Entertainment – Page 5 – GuyanaLive Blog

September 10, 2011September 11, 2011

Bravo Arts: Body Art “Extraterrestrial” Exhibition

Avatar Body Art Painting

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in collaboration with Bravo Arts brought the Castellani National Art Gallery to life on Friday September 9, 2011 with their “Extraterrestrial” Body Art Exhibition. The show started at 16:30hrs and concluded at 19:30hrs, and featured local models and actors beautifully portraying the world of body art. The theme was grabbed from western – created movie phenom “Avatar” and illustrated their characters in the form of painted and shaped creatures. It was an event for the entire family and the small but consistent turnout proved just that.

Camouflage Body Art Painting

When the Guyanalive.com team arrived we were greeted a live step – by – step concept of how to create a work of body art. A known model (Rehana Chester) was on display as the Bravo Arts painters showed their skill. She was painted blue and white, with what looked like a hint of gray, while her man made tail, long plaited locks and prolonged handmade nose really brought out the character “Neytiri” from the movie. As we stepped in the local landmark itself, we noticed two rooms filled with alien like characters, craftily made with paint, special effects and other add – ons. Mrs. Chester’s husband, local model Percival Chester, was especially one to watch, since it was somewhat hard to do so. He was camouflaged into the background of cream, with black and purple lines, and only his eyes gave him away. The crowds were thrilled when these lively characters moved and mingled with them. Amidst the screams of young terrified children, one could hear oohs and ahhs in amazement at this exhibition. We even got to rub shoulders with the current Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, while we watched young children get their faces brightly painted.

Avatar Body Art Painting

Even though we constantly pleased by the spectacle there were some glitches the Guyanalive.com team noticed. First, the outdoor aspect of the exhibition seemed somewhat ad hoc. The painted lady was placed outside the tent and if one were to sit they would only be able to see half her body. Also, there were few chairs to accommodate the large families. Most importantly, there was a poignant lack of themed décor for the outdoors. They focused all their attention inside and outside there was a void of signs and atmospheric accents. Then, inside was blisteringly humid. We were in beads of perspiration even though we saw cooling mechanisms. In the future we hope that Bravo Arts utilizes the time allotted more efficiently and that they work on all aspects of the show to make it an entire success. However, in the Guyanalive.com scale we give it a 7 out of a possible 10. Keep on thrilling!

See more pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Patrice Wishart

September 6, 2011September 6, 2011

44th Annual West Indian Day Parade in New York

A Float participating in the 44th Annual West Indian Labour Day Parade

The 44th Annual Labor Day West Indian Day Parade was eventful. Arriving was stress free and in the beginning the place looked very organized.
Although for majority of the parade New Yorkers actually stayed behind the barricades which could have been easily breached, some by-standers
felt it was necessary to join and participate in the parades even with the presence of NYPD at every block along Eastern Parkway. What I
couldn’t understand was why shooting still occurred out there.It looked like every police officer was at the Parade and yet madness still
happened, but so it goes every year, regardless everyone enjoyed themselves.

Food and souvenirs were in abundance along the parade route and everyone was representing to the fullest. I was surprised at the organisations that went into this Parade. It was much different than Caribana, it wasn’t as congested at least not on the Parade route each float had its time to pass by and showcase itself before the next one would reach, which allowed us to get some great photos and video. The floats started out boring mostly all political parties and the mayor of NYC showed his support waving a couple of flags that I’m sure he didn’t even know for what country they belonged to.

The better and not so boring part of the parade featured floats from organisations, associations, local businesses and the Mas Players/Revellers from New YorK. Some costumes were patriotic and some were a bit too revealing but nevertheless everyone represented where they came from. There’s nobody who represents bigger and harder than the Guyanase people, our flag was flown, worn, painted, sewed, glued on every body part and piece of clothing available, it was really a moment to remember.

