Babylon Circus, and Transglobal Underground. Check out the full announced lineup abelow:



Photo source

WOMAD Abu Dhabi 2010 Lineup, April 22 - 24:
Damian Marley
Illham Al Madfai
Mayra Andrade
Amparo Sanchez
Faiz Ali Faiz
Drummers of Burundi
Titi Robin
Sierra Maestra
Rachid Taha
Tinariwen
Musafir Gypsies of Rajasthan
!Gubi Family
Habib Koité
ABRI
Debashish Battacharya
Chemirani's
Transglobal Underground
Rango
Femi Kuti
JAADU (Faiz Ali Faiz with Titi Robin)
Hanggai
Hakim
Babylon Circus
Le Trio Jourban
Zawose Family

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Lymie Murray was a definite hit at Christopher's Jazz Cafe

I walked into Christopher's Jazz Cafe in New Kingston, Jamaica on Thursday with high hopes for the performance I was about to see. Lymie Murray was to perform a slew of hits from his albums Start All Over, Happy Days and Only Conversation. I had already seen him perform on the talent stage at Jamaica Jazz and Blues but gosh, that was just a taste, a whetting of the musical taste buds, really. I needed to hear more of this voice that could go from a low rumble, to a powerful high-pitched cry and even a soft melodic whisper pregnant with emotion.


Photo source


First off I want to give kudos to the backing band especially the guitarist Dalton Brown who's harmonies were a welcome addition to Lymie's powerful lead. The keyboardist Ozou'ne also rocked the crowd. It was easy sailing as Lymie started off his set with some favorites such as "Brandy (I really Miss You)" (The O'Jays), "Love and Happiness" (Al Green), "If Only You Knew" (Patti LaBelle), "Did You Ever Know that You're My Hero" (Bette Midler) and "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World"(Prince). Similar songs were interspersed throughout the second act of his set and by that time the crowd was grooving and singing to songs like "Cruisin" (Smokey Robinson) "Love TKO" (Teddy Pendergrass) and "Lala Means I Love You" (Delfonics).

The smooth transition from soul classics to Reggae just seemed so effortless. Lymie paid homage to the greats: Dennis Brown ("Love has Found It Way"), Bob Marley ("Soul Rebel"& "Comin In From The Cold") and Peter Tosh ("Equal Rights").






The performance was intimate and interactive. From the first song, shoes come off and ting, so Lymie was undoubtedly in his element. He encouraged patrons to sing on the catchy hooks of some songs like "Love and Happiness," "Soul Rebel" and even put Toots Hibbert's daughter Levi on the spot when she sang a piece of "If Only You Knew. "


His original songs "Break Free" "For The Love Of You" "Only conversation" "Good Morning Jamaica" and "Rolling Thunder" were well received by all including Quad's Mannny who walked around with an "appreciation bowl" for patrons to put money (an no fifty dolla Jamaica ca mi give it back) for Lymie who was "singing him heart out." Of Lymie he said,"from him come from Manchester Him good. So pleased was Christopher's with Lymies performance, only a day after the show, Lymie has already announced that he will return for a performance in July!

















If you are in Jamaica and are able to, please do not miss out! You will fed and nourished with great music and great talent! Meantime click HERE to most of the songs that he performed last night plus a few more!


To see more pics go to The Lime's Facebook page!
and Lymie's Facebook page too!

Kartel Mavdo concert in Barbados cancelled!

FOLLOWING weeks of intense public debate and front page headlines in Barbados, the Mavado, Vybz Kartel unity concert scheduled for this weekend has been officially cancelled.

Prime Minister David Thompson made the announcement at a press conference held yesterday, exactly two days before the event. Thompson is quoted in the Barbados Advocate as saying: "That quest to do the right thing by Barbadians prompted my request for the meeting with the organisers of the proposed show and I am happy to announce that in deference to the expressed wishes and the anxieties of a very wide cross-section of Barbadians, that the organisers of the Mavado/Vybz Kartel show and Youth Forum have agreed to the revamping of initiatives resulting in the cancellation of this weekend's activities."

The deejays, Kartel (left) and Mavado, have agreed to the demands for clean-up for the benefit of one and all
Photo source


The prime minister said that persons were mainly concerned with the idea of these artistes being portrayed as role models.

"Don't leave here in any doubt; anything that has to be done to protect our children in this country will be done," he stressed.

Interestingly, Vybz Kartel, the Gaza president and Mavado, the Gully god performed in Barbados on separate occasions in October and November of last year, during what was then the height of Gully/Gaza tensions between them and their respective supporters. No attempt was reportedly made then by the government nor the police to prevent those concerts, which progressed incident-free.

There have been suggestions in some quarters that the cancellation stemmed in part from the fact that the promoter, Jack Farrell, is Vincentian and therefore should not have been the one to promote an event of this magnitude in Barbados.

"Mavado and Kartel sharing the same stage at a concert promoting peace and unity is huge by any standards. That is a sell-off event. And you must remember that there is a big reggae show in April, put on by promoters based here in Barbados," a source explained.

The commissioner of police, Darwin Dottin had stated initially that he did not have the manpower to police the show, and would therefore not grant the required permit.

That, however, was subsequently reversed and Farrell, who was named as joint promoter with the government-affiliated Barbados Youth Action Programme, subsequently resumed his planning for the event.

Farrell reportedly stated yesterday that the artistes had been booked to arrive in the island last night, but it was not clear whether or not they had actually left Jamaica for Barbados.

Farrell had said previously that a cancellation of the show would mean a loss of more than $200,000 for his company.

"I have invested a lot of money in this show, I've paid the artistes deposits, paid for advertising the show and paid for airline tickets and hotel accommodation, among other things," Farrell reportedly said.

He said the show would bring needed revenue into the country and enhance business for a number of interests such as boutiques and food vendors.

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