Antilia Partners with WHY
to promote Caribbean Cause

On Monday June 8th, 2009 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City, WHY (World Hunger Year) will honor the three 2009 WHY-Chapin Award recipients as well as recognize several 2008 Harry Chapin Self-Reliance Award winners, representing grassroots organizations in the United States that have moved beyond charity to create change in their communities.

Wyclef Jean, multiple Grammy Award-winning musician as well as producer, humanitarian, and Haiti Goodwill Ambassador, will be presented with the 2009 ASCAP-Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award. In 2005, he established Yéle Haiti to bring back hope to his native country. Yéle has changed the lives of tens of thousands of children and adults through education, health, environment and community development programs.

Past honoree Harry Belafonte will present the ASCAP-Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award to Wyclef Jean.

Simon Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Antilia, commented: "We must continue to highlight both the accomplishments of Yéle as well as Haiti's continued need. We are pleased to partner with WHY to bring awareness to this organization's efforts in the Caribbean, and are delighted to work once again with Wyclef and his team.

"This is also a tremendous opportunity to highlight achievements in the Caribbean Community through the recognition of three Caribbean stalwarts - Wyclef Jean, Harry Belafonte and The Mighty Sparrow, who each continue to champion important Caribbean causes."

Calypso King of the World The Mighty Sparrow will contribute his talents to WHY, in support of the Caribbean, with a performance at the Awards Dinner on June 8.


Also being honored at the event:

WFAN Sports Radio 66, the flagship station for the New York Mets, New York Giants, New Jersey Devils and New Jersey Nets, is a premier sports talk radio station. WFAN promotes local fund-raising events, including an annual Hungerthon to benefit WHY. The station also broadcasts a two hour public affairs program every Sunday morning.

Growing Power (Milwaukee, WI) is a national non-profit organization and land trust, supporting people from diverse backgrounds and the environments in which they live, by providing equal access to healthy, high-quality, safe and affordable food.

For further information about The 2009 WHY-Chapin Awards Dinner, call + 1 212 629-8850 or email WHYEvents@whyhunger.org or discover@antilia.com


About Your Hosts:

WHY is a leading advocate for innovative, community-based solutions to hunger and poverty. WHY challenges society to confront these problems by advancing models that create self-reliance, economic justice, and equal access to nutritious and affordable food. www.whyhunger.org

Antilia is a New York-based Caribbean special events company and entertainment brand focused on showcasing the most premium, upscale and exotic elements of Caribbean culture and tourism in the US. This year the company will also offer bundled travel packages for travel to Trinidad and Tobago's February 2010 annual carnival festival.

Well, to be honest there really isn't any such thing as an odd couple, just because we cant see what they see in each other, doesn't mean it's not there. I guess Nas and Maxwell hannging out is a bit odd, cause I just never saw that coming. It's like those naked pics of Rihanna- you know it could always happen, but you just was not prepared when it's in your face. Like ooo..kaay...I guess...then you leave them in their bliss and move on.


They were partying it up in a Turks & Caicos hotel room with some "friends" shall we say. Nas is in the midst of a divorce from his wife Kelis. Maxwell (of Haitian and Puerto-Rican descent), well guess they just blowing off some steam. Man is man eh.

Derek Blanks is is Ahhmazing when it comes to taking photographs of celebs....well anyone really. He's just really, really good at what he does. Check out pics from Lesa Gayle's (AKA Milan from BET's College Hill South Beach cast) photo session with him.





BTW she is of Jamaican heritage. See more photos HERE!

So first the pics of Rihanna's battered face are leaked....who did it? Your guess is as good as mine,but some place the blame at the hands of the Chris Brown camp.How that would benefit him I have no idea.

Then just whenwe thought things were cooling off. Rihanna back on the scene partying and ting, different outfits, different clubs, flying all over the globe. WHAM! Here come dem nekkid pics. they were shot from a cell phone and again blame is landing on Chris Brown shoulders. Well seems Rihanna is not happy about that leak nor the most recent one of them cuddling and being all lovey-dovey.

Photo source
She just lost the chance to be on Vogue and is rumoured to be so mad that she is threatening to release less than flattering pics of Brown.

According to source of a source:

"She says she's going to release her own photos of Chris. She has less-than-flattering nude pics of him that she plans on leaking. Rihanna says he'll be really embarrassed," Rihanna's pal said. The source informed that Rihanna sets this plan once after she has calmed down from the rage after the leak of her nude photos.

Not only pictures, Rihanna also reportedly plans to reveal Chris' sexual performance to make him ashamed. Rihanna is already telling friends that Chris was a clumsy novice at lovemaking until "she taught him everything he knows." The pal added, "She's going to ruin his sexy image."

