Video: Maxine Nolan

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Video: Maxine Nolan

Gwen Williams is a single mom living in Mt. Vernon, NY with three lovely children. She comes from a very close knit family. She simply idolizes her parents and her grandparents have been her biggest motivation in everything that she does. She lives by the motto, “ Keep everyone together”.


After a divorce a few years back, Gwen picked herself up and, as a new entrepreneur, she began dabbling in many different areas of expertise. She had a strong fascination in beauty pageants and in 2007 when asked to host and coordinate a beauty pageant at her tropical Dream Castle Villas in Jamaica, she gladly accepted. Girls came from faraway places such as Trinidad and Barbados and she took great pride and pleasure in making sure everything went off without a hitch. There could be no more beautiful setting than Dream Castle Villas which is like paradise in the tropics. The very next year a friend asked for her assistance with his beauty pageant. The rest is history. She now has been the driving force behind the very successful annual ‘Dream Castle Beauty Pageant’. Girls are chosen with great care and given this golden opportunity to shine. Gwen takes them under her wing and works tirelessly with them day in and day out to teach them everything that is important to being a beauty queen as well as the secrets to grace and sophistication.

This year the glamorous ‘Night of Elegance’ Miss Dream Castle Beauty Pageant will be held on June 25th at the Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers, New York. It is a grand event. Professional judges have been chosen from all walks of life such as the entertainment industry, previous beauty queens and even expert judges of other pageants.

Through the online social network tool of Facebook, Gwen Williams has been blessed to have made so many significant contacts. It has been a stepping stone for many of the pageants she has organized and recently she connected with Marshall Thompson of the Chi-Lites. He is a huge fan of Gwen’s and graciously accepted her invitation on behalf of the entire group to perform at her Dream Castle event in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Gwen became the first Woman to ever produce a concert with the Chi-Lites in Jamaica. It had been more than a decade since the group had been to Jamaica. Needless to say, as soon as the Chi-Lites stepped off the plane, they were ecstatic and thrilled to be a part of the action. They participated in an all-out fantastic Welcome Party and Farewell Party at Dream Castle Villa with fans and the media coming to cheer them on and perform for them . There was even a creative cake with the Jamaican flag. “The Night Of Elegance” concert which also featured Reggae Groups L.U.S.T and EBONY out of Jamaica was a huge success and will be an annual event. Marshall Thompson would like to ultimately do a music video with the girls that take part in the pageant.
But the pageants are only one side of the multi-talented Gwen Williams. She has a Fashion Jewelry Store called, ‘Anaya’s Fashion Jewelry’ named after her daughter and a beauty supply store called, ‘Fresh Look Beauty Supply’. Both are located in Montego Bay,Jamaica.

Some of Gwen’s newest ventures are a restaurant which is set to open soon in Montego Bay, Jamaica and Dream Castle Magazine which is in the works.

Gwen’s biggest fulfillment is being able to contribute to less fortunate children. She loves children and has helped the Orphanage Charity Groups in Jamaica, donated to the impoverished Haiti and also given to the Autism Society of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Her generosity and open heart reach far and wide to the wonderful world of children.

There are a few notable facts that one should know about Gwen Williams. She is a lady of class with ambition and determination. Nothing can hold her down. She is a strong woman in the challenging professional world but knows the secret to unlocking the door of success. She likes to keep it simple and is very careful that she knows exactly who she is dealing with. Gwen is happiest when she is able to teach. Even though the week is feverishly busy with deadlines, duties and responsibilities, weekends are made for rest, relaxation and time with her kids. Gwen’s kids dance, play the piano and sing and may be bound for the entertainment industry if they so desire later on.

There is so much to learn, love and admire about Gwen Williams. Her two greatest wishes: Retire at the age of 50 to Florida, the land of fun and sun and to be the next Oprah Winfrey. Well, Gwen, you are definitely on the right path and on your way! You are an inspiration to all!

I endorse him, and I hope he’ll win, Mr. Powell said as he appeared next to Mayor Bloomberg, who was wearing a bright pink sweater, at at a news conference before the parade.

