Music returns for the "Rainforest": renewal of Music fest AshWednesday

OAll is now set for the second staging of the Rainforest Seafood Festival to be held at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, St James, on Ash Wednesday, March 5.

"Everything is in place. We are all set to go on Ash Wednesday at the Catherine Hall Complex," a confident Bethany Young, public relations associate for the event, told the Jamaica Observer West.

She noted that the evening's entertainment, to be emceed by radio personality Miss Kitty, will feature a strong line-up of popular Jamaican performers including Tarrus Riley, Busy Signal, Konshens, I-Octane, Etana, Kevin Downswell and John Holt.

In the meantime, Young noted that during the day, activities which will have a strong family flavour and which will be hosted by another popular radio personality, Jenny Jenny, will feature a kiddies village, marching bands, culinary demonstrations by the Culinary Federation of Jamaica, among other activities.

Young added that there will also be over 20 of Jamaica's best seafood vendors on hand to cater to the nutritional needs of the patrons.

"The Rainforest Seafood Festival has secured its place on the social calendar as a fun-filled family event and of course for lovers of all things seafood. This year we are featuring tasty treats from Fish Pot, Gloria's, Prendy's on the Beach, Blacky of Little-Ochi-Seafood-Fest fame, Scotchies and many more, so there will be no shortage of finger-licking delights," she explained.rganisers of the one-day festival are hoping to raise $5 million from the event, which will go towards the We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital Foundation.

 

Performances by Ken Boothe, Beenie Man, I-Octane, Romain Virgo, Tifa, Chronixx, and Prodigal Son, also form part of the rich entertainment package.

Harold Davis CD launch: A groovy Musical Blend at Chaser's

Harold Davis' latest project is interesting as much for the sub-title as for its indisputably first- rate content. "Piano Ska" is what the multi-hyphenate artist (pianist-vocalist-bandleader-composer-producer) has dubbed this 14-track opus, dubbed "Something Special"

Harold Davis (right) watches Seretse Small get down on guitar during the listening party for his new Cd Something Special

And for those present at New Kingston's Chaser's Cafe on Sunday last, that's exactly what it proved to be. With sterling contributions from an expanded band and several special guests, Davis and "the crew" as they were referred to, more than did justice to the ska standards (Skatalites mostly) that constitute the bulk of this programme. I'll have a full review soon

vocalist extraordinare Pam Hall

"Obamarock" Woman Power & More: JaRIA Reggae Wednesday live show

Though we couldn't stay for the greater portion of this week's Reggae Month showcase, waht we caught was plenty good enough. You should make it a date next week

Bacchanal Time: Smirnoff Shakes, tail feathers and more

Under the theme Conquest and Surrender, the Bacchanal organizers officially premiered the costumes and calendar fro this year's renewal of the annual soca revellry extravaganza  - which officially begins March 7 at the New Mas Camp at the Knutsford Court.

The launch featured several of the beverage sponsors staging sampling booths: Appleton, Pure Country/Fresh and Smirnoff. The latter produced in this writer's opinion the night's best concoction - the Smirnoff Blueberry shake, made in conjunction with relative newcomer Island Shakes.

In addition to the anticipated Friday Fetes, Beach J'ouvert and Scoacise, this year will feature a DJ clash between Djs Smoke, Sanjay and Richieras

Our camera caught the following colours - and shapes

we'll have more pics on this site over the weekend - watch this space

Nina does Nina and More at Regency Bar

The counterpoint garland in her hair(going against her flowing back outfit) suggested Billie Holliday, but lounge singer Nina Karle delivered a sprightly cover of Nina Simone's "My Baby Just Cares" in addition to the obligatory Bob Marley numbers (it's February, after all)  during her stint at the Jazz Thursdays at the Regency Bar and Lounge at Terra Nova

Joining the vocalist in her exploits were Dwayne Livingston on  bass
pianist Anders Lopez and James Ferguson* on  drums

The repertoire, delivered with consummate skill, and with an Airy sound and  languid intervals also encompassed Andy Williams' trademark "Moon River"

the mood was extended with "The Way You Look Tonight" and completed with the bossa nova classic "girl from Ipanema", delivered vocally as the "boy from Ipanema" as well as Randy Crawford's sultry classic "Almaz" which got the bass-heavy treatment with a neatly ascending piano solo from Lopez to boot.

Then Norah Jones' "Come Away With Me"

Of course, one good "Jones" deserves another, so "Don't Know Why" followed.

For the Reggae King Tribute to Bob Marley, the group did "Is This Love" interspersed with freestyle quotes from "Jammin'"

And capped with "Redemption Song"

After the interval, they returned with a booming, funky yet swinging "Fly Me To The Moon"

"Summertime" followed in similar mode, if at a slower tempo

Killing Me Softly

Ska-inflected "My Baby Just Cares For Me"

Back to Marley, via Lauryn Hill, with "Turn Your Lights Down Low"