Guyana Family Fun Day 2009

Brooklyn comes alive with Guyana Family Fun Day

By Allison Skeete

Dr. Juliet Emanuel & Jamela Edoo showcase Guyanese products

Michael Hadaway Image

Brooklyn, NY: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 – The Guyana Cultural Association wrapped up its Annual Folk Festival on Sunday. The Festival now in its 10th year has become known for it’s preservation and promotion of Guyanese culture and folklore, this year GCA added a summer day camp for children called Heritage Camp; the young people learned what it means to be of Caribbean and Guyanese heritage and participated in the GCA Awards ceremony which heralds the start to this weeks’ folk festival.

This day boasted a decidedly familial and close-knit atmosphere with squeals of surprise and joy from as many adults as children. I often overheard conversations of attendees exclaiming their delight in seeing family, old friends and enjoying the entertainment of Guyanese performers, people stood, sat and chatted of ‘ole times’ and present times as their children met and experienced some of what they did in their childhood days. Many felt that this was the best festival yet, enjoying KWE-KWE night performances by drummers Akoyaw Rudder and Winston ‘Jeggae’ Hopie. Designer Donna Ramsammy-James enjoyed the accolades for her fashions. Accomplished in her work, she is an icon in international fashion; most recently she was mentioned in Vogue Magazine.

Performers like flautist, Keith Waithe brought joy to the crowds; he arrived from London for the folk festival with his newest CD, Gathering Echoes which is a collection of Jazz and Caribbean folk music. The album was introduced at the Ealing Jazz Festival earlier this year. Guyanese who grew up only hearing his music on radio flocked to speak with the entertainer or to take a photograph with him. He graciously took time to respond and accommodate them; “I’m leaving to fly back to London tomorrow, so I want to enjoy this as much as possible,” he said. This has been a great visit and event, he added. (Keith Waithe & Councilman Mathieu Eugene-Michael Hadaway Image)

A fitting tribute performance of Granny Fit was done in honor of the late Monica Chopperfield aka Lady Guymine who passed away earlier this year. Guyana’s Indo-heritage was showcased with a Tassa Drum performance as well as in the lively and colorful youth dance performances. Adding to the fun of the day was Jamaican performer E. Wayne who guest hosted with Rose October-Edun introducing several acts with humor and bantering.

The highlight of the early afternoon came when Terry Gajraj aka Guyana Baboo took to the stage and got the crowd going with lively performances of soca, reggae and Indo tunes; young people flocked toward the stage in rhythm to the beat then went wild with the surprise appearance of the hottest Soca King out of Guyana Adrian Dutchin. Dutchin drove the crowd to a frenzy with his limber and sexy waist and hip gyrations… he took the dance trembling to greater heights inviting four audience members to join him on stage for a chance to ‘wine’ for his latest CD. (Terry Gajrag & Adrian Dutchin on stage - Michael Hadaway Image)

Guyana’s Consulate General, the Honorable Brentol Evans joined Guyana's Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud amid the crowd and displays of products and food from Guyana and vendors here in New York. Other politicians in attendance included Councilman Mathieu Eugene of District 40; Councilman Kendall Stewart of District 45 and candidates running in next week’s local primary elections, Professor Sam Taitt and Dr. Dexter McKenzie.

Guyanese offspring, Singer Deborah Cox to star as Josephine Baker

Deborah Cox to play Josephine Baker on Broadway

Deborah Cox, shown performing at the Los Angeles Pride Festival in West Hollywood, is headed for Broadway to play Paris music hall star Josephine Baker. (Angela Weiss/Getty Images)

CBC News

Tuesday, September 8, 2009: Canadian R&B singer and actress Deborah Cox will play the lead role in a new Broadway-bound musical about Paris music hall star Josephine Baker.

Joey McKneely, choreographer of this year's West Side Story Broadway production, will direct the musical about Baker, an exotic American expatriate and entertainer who became a star in France in the late 1930s.

Video producer and actor Steve Dorff will write the score and longtime lyricist John Bettis will write the lyrics.

Ellen Weston and Mark Hampton will also write the show, producers told the New York Times on Tuesday.

All other details about casting and the location where the musical will be staged have yet be announced.

Cox's last Broadway appearance in 2004 was as the Nubian princess Aida, in a musical by the same name, produced by Elton John and Tim Rice, that was loosely based on the Verdi opera.

Baker was a celebrated singer and dancer known to the French as La Baker, and as the Créole Goddess to anglophones. She was a world-renowned entertainer and one of the first African-American women to be featured in films, such as Siren of the Tropics (1927), Zouzou (1934), Princess Tam-Tam (1935) and Moulin Rouge (1941).

