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Carifesta Fashion Village in Full Bloom

As Carifesta returns to its homeland from August 22nd -31st 2008, they are many expectations and much was promised. One great promise is the fashion village which will be hosted at the Sophia Exhibition Site. Some months ago, Sonia Noel and her team of industry professionals were given the task of planning the Fashion Focus aspect of Carifesta.

Now, just over eight weeks before Carifesta X, Noel is assuring the Guyanese public that plans are on stream and that she is more excited than ever to be a part of this great Caribbean “mixing bowl.”

Some may be wondering what to expect and looking to mark their calendars for the major fashion shows. Miss Noel explained that there will be 3 main event shows, two displaying fashion and one displaying hair styling and accessories. The first fashion show will be hosted on Sunday August 24th, the hair and accessories show will hit the runway on Wednesday August 27th, while the second fashion show will happen on Saturday August 30th.

The Fashion Focus team also assured that the best of Guyanese models will be on show. This assurance came from model trainer Richard Young who said that because of the huge turn out for the model casting (over 200 persons were there), the panel was able to select from a wide spectrum of faces, looks and ethnicities to come up with the right mix and representation of persons to strut on the catwalk.

The Fashion Village will open on August 23rd to the public from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and will continue with the same opening hours until August 30th 2008. Each day except the days with the mega shows, there will be free workshops for persons viewing the exhibition. Patrons can learn about personal development, hair and skincare, view make up demonstrations, have a make-over and even find out how to wrap their heads for different occasions.

When the Caribbean comes to Guyana on August 22nd to showcase their many talents, it is quite obvious that the Fashion Village will be filled with beautiful exhibits, lots of designer clothing, top class fashion events and workshops to make every one more fashion ready.

Carifesta fashion focus … In Full Bloom
Public Relations Services provided by

K. Akeem Branch

Managing Director

The Design Factor

Tel: (246) 237-8708

(592) 698-5195

Email: [email protected]

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Renaissance Entertainment launches Musical Inferno at Sidewalk Cafe

Rennaissance PictureIt will be all glitz and glimmer next Friday when Mario Amrez’s ‘Inner Power Band’ teams up with saucy singer Syd Hooper and keyboard player Prockta to unleash one of the most scorching ‘Musical Invasion’ at the Sidewalk Café.

Forum will be used as official launch for Mario’s original song, ‘Messenjah’ which he says will stir the souls of those listening.

Popular soul and gospel singer, Mark Hall will also for the first time perform the original ‘Meant to Be’ live for the audience. While this song was written by Mario himself, the musical arrangement was put together by Mark.

This gala event will take different entertainment flavours on the last Friday of every month and will showcase some of Guyana’s most rated singers, musicians, poets and other entertainers.

Rennaissance Picture
In an interview with Mario yesterday, the talented singer disclosed that this time around the band is readying itself with musical selection aimed at taking patrons to an hypnotic peak where there is no return from ‘the rush of enthrall’ that will be created at the venue.

Mario and his top notch team of vocalists and musicians every last Friday successfully take their supporters down a memory lane filled with sweet notions as they unleash their customary ‘Rock Fantasia’ which is gaining countrywide popularity.

The Renaissance Entertainment group presents “Friday Night Live” at the Sidewalk Café on the last Friday of every month.

This feature is a musical variety concert that will feature some of Guyana’s best artistes and musicians.

Renaissance Entertainment would also like to invite other Guyanese artistes’ to participate in this show.

Interested persons can contact Mario on phone number 233-5640 or email him at [email protected]

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Fashion Village Heats Up Another Degree

It’s the start of the summer and it’s already heated but the team producing Carifesta Fashion Focus has raised the temperature a few more notches to ensure that the Fashion Village is better than ever for Carifesta Ten with the addition of a third show which will showcase fantasy hair styles and accessories.

Chairman of Carifesta Fashion Focus Sonia Noel explained that many times the work of the hairstylist, jewelry and accessory designers take the back seat to the clothing on display and now the Fashion Focus Team wants to highlight their good work.

Without letting too much out of the bag she explained that the show will be staged as a runway show but with some twists to feature the ancillary industry professionals.

