Posted by: ivetteromero | November 10, 2009

Eddy Grant on UK Tour

Eddy-Grant-The-Very-Best-Of-437800

Singer/songwriter Eddy Grant (born Edward Montague Grant in 1948) is about to embark on a British tour in the United Kingdom with several solo concerts and others in conjunction with soft-reggae legends UB40 (of “Red Red Wine” fame). The 61-year-old, born in Guyana but raised in London, first won fame in the late 1960s with chart-topping group The Equals (“Baby Come Back” was a number one hit in 1968). He had worldwide hits in the 1980s with songs such as “Electric Avenue” and “I Don’t Wanna Dance.” This blogger, for one, will never forget Grant’s boundless energy, spectacular voice, and his performance of my favorite song, “Living on the Front Line” (and, OK, his then trademark leather outfit) on stage at Cornell University some years ago . . . well, let’s just say, sometime in the 80s.

Here is part of his interview with the UK’s Press Association:

Why have you decided now is the time to go out on tour?

It all started last year when I performed at a Mandela Concert, Glastonbury and Womad (music festivals). As a result I decided having sold all of these records all of these years and not having played to a significant number of the people who bought them, I should really go out and make their acquaintance. I’ve missed all of the fantastic times of being out on the road with the band and stuff.

Is it true that, given any opportunity, you’ll talk about the political issues?

Well, I’m one of the artists who formed the long line of protest writers, and it’s not something I actually promote, but that is the way I write – apart from the love songs.

What issues are important to you at the moment?

There are many issues. But I don’t just write for the sake of writing. If something happens politically which upsets my sensibilities, then eventually that will come out in a song. I don’t just sit there and think, ‘Oh there’s something happening in Afghanistan, I’ve got to write about that’ – I’m not that kind of writer. But if there is a particular injustice highlighted in the media which particularly catches my attention, I’ll write about it.  [. . .]

Why did you decide to move to the Caribbean rather than stay in the UK?

Because I’d always promised myself if I had kids I’d like to see them educated in the Caribbean like I was, and to have that difference of lifestyle. So we moved out there in 1981. I left what had become my home country and decided to take my children and my wife back to Barbados.

What’s it like coming back to the UK?

England has a special place in my life because half of my life has been spent here and half of my education has been here, so I’m a bi-functional person. I function just as well in the England society as I do in the Caribbean society, and I don’t really put one in front of the other necessarily because there is no need. I get by in both environments.

For Grant’s “Living on the Front Line,” see

For full interview, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2009/11/091105_eddygrant.shtml

Shown here, The Very Best of Eddy Grant: Road to Reparation (released in the UK in 2008). See http://eil.com/Shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=437800

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Posted by: ivetteromero | November 10, 2009

Chucho and Bebo Valdés: Juntos para siempre

juntos_para_siempre

This year Chucho Valdés, a pianist, instrumentalist, and composer who already had four Grammy Awards and is regarded by specialists as one of the top four jazz players of the world, won the Grammy in the category of Best Latin Jazz Album. He shared the award with his father, Bebo Valdés, with the album Juntos para siempre [Together Forever]. Father and son, both Cuban piano virtuosos and exceptionally talented composers got together to record this example of their musical greatness after their tour “Juntos para siempre”— a series of concerts in majors cities of Spain. The album includes songs each one composed in honor of the other, “Preludio para Bebo” and “A Chucho.”

Bebo and Chucho Valdés share their birthdate, October 9 (father in 1918 and son in 1941) as well as their remarkable talent and the fact that they have won numerous Grammy Awards. Bebo Valdés started his career as a pianist in the night clubs of Havana during the 1940s and 50s, in particular, the famed Tropicana, where he worked with singers such as Rita Montaner, Benny Moré, Pío Leyva, Nat “King” Cole, and Sarah Vaughn. After leaving Cuba in 1960, he lived in Mexico, the United States, and Sweden. Well known for his Latin jazz techniques, he won five Grammy Awards.

Like his father, Chucho Valdés is also a pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger, and a major exponent of Cuban jazz. He was the founder of the group Irakere, a celebrated Cuban jazz band. In 2006 he was nominated Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations.

Watch father and son play “Tres Palabras” at

For album information, see http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HM84F8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001GV099Y&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1KBP13F8BPDQK3M0TF5S

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Posted by: ivetteromero | November 10, 2009

St. Croix Receives Valuable Documents and Photographs from the University of Havana

colonial_architecture_PHOTOSHOT_510x286

On Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at an official ceremony at historic Fort Frederik, St. Croix Senator Wayne James will transfer to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands a collection of valuable documents, photographs, and moving images bequeathed by the University of Havana. The senator received these historical documents during his recent visit to Cuba, where he attended the VII Biennial Conference of Caribbean Architects. James said that “to receive such a wonderful gift from the people of Cuba is a wonderful expression of diplomacy and Caribbean unity.”