I would encourage everybody in the crowd, all the citizens of New York not just to go with an endorsement, even though endorsements are important, but to look at the record of the individual, said Mr. Powell, a native New Yorker who now lives in Virginia. If they do that, I think they would find that Mike is the guy who ought to be mayor for a third term.

Mr. Powell, who is of Jamaican heritage, was a grand marshal of the parade.

MAXINE NOLAN

Video: Maxine Nolan

A Home Run for Gramps Morgan

Singer  performed before thousands of NY METS baseball fans
New York: On Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 reggae singer Gramps Morgan  took center field and performed before the New York Mets game vs. the Houston Astros. Joining Gramps at center field was singer Danglin who is getting massive airplay and fans with his new hit singe “Excuse Me Miss.” We recall it was earlier this year that triple Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt threw the ceremonial first pitch before the Boston Red Sox vs the New York Yankees baseball game at Fenway Park. Baseball will never be the same!

Part of the annual Carib Beat at Citi Field that is staged at the open-air ballpark in the New York metropolitan area, Gramps will perform Don’t Cry for Jamaica off his chart topping solo, album,2 Sides of My Heart Vol.1 while Danglin will perform “Jamaica We Love.”

Clinton Lindsay, host of the popular radio show, The Foundation in South Florida reported, “…I especially love the track ‘Don’t Cry For Jamaica’ – which is on hot rotation on my program!” The single, an ode to Gramps’ beloved country was co-written and co-produced with Grammy award winning songwriter, Shannon Sanders.

This is a great opportunity for reggae music to expand its horizons beyond the musical arena and for Gramps to perform for fans of America’s favourite pastime.

“I am excited and thrilled to be given this once in a lifetime opportunity. I intent to represent for Jamaica, the Caribbean and for all my reggae fans around the world” and elated Morgan said.

A consummate and stellar performer, “Gramps, one of the fastest rising stars in reggae circles commanded the stage at Irie Jamboree”, wrote Anthony Turner about his Labour Day weekend performance at York College in New York recently.

Gramps who just concluded a successful tour with R&B hit makers John Legend and India Irie also delivered two memorable performances at the world renowned Madison Square Garden this summer where he shared the stage with Shabba Ranks, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel and Buju Banton; the latter with whom he is currently touring across the States.

Dinglin who is currently in NY to promote his single “Excuse Me Miss” said the video for the single premiered on “On Stage” in Jamaica recently.

“The single is doing well at radio and we are thrilled Winford Williams premiered it on his program On Stage recently. We are in talks with a few stations in NY and the Caribbean and hope to get the video played in these markets. This is an exciting time in my career and to have this opportunity to perform before the METS baseball game at Citi Field is the icing on the cake” he said.
Shot on locations on the beautiful beach of Portland and the inner-cities of Kingston, the video tells the story of a young man infatuated with a beautiful young lady. He is so captivated by her that he just can’t seem to work up the courage to approach her and express his feelings. The video shows different scenarios where he tries to get her attention, but obstacles keep getting in his way.

Before the first pitch is thrown between the Mets and the Astros, Gramps Morgan and Danglin  hit their own home run at reggae meets baseball inside Citi Field on October 3rd. “…Take me out to the ball game…”

 
–
What’s Happening In Entertainment?
http://imagesnewsletter.com
 
remember to watch Caribbean Lifestyle TV
on CIN TV, New York, channel 73
Sunday’s – 11:30am and Tuesday’s – midnight.
www.caribbeanlifestyletv.com
reaching for the stars…

Singer Jerry Harris is putting together
an intensive promotional campaign to
launch his new single “Mama” in time for
Mother’s Day. He has written and co-produced
classic tunes for Horace Andy, Lee “Scatch”
Perry, Jackie Mittoo, Sugar Minott
and Mikey Dread. check him out at
www.myspace.com/jerryreggae
http://jerryharris3.tripod.com/

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 MIA ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN NYC
BOARD OF MANAGERS NAMED!
 
New York- The first annual Members/Unit Owners meeting of Martin’s International and Associates (MIA), LLC- New York Chapter, was held last Friday at the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel, in New York.
 