The Fashion focus team is urgently looking for hairstylists who are interested in being a part of the show to promote their talent. For more information, hairstylists are asked to Ruth at 613-7457.

Public Relations Services provided by

K. Akeem Branch

Managing Director

The Design Factor

Tel: (246) 237-8708

(592) 698-5195

Email: [email protected]

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Guyanese Music Producer Tops at RMAA in Canada

Guyanese Music Producer Ernie Trelfall took away the Top Producer category at the 2nd Annual Canadian Reggae Music Achievement Awards last Sunday. The purpose of the Reggae Music Achievement Awards is to publicly recognize and highlight the outstanding contributors to the reggae music industry in Canada. This was long time coming since its existence Ernie’s Reflex Studio has been a main studio for top Toronto artistes like Shadrock, Steele, Blessed, Avetha, Micheal Thompson, Smallman, Trinity Chris, Spex of Flow 93.5, Cyborg, Bro G, Kim Davis, Patrick Blair, Nana Mclean. As a musician Ernie holds a Grade 8 Music Theory Certificate from The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music London England and he perfected his engineering skills at Harris Institute for the Arts in Toronto. “It was nice to see a Producer category at this awards because usually its the artiste that takes all the glory” he said. “Lots of work is done with the artiste in the booth and at the console to get that polished sound we strive for”. Ernie produced/engineered and build riddims for 3 time winner Steele’s Album Love Of Jah for whom he thinks can stand alongside any Reggae artiste worldwide. Ernie , who visits Guyana quite regularly has produced top hits for Guyanese artistes including CBU contest winner Ian Fraser, Compton Hodge’s “Umbrella Party” and “Balloon” Timeka Marshall’s “We Should Separate” , Mingles Band, Pamela Maynard, Mighty Rebel, Young Bill Rogers, Big Red “Taking De Road” “The Cricket Dance Riddim” “The Airbourne Riddim” and numerous other singles. His latest Guyanese work was his engineering on the 2008 Carifesta’s theme song which was recorded at his hometown Studio “Kingdom Friends” by his close friend Danley Major who also produces top songs in Guyana. Ernie has also worked with international artistes , the Crusha Riddim which he build features Junior Ried, Vybz Kartel, Elephant Man, Kiprich, Alozade Zumjay and Einstein and he has also worked closely with George Nooks, Glen Washington , Spice, Brigadere Jerry and Norris Man whom he has on his All About Love Riddim. Besides Digital Multi-Track Recording ,Mixing and Mastering, Reflex Studio also offers services like , Dubplates, Remixes, Movie Music Rendering, Voice Over w/ EFX, Keyboard Synthesis and Drum Machine Programing, the 14′ x 11′ soundbooth is equiped with tested soundproof. All popular software programs are supported. For more info on the studio email Ernie at [email protected] or visit www.myspace.com/reflexstudio www.reggaemusicachievementawards.com

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A Celebration of the Music Industry

The Vision

Accolade coincides with the strategic efforts to “promote Guyana”, by showcasing its rich and diverse arts and cultures. The unique exhibition of our local talent (at another level) is the continuation of the unleashing of our vast potentials in the music industry.

Once again Guyana will be making its mark in the international arena by rewarding artistic excellence in the music industry through a premier event comparable to international Award shows such as the Grammy’s and the one produced by BET.

Indeed, the line up of fantastic performances will represent a climax for the local entertainment diehards and at the same time promote and represent a hype for the local music industry. Guyanese are asked to prepare themselves for an event which can only be billed as an excellent experience – from red carpet entrances to outstanding local and regional performances from a mind blowing awards ceremony to interational celebrity endorsements.

The music industry is at a critical crossroad and deserves every effort to highlight its achievements, motivate its artistes, elevate standards, encourage artistic excellence and utilize talents that may be inclined to engage in negative endeavours.

It is both opportune and ideal that this venture, capitalizing on the positive experiences coming out of Guyana’s successful hosting of Cricket World Cup, (CWC), Rio Summit, Guyana Fashion Weekend and Commonwealth Finance Minister’s Meeting, (CFMM) all held in 2007 and CARIFESTA 2008, be staged at this time.

This celebration of achievements in the music industry will be Guyana’s most prestigous gala event.