Due to past occurrences and fear, some people disassociate themselves with the Labor Day /West Indian American Day Carnival activities. I don’t think it’s necessary. You show up early, find a good spot, stand or sit and when the parade is over and “you full your belly till it swell” then get out of there. If you are looking for trouble then that is what you will find. If you are looking for somewhere to end your summer festivities, NYC is the place to be.

See pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Luanna Pedro

September 5, 2011September 8, 2011

Poetry Night: Two becomes One at Upscale Restaurant

Jaime Myers and Ruqayyah Boyer will become one at upscale on Tuesday September 6 at Upscale restaurant and bar. No they will not be joined in holy matrimony but rather be the featured poets on that night to spew poetic gold under that theme.

The talented young poets will join a long line of distinguished persons to grace the stage at Upscale, fondly referred to as the Apollo of local poetry. Both Myers and Boyer have proven their worth by first appearing during the open mic segments of the monthly event then to being put on the list to perform regularly. Both have edgy poems to which patrons can relate to but with a youthful exhuberance that grabs and keeps the attention of the listener.

The poetry night is the longest running poetry production in the Caribbean with this being the 9th year. It is so well known that persons from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and even the United States have graced the Upscale stage.
Sponsorship for the event has been forthcoming from a small but dedicated pool of sponsors over the years. Corporate Guyana is however urged to put more resources into this uniquely special artform.

Though modest, the organizers are reluctant to admit that Upscale has contributed in no small measure to the maintenance and development of poetry locally. Open mic is just that and persons have spoken controversial and vulgar poems at the venue but since all poetry has a message encouragement is always forthcoming.

There is a seriously high level of secrecy surrounding the 10th anniversary celebrations. What I did find out however is that it will be special.

This month’s poetry night will be jointly sponsored by Digicel and Demerara Distillers Limited.

By – Andrew Ross

September 5, 2011September 6, 2011

Labor Day Sunday Jam: Featured Live performances from Ninja Band and X2

As usual the show started late and in addition to the late start technical difficulties were encountered. Nevertheless, patrons waited
patiently until the problem was resolved to be graced with Live performances from “Ninja Band” followed by Jumo Primo and Adrian Dutchin aka
X2. With an exceptional performance from the Ninja Band, X2 came on keeping the momentum by performing one of their hit song “Tic Toc” that had everyone moving on the dance floor.

X2: From Left Jumo Primo and Adrian Dutchin

The mature audience proved that age is nothing but a number when X2 selected two persons to come on stage and dance “somebody pussy cat get
away”. The man and woman would’ve put any young girl or boy to shame with their dance moves and antics; “talk about wickedness!”.
Unfortunately, we were only allowed to capture scenes from the performances on stage and not of the audience.

Regardless of that it was a decent event, Audience participation from X2 was the main thing that kept the crowd hype, bringing home back to some people who haven’t been in awhile, it was like there was a little Guyana in the building brought on by an impromptu salute to our national anthem which everyone sung without missing a beat. Then when they were in the process of ending the show with Palancing the power went down again and even though they tried to improvise they couldn’t hear themselves singing so the show ended on a dead note, literally!.

When the power was fixed again the DJ played, and If you weren’t too busy dancing you would have spotted “Kapa Shanti”, a Guyanese born reggae artist based in New York chilling with X2, also the well known and talented Director Mr. Brian Virgo who just rapped up the video of Jumo’s latest Single coming out at the end of September “Dying Days” written by Jumo himself. Check out the links.

View pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Luanna Pedro

September 5, 2011

Amerindian Heritage Exhibition

When the Guyanalive.com team visited the Sophia Exhibition Site on Sunday September 4, 2011, it was culturally alive with the buzzing of the Amerindian Heritage Exhibition, commemorating September as Amerindian Heritage Month. There were lots to eat and drink on sale, but the real eye – catchers were the cultural pieces that were displayed.