Moreover, Rihanna is believed saying more scary threat as her early reaction when finding out her nude images plastered all over the Internet. "She was saying crazy things like, 'I'm going to burn down his house,'" a friend of the 21-year-old singer told the June 7 edition of Star magazine.'

Although Rihanna up and down every magazine and website that covers entertainment, the other bajan Diva Shontelle is doing big tings eh. She's opening for Beyonce the baddest girl in da biz right now. Here is a video of her performing "Roll" at O2 Stadium London May25th2009




Now this is a song that she wrote. It's crazy to me how she can write the song and sing the song but just cannot match Alison Hinds when it comes to being the song. Check her out in action:



And no...it's not cause Machel dere, eh. Look at how she work de stage with this chune!!!! Cyan test Alison!

Officially recognized by the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the President in 2006, the month of June marks a 30-day celebration of the cultural impact and influence of Caribbean immigrants and Caribbean-Americans in United States. Several events will take place around the US to commemorate this event. Here are some below:


CALIFORNIA

JUNE 6th 2009
What:Caribbean Cricket Club Fundraiser Match
Time:10:30p.m-7:00p.m
Admin: free
Where: Woodley Park
Address:6335Woodley Ave. Van Nuys, CA91406
Contact: Ma'as Audley 323-293-8205
Email: cudjoe_cudjoe@yahoo.com

JUNE 7th 2009
What: GospelFest
Time: 3 to 5pm (doors open at 2:30pm, free parking)
Where: Complete Actor's Place
Address: 13752 Ventura Blvd.,Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Contact: Marjorie Frasier at mjfwrites2u@aol.com
About: A community event which includes contemporary gospel as well as an eclectic mix of music (including reggae, R&B, hip hop, jazz, pop, country, rock, new age, etc.) and some "unique" acts!


JUNE 13th,2009
What: First Los Angeles Caribbean Festival & Art Walk
Time: 11:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: St. Elmo Village
Address: 4830 St. Elmo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90019-5571
(mid-city Los Angeles, one block south of Venice Blvd. and two and a half blocks east of La Brea Ave.)
Contact: Martin Greenidge at 562-254-5598 or megreenidge@hotmail.com
About: The Los Angeles Caribbean-American Heritage Month Committee Invites you to participate in the first Annual Caribbean Festival & Art Walk Part of the proceeds to benefit St. Elmo Village Artist Colony.

JUNE 20th,2009
What: Caribbean Spectacular Dance Revue
Time: 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Where: The Hama Dance Studio
Address: 12117 Moorpark Street, Studio City, CA 91604
Contact: Ashley Elie at Ashleyheads@aol.com 818-294-1365 or Chinyere Minott at islandgroove@sbcglobal.net 866-934-7668
Website: caribbeanspectacular.com or cislandgroove.com

JUNE 21st, 2009
What: Art Exhibition & Spoken Word Performance: "Che Chango: Rendezvous en La Habana 2013"
Time: 5:00 pm Performance & Discussion 5 pm - 8 pm Art Exhibition
Admission: Free
Where: 935 Chung King Road
Address: Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA 90012
About: Through a medley of her paintings and poems, accompanied by her children on drums and her friends in dance and drama; Lili Bernard theatrically shares stories of her Cuban ancestors and of life in Cuba. This piece, which explores Che Guevara the icon and Che Guevara his words and deeds, is part of a greater work-in-progress by the artist, entitled, "Ceiba de Cuba." Featuring Maria Elena Gil, Sara Whittaker and the Ferguson Five.
Contact: Lili Bernard at theartist@lilibernard.com
Website: www.lilibernard.com

Nia Long at Caribbean Fashion Week 2008 in Jamaica

JUNE 21st, 2009

What: Salute to Hollywood & the Arts honoring actress Nia Long(Trinidad heritage), writer and director of the movie HAVEN- Frank E.Flowers (Cayman Islands born) and British-born micro-sculptor Willard Wigan of Jamaican heritage. Click HERE to view Wigan's gallery( soooo tiny... I'm talking sculptures smaller than the tip of a pen!!!)

