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Archive for August, 2010

The Jolly Boys lead Jamaican sounds in Trenchtown

Wednesday 25th August 2010

Trenchtown returns to Ireland's Electric Picnic to add a touch of the Caribbean to the festivities. A Jamaican village right in the heart of the festival, Trenchtown offers the sites, sounds, tastes of the island in the Stradbally forest. Curated by Martin Hickey who spends 6 months of the year sourcing the finest that Jamaica has to offer.

Jamaica's answer to Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club, The Jolly Boys will be making their first ever visit to Ireland, to make their debut appearance. Joining them in the woods will be the roots, drums from West Africa gospel and ska straight through reggae to Jamaican dance hall; when the sun goes down the bass goes up.

Music over the three days is provided by a One World Sound, Ireland's first integrated Gospel choir - Discovery Gospel Choir, West African song and dance group Wassa Wassa, new Irish Reggae band The BaRLey Mob, a shamanic dub trotting session from Wiggle, Roots Factory, Skaz, Present Arms, Dub Investigation, 7 piece Ska/reggae band The Bionic Rats, Treasure Beach International featuring DJ Floyd Cide and Sou-Wes Krew, and Worries Outernational serving up a crucial mix of Roots Reggae and Dancehall.

Plus reggae stylings from The Launch Crew, 8-piece roots band Indica, roots riddims from The Italics, and finalists of European Reggae contest Intinn and old school professional reggae stalwart DJ Will Softly.

Aside from the music, Trenchtown offers all the delicious foods, drinks and aromas you'd expect to find in Jamaica.

Electric Picnic is held from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th September at Stradbally Hall Estate, County Laois [Ireland]. Tickets are priced at 240 euros for an adult weekend ticket. Family Camping Tickets, and Campervan Tickets priced at 60 euros are also available.

To buy tickets, click here.

The line-up includes the previously announced Roxy Music, Leftfield, and Massive Attack lead the acts announced that include LCD Soundsystem, The Frames, Public Image Ltd, The National, Imelda May, Mumford & Sons, Seasick Steve, Modest Mouse, Hot Chip, Gil Scott-Heron, Fever Ray, Jonsi, Fat Freddy's Drop, Bad Lieutenant, Crystal Castles, Afro Celt Sound System, Booka Shade, Bloody Beetroots Death Crew77, and more. For the line-up details as available please click here.

From efestivals.co.uk.

Bolt will consider long jump or 400 after London Games

By Simon Evans
MIAMI | Tue Aug 24, 2010 12:56pm EDT

MIAMI (Reuters) - Jamaican triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt could compete in the long jump or over 400 meters at the 2013 Moscow world championships, the sprinter told Reuters on Tuesday.

In a telephone interview from Jamaica, Bolt said he was aiming to emulate American Carl Lewis by successfully defending his Olympic 100 meters title at the 2012 London Games.

He said if he completed the 100-200 double again he would then look to try new events, some years earlier than he has previously indicated.

"My aim is to defend both of my titles, I have to focus on those first and then after London, I will decide if I will try either of those events," said Bolt, who is resting at home after cutting his season short to recover from a back injury.

"I really think I will be a good long jumper, that's what I think, I don't know what my coach will think, maybe he'll say try 400 meters."

Bolt's coach Glen Mills and many other Jamaicans, have long felt that the man who smashed the 100 and 200 meters world records in Beijing two years ago, would make an outstanding 400 meters runner.

"A lot of people think I will be a really good 400 meters runner and if he says let's try maybe I will try and see what happens. I will listen to my coach because he has been my inspiration throughout all these years," Bolt said.

Bolt, who on Tuesday announced a new sponsorship deal with Puma, was more enthusiastic, however, when talking about the long jump.

As a school kid growing up in the parish of Trelawny on Jamaica's North West coast, Bolt first got a taste of the long jump, one of the many sporting activities, including cricket and football that he took part in.

But it was a casual jump during a warmup at an event in the Czech Republic two years ago that gave Bolt the taste for the event.

"I did long jump in (school) sports day but it wasn't anything serious, I went Ostrava one year and I tried it out and jumped quite a distance, in my tracksuit. I decided. I'd like to try this before retiring, at the end of my career," he said.

Last year Mike Powell, holder of the world long jump record which he set in 1991, said Bolt could break that record of 8.95 meters.

In the more immediate future though, Bolt is focused on getting back in shape -- he returns to training in Kingston on October 4 -- for next year's world championships.

Prior to taking his break, Bolt was beaten by American rival Tyson Gay in a Diamond League event in Stockholm and he is keen to avenge that loss next season.

"I never like to lose but I knew that I wasn't in the best of shape this season. I didn't train as hard so it wasn't something that impacted me that badly.