On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, James presented the Cubans with copies of 233 rare photographs of Cuba taken in 1925 from his private collection. He stressed that “it was an honor [for me], to present our Cuban brothers with historic photos of their own homeland.” James obtained the 233 photographs several years ago while purchasing antiques in Barcelona, Spain. The senator James also discussed the possibility of student exchanges with the University of Havana and is hoping to send the first three students to study there this summer.

Senator James will also present a lecture on his experiences in Cuba at the event. He explains that he has impressed by the socio-political climate; the thriving artistic and intellectual communities; Cuban sentiments towards communism and socialism; the food, music, and dance; and the entrepreneurship. “I have traveled the world over—several times,” he said. “I have seen a lot in my 48 years on this Earth, but I definitely found Havana to be one of the highlights of my international travels.”

For full article, see http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/news-19770–19-19–.html

Photo of Cuban architecture from http://anushandhani.multiply.com/journal/item/111

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Posted in Caribbean Culture, News | Tags: , , , , , ,

Posted by: ivetteromero | November 10, 2009

New Book: The Indian Diaspora, Historical and Contemporary Context

india

The Indian Diaspora: Historical and Contemporary Context (2009), edited by Laxmi Narayan Kadekar, Ajaya Kumar Sahoo, and Gauri Bhattacharya has recently been published by Rawat Publications (Jaipur, India).

This book offers rich insights into the historical processes, dynamics of contemporary global dynamics, and influences on identity issues, generational differences, and others. The book addresses issues for retention of cultural identities of Indians in the older Diasporic countries. It also focuses on contemporary context of migration of Indians to the developed countries and their contribution to the economy of host societies as well as the country of origin. This publication is useful to sociologists as well as scholars working in anthropology, political science, geography, history, literary, cultural, ethnic, and migration studies. It includes articles by scholars such as Vinesh Hookoomsing, P. Pratap Koomar, Brij Maharaj, Mohan K. Gautam, Kumar Mahabir, and Karthiyaini Devarajoo.

Laxhmi Narayan Kadekar and Aya Kumar Sahoo both teach at the University of Hyderabad in India, in the Department of Sociology and the Center for Study of Indian Diaspora repectively. Gauri Battacharya teaches at the School for Social Work at Columbia University, New York. The Indian Diaspora: Historical and Contemporary Context is a publication in honor of Professor Chandershekhar Bhat, former chair of the Center for Study of Indian Diaspora at the University of Hyderabad. Bhat was the chair of GOPIO’s 20th anniversary convention diaspora session, “Energizing the Global Indian Diaspora,” held on Aug 22, 2009, in New York.

The book may be ordered from Chakra Pubishing House at 10 Swami Avenue, Don Miguel Road, San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, or online. For more information, see http://www.vedamsbooks.com/no62497.htm

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Posted in Caribbean Culture, New Books | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: lisaparavisini | November 10, 2009

New album by Wyclef Jean

wyclef-drama

The Los Angeles Times published today its review of Haitian singer/composer Wyclef Jean’s newest album, From the Hut, to the Projects, to the Mansion (Carnival House/Megaforce/Sony Music), giving it three stars out of four. The brief review by Jeff Weiss, had this to say:

During the second track of his latest album, Wyclef Jean relates the tale of an autograph-seeking fan mistaking him for Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am. It’s an interesting illustration of how far below the radar the former Fugees frontman has fallen since he, Pras and Lauryn Hill topped the charts in the mid-to-late ’90s.
The Haitian born-humanitarian stayed busy throughout the 2000s, producing and penning tunes for the likes of John Legend, Bono and Shakira (for whom he crafted 2007’s “Hips Don’t Lie.”) But as Jean himself declares on “The Streets Pronounce Me Dead,” hard-core hip-hop heads were chagrined about his career trajectory: “Last time, [they] felt me was when I rhymed with Big Pun,” Jean declares.
Partnering with mix-tape master DJ Drama, Jean seems determined to change that. Here, he introduces his Toussaint St. Jean alter-ego, inspired by Haitian liberator Toussaint L’Ouverture. The fictional guise coupled with furor at his also-ran status has injected a hunger in Jean. Childhood anecdotes about receiving his first pair of shoes and the crushing poverty in Haiti, (“Warrior’s Anthem”) provide a gritty poignancy he’d lacked since going pop. “Toussaint Vs. Bishop,” and “Letter from the Penn” triumph thanks to Jean’s sincerity.
The collection is not without its missteps: The M.I.A.-aping “Slumdog Millionaire” enlists Cyndi Lauper for hook duty and bafflingly lets her construct her own hood mythology. But overall, “From the Hut, to the Projects” amounts to a successful resurrection.
The review can be found at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/album-review-wyclef-jeans-from-the-hut-to-the-projects-to-the-mansion.html