Time:7:00p.m-12Midnight
Venue: Kerchoff Plaza-UCLA
Address:308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA‎
Contact:818-605-1478 or 310-674-6700
About:A portion of the proceeds will help support Camp Crescent Moon, a camp for children with sickle cell disease. Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California scdfc.org, and St. Elmo Artist Village stelmovillage.org


TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE CELEBRATES CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

June 1 through 30 - Display in Mitchell Memorial Library

June 4- Company Grade Officer Committee-sponsored golf tournament, Cypress Lakes Golf Course

June 8 - 5K HIV/AIDS Awareness Run, Chapel One parking Lot

June 9 - Summer Reading Program, Story Time in the Park

June 12- CGOC Sponsored Car Wash Fundraiser, Airman and Family Readiness Center Parking Lot

June 18 - Caribbean-themed meal, Sierra Inn Dining Facility

June 26 - Culture festival, AFRC parking lot

Where: Travis Airforce Base
Address: Fairfield CA
Contact:707-424-2011.
Website: www.travis.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123152405



FLORIDA


JUNE 6th, 2009
What: Art Exhibit "Out of One, Many: From Elgo to Zion"
Time: 3:00pm - 6:00 pm
Artist: Errol 'Elgo' Lewis (Jamaican)
Venue: African American Research Library & Cultural Center
Address: 2650 W Sistrunk Blvd, Ft Lauderdale
Contact: 954-625-2800

JUNE 10th, 2009
What: City of Miami Gardens Commemoration of Caribbean American Heritage Month & Jamaican Diaspora Day
Time: 5:30 p.m.-7pm
Venue: City Hall
Address: 1515 N.W. 167th Street, Suite 200
Contact: 786-349-2584
About:Recognizing City residents, businesses and organizations of Caribbean descent
RSVP BY JUNE8TH


JUNE 18TH 2009
What: Professor Rex Nettleford & Derek Walcott To Be Honored At Caribbean-American Heritage Commemorative Gala
Time: TBA
Venue: A Miramar Arts Center Ballroom
Address: 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Florida 33025
Info: 754-224-8150
About: Derek Walcott, Nobel Laureate of St. Lucia and Rex Nettleford, Professor Emeritus of Jamaica, are two of the outstanding Caribbean Nationals who will be honored at the annual Caribbean-American Heritage Commemorative Gala. The event is under the patronage of the Caricom Consular Corp.

JUNE 19th 2009
What: Caribbean-American Book & Art Fair (CABA) Launch – Featuring Derek Walcott, Nobel Laureate.
Where: Miramar City Hall Plaza
Address: 3600 Civic Center Place,Miramar, FL 33025
Contact:954-357-7478/ 754-224-8150 / 786-537-5897
About: Derek Walcott, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992, will be the featured speaker on Friday, June 19 at the "Laureate Conversation" the opening reception and launch of the Caribbean-American Book & Art Fair. Event continues June 20th and 21st.
Website:cabafair.com


JUNE 20th,2009
What: Second Annual West Palm Beach Carnival Presented by The Palm Beach Multicultural Organization (PBMOI)
Time: 11am
Why: To Benefit the Palm Beach School of Autism
Where: South Florida Fair Grounds
Address: 9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach, 33411
Contact: 561.255.7590
Website: www.westpalmbeachcarnival.com
About: Parade of costumed bands, Live entertainment, Authentic Caribbean cuisine and drink, Arts and crafts. Entertainment by: Alison Hinds, T-Vice, Rikki-Jai, Crossovah and many more.
To benefit the Palm Beach School of Autism.

JUNE 21ST, 2009
What: Multi Cultural Show With The Calypso King Of The World, The Mighty Sparrow
Address: Miramar,FL


JUNE 27th, 2009
What: 20th Anniversary Miss Jamaica Florida Pageant Presented by Partners For You Foundation In Association with ABI Startime
Time: 6:00PM
Admission: Adults $30; $35 at the door Children Under 12: $15
Venue: Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Address: 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs:
Contact:954-600-0334
Website: www.missjamaicaflorida.com
About: Crowning of Little Miss, Jr.Miss,Teen Miss and Miss Jamaica Florida.



GEORGIA

JUNE 3rd-24th,2009 (Every Wednesday In June)
What:Kick-Off Reception for Caribbean Film and Literary Festival - Opening Night Feature “Hit for Six” (filmed in Barbados)
Time:6:00 – 8:30 PM
Admission:Free
Where:Film Festival: Central Library Auditorium,
Address:One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Contact: 404-730-1700
Website:gacaribbeanamericanheritage.org

JUNE 11th, 2009
What: Caribbean Day at the Atlanta Braves (Game: 1:00pm - Braves vs. Pittsburgh Pirates)
Time: 1:00pm
Venue: Turner Field
Address: 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta, GA 30315
Contact: 770-987-9571or404-508-8002
Website: atlantabraves.mlb.com