The New York Chapter of MIA (producer of the Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA)) was recently incorporated in the state of New York, and on Friday the Members/Unit Owners meeting was held for the purpose of officially confirming the Board of Managers and to elect corporate officers.
 
At this annual meeting the Unit Owners named their current members: Ephraim Martin, Clifton Edwards, Austin McBean, Howard Smith and Victor E. Lewis to serve as Board of Managers. Also, IRAWMA founder Martin, was named Board Chairman; Edwards -Treasurer, Smith- Assistant Treasurer and Lewis- Secretary to serve thru September 2010.
 
The Board of Managers, shortly after their appointment, went on to name the following operating officers: Ephraim Martin- CEO, Austin McBean- Director of Marketing, Clifton Edwards – Financial Manager, Victor E. Lewis- Creative Director, and Howard Smith- Assistant Financial Manager and head of Promotions.  Other operating officers are expected to be announced on September 30th at the weekly meeting of the Board of Managers. Also, new Unit Owners are expected to join MIA in the weeks ahead.
 
The 29th IRAWMA will be held on Sunday, May 2nd, 2010, at the York College Performing Arts Center, in Queens, New York. Already, early promotions for this red carpet star-studded event got under way early this month in New York, Atlanta, Chicago and other cities throughout the country. The 30 second commercial (which is attached) includes some of the early sponsors and can be heard in New York on the Culture Jam Radio program and Keeling Reggae Mix on WVIP 93.5FM. It also can be heard on more than 63 domains/websites. The Calendar of Events can be read in the Street Hype, NY Liberty Star, African Spectrum and on scores of domains/websites from now leading up to the 2010 event(s).
 
Capleton and Beenie Man Set to Deliver Huge Performances at “REEEWIND”
 
New York, New York — The vibes surrounding Irish and Chin’s “Reeewind,” a genuine “Rub-a-dub” themed event, have been incredible.  The streets are talking about this epic affair set to go down on Saturday, October 3 at Amazura in Queens, New York.  And lately there has been a perpetual argument brewing of which of these former rivals, Beenie Man or Capleton, will perform better. The last time the two met in “Reeewind’s” very same venue, the event erupted into a friendly lyrical showdown, which had patrons on their toes until the wee hours of the morning.
 
While many fans have pegged “Reeewind” as a follow-up to New York’s last encounter of Beenie Man and Capleton, things may not be so simple.  This time around, rather than relying on their entire catalogue of hits, the deejays will only have the option of using cultural lyrics. Additionally, only “Rub-a-dub” riddims will be played. Never-the-less, both artists are destined to shine.
 
Beenie Man, who has been deejaying on sound systems since he has 10 years old, boasts an experience that most current artists could never imagine. He has performed on some of the industry’s best “Rub-a-dub” sounds alongside some of Reggae music’s biggest names, shining among them all.  Although this “King of the Dancehall” has a limited catalog of cultural songs, he is over the top with freestyle lyrics.  Truly a favorite among all generations, Beenie Man can chat over any riddim flawlessly. 
 
By all means, Capleton is also a living legend. Capleton’s major strength lies in his huge catalogue of cultural songs.  Handpicked for this event because of this accolade, Capleton is a heavyhitter.  Spending some of his early career on the African Star sound system, “The Fire Man” has a knack and feel for this style event. With a huge fanbase and craft of riding riddims in tow, Capleton will be a force to reckoned with.
 
Although this event has not been billed, nor promoted as a competition, enthusiasts are waiting to see which of the two deejays will better handle the one-and-only King Stur Gav. According to fans, “Reeewind” is one of the most highly anticipated Dancehall events to hit New York in years. Not only are fans raving about Beenie Man and Capleton’s involvement, they are also in a frenzy over the rest of the billing including U-Roy, Brigadier Jerry, Charlie Chaplin, General Trees, Luciano and Mighty Crown. The official countdown to “Reeewind” is underway.
 
