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Hikers Hockey Team Reintroduced Into the Night

Supporters Having Fun

Duke Lodge came alive on Saturday night when the Hikers Hockey Team reintroduced their phenomenal party, Into The Night. It was a themed based event that featured past times and music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The atmosphere was quite a sight! There were afros, knee length socks, dhashiki shirts and flower printed baby doll dresses that complemented the well lit, acoustically correct location. The Guyanalive.com team was there and we soaked up every bit of fun and excitement that the show offered. Now we will say that we were a tad bit nervous for the Hikers Hockey Team when we heard that they were taking this risk. But those nerves quickly vanished when we saw people of all ages jamming to the vibes that played non – stop (even though the DJ had some trouble mixing the music smoothly).

We haven’t had that much fun since the Machel Montano Show, and that is quite a statement because it is Machel we are comparing them to after all. Nevertheless, the event (sponsored largely by DDL’s El Dorado Brand) was a seeming success. The crowd turnout could have been better by our standards but who says you can’t have fun in small groups? Pictures never lie (unless they are photoshopped) and you can most certainly see out truthful pictures at www.guyanalive.com.

On the Guyanalive.com scale we give it a comfortable 8 out of a possible 10 and we urge everyone, yes everyone, to come out the next time. Even if you don’t know the music the atmosphere will certainly entice you to have a blast.

By – Patrice Wishart

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Miss Guyana World 2011 Swimsuit Competition

Miss Guyana World Delegates

Let it be said that we at Guyanalive.com are all for local talent and entertainment, but making us wait for over an hour to access that talent and entertainment is just plain wrong. That’s right, we had to wait for quite some time to see a very short swimsuit competition at the Pegasus Hotel, Poolside on Friday last. First of all, the seating arrangements were most ad hoc. Very few persons were aware that the seats cost more as they got closer to the stage. As a result, we were impolitely asked to remove from our original seats because they were reserved (even though there was no sign), and we were forced to sit at the back with the rest of the media. Even though we were insulted we decided to not let it bother us because we knew that a bevy of beauties were to be showcased very shortly. While we waited in vain the Majestic Band decided to beautifully serenade the audience with oldies and reggae hits and let us be the first to admit that we were impressed.

The music was crisp and soothing and they have excellent command of the stage. After their segment someone who we thought was the MC said that the coordinators apologized for the very late start but the show will begin now. Huh? So the Majestic Band was not a part of the show? Well if they weren’t then the coordinators flawed in a major way. The official start of the show opened up with a group called the Belza Family. A mixture of what we thought was hip hop and dancehall (though we could be absolutely incorrect) was delivered in an unprofessional and lax way. However, just as were on the brink of boredom we were zapped back to life by a pretty young lady named Livia Prescott who tantalized us with some local soca tracks that she produced while living in the United States (go figure). It was after Ms. Prescott that we at Guyanalive.com assumed the show had properly begun because Don Gialliani was next on stage. Those of us who know this young artistic individual know what he is capable of. Hot lyrics on nice beats that made you either bob your head or move your shoulders. Even the reigning Miss Guyana Universe, Kara Lord (who looked simply stunning might we add), was seen shaking to the grooves. We think the Don saw this too and decided to serenade her acapella style. The crowd went wild and we are positive that there were a few jealous ladies at that moment. After Don Gialiani’s piece we were amazed by the melodious voice of First Born member Rolston Richmond who spared no boundary in producing some of the best music we have heard all night.

Then ladies and gentlemen, the moment we have waited (and waited, and waited) for, the six gorgeous delegates were introduced on stage by the real MC’s. The women were all draped in matching outfits and even did a choreographed dance while their profiles were being read out. We think it is safe to say that it was worth the wait. We couldn’t take our eyes off of them. Beauty after beauty, bursting with zest, confidence and simple radiance. And then the show was over. We kid you not folks; after the ladies modeled individually the MC’s thanked us all for coming and enduring the supernaturally lengthy wait. It was unclear who won that segment since the noise was unbearable. The judges, who entered a few minutes after they were introduced in a most rude way, had to take extra time (with good reason) to decide who the winner was. However, we will at least tell you the names of the six delegates; Ms. Arti Cameron, Ms. Ruquayyah Boyer, Ms. Soyini Fraser, Ms. Seistra Allen, Ms. Utieka John, Ms. Shanessa James and Ms. Celeste Dolphin. Come July 31, Guyana will know who will exuberantly represent us at the international level. Until then, the Miss Guyana World Swimsuit Competition gets a 5 out of a possible 10 on the Guyanalive.com scale.