She is also remembered for her contributions to the civil rights movement, and for her assistance in the resistance movement during the Nazi occupation in France.

Tours with Foster this fall

Cox was born in Toronto to parents of Afro-Guyanese descent, and sang from a young age in nightclubs. By the early-1990s she had entered the mainstream music industry and was performing as a backup singer for Céline Dion.

In 1994, she moved to Los Angeles with Lascelles Stephens, her producer, songwriter, partner and future husband.

Cox is best known for her hit R&B and dance singles, Nobody's Supposed to Be Here (1998), We Can't Be Friends (1999), Absolutely Not (2001), Easy as Life (2004), Nobody Cares (2005) and Beautiful U R (2008).

Her albums include One Wish (1998), The Morning After (2002), Ultimate Deborah Cox (2004), Destination Moon (2007), and her latest, The Promise, which came out in 2008 on her own newly founded independent label, Deco Recording Group.

On film, Cox played the role of Niko Rosen in Love Come Down (2000), and Sharon in Blood of a Champion (2005).

This summer, Cox toured the U.S. with American R&B singer Kenny Lattimore, and she is preparing to tour this fall with Victoria-born producer and musician David Foster.

Guyanese is NEW Front Man for Byron Lee's Dragonaires

Primo is the new face of Byron Lee’s Dragonaires

By RON FANFAIR

The band has tweaked its name and is going strong nine months after its heart and soul passed away.

Byron Lee's Dragonaires, formerly Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, performs before sold out crowds in the Caribbean and North America as was evident during this month's Caribana celebrations.

Not much has changed except that family members are now learning how to run the outfit that Lee successfully managed for over five decades.

"There was a perception that things might have been different and the profile of the band would not be what it used to be after Byron died," said vocalist Jomo Primo who has assumed the band's lead singer role after Tobagonian Oscar Benjamin (Oscar B.) took a hiatus.

"Bryon put a structure and blueprint in place for us to follow with the help of his son and wife who are now running the business. Of course, he did things his way when dealing with promoters and that might be a bit different with him no longer here. It's however business as usual and we will put on a good show wherever we go. That's what we were taught and we are going to settle for nothing less."

Primo has come a long way since the veteran bandleader spotted him a decade ago while he was performing with the defunct Guyanese band, Jahrusalem, as the opening act for the then Byron Lee & the Dragonaires at a Labour Day event in New Jersey.

"Byron approached me when I finished performing and asked for my telephone number," recalled Primo who is renowned for his dynamic stage presence and loose and supple waist movement. "I was quite flattered and I gave him my mother's home number in Guyana without thinking much of it. Before I returned to Guyana, my mom called to say that Byron Lee wanted me to touch base with him as soon as possible. I did and, as they say, the rest is history."
Primo debuted with the band at the 2000 Trinidad & Tobago Carnival and two months later became the lead singer when Benjamin took a four-month break to spend some quality time with his new bride.

"The last 10 years has been quite an experience," said Primo, who teamed up with fellow Guyanese-born soca artist, Adrian Dutchin, to form the duet, X2 (times two). "I started off with Leon Coldero and Benjamin, who along with the other band members all played a part in helping me fit into the band.

"But Byron was the one who taught me about the way I should conduct myself in this business and how to make the stage work for the performer. I am a shy person when I am not performing, but when I get on that stage, I break loose in my comfort zone. He also always told me to be honest with myself and always remember that the fans are the most important people at a show. He was also a very shrewd businessman who always maintained that the business came first and music second."

The eldest of 11 children, Primo said he was turned on to music by his grandparents - Albert Primo and Gertrude Giddings - who were accomplished pianists and music teachers.

"I always wanted to be a performer and I used to dream of performing in front of thousands of people," said Primo. "As a young boy, I was fascinated by "oldies" music and as I grew older, I used to get away and peep dance shows. I liked singing and dancing, but interestingly, the first musical instrument I played was the conga drums."

Primo, who started singing and freelancing as a disc jockey at age 14, credits former Mischievous Guys soloist, Delma Lynch, who now resides in New York, with his emergence as a versatile performer. "She told me I had a voice to sing soul and I would have to sing that kind of music if I wanted to be part of the band," said the father of six-year-old Jada Primo who lives with her mother in St. Kitts. "I did that and then she challenged me to sing soca and I did that."

In addition to Mischievous Guys and Jahrusalem, the 33-year-old performer also sang with Sherriff Deputies, Mingles and EC Connections, which he accompanied to Toronto in the summer of 1994.