No true Reggae Dancehall or Sound System fan should miss this once-in-a-lifetime event.  Irish and Chin is famous for staging reputable, landmark events of this nature in the Tri-State area.  Notably, this is the first time that Stur Gav will feature modern day artists.   Irish and Chin put “Reeewind” together to bring back the vibes of yesterday and to converge young and old for a memorable night.
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FUTURE MOVEMENT RADIO NOW ON TWO STATIONS IN ATLANTA

 
Atlanta: Pat Baccas is a marquee name in radio as for many years she worked as on air personality at WLIB, WLKN and WWRL. Two years ago she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia from NYC and plunged right into the profession she loves best, radio. She worked briefly at WWWE 1100 AM radio and currently host her popular Future Movement radio program on WATB 1420 AM and 1420 WATB (Monday – Friday 1pm- 5pm and Saturdays 10am – 1pm) alongside Cyril Mungal (Council Member), co-host Trevor Smith, entertainment reporter Anthony Turner and Vibes Night Club’s own DJ Ever-G.
WATB 1420 AM is a 50,000 watts station serving Atlanta, Tennessee and parts of Alabama and South Carolina. You can also tune in on the web at www.futuremovementradio.net.

Pat was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica where she was prominent in politics before she migrated to the USA.
She said in a recent interview with the Weekly Gleaner that “The West Indian community in Atlanta has been waiting for this quality type of radio program for a long time and I am thrilled that we were able to pull it together. This gives a voice to Caribbean immigrants in Atlanta and serves as a powerful marketing vehicle for businesses seeking to promote their products and services to a niche market.”
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A Home Run for Gramps Morgan

Singer to perform before thousands of NY METS baseball fans
New York: On Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 reggae singer Gramps Morgan will take center field to perform before the New York Mets game vs. the Houston Astros. Joining Gramps at center field will be singer Danglin who is getting massive airplay and fans with his new hit singe “Excuse Me Miss.” We recall it was earlier this year that triple Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt threw the ceremonial first pitch before the Boston Red Sox vs the New York Yankees baseball game at Fenway Park. Baseball will never be the same!

Part of the annual Carib Beat at Citi Field that is staged at the open-air ballpark in the New York metropolitan area, Gramps will perform Don’t Cry for Jamaica off his chart topping solo, album,2 Sides of My Heart Vol.1 while Danglin will perform “Jamaica We Love.”

Clinton Lindsay, host of the popular radio show, The Foundation in South Florida reported, “…I especially love the track ‘Don’t Cry For Jamaica’ – which is on hot rotation on my program!” The single, an ode to Gramps’ beloved country was co-written and co-produced with Grammy award winning songwriter, Shannon Sanders.

This is a great opportunity for reggae music to expand its horizons beyond the musical arena and for Gramps to perform for fans of America’s favourite pastime.

“I am excited and thrilled to be given this once in a lifetime opportunity. I intent to represent for Jamaica, the Caribbean and for all my reggae fans around the world” and elated Morgan said.

A consummate and stellar performer, “Gramps, one of the fastest rising stars in reggae circles commanded the stage at Irie Jamboree”, wrote Anthony Turner about his Labour Day weekend performance at York College in New York recently.

Gramps who just concluded a successful tour with R&B hit makers John Legend and India Irie also delivered two memorable performances at the world renowned Madison Square Garden this summer where he shared the stage with Shabba Ranks, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel and Buju Banton; the latter with whom he is currently touring across the States.

Dinglin who is currently in NY to promote his single “Excuse Me Miss” said the video for the single premiered on “On Stage” in Jamaica recently.

“The single is doing well at radio and we are thrilled Winford Williams premiered it on his program On Stage recently. We are in talks with a few stations in NY and the Caribbean and hope to get the video played in these markets. This is an exciting time in my career and to have this opportunity to perform before the METS baseball game at Citi Field is the icing on the cake” he said.
Shot on locations on the beautiful beach of Portland and the inner-cities of Kingston, the video tells the story of a young man infatuated with a beautiful young lady. He is so captivated by her that he just can’t seem to work up the courage to approach her and express his feelings. The video shows different scenarios where he tries to get her attention, but obstacles keep getting in his way.

