Posts tagged Jamaica

February Events at UNION UNITED CHURCH Nelson Mandela Worship Service The faith community is invited to UNION  UNITED CHURCH Worship Service to celebrate internationally acclaimed human rights leader, Nelson Mandela  on February 11 at 11 A.M. at 3007 Delisle Street un St. Henri NOSTALGIA FOOD FAIR The congregation of Union United is inviting all Montrealers to its annual food fest: The NOSTALGIA FOOD FAIR Featuring  a range of AFRICAN, CARRIBEAN AND CANADIAN CUISINE On Saturday February 24,  at the church hall, 3007 Delisle, Montreal QC (Metro: Lionel Groulx, corner Atwater). Free Admission. For more information: (514)932-8731 Youth in Arts Concert …

Soca, Chutney, Calypso, Steelband And Masquerade One of the biggest events in the Caribbean calendar will soon be upon us. Trinidad and Tobago carnival, with its usual display of costumes, fetes, music and energetic celebrations comes on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which falls this year on February 12 and 13. On those two days and the weeks leading up to them, the country is transformed into a boiling-pot of music and activities showcasing why it’s known as the land of steelpan, calypso and masquerades. And a highlight of the carnival is the crowning of the champions in …

Is it any longer relevant in Montreal? Clarence Bayne Mr. Egbert Gaye, the editor-in-chief of Community Contact (Volume 28, Number  02 Jan, 26, 2018) in an interview featuring Michael Farkas, the President of the Black History Month Round Table (BHMRT) posed the question: “Is the celebration of Black History Month any longer relevant in Montreal? Egbert, in the lead up to this question described the official opening event for Black History Month traditionally held at City Hall in a way that captures the feeling in the Black English speaking community. He said it is an event in which the Black …

by Rasta Keith With the spate of crimes committed in the Caribbean nations of Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana and, to a lesser extent, even in Grenada during the past year, it comes as no surprise that every Tom, Dick and Harry is now stepping forward as having the panacea for the situation. One of the most interesting reactions to date has been expressed in the Grenadian weekly, NOW Grenada, in which a local religious leader postulates that all of the social evils plaguing such countries stem from an obvious cultural decadence gripping most of the world. And the gentleman …

Father And Son Dueling Pianos on Feb 3 On February 3, for Black History Month 2018, Grenada-born and Toronto-based pianist Eddie Bullen will bring his virtuosity to the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall together with  his son Quincy for an exciting musical evening of dueling pianos. Organizers say it’s an opportunity to explore and enjoy the music and story of a father and son’s journey to keep alive the family tradition of musical excellence The show will feature the Bullens’ extraordinary interpretations of some best loved jazz and contemporary music highlighted by their captivating musical arrangements and sprinkled by interesting and …

By: Elcho Stewart “I think the floodgates have opened for white women,” she told the Times. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence whose pain has been taken seriously. Whose pain we have showed historically and continued to show. Whose pain is tolerable and whose pain is intolerable. And whose pain needs to be addressed now.” Gabrielle Union The last time those lonely, painful, vulnerable, feelings and self-doubt, almost suffocated me was during the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court/sexual misconduct hearing. I was glued to the television. I watched Anita Hill being put on the defensive and I cried while breastfeeding my …

Decades after Money Worries: Still writing, still touring… Egbert Gaye In the early 1970s, the theme “money worries” was a common one in Jamaican music and found itself in many of the popular songs of the day. But when the Mighty Maytones released their “Money Worries” in 1976, the world took notice. Growing up in Maypen, Clarendon, Vernon Buckley, one half the duo that got their name from their hometown, says he wrote the song as a reflection of the vibes on the street and the times. “At the time, so many artists were singing about money worries, we had …

The foods we eat and the drinks we enjoy during the Holidays… Here’s a question for my readers: How many Christmas Caribbean    traditions and customs do you practice or celebrate in your    household? Caribbean tradition provides an important connection with the past.    Roots, heritage, core values are often part of that connection and give value and meaning to our lives. Understanding and sharing our Caribbean traditions, heritage and belief systems can provide insight into present-day life. That being said, December 25 will mark my 11th year hosting the Annual Christmas Show, “Island Riddims”, live on CKUT 90.3F. This year, the …

MCSO celebrates with James Bond and Clinton Montrealers are invited  to join members of MCSO for  the festivities on New Years Eve at their beautiful hall, 7401 Newman  in LaSalle. There will be champagne and noise makers and other party favors at midnight. They promise all night fun and dancing DJ Clinton and DJ James Bond, Tickets $25. Call 514  616 2347 or  514 364 5113 Lavish NYE 2017 L.I.V.E Entertainment & Smitty Citty Present, The Original Back by Popular Demand, Lavish NYE 2017, Hosted by Todd Smith & Brenda Chambers. 35$ in advance, 40$ at the door, Includes meal, …

We’re less than a month away from Christmas, the season of love, giving and sharing. So, let me give you a quick update on some of the most talked about subjects in the world of Soca in the Caribbean. The ‘Don Gorgon’, aka Ninja Man, was recently found guilty by a 7-member jury and convicted of murder in Kingston, Jamaica. Jamaican artist Chronixx has been nominated for the first time for a Grammy Award. Laventille-born singer and Queen of Bacchanal, Destra Garcia is finally engaged to the love of her life. Ninja Man, whose given name is Desmond Ballentine, and …