ILLINOIS

JUNE 6th,2009
What:The Second Annual Chicago Caribbean JerkFest
Time: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m
Admission: $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the gate. Children 10 and under are free with an adult over 21 *Seniors 65 and over also free.
Where: Union Park
Address: 1501 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL
Information: info@chitownjerkfest.com
Website: chitownjerkfest.com
About: A culturally rich celebration of 34 Caribbean islands will treat you to a day of wholesome family fun in a beautiful atmosphere with a line up of authentic island sounds of reggae, roots, reggaeton, punta, and gospel, poetry, island skits and creative dances on stage, the pulsating sound of the steel band; all that’s complimented by a marketplace of Caribbean fashions, souvenirs, arts and craft, a “tings” Caribbean village, a children’s corner, and domino tournament. Join us as we celebrate the wonderful culture of the Caribbean during Caribbean-American Heritage Month - JUNE 2009. It’s all about the culture: arts, music, food and fashion!!! A potpourri of people and a wonderful Caribbean time! The theme this year is “divided by water…connected by culture!!!” Aim of this event is to Promote, To Educate and To Raise Awareness of the HIV/AIDs epidemic among people of Color in the Midwest and the Caribbean

NEW YORK

JUNE 8-12th, 2009
What: Caribbean Week New York sponsored by Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)
Time: Various
Where:Various venues
Address:Various veunues
Contact: 212-635-9530, or send e-mail to ctony@caribtourism.com. F
Website: onecaribbean.org


JUNE 9th, 2009
What: Celebrity Chef Event -NY Caribbean Week
Who: Maarteen Smeets, executive chef at the Sunset Grille Restaurant in the Radisson Aruba Resort Casino and Spa,
Where: Macy's Herald Square
Address:151 West 34th Street New York, NY 10001
Website: onecaribbean.org


JUNE 11th, 2009
What: Celebrity Chef Event -NY Caribbean Week
Who: James Murphy, who helps Antigua and Barbuda's department of tourism promote its cuisine,
Where: Macy's Herald Square
Address:151 West 34th Street New York, NY 10001
Website: onecaribbean.org

JUNE 12th, 2009
What: Governments Of The Caribbean State Ball
Where: The Plaza Hotel
Address: Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York NY 10019
About: Invitation only
Website: onecaribbean.org

JUNE 11th, 2009
What: Caribbean Travel and Cultural Fair
Time: 10:a.m04:30 p.m
Admission: Free
Where: Manhattan Center
Address: 311 W. 34th St
About:The midtown event features displays from Caribbean Tourism Organization member nations and private travel firms, promotional products and materials, music, arts and crafts demonstrations, food tastings through the Celebrity Chef program, and a "Caribbean Vacation Mart," offering specially priced excursions.There will also be MarryCaribbean.com and Caribbean Bridal Expo-sponsored "Caribbean Wedding," which will give a couple a honeymoon to a Caribbean destination.
Website: onecaribbean.org


JUNE 11th, 2009
What: Caribbean Diaspora Workshop
Time: 4:00p.m-6:30p.m
Admission:Free
Where:New Yorker Hotel
Address:481 Eighth Ave
About:The public discussion parallels the numerous high-level, closed-door sessions to be attended by Caribbean heads of states and their tourism ministers in New York. The Caribbean's tourism industry facing the current global economic crisis, and ways of mobilizing the Caribbean diaspora to aid the region's tourism, are two topics to be discussed at the workshop, presented in conjunction with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Website: onecaribbean.org


JUNE 11th, 2009
What: "Caribbean Treats: Food, Rum & Rhythm"
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m
Admission: $45.00
Where: Manhattan Center
Address: 311 W. 34th St
Website: onecaribbean.org
About: Participants can sample Caribbean rums, bid on Caribbean vacations and other prizes at silent auction, taste culinary creations and dance to seductive island music.



JUNE 13TH 2009
What: Machel Montano Raw and Uncut
Where: Radio City Music Hall
Address: 6th Avenue between 50th street and 51st street.
Contact: 212-307-7171
Website: machelmontano.com ticketmaster.com
About: Montano will be joined by special guests from the HD family inlcuding Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Zan, Umi Marcano, and the HD Band. Oungku and his Red Hot Flames of Antigua will also join the lineup.