"But I know that it's a loss. It makes the sport more exciting now because I know that the next time and Tyson line up it is going to be really big clash and I am looking forward to it.

"Definitely it will (be a different story) -- he knows that and I know that."

From Reuters.

Food Awards creating great opportunities for Chefs

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Kevin Broderick of The Rockhouse Hotel was named Chef of the Year at the 2010 Jamaica Observer Food Awards held at Devon House on Thursday, July 22.

Honoured for his innovative use of authentic Jamaican foods over the years, Broderick has created several mouth-watering treats like Old Time Sinting, Grandma's Sweet Potato Pudding topped with a Zesty June Plum Sauce; Fried Dumpling Jerk Chicken Roulade stuffed with Ginger-Roasted Plantain, and a Guinness Jerk Sauce among others.

Not surprisingly, the award-winning chef has been offered numerous opportunities as a result of his win, and was featured on CVM at Sunrise on August 2. He also did an interview with Pan magazine -- to be released shortly-- where he reflected on his journey as a chef and his recently acquired Chef of the Year title.

Chef Broderick believes winning the title is a testament to his hard work over the years and his undying passion for the culinary arts. "Words cannot describe how I felt at the moment when I heard my name, or when I went on stage to collect the award from Marco Pierre White; it was unbelievable to me and I'm very humbled," he told Thursday Food.

He aims to use his food to change people's lives and inspire Jamaicans to embrace their culture.

From JamaicaObserver.com.

Anthony Cruz cruises through Canada

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

It could easily have been called making up for lost time as singer Anthony Cruz cruised through Canada on his first professional visit to that North American country.

"It was as if the people were holding their breaths and waiting for me," an excited Cruz said, his eyes flashing with glee. "They knew my songs like Half-Way-Tree, but they had never seen me perform live, and it was a big thrill for me to be so appreciated. It was just a joy," he said of his performances at the Jamaica Day Festivals in Toronto and Ottawa and Jambana in Toronto.

According to the reggae singer, who is the nephew of the late Garnett Silk, the positive energy from his Canadian trip was in no way lessened by the fact that the Jamaica Day Festival in Toronto had to be rescheduled. "I did a lot of radio interviews, signed autographs at the venue and really enjoyed the whole pre-show vibe before it was cancelled due to rain," he explained.

And what he didn't get to give his Jamaica Day fans, he unleashed at the Jambana Festival in Downsview Park . Also on the bill were Fab 5, Frankie Paul and Canada-based reggae singer, Steele.

His next gig was at Club Northern Tropics where he played with mostly Canadian artistes like Visionary, Mystics, Princess Anla and Nikki.

In Ottawa, which was another first, Cruz was one of the headliners for the Jamaica Day festival there. He was full of praise for the promoters of the event at the Club Rozz Entertainment Complex , and also for the fans who showed their support. "That show had me, Tinga, Frankie Paul, Visionary and we all gave the people their money's worth," he recalled.

He then turned his attention to the French Canadian city of Montreal which was hosting the successful annual, Montreal Reggae Festival. For Cruz, the question that he was repeatedly asked was, "Why has it taken you so long to get here?"

His answer, "Nothing happens before the right time."

According to Cruz, who's now busy promoting his latest single "Downtown", the people in Canada showed him so much love that he can't wait to return.

From JamaicaObserver.com.

Miss Universe 2010 First Runner Up is Yendi Phillips - Miss Jamaica!!!!

Tuesday, 24 August 2010 03:09 Tricia Williamson

Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete was crowned Miss Universe 2010 during a pageant that aired Monday night on NBC.

Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillips was named first runner-up during the pageant, hosted by Natalie Morales and Bret Michaels.

Fourth runner-up: Miss Philippines

Third runner-up: Miss Ukraine

Second runner-up: Miss Australia

First runner-up: Miss Jamaica!!!

Winner: Miss Mexico!

On behalf of the PJM team, we congratulate our outstanding Miss Universe 1st Runner Up- Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillips- you did our country proud and we are overwhelmed with emotion and happiness for your outstanding achievement!

To our queen, Yendi we say Congratulations!!!! On a job well done!!!!

From PanacheJamagazine.

Up for a hike?? If you're in St. Catherine, you will see signs on Cudjoe Hill for Mountain River Cave, but your best bet is to contact Jamaica Natural Heritage Trust (see number at end of article). They will happily give you a guided tour. It's a mile-long hike over the river to the cave with a lot of slopes; they recommend you bring sturdy shoes or boots.

TREK into HISTORY - Mountain River Cave

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

SOME would say it is just a cave. But this particular subterranean feature has many wonders to discover, if only you make the trek.

Filled with a large collection of Taino art, the Mountain River Cave, located in Cudjoe Hill, St Catherine, is at the end of a four mile-long river that supports a forest of native trees. The journey to the caves is as adventurous as what you will discover at the mouth of the cave.