A small, but interested and excited turnout allowed us to quickly and properly, get glimpses of the showcases. If we were hungry, there were Cassava Bread, Pepperpot and other Amerindian delicacies to fill our stomachs, and if we wanted to wash it down there was Piwari, Fly Wine and other tasty beverages. Guyanalive.com recommends the Fly Wine for obvious reasons. We then took a gander at the exotic and well made pieces of jewelry, ornaments, furniture, baskets and other items that our indigenous folks crafted from the ground up. We even managed to catch a glimpse of a small cultural show in one of the large benabs, constructed for the event.

Families were there consistently, soaking in the fun and knowledge that was offered. There was also a booth dedicated to a Caribbean initiative of health and wellness that allowed patrons to get their blood pressure tested, get advice about healthy lifestyles and even get tips to help combat some popular diseases and illnesses.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sookhai and some Indigenous People

The team even managed to snap a photo of our Local Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sookhai, with some of the aptly dressed indigenous people. It was time well spent and Guyanalive.com encourages all Guyanese to visit the Sophia Exhibition Site to witness history in the making. Monday is your last chance. We will also be at the National Cultural Center on September 17, 2011 when 10 beauties from all over the nation will vie for the Miss Amerindian Heritage 2011 crown.

By – Patrice Wishart

August 29, 2011August 29, 2011

Ray Sytes Puts It on For His Country; Guyana

Introducing Hip-Hop fused with Dancehall artist Ray Sytes, a soon to be well known artist, whose blend of both genres is sure to lure you in. Having collaborated with hit producers who’ve worked with superstars like Wiz Khalifa, Trey Songz, Talib Kweli, and 50 Cent, as well as recording a song with multi-platinum recording artist T-Pain entitled “Everybody Else”, Ray Sytes is determined to put Hip- Hop on the map for Guyana.

“Welcome To The Far South” is Sytes’ official mixtape series, with the release of his first installment entitled “Tote My Flag.” Sytes’ mixtape includes a blend of Hip-Hop and Dancehall, featuring established artists featured on his project. Ray Sytes isn’t just doing music for his fans, but for his country as well.

“We have many talented artists in R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, and Soca but not in Hip-Hop, so I’m filling that void,” says Ray Sytes.

Originally from Georgetown, Guyana at a very early age, Sytes relocated to the States where he found a love for music other than Dancehall… Hip-Hop. Living in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Ray Sytes gained knowledge of rhyming and writing then moved to Queens where he now resides. With a large success rate of artists coming from the Tri-State Area like Biggie, Nas, and Jay-Z, Ray Sytes has an opportunity he won’t let slip through.

“Tote My Flag,” features a remix of the hit “Star Bwoy,” with Jamaican musician Mavado, as well as features including Choppa Zoe, Clova, DJ Lantan and many more. With 5 singles doing well on iTunes, you can anticipate Ray Sytes’ upcoming mixtape “Welcome To Guyana”, the second episode in his “Welcome To The Far South” series.

Proclaiming leadership of the “Far South Movement”, Ray Sytes is reppin’ for his country!

CONNECT WITH RAY SYTES
Website: www.raysytes.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/raysytes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/raysytes

MIXTAPE: Ray Sytes – Tote My Flag
http://limelinx.com/files/ae5ce5b1aec4b179b708a20d30734eac
http://www.datpiff.com/Ray-Sytes-Tote-My-Flag-mixtape.243178.html

VIDEO URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnBp4DJW0SE

August 22, 2011August 22, 2011

Jamzone Summer Break 2011: Beach Jam

Game participant entertaining the patrons

The curtains came down on the Jamzone Summer Break 2011 with its annual Beach Jam and the final leg and inauguration of the Miss Jamzone International Pageant. On Sunday August 21, 2011 there were lots to be seen and heard as crowds of folks from all around Guyana, the Caribbean and parts of North America, Europe, Africa and Asia (yes, we kid you not!) gathered to witness one of this country’s most epic and highly anticipated events. When the Guyanalive.com team arrived just a little after 14:00hrs the crowds were minimal but steadily growing. While the Stereo Sonic Sound System dished vibes from all facets of life, we noticed persons swimming, riding jet skis and rafts, playing sports and games by the beach and just enjoying themselves to the maximum capacity. Now as we all know, a little music and a lot of alcohol can create some very interesting stories. For instance, while the DJ did his thing, two ladies (one seemed around forty and was dressed in a blue carnival outfit, while the other was younger and draped in a bikini where the top struggled to keep her “assets” in order) were incited to square off.