“Arrowhead” our promotional group (registered under Business Names: Registration Act Chapter 90:05) is therefore desrious of advancing strategic partnership for high-level media coverage and public participation as part of our inclusive approach to maximize the potential of the music industry.

The Objectives

  1. To recognise, appreciate and reward local  artiste and music professionals for their contributions to the striving music industry in Guyana.
  2. To extend motivation and provide exposure for local artistes, all relevant to the growth and development of the music industry in Guyana.
  3. To provide an opportunity for local artistes to market and highlight their talent as a product.
  4. To enocurage and promote qaulity as well as to increase meaningful involvement in an effort to ensure the overall development of the music industry in Guyana.

Live up to the prestige and challenge!

With an event of this magnitude, the music industry will catapult to a new level providing great benefits to be derived all for the maximum advantage of your company.

Coming fully on board will facilitate the upward climb of business by connectiing with thousands of locals, overseas-based Guyanese and non-resident visitors from North America, United Kingdom and Caribbean to more than six events during an eight-month period.

Proposed Dates and Activities

The fantasy of creative entertainment!

June 6th 2008 – Official Media Launch

July 25th 2008 – Cocktail Launch

October 4th 2008 – Accolade Fashion Event

November 30th 2008 – Pre-Show & Cocktail Party Accolade Awards & Mega Show

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Fashion, Art & Creativity by Talented Students 2 (FACTS 2) first elimination

Facts & Roses on Friday May 16 held the first elimination of student designers in the Fashion, Art & Creativity by Talented Students 2 (FACTS 2). Going home was Shondeen Walters of St. Joseph’s High who did not find enough favour with the judges to go through.

Odessa Grogan of St. John’s College was adjudged best designer for the first task and was overwhelmingly relieved that she collapsed to the floor with excitement exclaiming ‘I just wanna get off my feet for a while!’

Odessa won G$20,000 for designing the winning piece plus the model that displayed her uniform was awarded a Cole Facts outfit.

The judges for the competition were mostly ecstatic about the designs and encouraged the participants to continue doing what they like best. At one point many felt that they were being judged by Simon of American idol fame as the comments from the judges were brutally stinging.
Remaining in the competition through to the next round are Keisha Harry, Odessa Grogan, Sherrie Hewitt, Krystal Patterson, David Clarke, Sophia Bowman, Sharda Elegon, Afia Bobb, Jenel Cox & Ashley Cameron.

The first programme of FACTS 2 will air thisMo Monday 19th May prime time on HJTV Ch 72 and rebroadcast during the coming week.

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Guyanese Designer Reality Show Next Big Thing in Fashion

Many people would wonder if “Project Runway” has come to Guyana because a reality designer show is slated for Guyana in a few weeks. Production Director Kofi Branch explained that after Guyana Model Search’s finale it was obvious that young budding designers need an outlet to push their creative energies.

Branch is one of the members of Sonia Noel’s team who will make the event a reality. The eight week television show will focus on prospective talent taking them through the ropes of becoming established players in the industry. It will focus on cutting and designing, styling and color coordination and one of the most important factors marketing.

“Designer Portfolio” is the name and fashion is the game and Noel explained that the team is looking for persons who want to turn their creative ideas into enterprise and take the Caribbean fashion region by storm.

As expected with Noel’s production, it will be glitzy well put together and the best in the business hailing from the Caribbean, US and Europe will be part of the show to ensure that it’s a success.

Young designers who have sketches, individuals just an idea or even just a dream should contact Donette Brotherson at 680-6325 or via email at [email protected]

Designer Portfolio… Taking fashion to the next level!

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SMS Works Again!

Thanks GT&T! We now have a choice between $1 and free. How cool is that? Good move.

p.s No I’m not praising them because they advertise on this site.

-Rowen.

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Changes

The site is undergoing a few visible and performance based changes. The changes listed below are in relation to the main (index) page.

Events Block
Hiccups: We didn’t cater for international events although they were Guyanese related and we have a large Guyanese userbase.

Remedy: The flyer previews have been removed. Also the international events are marked with their respective country flags.

News Block
Hiccups: The news listings weren’t uniformed and lacked professionalism in the display.