Mountain River Cave was first discovered in 1897 by JF Duerden and pinpointed in 1954 by JW Lee aided by Robert Cooper.

After the potential of the site was realised, the Archeological Society of Jamaica (ASJ) acquired the site in 1976 and with the assistance of some private individuals and institutions, the development began.

In May 1982, ASJ presented the cave as a gift to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the site was declared a national monument in April 2003.

Not yet fully open to the public, our tour guide Monica Wright led the way through the steep slopes of Cudjoe Hill, which was named after the brother of Jamaica's national heroine, Nanny.

Along the way to the cave, we were shown various trees and told their importance to the Jamaican culture. Some of these trees were planted by Robert Cooper, Monica's grandfather, whose family owned the land, while others were found there.

Some of the trees and plants included jackfruits; oranges; tangerines; "common" mangoes; pineapples; pimento -- which is one of the famous spices of the Caribbean.

Cedar trees and guango trees; which are used to produce furniture; the log wood tree is used to produce the finest coal; queen tree, which produces seeds known as shakers often used as an instrument called maracas.

The calabash (goad) tree was used to make bags and the leaves of the tree were also used to make bowls called calabash. Green Thatch, which was used to make brooms and a number of other herbs that are used as traditional medicines and antidotes, can also be seen on the trek to the cave.

Upon approaching the river, the track became steeper and the TEENage team found it somewhat difficult to make it down the path. Thank heavens for the hand trails that were provided by the Jamaica Defence Force.

As soon as we got to the river there was a general sigh of relief among the team. We could not help but admire the beauty of the water. The river is a combination of three streams and is approximately two to 12 feet deep, starting from Point Hill, which is approximately four miles long from Cudjoe Hill to Spring Village.

The cave represents the most outstanding Taino art site in the island.

As we entered the cave made of limestone and granite, we were fascinated by the 148 pictographs, which were at the entrance, the walls and on the roof.

The cave is approximately 100-feet long and 30-feet deep and many well preserved pictographs which depict birds, fish, turtles and abstract patterns can be seen on the flat underside of the cave and on the walls.

The exact age of the art work is not known, however, according to experts it may have been done about 1000-1450 AD. To preserve these pictographs they have to be cleaned with a toothbrush or cotton and a non-ionic solvent known as Orvus, sometimes a little alcohol as these do not leave residue on the drawings and carvings.

According to Evlyn Thompson, senior conservator of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust: "It is important to remove what is absolutely necessary because of conservation for the stabilisation of the object."

It is believed that the emphasis on food items suggests that the Tainos used the cave for religious rites to ensure successful hunting.

Mountain River Cave is not only an opportunity for Jamaicans to learn about their heritage, but also an opportunity to appreciate our history.

Contact the Jamaica National Heritage Trust at 922-1287-8 for more details.

From JamaicaObserver.com.

Lonely Planet announces travel awards

by admin August 20th, 2010

Popular tourist guide, Lonely Planet, has announced the results of its first ever travel awards. The tour guide publishers asked more than 3,500 people to vote on top travel destinations around the world. The polls were conducted in association with adventure travel operator, Explore.

In Britain, top of the list for most under-rated day trip were the beaches of Scotland. The coastline of Dorset followed closely along with a number of the country’s cities. UK holidaymakers said the most important factors in any trip were the ability to find good quality, low-cost accommodation and train travel at cheap prices.

Coming top of the list of best historical experience was Guatemala’s Tikal Mayan temples, followed closely by tourist favourites: the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal. When asked to vote on who would make the perfect travelling companion, judges said they would like to spend time away with Michael Palin, Joanna Lumley and Stephen Fry.

In terms of food, Italy came out as the number one place to order a meal. The Lonely Planet award for greatest cultural experience was given to listening to reggae on Jamaica’s Negril beaches. The musical experience beat off competition from Salsa dancing in Cuba and a night at the opera in Italy.

When asked where they would like to emigrate to if they had a choice, respondents voted in favour of either New Zealand or Australia. Travel editor at Lonely Planet, Tom Hall, said that some of the award winners were surprising choices, but indicated that travellers were becoming increasingly adventurous.

From Lonely Planet announces travel awards | Travel News.

JetBlue and Jamaica Tourist Board Partner For Once-In-A-Lifetime Trip Giveaway

Monday, August 23, 2010

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In an exciting collaboration, the Jamaica Tourist Board and JetBlue launched the All You Can Jet Pass yesterday together with an all-inclusive Jamaica trip giveaway. KISS 108, Boston’s number-one hit music station, announced a contest for which the prize is an all-inclusive four-day/three-night vacation for two with accommodations at Sunset Resorts’ Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark in Montego Bay, plus two All You Can Jet Passes from JetBlue.