JUNE 14th, 2009
What: Temperature presented by Home Grown Entertainment and In and Out Promotions
Admission: $40, $60 VIP
Where:Aviator Complex ( Floyd Bennett Field)
Address: 5 Floyd Bennett FieldBrooklyn, NY USA 11234
About: Featuring Fay Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Benjai, Edwin Yearwood, Problem Child, Hunter, Kenneth Salick, Blaxx, Ravi B, Lyrikal and more:




JUNE 21st, 2009
What: Brooklyn Music Festival produced by Jammins Entertainment
Admission: Gen Admission $45 VIP $100
Time:Gates open at 1PM
Where: Aviator Sports and Recreation – Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York.
Address: 50 Aviator Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11234
Website: brooklynmusicfestival.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

JUNE 12th, 2009
What: Masquerade Fete
Time: TBA
Where:Downtown Charleston, South Carolina
Contact: Lornaspark@aol.com or 843-557-6258
About: Celebrate Charleston Carifest at the Masquerade Fete, Mardi Gras Style Gala downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Masqueraders from St. Kitts and Nevis, Music by Slice International– Reggae, Soca,Calypso. Latin Caribbean Dance Troupe, Caribbean Food, Drinks and Craft.

JUNE 12th-14th 2009
What: Charleston Carifest
Time: TBA
Where: Brittle Bank Park , (across from the Police station )
Address:180 Lockwood Boulevard, Charleston, 29403
Contact: Lornaspark@aol.com or 843-557-6258
About: Featured Caribbean Country: St Lucia.


TEXAS

JUNE 13th, 2009
What: Community Mixer & Awards Ceremony hosted by CI Foundation, One Love Caribbean Newspaper, and Houston Caribbean Business Council
Time: 6:00 pm
Admission: FREE
Venue: International Trade Center
Address: 11110 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77072 - 2nd Floor


WASHINGTON D.C/MARYLAND


JUNE 5th, 2009
What: Screening Sugar Cane Alley at DC Film Fest
Time: 9:30pm
Venue: AFIb Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
Address: 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring,MD 20910
Contact: info@transafricaforum.org
Website:afi.com/silver and transafricaforum.org
About: The DC Caribbean Filmfest sponsored by Caribbean Association of World Bank and IMF Staff (CAWI), Caribbean Professional Network (CPN), Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), TransAfrica Forum, and AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center.


JUNE14th, 2009
What: Tamarid Festival of Caribbean Literature
Time: 2:00-4:00PM
Admission: FREE
Venue: National Museum of Women in the Arts. THE WOMEN'S MUSEUM
Address: 1250 New York Ave., NW Washington, DC 20005-3970
Contact:icsdcorg@gmail.com
About: featuring Merle Collins Ph.D. and Professor Lorna Goodison. Presentation of Awards Claude McKay Caribbean Writer Award and Paule Marshall Caribbean Writer AwardTamarind Festival of Caribbean Literature in Washington, DC
featuring Merle Collins Ph.D. and Professor Lorna Goodison. Presentation of Awards Claude McKay Caribbean Writer Award and Paule Marshall Caribbean Writer Award.
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com
FESTIVAL RUNS THROUGH JUNE 18TH
Website: www.icsdc.org


JUNE 11th, 2009
What: Haitian Art Society Conference A Garden Party
When: June 11th, 2009
Time: 6:00pm
Where: Organization of American States
Address: 17th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006

JUNE 12th-13th, 2009
What: Haitian Art Society Conference - Annual Art Conference
Where: Hampton Inn
Address: 8728 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910



JUNE 19th, 2009
What: Tribute to Caribbean Military (World War II Heroes)
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Andrews Airforce Base, Maryland 20762
Contact:For more information contact West-Indian American Military Members Association at wiamma@wiamma.com
Website:wiamma.com
About: Sponsored by West-Indian American Military Members Association, Institute ofCaribbean Studies and Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences


JUNE 19th, 2009
What: DC Calypso Monarch Finals
Time: 9:00pm
Admission: $15
Where: AKA Sorority
Address: 4411 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Contact: info@panmasters.com
Website: panmasters.com

JUNE 20th,2009
What: Pan Jam
Admission: $10
Where: Crossroads Entertainment Complex
Address: 4103 Baltimore Avenue, Bladensburg, MD 20710
About: Pan Jam featuring The Top Steel Bands from DC, MD & VA DC Pan Jammers Pan Masters Steel Orchestra Pan quality steel band and ensemble CAFE St Veronica's Youth Steel Orchestra Pan Majestic Youth Academy

JUNE 21st, 2009
What: Dimache Gras 2009
Time: 2:00pm
Admission: $10
Where: Crossroads Entertainment Complex
Address: 4103 Baltimore Avenue, Bladensburg, MD 20710
About: Dimache Gras 2009 featuring the judging of the Large, highly decorated individual costumes (Kings, Queens and Individuals)