"That was my first trip outside the Caribbean and I thoroughly enjoyed the four months I spent in this city," he said. "Toronto is one of my favourite places because I usually perform here to people from many ethnic backgrounds. New York is very fast and most of the shows draw people mainly from one Caribbean group while in Miami, you get a wide cross section of Caribbean people. In Toronto, it's different because it's people from the Caribbean and other parts of the world that come out to my shows and I enjoy that."

Being a member of Byron Lee's Dragonaires has provided Primo with extensive travel opportunities, including a memorable tour to China two years ago.

"When we got there, we were told that we would be performing for about 1,500 people in a theatre and that they would normally sit with clasped hands and take in the show as they would normally do," he said. "Before the show, I learned how to say 'good evening', 'stand up' and 'hands in the air'. When the show started, I said these phrases in their own language and you could tell they appreciated it because many of them were soon out of their seats, waving their hands in the air and having a good time.

"We were later told that it was the first time that something like that had happened at the theatre and it just goes to show the power of music. It was an experience that I will never forget."

Nothing could compare, however, with the time in 2001 when a buxom six-foot, 300-pound female fan grabbed Primo from the stage while he was doing a show in the Bahamas, vowing that she was going to take him home, or a few months later when he was showered with women's underwear during the band's first ever Bay Area performance at the Cathedral Hill Hotel in San Francisco.

At age 18, Primo ceased driving his father's mini bus to become a full-time musician. At the time, Morris Primo told his son he could make more money working his bus than pursuing a singing career.

As it turned out dad was wrong and his boy has gone on to become one of the Caribbean's leading entertainers.

Sourc: http://www.sharenews.com/features/2009/08/19/primo-new-face-byron-lee%E2%80%99s-dragonaires

Eastern Pkwy 2009 Photos from BrooklynBorn

Fyah St. Louis danced as she and others made their way along Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn yesterday during the 42d Annual West Indian American Day Parade. (Tina Fineberg/ Associated Press)

http://umbrooklynborn.blogspot.com/2009/09/missed-it-west-indian-day.html
A slide show of photos from yesterday's West Indian American Parade/Carnival 2009.

Check out Roger Gary's KWE-KWE Videos

Drummers Akoyaw & Jeggae move this dancer at Kwe-Kwe night

Come to My KWE-KWE

Brooklyn, NY: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009 - Guyana Cultural Association Presents it's Annual Folk Festival, see last nights' KWE-KWE happening held at the St. Peter Claver School Gym in Brooklyn, NY.

KWE-KWE is the traditional night before a wedding celebration which teaches the bride to be what to expect from her wedding night and the marriage ahead. It brings together the mature women of the families and the villages to teach her what she must and mustn't do... how she should respond and how to make a happy marrige for her and her husband. The groom must also find his bride in the crowd of celebrants, this enforces if he's a good choice, becasue if you can't find the bride how can you marry her???...

KWE-KWE Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB7pcLM_TpY

KWE-KWE Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXFrhJps1LE

Order your official GCA Video, call 718 209 5207 for A TASTE OF KWE KWE 2009 - See here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5T9NcH-olw

JRG's Exclusive All-White Affair

JRG

HOT... ALL WHITE... EXCLUSIVE

LABOR DAY WEEKEND - EXCLUSIVE ALL WHITE PARTY

SAT., SEPT 5TH, 2009

DUMBO ARTS CENTER

30 WASHINGTON STREET

(BTWN) WATER & PLYMOUTH STS.

ADM. $20.00

FOR INFO. VISIT www.jrgfash.com

SEE DIRECTIONS BELOW:

BY TRAIN

F Train to York Sreet. When exciting the station turn right on Jay Street, make a left onto Front Street and walk three blocks, under the Manhattan bridge until you get to Washington Street. Then make a right onto Washington Street and DAC is on the left side of the street between Plymouth Street and Water Street.

A/C Train to High Street. When exciting the station take the Cadman Plaza West/ Henry Street Exit. Next, cross Cadman Plaza West and walk through the park, keep left, under the BQE and continue downhill on Washington Street about three blocks.

BY CAR

Brooklyn Bridge: Stay in the right lane. Take the Cadman Plaza West exit. Make a right on Front Street, then left onto Main Street. Road bears right and becomes Plymouth Street. Make a right onto Washington Street.

Manhattan Bridge: Stay in left lane. Turn left onto Concord Street, then left onto Gold Street. Make a left onto Water Street, right on Main Street. Road bears right and becomes Plymouth Street. Make a right onto Washington Street.