By Patrice Wishart

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CARICOM DAY 2011: Kes and The Band thrill Guyanese fans

Kes

Despite the slush mud that saw many fans partying from the safety of the seawalls, Guyanese sure love them some Kes and teh Band. On Caricom evening into the next early morning hours thousands graced the Pegasus parking lot for some ‘wotles soca theraphy’ and they sure got their fill. From gong to gong the entertainment event promoted by AnSa McAl’s Carib Beer proved a multicultural delight with local acts such as Shelly G (one time soca Monarch) and Mahendra RamKellawan (reigning Road March King) and his dancers.

Shelly G was her ever raunchy self dishing songs such as ‘Touch Me here’ while Ramkellawan was a spicy hot showcase of chutney Guyanese style. Hut he obviously forced the sounds of his many popular chutney songs as was evident from the sometimes cracky sound of his voice declaring that even when he going to church ‘dem ah watche me’. But that was just the calm before the storm as Adesh Samaroo (TT chutney monarch 2004) proved his dominance as a professional chutney singer with quite a few samples of his hits such as ‘cyaan go fuh cane’, and ‘Rajin’ etc as well as ‘scorpian sting meh’. Then came time for the night’s feature act: Kes and the band! Many lost their inhebitions when the contagious sound of ‘Ah wotless’ signalled the ushering in of a dread locked soca sensation- Kes.

First came his dancers doing their thing. Then came Kes came on and expressed gratitude to Banks and was glad that he was performing in Guyana yet again in less than a year. The dude with dread locks who incidently is a sticker for education belted out hit after hit from his catalogue as well as several covers from the more popular artistes with his dancers providing energetic routines with each beat. But that was just teh beginning as teh Crow in VIP and General audience couldent care less that mud was under their feet or that teh plyboard set up could give way… thank goodness it didn’t. but Kes and his band proved that they are more than just soca singers as they moved from ‘Wine to the side’ to singing covers from Sean Paul and other Jamaican artistes. Another highlight of the evening was the conclusion of the ‘Carib Domination’ promotion. Five Carib patrons won fabulous prizes such as an ipod, a Flat plazma screen television,a motor scooter and the main prize of a new Toyota Allion.

Robert Calendar of Thomas Street, Kitty who bought his carib from Swet point was luckiest of teh lot while Meenamattie Ramlall won herself a motor scooter, Bridgelall Monilall won a laptop computer, Dorwin Holder won the LCD flatscreen television and Karen Rampersaud won herself an Apple iPod.Back to the Concert: Kes created a mad frenzy when he dished out covers from Ravi B, SuperCat whom he said was way before Sean paul, Machel Montano, and many other artistes.several ladies got a chance to show what Guyanese women are made of too and of course Kes used the song ‘tall thing short thing, I wining up on all thing, fat thing slim thing i wining up on everything…” But while the slim ones were most entertaining Kes sure got his Guyanese wine from a Buxsome Guyanese woman weighting more than 250lbs whom he hoisted unto his hips and she sure was an agile fan. But even before that, Kes aside from telling his fans that he wants to develop a relationship with his Guyanese fans, showed his love for GT people. After several calls from one female fan the superstar in the making jumped off the stage and to the barriers he went. There he got some reall Guyanese love as omen grabbed and pawed at his physique from every angle while others simply went crazy with screams of wild abandon from touching his dread locks.

The show was high energy from start to finish and wen he was done he had shed all the layers of his upper clothing. But it’s not over for Guyanese fans as the artiste is ready and willing to return to the local shores yet again once he is booked to perform. At the show’s conclusion there was hardly anyone with dry clothing exiting the venue and while most must have had quite a job of cleaning mud from their footwear they sure had a blast from Kes and teh Band compliments of Carib-the Beer of the Caribbean. Also in attendance were teh delegates of the Miss Guyana Universe who obviously had a blast.

By Mondale Smith, Production Manager BTV

 

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Machel Sell Awwf!

Machel Montano and HD Band at Advantage Concert

When you woke today and saw all the media avenues talking about the Machel Montano Show last night at the National Stadium and you realized that you were not there, and you started feeling bad, it served you right! It was absolutely the most fun the Guyanalive.com team has had in a while. Hands down!

The atmosphere was fantastic, with lights and stage settings that would make your jaw drop. There were bars and food stalls at every convenient location. Even the portable toilets were strategically placed! After taking in the ambience and being hyped by the juggliang skills of the Fusion Sound Company, the night’s first entertainer was Spiderman. Even though the crowd did not seem to be completely feeling his vibe he held his own. Then we were pleasantly surprised when we knew that Militant was our next performer. The guy that brought us songs like “Passion” took us down memory lane and paved the way nicely for the next big local artiste. Jory, with his clever play on words and great ability to ride on any rhythm, made us laugh, shout and scream to all of his hits. Even an old controversial favorite rocked the crowd without pause. After Jory’s amped performance Fusion continued to wow us with their smooth track selections while we waited with glee for the King of Soca and his entourage.