After expressing that they were going to dance for nothing but Pounds Sterling or Euros, the audience met them half way with putting a little over G$2,000 in the pot. It was at that time that the blue costume wearer gracefully bowed out, but that did not stop the other contestant from showing her stuff and shaking her “salt shaker” on stage. The masses went crazy, as that “almost contest” sparked a wave of lawlessness and laughter. Persons of all sizes got their fifteen minutes of fame as they jumped on stage and entertained the crowds with their gyrations and acrobatics. After a few attempts by the DJ and Splashmins Security to control the potential onslaught of inappropriateness, Entertainer Kerwin from the Hits and Jams family entered and asked them to leave as he was about to begin the Jamzone Beach Jam Games Segment.

The first was the Mackeson Drink – Off, sponsored by the fine people at Ansa McAl. Males and females entered the contest and G$5,000 was up for grabs each time. The males went first and the rules were simple, drink two bottles of Mackenson Power Stout without spilling, splashing or throwing any away. The fastest to complete that grueling task was deemed the winner. The people went wild as the men used very different techniques to take home the prize (or spend it there). However, it showed that the slow and steady was usually triumphant, since he finished last but broke no rules (as opposed to everyone else). The ladies had similar rules but only one bottle of stout per female and a short stack of sweetness took the prize home, usurping the fans’ favorite. Then there was the Couples Balloon Bursting Competition, where duos comprising of one male and one female inflated three balloons each and whined to pop them. After much deliberation there was a tie, and popping one more balloon using the same modus operandi would determine who would walk away with the G$10,000.

Afterward, the White Castle Fish Shop provided fish burgers for the Burger Eating Battle which saw patrons from all walks of life (and all different sizes as well), compete for a whopping G$15,000. In both instances, the slow and steady competitors were victorious, thumping the persons of larger statures. Then, there was the Skull Spin Contest where each player had to place their head on the upper end of a hockey stick and spin on the axis for a period of about two minutes. Both males and females competed for the G$10,000 prize and the laughs were in a large supply. The male winner almost fell into the turntables of Stereo Sonic while the female winner stood her ground for exactly three seconds, before almost launching herself into the crowd.

The vertigo they experienced after the game made it difficult for local entertainer Chow Pow to ensure that they accurately counted their winnings. After that it was only fitting of Hits and Jams to introduce the Best Laugh Competition. No more than 5 persons (similar to previous battles) vied for the G$10,000 prize only if they could wow the audience with their laughs. There were shrieks, screams and some other sounds we cannot identify but the winners of both male and female categories did so with infectiously funny laughs (yes, we know that the irony is thick). After the winners were crowned and gave an encore, the stage was graced with the presence of a bevy of beauties dubbed the “Gizmos & Gadgets Girls”. Dressed in their green and gold, they modeled and danced to the rhythms provided by the DJ.

View pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Patrice Wishart

August 22, 2011August 22, 2011

Grant-A-Dream Foundation: Alice in Wonderland Fair

On Saturday August 20, 2011 the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground came alive with color, joy and splendor as the Grant – a – Dream Foundation held their first ever charity event, the “Alice in Wonderland” Fair. As visitors, the Guyanalive.com team was pleasantly surprised by the entrance to the event. Decorated with black cloth and paintings to maintain the “wonderland” illusion, the main entrance was similar to that in the world famous children’s movie. Once inside, you were greeted by smiling faces of young adults who either welcomed you to the fund raiser or encouraged to purchase chits in lieu of money, since no actual cash was accepted by any of the bars, booths or games.