The all-inclusive 430-room Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark features the incredible Pirate’s Paradise Waterpark, a new seaside entertainment center, diverse dining venues, a spa, and beautiful beaches. The All You Can Jet Passes each provide unlimited air travel for one person on JetBlue-operated flights within the JetBlue route network. Bookings must be made between August 23 and October 3 for travel between September 7 and October 6, 2010.

John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “JetBlue’s new All You Can Jet Pass is a major innovation in the travel industry,” he said. “With the carrier’s continually growing service to both Montego Bay and Kingston, this promotion is a perfect fit for the Jamaica Tourist Board, and we’re excited to join JetBlue in this venture.”

JetBlue began flying from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Montego Bay in May 2009, and has since introduced service from JFK to Kingston. New service from Boston to Montego Bay and from Orlando to Montego Bay was also added this year. The airline’s launch of service from JFK to MBJ was its most successful Caribbean launch to date.

Contestants can enter to win by visiting www.VisitJamaica.com, or Jamaica’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/visitjamaica. KISS 108 Boston’s contest page is http://kiss108.clearcontests.com. The winner will be chosen August 30, 2010.

From South Florida Caribbean News.

Running throughout this week, Rototom Sunsplash offers some reggae greats on stage in addition to the film festival! If you want to attend, visit Rototom Sunsplash.


Reggae film festival for Rototom Reggae Sunsplash

BY BASIL WALTERS Observer staff reporter
Monday, August 16, 2010

AN added attraction has been introduced to the 2010 Rototom Reggae Sunsplash being held for the first time in Benicassim, Spain from August 22 -28. As a booster, the organisers of the major summer reggae festival in Europe, invited Jamaica Film Academy director, Barbara Blake Hannah, to present a three-night programme of the Best of the Reggae Film Festival.

After 16 years, this renowned brand of musicians, artistes and musical aficionados, usually assembled in Italy, if nothing else, will provide for Spain an extended celebration of its World Cup triumph two months ago.

Our Reggae Boyz (football team), is yet to enjoy such crowning glory, but no reggae festival, can boast authenticity without the Jamaican musical stalwarts, even though Europe is now producing its own sensations in the genre.

This is a fact the organisers of the Rototom Reggae Sunsplash who have been chased out of Italy by the authorities, have always recognised and have billed as they have always done, some of reggae’s finest ambassadors from yard.

The line-up for the 17-staging which is yet to be completed, so far include Anthony B, Big Youth, Bob Andy, Marcia Griffiths, Fantan Mojah, Glen Washington, Romaine Virgo, Alpha Blondy, Aswad, Alborosie, and many more to be added. And, as if for greater damage control because of the relocation, the Best of the Jamaica Reggae Film Festival has now been added.

Since 1972 when Jamaica’s first feature film The Harder They Come exposed reggae to the world on its soundtrack, a growing number of films have been made that focus on Jamaica’s reggae music culture.

In 2008 these ‘reggae films’ were gathered together in one place for the first ever Reggae Film Festival, held in New Kingston in February as part of Reggae Month.

The event was a collaboration between Jamaican filmmaker and film festival organiser Barbara Blake Hannah and British film archivist Peter Gittins of Reggae Films UK, with support from private sector sponsors and the Jamaican Ministry of Culture.

Sixteen feature and documentary films from Spain, Germany, Argentina, Canada, the UK and the USA were screened, at the end of which six Jamaican film pioneers appointed to head a Jamaica Film Academy dedicated to the objectives of the Jamaican film industry.

In 2009 a smaller programme premiered films from the USA, Serbia and a Spanish/Jamaican sports documentary that went on to win several international awards.

This year, the Reggae Film Festival saw the screenings of 22 films, a special daytime Children’s Programme and a Make-a-Film-in-24-Hours competition.

“Not only have filmmakers from all over the globe entered their films and travelled to Jamaica to present them and win awards, but the event has come to the notice of global reggae fans, international media and cultural organisations, several of which have established links for future collaboration,” she added.

Among the films to be shown are the Argentinian feature film Roots Time, award winning Japanese documentary Ruff n Tuff – Founders of the Immortal Riddim, a German documentary on Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, the animated film Kina Sky and Not To Me, the first feature film by noted Jamaican film–maker Ras Kassa.

“The directors of the Jamaica Film Academy and Reggae Film Festival are honoured by the invitation and recognition by Rototom Reggae Sunsplash,” Barbara Blake Hannah said.

From JamaicaObserver.com.

Nice way to start off your Monday - smooth Bunny Rugs vocals over the SWEET BASS of the guitar master, Taddy P, on the new "Monday Morning Blues". Taddy P can play for me ANY day of the week!! Enjoy!

Taddy P & Bunny Rugs "Monday Morning Blues"
[Bass Inna Yu Face/Zojak Worldwide]