Remedy: The previews were removed also with the fonts were reduced to accommodate long headlines without disrupting the layout.

Groups Block
Fault: Only one group was displayed and the image was somewhat big.

Remedy: Four groups are displayed instead with the images reduced but yet clearly visible.

Comments Block
Hiccups: There wasn’t one. Couldn’t see the last ‘x’ comments. You had to browse thru the entire site to see what was different. Silly on the part of the coder.

Remedy: Its implemented.

Profiles Block
Hiccups: Same as groups.

Remedy: Images reduced and five artistes are displayed.

Blogs Block
Hiccups: Wasn’t one.

Remedy: Is one.

Videos Block
Hiccups: Only three were displayed and it was bulky.

Remedy: Image dimensions reduced and six videos are displayed.

Polls Block
Hiccups: Wasn’t one.

Remedy: Is one and coded to be unobtrusive and user-friendly.

Mailing List Block
Hiccups: Was one. Then there wasn’t one.

Remedy: Its now back taking record of your email to send you specific updates.

Footer (all pages)

The other major change is the footer. It now displays over thirty links to different parts of the site. Some of the links dynamic to keep things fresh for you.

Arcade
There was one, now easier accessible in the footer.

More to come later.
Rowen

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Ignition Concert Post Report -WildFire

As we have just concluded our IGNITION CONCERT for 2008 we would like to give an official statement about the event and some of the occurrences at the end of the show. As the production company controlling this event we accept and take blame that there was some disorder during the main and final act Bounty Killer due to the sound & light company technical difficulties. We wish to clarify what happened and make it clear as to why things unfolded the way they did.

There are international news stories that have reported incorrectly based on a certain newspaper’s spin on the concert. We are not saying that there wasn’t a problem that caused a chain reaction of events, but there needs to be some clarity as to what happened since the reporter was very inadequate in doing her job. She has made statements quoting from us when she has never officially spoken to any representative from Wildfire Productions.
First of all there were no major problems for the night until the sound & light company had severe problems with their equipment. This happened about 20 minutes into Bounty Killer’s performance. The entire sound and lights shut down due to negligence on their part. Bounty Killer showed extreme patience and sat on the stage and waited for the power to return. It came on again for approximately 10 minutes which Bounty hyped the crowd only for the sound company to lose power again. Bounty, unlike his usual self, sat down on the stage again to show the Guyanese people that he had no intention of giving a short performance nor intended to leave. When the sound was back up again Bounty apologized for them and asked the people to please be patient and that these things happen. The crowd was with Bounty all the way, but then the sound went down for a third time. At this time it was 2:05 a.m. and the police said it was cut off time as they did not see the sound getting back up again efficiently. At this time Bounty was instructed to leave the stage, and this upset the patrons there as they wanted more of Bounty Killer. This frustration led to bottles being hurled at the stage in protest of Bounty coming off prematurely. One newspaper made it appear that bottles were thrown at Bounty Killer because of his lyrics and performance but this was not the case. As we can report the bottles were hurled as a result of the power outage from the sound system so many times, and for the fact that people did not get to see the main act Bounty Killer which they wanted to see.

As there was no power for the emcee to call for order on the mic, the police took matters into their hands and fired off some warning shots to disperse the crowd and to stop the bottle throwing before someone got hurt. This worked effectively as the bottles stopped immediately and the crowd exited the venue. People left safely as there were no reports from the hospital of injuries the next day.

While the problems that were encountered are not the direct fault of Wildfire Productions we do accept some amount of responsibility. We understand that we need to be more stringent with our suppliers such as the sound & light company since they have caused us much embarrassment and potential danger for not being efficient with their equipment. Also, the bar service that were serving beverages deterred from our agreement and sold them from the bottles instead of plastic cups. This was totally unacceptable and they too had endangered persons there. However, as this has already happened we can only implement a more strict and severe penalty clause on suppliers who do not work efficiently and accordingly to our instructions.

We would like to thank the thousands of fans who came out to the Ignition Concert and as reports had it, they enjoyed themselves thoroughly with the exception of the ending part of the show. We once again apologize for the chain reaction of events that occurred and will work harder to ensure that it doesn’t repeat itself.

Wildfire Production Team