There were lots to eat and drink compliments of entities like Ansa Mc Al and Stag Beer, JR Burgers and other establishments. The children (of all ages, and even some young adults) frolicked and screamed with glee as they enjoyed one of the various games and rides. From the bouncing castle to a merry – go – round, from face painting to the infamous “Craze Maze” (copied from the maze Alice traversed through to find other characters in the movie), there was loads of fun to be had. Our favorite was the “craze Maze” indeed. The aim of the game was to trek through the maze and find a hidden rose. If you did, and completed the maze successfully, you were given prizes (usually sweets and other small eatables). There was also a “Queen of Hearts Teen Club” where teenagers and young adults paid G$100 to enter and have a dance party of a lifetime. There were lights, effects and music provided by Pulse Entertainment in this club, and one could stay as long as they please but if they leave they have to pay again to re – enter.

The family fair and fund raiser ran until about 20:00hrs and while speaking with some of the sharp minds behind this great venture, Guyanalive.com learned that all proceeds from the affair will be donated to the Pediatric Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital, to give further aid to its occupants. The Grant – a – Dream Foundation is a non – profit organisation developed and run by young local individuals, that launched about a month ago. Its members are children of some of Guyana’s wealthiest wanting to give back to this beautiful land and make a difference for the future. The membership is not yet open to the public but persons can make donations or offer help in any way by contacting them at www.facebook.com/pages/Grant-a-Dream.com.
The current founders are; Dominique Dias, Chelsea Fung, Alana and Briony Tiwari, Carl Shivraj, Ryan Kirton and Jamaal Douglas.

View pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Patrice Wishart

August 20, 2011

Jamzone Regional Night Review

Mavado aka Gully Gad performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2011

We at Guyanalive.com think it is only in this beautiful country of ours that an entertainment company can plan a show and have as much hype before the show, like what happened with dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel and the Hits and Jams family. The details are still sketchy as to why the Jamaican artiste did not show (despite being paid a hefty advance), but the show went on with the other item on the list, Mavado. Let us first say that the turnout was quite large, even though most persons complained about the absence of “Di Teacha”. And Mavado held his own with sheer skill, not that we expected any less.

Natural Black performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2011

The first entertaining item was local star Jory. Those of you who have been to shows that featured Jory know that when we say he was hard, you know we’re telling the truth. He commanded the crowd with his lyrics and made them sway from to side to side, bobbing their heads in jubilation and showing abundant “gun fingers”. That was followed by Guyana – born superstar, Natural Black. He was naturally a performer, with tracks that touch our hearts and our minds. Even though the aroma of marijuana was rampant, the high we experienced was encouraged by fantastic music. We at Guyanalive.com recommend that H&J feature this phenomenon in all their dancehall and reggae acts.

Then, like a pleasant surprise at Christmas time, Mavado entered the stage! Even though there were pauses by the sound system, the National Stadium at Providence wasted absolutely no time grooving to the “Gully God’s Stulla Rhythms”. Hit after hit, like a Mike Tyson fight, Movado delivered to all in attendance. Males and females sang each song (lyric for lyric) while jumping and throwing their hands in their air. The young and the old (well, not too old) never missed a beat while gyrating to the sounds that now helps to define dancehall music.

Jory performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2011

Now that we have expressed our joy from being at the Jamzone Regional Night we want to firstly say that it was very devastating to know that the “Gaza King” was not there. Even though we think there would have been some tension between supporters if he was there, we still missed him. We know for a fact that it was out of the promoters’ hands to change the outcome of the show so we will not go further. We enjoyed the atmosphere of the show; ghetto, lively and exciting. On the Guyanalive.com scale we give it a 6 1/2 out of a possible 10, only because Vybz Kartel was absent. Sorry Hits and Jams, better luck next time.

See pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Patrice Wishart

August 18, 2011August 18, 2011

Miss Jamzone International Pageant 2011 Part 1 Review

Miss Jamzone International 2010 - Lesa-Gayle Wee Tom

As patrons filled the seats at the National Cultural Center on August 17, 2011, excitement filled the air as they prepared to watch what has been proposed as the best pageant in local history. At around 8:30, the National Anthem (first and last stanzas) was sung by a local boy group, officiating the beginning of the Miss Jamzone International Pageant – Part 1. The reigning queen, Ms. Lesa – Gayle Tom, was brought in by oiled, buff young men to the beats of African drums, as she introduced herself and spoke about her past year on a voice – over recording. She strutted from end to end of the stage, while letting the gathered subliminally know that the next winner has enormous shoes to fill.

It was after this that the delegates danced their way to center stage to the melodies of African music as they introduced themselves. Naturally, Miss Brazil and Miss Venezuela both had translators, since they speak Portugese and Spanish respectively. However, their translator did not do them justice as she failed time and time again to relate the statements and questions by our MC’s throughout the show. We at Guyanalive.com hope she wasn’t paid, since that would have been a waste of money. The 11 delegates were; Ms. Latisha Greene of Antigua and Barbuda, Ms. Kenlly Aranguren of Venezuela, Ms. Rhea Cummings of Barbados, Ms. Deandra Doyley of Jamaica, Ms. Davia Chambers of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Patrish Lionel of St. Lucia, Ms. Fatisha Imo of St. Kitts/Nevis, Ms. Ellen Lima of Brazil, Ms. Marcia Baptiste of Dominica, Ms. Stacey Norine Ceder of Suriname and Ms. Jovan Wilson of Guyana. From the inception, the crowd’s favorites were all the delegates except Ms. Brazil and Ms. Barbados. We then met the MC’s for the evening, the beautiful and intelligent Ms. Tamika Henry, a former Miss Guyana Universe, and Mr. Godfrey Munroe, a National Table Tennis Star and a horrible orator. He stuttered, slurred, fumbled, rarely looked up at the audience or the cameras and had poor choices of words. He was tolerated for the first half of the show but the audience became annoyed by the second half. After we got to know the evening’s MC’s we then saw a vibrant African dance by the Classique Dance Company, who is set to embark to the United States of America very soon to put on a grand show. At this interval Ms. Henry decided to inform us that the theme for the show was “African” in nature, since this is The Year for People of African Descent, but there will be other cultural pieces. We then had an opportunity to meet the judges of the competition: Mr. Kemraj Persaud, Mr. Alan Donovan, Dr. Ingrid Cox – Pierre, Mr. Gordon Mosely, Mrs. Patricia Woolford and Mr. Ramesh Geer, who we do not envy since their task before them is one of great proportions.

Miss Antigua and Barbuda - Latisha Greene

It then came time for the Swimsuit Segment of the pageant and their jealous eyes and wagging tongues. The suits, designed by local fashionista Pat Coates, fit the ladies superbly and they wore them with sheer grace and pride. That being said the masses’ favorites were Ms. Brazil, Ms. Dominica, Ms. Guyana, Ms. Suriname and Ms. Trinidad and Tobago. There were cheers and groans as each contestant came on stage and showed their curves (of their smiles and their bodies) but those mentioned ladies received a more favorable response. Following that epic segment, we were all thrilled by an amazing Indian dance by a local group called the Dancing Delights. They swayed and shook to the sounds of cultural Indian song and the crowd roared with appreciation. Let us just say that we think the Miss Jamzone International Pageant had the best lighting, sound and special effects of any pageant we have seen in some time (and we have seen quite a few), despite the audio glitches which at times became frustrating. Many blame the staff and equipment of the National Cultural Center, but we refuse to speculate. Continue reading “Miss Jamzone International Pageant 2011 Part 1 Review”

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