JUNE 22nd, 2009
What: DC Caribbean Legislative Week - National Caribbean American Legislative Conference "Doing Business with the City".
Time: Noon
Where: National Press Club
Address: 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20045
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com
About: Sponsored by Caribbean American Heritage Month and Institute of Caribbean Studies

JUNE 22nd, 2009
What: Forum Reception on Census 2010
Time: 6:30pm
Where: Charles Sumner School
Address: 1201 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com
About: Sponsored by Institute of Caribbean Studies, Caribbean Research Center and CaribWorld

JUNE 23rd 2009
What: DC Caribbean Legislative Week - National Caribbean American Legislative Conference "Doing Business in the Caribbean". Co-sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank Caribbean
Time: 9:30am
Admission: $50 - Pre-registration required.
Where: Inter-American Development Bank
Address:1300 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20577
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com

JUNE 23rd, 2009
What: Caribbean American Business Council Meeting
Time: 4:00pm
Where: US Department of Commerce
Address: 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com

What: Caribbean American Leadership Alliance - Diplomatic Briefing
Admission: By Invitation Only
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com

JUNE 24th, 2009
What: DC Caribbean Legislative Week - National Caribbean American Legislative Conference Congressional Caribbean Caucus Breakfast
Admission: By Invitation Only
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com

JUNE 24th, 2009
What: Caribbean American Leadership Alliance Executive Branch Briefing
Admission: By Invitation Only
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com

JUNE 25th, 2009
What: DC Caribbean Legislative Week - National Caribbean American Legislative Conference Forum on Capitol Hill
Time: 9:00am
Where: Capitol Hill
Admission: Pre-Registration Required.
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com

JUNE 25th, 2009
What: CARICOM Reception
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com

JUNE 26TH, 2009
What: DC Caribbean Legislative Week -National Caribbean American Legislative Conference Youth Leadership Forum
Time: 8:00am
Admission: $20 (includes continental breakfast and lunch). Pre-Registration Required
Where: The World Bank
Address: 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com
About: Students and Young Professionals interested in public policy and international development. BRING YOUR RESUMES!!!

JUNE 27TH, 2009 June 27
What: DC Caribbean Carnival Parade and Festival Parade Kicks Off
Time: 11 am
Admission: $10
Where: Georgia Ave. & Missouri Ave. (Followed By Festival in The Park)
Where: Banneker Park "DE SAVANNAH"
Website: dccaribbeancarnival.org
About: Featuring Live Performances by: *TRAFFIC JAM with Eddie Charles, Sean Caruth & Shayne Bailey "Sweetness" *IWER GEORGE & TC *TIZZY "Expose" Direct from Antigua *ASHE (Cuban Salsa/Timba Band) *PATCH"Rum & Roti" DEXTER KEANE & DK21 DJ SPYDA, SHILOH INTL., DJ TEEREX MCs: MIAMI'S OWN GISELE "DE WASSI ONE" NEIL MATTEI "DE MUSICAL PRIME MINISTER"



JUNE 28th, 2009 What: Concert & Family Day
Time: 12:00pm
Admission: $10
Where: Banneker Field
About: Concert & Family Day featuring LIVE PERFORMANCES by The Queen of Soca Alison Hinds & The Alison Hinds Show, Kenneth Salick, "Radica", The 2009 Chutney/Soca Monarch Rafrechi (DCs Hottest Haitian Kompa Band) Carl Malcolm & The Positive Vibrations Reggae Band DJ Spyda, Shiloh Intl., DJ TeeRex MCs: John Blake, Tony Carr

JUNE 28th, 2009 What: DC Caribbean Comedy Festival
Time: 6:30pm
Where: Crampton Auditorium, Howard University
About: DC Caribbean Comedy Festival is sponsored by Caribbeana
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com

JUNE 29th, 2009
What: Census Briefing for CARICOM Diplomatic Corps
Contact: For more information contact Institute of Caribbean Studies: icsdcorg@gmail.com


For more events click HERE for official calender and visit the official site CaribbeanAmericanMonth.org

These days I guess there are just no rules in the fashion game, huh. Check out these pics of Rihanna. Photo source

Folks are we liking this look????I'm definitely digging the makeup.




Photo source

So O.K.... Mel B has her workout video and she is making a helluva earning in showing off her body in her Vegas striptease show, but I think she is taking the workout thing a bit too far! She is 1 spray tan and a couple more crunches away from looking like a professional body builder. Here she is showing off her ripped abs at the US Weekly Hot Bodies Pool Party.

Photo source

Hubby Stephen Belafonte is loving it.

Photo source

I say bring back the curves!