Guyana Folk Festival begins...

Cultural Awards for Guyanese as Folk Festival Kicks Off

By Allison Skeete

Keith Waithe performs with Akoyaw Rudder

Brooklyn, NY: Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 - The Guyana Cultural Association of New York held its 2009 annual Folk Festival Awards Wednesday night. Four honorees with contributions to the development and celebration of Guyanese Food, Fashion and Art received honors which recognized their individual achievements and the goodwill of a business committed to the community. GCA president, Malcolm Hall also received a surprise award from Borough President Marty Markowitz as did each of the nights’ honorees. They awardees were also given honors by City Councilman Mathieu Eugene of the 40th District in Brooklyn.

The 2009 GCA winners were Magda Lois Muriel Pollard, known for her work at the Carnegie School long revered for its high standards of Home Economics and Etiquette teachings in Guyana. She received the Wordsworth McAndrew Lifetime Achievement Award.

Donna Ramsammy-James, reknowned for eclectic yet earthy fashion flare, made her first trip to New York in eight years and thrilled the award ceremony attendees with a sneak peak at her upcoming fashion line for 2010 which will be launched in October 2009.

Former Guyana President Janet Jagan was posthumously awarded the Guyana Cultural Association Award; Guyana’s Consulate General the Honorable Brentnol Evans accepted on behalf of the Jagan Family and Western Union Company also received The Guyana Cultural Association Award for its support to the Guyanese community.

Above: Donna Ramsammy-James 2010 Designs; Center: Roger Gary Design & Bottom: Michelle Cole Design

Colorful arrays of fashions were displayed by Guyanese designers, Roger Gary, award winner Donna Ramsammy-James and Michelle Cole; GCA members shared the runway with models to showcase the creative talent. The crowd was also treated to a violin solo by 9 year old Claudias Agrippa, his performance incited ovations and noted musician Keith Waithe personally acknowledging his talent before his own outstanding flute performance; he was accompanied by drummer Akoyaw Rudder. The youths of Chronicle Atlantic Steelband entertained throughout the night and young Soca/Reggae artist Eddie Neblett closed the night singing his current hit Unity.

The awards ceremony kicked off the celebration of Guyanese heritage which continues tonight with its Kwe-Kwe celebration, Art Exhibition tomorrow and culminates on Sunday with a Family Day picnic at the Meyer Levin Intermediate School on Ralph & Tilden Avenues in Flatbush, Brooklyn. See the website for details http://www.guyfolkfest.org/

Guyana Cultural Association 2009 Events begin today

GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION FOLK FESTIVAL AWARDS

The Guyana Cultural Association of New York announces its 2009 annual Folk Festival Awards. The ceremony will take place in New York City on September 2, 2009. Four honorees with contributions to the development and celebration of Guyanese Fashion, Food and Art will receive Awards. This year we recognize the altruism and achievements of individuals and the philanthropy of a business entity. Magda Lois Muriel Pollard is the recipient of The GCA Wordsworth McAndrew Lifetime Achievement Award. Donna Ramsammy-James, former Guyana President Janet Jagan and Western Union Company receive The Guyana Cultural Association Award.

The honorees were selected from nominations by the Guyanese Diaspora and have demonstrated by their individual or entity's action a sense of purpose in promoting Guyanese creativity and excellence. A committee evaluated each nomination considering relevant aspects of the Guyana Cultural Association published selection criteria.

Ms. Pollard has had an illustrious career as an educator, author and administrator. After graduation from university she spent a substantial part of her career as a lecturer and the Principal of the Carnegie School of Home Economics in Guyana. Attaining leadership positions in Guyana, across the Caribbean and in the United Nations permitted her to bring new insights to “strengthening relations between governments and non-governmental organizations.” Her dedication and exemplary contribution in “the movement for women’s empowerment” have led to better circumstances for the whole communities in which she worked.

Mrs. Ramsammy-James as a choreographer, a designer, and international creative consultant “celebrates and represents the rich diversity of the Caribbean.” In places as diverse as Guyana, Montserrat, and Kenya she pursued her passions and displayed leadership: lead female dancer and choreographer in the Guyana National Dance Theatre Company and co-founded the National Dance Theatre Company of Montserrat. In Kenya, Ms. Ramsammy-James expanded her designing talent by melding cultural sensibilities. Her designer trademark is a distinctive fusion of African, Caribbean, Indian and Latin American influences. These features reflect the creativity and pride of heritage.