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Posted by: lisaparavisini | November 10, 2009

Interview with Dominica’s Singer/Songwriter Heston

heston

The Singersroom.com site has posted an interview with Dominica-born, Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Heston by Valerie Varasse to mark the release of his cd Songwriter. Here are some excerpts, with the link to the entire interview below.

Timeless music has been the foundation and the back bone of some of the greatest musicians of all time and Dominica born singer/songwriter Heston, who grew up surrounded by reggae, pop, classical, soul, R&B and rock music, is ready to add his talent to the mix. From the musical influences of Marvin Gaye, Beres Hammond, Bob Marley, Sade, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson to name a few, Heston has thread into his soul the passion of delivering and making good music that everyone can enjoy . It ‘s not a surprise, to see this Atlanta base musician finally getting the attention that he deserves, especially since he has been influenced by the best.

. . .

Singersroom: As a native of Dominica, what made you choose Soul music as oppose to Calypso and /or Reggae?

Heston: I think it was the influence of Atlanta. Although, I grew up in Philly, graduated from school in Philly, the Soul scene in Philly wasn’t really an influence cuz I really didn’t really know much. I think for one, it’s the kind of music that I listen to as a child [which] is primarily why I choose soul music as a natural transition… The music that influenced me most I think was the catalyst of soul and then when I started performing at open mics in Atlanta, the live instrumentation of it all with the Neo-Soul, poetry scene, [made me] gravitated. But it was natural for me. It’s just like when I started listening to cats like D’Angelo and India Arie; those are the type of music, [like] the Marvin Gaye artist, the Gladys Knight, that’s what always played. So it’s kind of like these are new school acts doing the same kind of music that I love. I guess that’s the best way to describe it.

Singersroom: What would you say to people from your Island who would say that you should love your music first?

Heston: I know guys from Dominica who do Reggae. I know guys who do Calypso. I know guys who do Rock. It really does not matter. I can’t please everybody and I don’t think that I am not pleasing them by doing soul music. Even when I was in Dominica, I was listening to Al Green and Marvin. I wasn’t being influenced by Calypso bands, nor was I influenced by Reggae bands… I was influenced by Soul, old 70’s Soul acts and that’s what it was, so I am only doing what comes naturally to me.

Singersroom: What makes you unique?

Heston: I don’t know. I don’t know the answer to that because when people asked me those questions, I think I can’t hear what it is that other people hear. I know people tell me; oh man this is different, you doing something different. Yes there’s a characteristic to this thing or that thing but your music is definitely individual, it’s unique. I don’t really hear that but I’ m living it all the time… But when you see people react to it, then that tells me that I am doing something different.

Singersroom: It took you three years to finish “Story Teller,” was it because you had too many stories to convey in one album?

Heston: Mostly it had to do with [finances]. I don’t make a lot of money and so to me it was about paying the guitar player, paying the drummer, paying the percussionist, paying for studio time. Although, I have an engineer who is a Godsend because what the album cost me financially, although it’s a lot of money, it was a lot less that I would have been enable to afford because he gave me a lot of his time…believed in me and [in the record]. So although it took me three years, believe me it would have taken longer without his help. But it was just a matter of the time to produce and I am really a perfectionist. Outside of music, sometimes, I am not always on point but when it comes to music I am very, very, very, in law.

For the complete interview go to http://www.singersroom.com/interview/artist-v-188.asp

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Posted by: lisaparavisini | November 10, 2009

Calypsonian Almanac dies

almanac

Anthony Francis, the visually impaired calypsonian known as Almanac, died at around 9 p.m. on Friday, succumbing to liver cancer while at Ward 24 at the Port of Spain General Hospital. St Lucian-born Francis was 67.

Almanac migrated to Trinidad as a child and when he was 14 years old lost his sight due to Glaucoma. He began composing and singing calypso two years later while attending the School for the Blind at Santa Cruz. He began his professional calypso career in 1962 as a member of the Independence Brigade Calypso Tent alongside the likes of Pretender, Spitfire, Young Killer and Lord Brynner. From that tent he went on to perform with Sparrow’s Young Brigade, Stalin’s Calypso Court, Kitchener’s Calypso Revue, Kaiso House and Klassic Ruso among others.