The third staging of Best of The Best seemed on most accounts to be a success, though the rain did put a damper on press access to the stage. Organizers did apologize for that stating citing safety precautions. I can understand that, would not want to be electrocuted in the middle of the hottest Memorial Day weekend jam in Miami.

From the official press release:

The artist rundown was a secret for fans, and the show kicked off with Miami-based hip-hop artists Shifta, Camar and Atiba, before the advertised roster took effect with Ras Penco and Christopher Martin serenading the afternoon crowd. Dancehall diva Spice brought her hit "Romping Shop" and killed the BOTB stage, the first time performing for such a massive audience. Then The Stones featuring Ricky Blaze with their hits from the New York corridor added some flare with their funky clothing and electro-dancehall sound. Kip Rich and Flippa Mafia rounded things out before the reggae segment. Cocoa Tea took the reigns first, singing his hit "Barack Obama," as the skies opened up over the park. Then Capleton brought the fire, literally shaking the stage with his high-flying antics that left the crowd and rappers watching backstage in awe.

The much-anticipated hip-hop segment soared as the sporadic rain showers cleared up, with "We the Best" DJ Khaled and T-Pain first hitting the stage. It was a flawless track-set that saw a steady flow of artists every five minutes. Joining Khaled and Pain were Rick Ross, his new dancehall artist Magazeen, Ace Hood, and in the biggest surprise of the night, Sean "Diddy" Combs joined Ross on stage, taking off his white Kangol bucket hat and pointing at the crowd, receiving the biggest forward of the night then departing just as suddenly as he appeared. It was not the end of the segment however, as #1 Billboard artist Flo Rida also made a surprise appearance, joined by his Poe Boy label mate Brisco. Then rap star Jeezy delivered his hits including the chart-topper, "My President's Black," to wrap the smash segment. "I'm glad to be here, I love reggae," stated Jeezy. "The vibe is right, with the roots and culture. One day I'll get into the sound because it's a strong sound...very interesting."

The momentum of the night continued with the slamming soca sounds of Trinidad songstress Destra Garcia, the only soca act but all that was needed to get the crowd on their feet and rags in the air. Then the self-proclaimed "King of the Dancehall" Beenie Man stormed the stage and mashed it up with his live-band set. The "Energy God" Elephant Man followed him for an abbreviated set as Beenie's Ruff Kut band had to make way for the Alliance's Anger Management band, which closed the show. Following Ele was Tony Matterhorn on tracks for the quick band change, then Serani, followed by Mavado and Bounty Killer, as all three dancehall megastars shared the stage to close Best of the Best 2009.

Off-stage highlights included Beenie Man on stage watching the hip-hop segment as the rappers greeted him on stage, the hip-hop stars including Rick Ross who went over to hail Capleton, Busta Rhymes who hung out back stage eating and chatting with his new collaborator Beenie, Flo Rida who walked into the park with his Poe Boy entourage and found his own way backstage, Bounty who wanted to storm the stage while Beenie was on (Beenie was scheduled to close the show but came on early so that he would have enough time to perform his entire set), and Elephant Man who showed up on his own and slipped his way backstage undetected in his pirate costume, complete with hook on hand and parrot on shoulder. But perhaps the biggest stars were the cars backstage. T-Pain arrived in a red Rolls-Royce Phantom, Khaled in a powder blue Rolls, Ross in a navy blue Masserrati, Diddy in a larger-than-life tour bus, while Busta and Wayne Wonder kept it cool in black Escalades.

Here are some pics from the event!

Capleton caught in mid-air
-Photo by Brittany Somerset-

Coco Tea salutes backstage
-Photo by Brittany Somerset-

Jabba emeecing the show and dancehall diva Spice
-Photo by Brittany Somerset-

Sean "Diddy" Combs vibes with Rick Ross on stage
-Photo byWayne Lawrence-

Fan favorite Beenie Man enjoys himself.
-Photo by Wayne Lawrence-

Ele does some press
-Photo by Roy Sweetland-

Ace Hood, DJ Khaled & T-Pain storm the stage
-Photo by Roy Sweetland-

Mavado ends the night on a high note
-Photo by Roy Sweetland-




Bounty Killa closes the show
-Photo by Roy Sweetland-



T-Pain joins Rick Ross to perform his hit "The Boss"
-Photo by Roy Sweetland-

From Headline Entertainment:



Kingston, Jamaica: R&B sensation Jazmine Sullivan will be rocking the Sumfest stage come Friday, July 24 when Summerfest Productions takes over Catherine Hall in Montego Bay for the 17th staging of the ‘Greatest Reggae Show on Earth', Reggae Sumfest.