Former President Janet Jagan was responsible for converting Castellani House into the National Art Gallery. It provided an appropriate location to store the growing national collection that had been building over several decades. “Today, that venue is an active site with regular rotating exhibitions, film festivals, and other cultural events.” Ms Jagan’s leadership has led to the establishment of “a cultural oasis--encouraging dialogue among painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, and the wider community, including school children.”Western Union’s philanthropic efforts include “supporting cultural inclusion”. The company recognizes “the importance of helping individuals and families build strong communities, in which all members can contribute their distinctive talents and feel at home.”

Guyana Folk Festival has witnessed Western Union demonstrate it corporate citizenship. In our experience it has been true and consistent to its value statement. Attendance at the Award Ceremony on September 2, 2009 at the Rotunda of the Brooklyn Borough Hall, New York is by invitation. All of the Awardees or their designees will be honored guests.

Details about 2009 Folk Festival events are available on the GCA website http://www.guyfolkfest.org

Our Cultural Director, Claire Goring can be contacted at 718-209-5209 or by email at ClaireAGoring@aol.com

Prepared by: Ronald H. Lammy, Co-Chair, Guyana Cultural Association Awards Committee http://www.guyfolkfest.org/awards2009.htm

Brooklyn's Labor Day Carnival 2009

http://www.wiadca.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54:42nd-annual-west-indian-carnival-festival-sept-3rd-to-sept-7th-2009&catid=1:news-latest&Itemid=2

Pre-Labor Day weekend festival:

Event: Clash of the Calypso Titans:

Featuring 24 of the greatest calypso & soca artists

Date-Thursday September 3rd Showtime-7:30pm:

Artists: Featuring some of the most popular and talented vintage calypsonians in the Caribbean:

Lord Nelson, Sparrow, Rose, Hunter (Dominica), Explainer, Baron, Dense Plummer, Scrunter, Winston Soso, Becket, Swallow, Gryner and many more.

Friday, September 4th Event: Brass Fest (Evening Show) Showtime- 8:00

Artists: Featuring some of the most popular and exciting performers in the Caribbean: Machel Montano HD & The HD family, Fayann Lyons & the Asylum Band, Bunji Garlin, Patrice, Kes The Band, KMC, Iwer George and many more.

Event: Junior Carnival Dates: Saturday September 5th Begins at 9:00am and Ends at 3:00pm:

Street Route: Kingston Ave & St. Johns Place, to Franklin Ave South, to President Street, into Brooklyn Museum Grounds for at Washington Avenue for competition.

Event: Panorama Competition Showtime -8:00pm Featuring some of the most popular Steel Orchestras in the USA: 2008 Champs-ADLIB, Pan Sonatas, Sesame Flyers, CASYM, Despers USA, Pantonics and others…

Event: Dimanche Gras Dates: Sunday September 6th Showtime 7:00 pm

Artists: Featuring some of the most popular and exciting artists in the Caribbean: The Mighty Sparrow, David Rudder, 3 Canal, Tigress, Kenneth Salick, Tassa & Indian Dancers, Panorama Champs 2009, King & Queen of the Bands and Old Mas competition, Something Positive Dance Troupe, plus much more.

ABSOLUTELY NO CAMERAS OR UNAUTHORIZED TAPING & RECORDING EQUIPMENT ALLOWED AT MUSEUM SHOWS!

TICKETS & INFO: Doors open one hour before Showtime- 9/3-9/6

For advance tickets please call (718) 467-1797 Email: wiadca@gmail.com

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE NOW

For directions: Website: www.wiadca.org WIADCA Address: 323-325 Rogers Ave (btwn Sullivan Pl & Montgomery St) Bklyn, NY 11225.

For Media credentials: Available by request only; subject to approval. Limited to accredited media and select days. Please contact Shavonn Pearce at shavonnp@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it /strong>

GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION PRESENTS...

http://www.guyfolkfest.org/

Check out this Bill Rogers classic - Black Pudding & Souse

Just in time to celebrate Guyana Folk Festival 2009... tek a lissen & enjoy dis ole time Shanto Calypso... le yuh mout wata fuh som blak puddin & souse!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7BViZCXApg

GUYANA FOLK FESTIVAL 2009!

COME OUT & LEARN ABOUT THE UNIQUE CULTURE OF THE WEST-INDIAN, SOUTH AMERICAN NATION OF SIX ETHNICITIES!!! ALL HAPPENING IN BROOKLYN, NY SEPT. 2 - 6, 2009... Check out the video, get a peek at what it's all about!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4rCCWPyLDg