Before the first pitch is thrown between the Mets and the Astros, Gramps Morgan and Danglin will hit their own home run when reggae meets baseball inside Citi Field on October 3rd. “…Take me out to the ball game…”

 
–
What’s Happening In Entertainment?
http://imagesnewsletter.com
 
remember to watch Caribbean Lifestyle TV
on CIN TV, New York, channel 73
Sunday’s – 11:30am and Tuesday’s – midnight.
www.caribbeanlifestyletv.com
reaching for the stars…

Singer Jerry Harris is putting together
an intensive promotional campaign to
launch his new single “Mama” in time for
Mother’s Day. He has written and co-produced
classic tunes for Horace Andy, Lee “Scatch”
Perry, Jackie Mittoo, Sugar Minott
and Mikey Dread. check him out at
www.myspace.com/jerryreggae
http://jerryharris3.tripod.com/

http://twitter.com/IrieJamNews

Forever Reggae TV Host Coral King Interview with MIchelle Soddart Director of Marketing and Tourism for Queens Economic Development Corporation Who made it possible for Reggae Artist Gramps Morgan and Danglin to perform at Citi Field to Celebrate The Annual Carib Beat before The New York Mets vs. The Houston Astros Game on Saturday October 3, 2009. Gramps Morgan and Danglin gave tributes to Jamaica.

Mention the name Israel Vibration in reggae music circles and watch the warmth of recognition and appreciation of anyone who has seen or heard this very special group of singers. The positive vibrations emanating from the music of Israel Vibration have been spellbinding audiences, critics and DJs for over two decades. This group of singers casts a harmonious musical spell, weaving traditional roots reggae with a mesmerizing sound and deeply spiritual message.

Israel Vibration members Cecil Spence (Skelly) and Lascelle Bulgin (Wiss) were born in Jamaica, West Indies. Each is a victim of Poliomyelitis (Polio). They met as children in the Mona Rehabilitation Center, into which they were placed because of their families’ limited resources and their needs for specialized medical care. They learned early on the necessity for developing survival skills, and although polio is an undeniably crippling and debilitating disease, the youths never let their physically challenging situation supercede their willpower and their creative abilities. They found strength in the faith of Rastafari through the guidance of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, and began composing and singing songs which expressed their spiritual beliefs.

Their spirituality and stance on issues relating to their residency at the Mona Rehabilitation Center caused them to be expelled from that institution. Undaunted, they found solace, comfort, and sustenance in their music, which won them the support of their local community and provided them with encouragement to pursue their music careers. They began recording in 1976, enjoying a hit with the poignant Same Song, which was licensed to EMI and brought the group international attention. Their musical careers seemed to be taking off, but, like many Jamaican artists, Israel Vibration’s recording career was set back by a local industry plagued at that time by questionable accounting practices, musical piracy, and a lack of tour support. In 1983, the group broke up and its members moved to the States both for superior medical care and to pursue solo projects.

In 1988, each of the members approached Doctor Dread, president and founder of RAS Records, about solo recordings. Dr. Dread, who had greatly admired Israel Vibration’s unique, resonating sound, took heed from the words of Marcus Garvey, and, telling them that “unity is strength,” recommended that the members unite. They accepted, and the rest of the story is one of a beautiful relationship that began with Strength of My Life, and continued with Praises, Forever, Vibes Alive, IV, On The Rock, Free to Move, and several dub albums. On the Rock garnered much praise the single and video “Rudeboy Shufflin’,” which, along with the “Feeling Irie” video, has been aired on BET as well as other television programs throughout the US and abroad. On The Rock and its follow-up Free To Move reached their height of success upon reaching number one on the CMJ New World charts. Their 1999 release, Pay the Piper, displays some of the strong material songwriters Skelly and Wiss are known for, and the album’s featured video “Hard Road” was seen in 3900 Blockbuster video stores during the month of January, 2000.

Their album Jericho, released May 16, 2000, is undeniably their strongest work in years and features the best musicians and harmonizers Jamaica has to offer. Skelly and Wiss fully commit to each honest lyric and sing from the heart with the true spirit of universality. Israel Vibration has been working closely with RAS Records for a long time, and will no doubt continue to do so while they redefine the term “Roots Reggae” for the new millennium.