Johnny Gourzong, Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, says that he was excited that the 20-something year old songstress will be able to bring her flavour to spice up the Festival's International Night I.

“We are really pleased that we've been able to confirm Jazmine for the show. We have been pouring over a list of possible international acts, and she was one of those artistes that really jumped out at us. She's been having a phenomenal year on the music scene internationally, and some of her songs are even reggae inspired,” said Gourzong.

“We're looking forward to seeing Jazmine in Montego Bay for Reggae Sumfest. We are gearing up to present an exciting show, a real entertainment explosion starting from the Beach Party on Sunday, and ending with International Night II on Saturday,” he continued.

The Festival, which starts with a beach party on Sunday July 19 and then has three nights of pulsating live performances from Thursday July 23 to Saturday July 25, will also feature rap music luminary Nas and reggae royalty Damian ‘Jnr Gong' Marley, as well as Bounty Killer, Mavado, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Busy Signal, and a host of other local talents.

Jazmine Sullivan broke on the international scene with the help of rap and hip-hop icon Missy ‘Misdemeanor' Elliot and has since enjoyed solid runs on charts, radio stations, and concert venues worldwide.

She hit a note with music lovers when she released Bust Your Windows, and struck gold again when she followed up with Need You Bad and Lions, Tigers and Bears.

Come Friday July 25, she'll add the Reggae Sumfest stage to her growing repertoire of worldwide performances, and she'll be ready to write her name in the annals of Reggae Sumfest history. Summerfest Productions will take over Montego Bay from July 19-25, so get ready to be infected by Reggae Sumfest fever.

The Bahamas International Film Festival takes place December 10-17, 2009. Check out the official poster below!




2009 BIFF Poster Description from the artist

The intention of this piece is to communicate a come one come all event. The uses of various species of fish are used to personify human beings of all races and genres of life. The female figure that leads that pack of fish is used to communicate a sense of eagerness and excitement but in a less aggressive way. Elegance and childishness is used as a vehicle to aid in communicating the brunt of the message. The rainbow, a new aesthetics being visited by myself in most of my later works is used to signify promise. The Poster is magical because of the surrealist way it is portrayed. To see a fish afloat led on a leash of film by a young anxious girl definitely speaks festive, film, movie, magical, mythical. It sparks questions such as why does she seem so anxious, I want to be apart of it, when is it? where is it? who is it? These are all relevant questions to lead an audience to a venue or event through visual language. That being said, there is ample emphasis on the magical, which in turn would lead the viewer to want to ask the questions listed above.

The poster definitely plays the role of a poster (to promote or communicate an upcoming event in a way it is easy readable by a wider audience). Achieving that objective in each illustrated job I do is my main objective. Keep in mind the illustration aspect of my career is less personal and more commercial seeking, so that as long as I am able to communicate an idea or event satisfactorily to my client, myself, and to an audience - my objectives are met. In the poster the image is the message.



ABOUT THE ARTIST

Lavar Munroe was educated at The Savannah College of Art and Design, he studied illustration, obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts (summer 2007). From then until now, ever since, Lavar has entered many competitions and exhibitions both in the illustration and fine art fields; most of which have proven successful. Lavar currently has two bodies of children's book illustrations on travel exhibit via the annual ASSOCIAZIONE CULTURALE TEATRIO Children’s Book Competition hosted in Italy every year. As a part of the Teatrio, his work has been exhibited in Chioggia, Japan, United States, Mexico, Ethiopia, Portugal and Finland. This is just one of the more important of his awards and accolades. Lavar’s work has been in publications such as How Magazine, South Magazine, Beyond the Mirror (Italy), A Fabulous Yellow (Italy), Savannah College of Art and Design, and British American Bank Annual Calendar (Bahamas). Lavar is also a part of the Artist for Amnesty NY program where he uses his work as activist work in the fight for human rights. Fine art wise, his work has also been exhibited in galleries in the Bahamas, Atlanta GA, Savannah GA, New York, New Jersey, Raleigh NC, New Orleans and Chicago. Lavar’s work is currently a part of permanent collections such as The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, The Central Bank of the Bahamas, FINCO Bahamas, Savannah College of Art and Design, The Dawn Davies Collection, The Vincent D’aguilar Collection, and The Bonfigloli Collection just to name a few. Lavar’s work is also represented by Store 44 Representative in Arizona. Lavar is currently based in Raleigh, N.C. where he lives with his lovely wife and daughte

Check out these pics of Sean Paul off the set of the video for his first single off his Imperial Blaze album,"So Fine."


Lovin' those shades