During his career Almanac has composed as many as 400 calypsoes and taught the art form to many young people. Almanac’s calypso portfolio includes ’Almanac’s Dream’, ’Wabeen Government’, ’Keep Your Business to Yourself,’ ’Leather Haunting,’ ’Grandfather’s Advice,’ ’The Buy Local Argument,’ ’False Prophets,’ ’Save the Family,’ ’If It was Me,’ ’Build A Better World’ and ’Sweet Exotic Soca.’

The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation is taking care of funeral arrangements.

For more go to the original report at http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161554545

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Posted by: lisaparavisini | November 10, 2009

Coal Ash Cause Birth Defects in Dominican Republic?

samana

A civil lawsuit has been filed in Delaware charging toxic levels of coal ash dumped at a rural port in the Dominican Republic made area residents sick. A Virginia-based power company has been accused of causing birth defects and other health problems in the Dominican Republic after thousands of tons of coal ash were dumped on a local beach. AES Corporation, operator of coal-burning power plants in the U.S. and other countries, discarded 160 million pounds of coal ash in the Dominican Republic after officials in neighboring Puerto Rico complained about the buildup of the toxic refuse from AES’ plant in Guayama. So the American company hired a contractor to ship the coal ash—a leftover from burning coal that’s filled with heavy metals—to Samaná, on the Dominican Republic’s Atlantic coast, where it sat for two years. Locals in Arroyo Barril began to complain after the coal ash arrived of children being born with horrible disorders, such as missing limbs or having organs on the outside of their bodies. A class action lawsuit was filed in a Delaware court last Wednesday alleging AES is responsible for the health problems in Samaná and should be held liable for correcting the situation.

Law firms Levy Phillips & Konigsberg of New York and Bifferato of Wilmington, Del., filed the suit Wednesday seeking unspecified compensation for seven clients and medical monitoring for the entire neighborhood. “We tested 42 people, and more than half of those tested had abnormal, unsafe levels of arsenic in their blood,” Levy’s Robert Vance said.

For more go to http://www.allgov.com/ViewNews/Did_Virginia_Companys_Coal_Ash_Cause_Birth_Defects_in_Dominican_Republic_91109

And http://www.ecoworld.com/pollution/coal-ash-dumping-suit-filed-delaware.html

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Posted in Environment, News | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: lisaparavisini | November 10, 2009

Grand opening of the National Academy of the Performing Arts North Campus in T&T

academy

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (UDeCOTT) officially unveiled yesterday the Port of Spain National Academy of Performing Arts North Campus in Port of Spain, one of two proposed facilities that are part of the Government’s broader Vision 2020 National Strategic Plan for reaching first world standards of development by the year 2020. The campus boasts daring architecture and state-of the-art facilities. It will be followed by a second campus in San Fernando. The facility was built with the support of a two per cent concessional loan from the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Under the auspices of the University of Trinidad and Tobago, students of the performing arts will be able to develop their talents in a world class environment. To audiences and aficionados of the performing arts, a modern 1200 plus seat auditorium will provide an engaging venue to showcase the best local and international artists and performers.
For more in the original report go to http://sflcn.com/story.php?id=7391

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Posted in Architecture/Urban Planning | Tags: ,

Posted by: ivetteromero | November 9, 2009

Exhibition: Dafne Elvira at the Puerto Rico Fine Arts Gallery

secretosenelbosque

Dafne Elvira’s exhibition “Me gustaría ser y no soy” [I Would Like to Be and I am Not] opens tonight at 7:00 pm at the Puerto Rico Fine Arts Gallery in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Her 13 paintings (acrylic on wood) are inspired, in part, by a song by Joaquín Sabina that speaks about historical figures that he will never be and also by objects or practices that she admires, such as agriculture and Greek sculpture. The exhibition invokes the figures she cannot become and a reflection of all the things she loves. In her case, she says, the figures represented are more symbolic and poetic.

Elvira’s style is highly narrative and her work is full of symbols that may be read differently according to the observer. Her evocative painting titles add to the poetry. Titles such as “Secretos en el bosque” [Secrets in the Forest], “Caracola en islote” [Seashell on the Isle], and “Zuania en la arena” [Zuania on the Sand] are just a few of these suggestive titles full of narrative promise. As the artist explains, her goal is to provoke her interlocutors to create their own stories with each painting.

For full article (in Spanish), see http://www.elnuevodia.com/megustariaserynoser-635058.html

Shown here, Dafne Elvira’s “Secrets in the Forest.”

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Posted in Art, Upcoming Events | Tags: ,

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