Quickies

 

'Reggae Power' times two at Sovereign North

 

Scores of artistes and industry friends turned out to the listening party and launch of the Taxi Records and Spicy Chocolate-produced album, Reggae Power 2, held at Roe Japanese in Sovereign North on Monday night.

Hosted by ZJ Sparks, the launch attracted Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Richie Stephens, Romain Virgo, Loyal Flames, Cherine Anderson, Tanto Metro and Devonte, TOK, Devin di Dakta, JL, Iba Mahr, Omari, Ice Man, Nadine Sutherland, Hawkeye, Protoje , Kabaka Pyramid, Sevana, Ward 21, and others.

Speaking for Taxi Records, Kaz Osonuma noted that they are pleased with the project and expected it to follow a similar or greater path than its predecessor, which was nominated at the 57th Grammy Awards. He noted that Reggae Power 2 has been submitted to the Grammys in the Best Reggae Album category.

Featured artistes Ozomatli and No-Maddz, who are currently abroad, sent video greetings, while Beenie Man, Cherine Anderson, Richie Stephens, Romain Virgo, TOK, Tanto Metro and Devonte, all stated that they are honoured to be included on a project by the 'Rhythm Twins' Sly and Robbie, who were also in attendance.

Sean Paul, though not on the album, noted that he had to support the event that signalled another musical masterpiece by the legendary duo.

The night culminated with live performances by Richie Stephens with his song, Golden Heart, Romain Virgo with Dancing in Love, Devin Di Dakta and JL giving a spirited performance of their collaborative effort, Ayo Ayo, Tanto Metro and Devonte doing I Love You, and Loyal Flames performing Make It.

 

Literature, music at Temple of Light

 

A number of well-known literary and musical personalities take the stage on Sunday for an Evening of Poetry, Prose and Music at Temple of Light Centre for Spiritual Living, 4-6 Fairway Avenue, Kingston 10. The event, the third in a bi-monthly series, begins at 5 p.m.

The literary presenters are poets Tanya Shirley and Oswy O. Gayle and short story writer Dr Victor Chang. The musician is saxophonist Damon Riley. Dr Lilieth Nelson, a musician and poet and organiser of the series, will also entertain the audience.

Tanya Shirley was awarded an MFA in creative writing from the University of Maryland, United States (US). She currently teaches in the Department of Literatures in English, UWI, Mona. Shirley is the author of two poetry collections, She Who Sleeps with Bones (2009) and The Merchant of Feathers (2014). Shirley has performed her work in England, Scotland, Newfoundland, the US, and across the Caribbean.

Dr Victor L. Chang is a former senior lecturer in English at UWI, Mona, and taught for many years in the Department of Literatures in English, where he was both a deputy dean and a head of department. He has published several articles on West Indian literature and was chief editor of The Journal of West Indian Literature and the founding editor of Pathways, a Journal of Creative Writing. Since retiring, he has turned to writing short stories, travelling, cooking and striving with his garden and orchids.

Oswy Gayle, New Age poet, takes his readers on an emotional journey with his soul-searching and sometimes whimsical poems. His work speaks about everyday issues in a way that leaves the reader both wondering and laughing.

Damon Riley's musical journey started at Alpha Boys' School, which has produced musicians of diverse musical genres. He has toured with superstar Jimmy Cliff around the world, including Abu Dhabi, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. Riley has also shared the stage with other musical greats such as Carlos Santana, The Skatalites, The Sonny Bradshaw Big Band and Winston 'Sparrow' Martin.

Proceeds from the event are in aid of maintaining the church gardens and grounds.

 

Merritone goes 'Pon Di Rio Grande'

 

Sunday, September 27 will be celebrated as International Tourism Day and it is a good time to spend the day in Portland, which is often considered the cradle of tourism in Jamaica.

Errol Flynn is said to have started rafting on the Rio Grande in the 1940s when he began to organise raft races. The rafters' pavilion in St Margaraet's Bay built by The Earl of Mansfield, known as Rafter's Rest, will be the venue for yet another party on Sunday, dubbed Merritone Pon Di Rio Grande Again, organised by The Country Hoppers.

Merritone Music celebrates its 65th anniversary this year with a week of activities scheduled for mid-October, and the owners have included this day in Portland as part of the celebratory activities.

The Country Hoppers, a group of five friends, is fulfilling its mandate to enhance entertainment for mature people in the parish and increase the amount of local tourists who spend at least one day per month in the area. It is hoped that eventually, through their efforts, persons will overnight in Portland.

Additional features have been added to the afternoon's activities, as patrons will be able to shop, at their leisure, from Sandra with a wide array of agricultural produce, Rockbottom with his craft items, and Phine Line the artist, fresh from his tours in Guyana.

True Brew Coffee is a staple at the party. Other sponsors of the event are ARD2K, National Pure Ice, Braham's Texaco Station (which will also be providing a spot prize) and media partners are KoolFM and StylzFM.

Part proceeds from the parties are given to The Shelton Project, a programme of Healthy Lifestyle Network, which is an organisation teaching children from infant and basic schools about planting trees, flowers, fruits and vegetables.It also informs them about healthy food choices and encourages them to eat what they plant.

Tickets are $800 presold and $1,000 at the gate. Food on sale will be by Bachelor Chef Shea Stewart.