Gyrating Crowd

Then, as if we could have prepared for it anyway, Machel Montano was on stage blowing us away with just his mere presence. It was an extremely wonderful collage of soca hits, calypso tunes, classics and hot new road marches. He definitely proved to the lucky citizens of this country that he is indeed the King of Soca (sorry Rupee). The HD Band did not miss a beat as they backed up Mr. Montano, nor any of the other performers for that matter. Farmer Nappy was on next to continue the soca fete with hits like “belly dancer” that had the ladies “screwing the bulb” all night. Then Patrice Roberts ensured that our waists were completely gyrating when she tore the place down with her sexy voice and sultry moves. Some men could not keep their eyes glued from the stage. Zan, though his act was short and sweet, made sure that there was never a dull moment in last night’s festivities. Let us also say, in no uncertain terms, that the HD Dancers were fabulous! They did not even seem tired even though they danced non-stop for hours with choreographed and spontaneous sessions.

Patrice Roberts performing at Advantage Concert

The beautiful Patrice Roberts and a dancer named Whitney showed us time and time again how to shake a backside, move a waist and tremble thighs like it was a dance class for beginners. They were exceptional!

However, they cliché that reads “nothing good lasts forever” was unfortunately proven again. There were audio problems that endured for what seemed like an eternity. We at Guyanalive.com understand that these things happen and sometimes they are uncontrollable, but that did not help when the crowd became frustrated and started to depart in small increments. Eventually, the sound was restored but at a mediocre level and it was too late. Patrons were using profanity to describe their disgust while they walked to exits. After quite some time the sound was properly restored and the jams resumed like there was never a problem to begin with. Machel and his crew did a job well done and made it seem effortless. If that isn’t entertainment then we don’t know what is. Thank you H&J for making our nights, and our weekends. We socanites cannot wait for the next concert!

By Patrice Wishart

 

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Feminition Day 1

– As Feminition 2011 opens

Feminition, the first ever women’s exposition, was officially declared open last evening at the Guyana National Stadium Providence with hundreds of persons from all walks of life turning up to celebrate women.

The expo was officially declared open by President Bharrat Jagdeo with him lauding the accomplishments of women to the development of Guyana over the year. He said the main purpose of executing Feminition was because of “recognizing the contributions women have made in Guyana” and the Caribbean.

The president also said that even though it is believed widely that women are not traditionally risk takers that may not necessarily be true since in his opinion the “greatest risk taken by women is giving birth to children.” Jagdeo also acknowledged the fact that “girls do better in the education system than boys” and as such that translates to better educated and qualified women being placed in top managerial and administrative positions.

The layout on the National Stadium tarmac was well thought out as booths were separated by special “avenues” dedicated to outstanding women in Guyanese and Caribbean history. Two of the more notable women recognized were Winifred Gaskin whose accomplishments span education, women’s activism and accomplishments as an outstanding Diplomat. The first Guyanese and Caribbean female President Janet Jagan was also prominently recognized by the organizers.

An exhibit which epitomizes the true essence of what the framers of Feminition had in mind was one put on by the Guyana Women Artist Association. The exhibits of 10 members of the association are prominently displayed among which are paintings in various styles such as acrylic, pencil art and dried art creatively assembled to capture the attention of anyone who sees them. A very unique exhibit among the collection by the Women Artists’ are those of honorary member Urma Cramer, who makes beautiful and creative hats, shoes, handbags and even paintings from specially preserved fish scales.

President of the Association Jynell Osborne said she is grateful for the opportunity given by Feminition for members to display their creative pieces to members of the public. Osborne also said that a major hurdle facing members of the association is the “lack of financial support but I am hoping that this serves as an opportunity to reverse that trend.”

Habiba McGregor, a clothing designer, was also thankful for the opportunity to display her craft and said in her view the expo is “good to empower women everywhere” since women from all across the country were given the opportunity to have their products and services put on display over the three day period.

One of the largest banking institutions in Guyana and the region, Republic Bank, was also on show and according to information obtained from the staff members present over 70% of the bank’s staff are females and as such the expo provides the perfect opportunity to have that fact shown to the general public. Two notable contributions made by the bank into the development of women are the partnership with St. Ann’s orphanage; where young orphan girls are housed and the partnership with EMPRETEC; which provides support for women who operate small and medium scale businesses and helps them to expand.

– By Andrew Ross

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Shasha Designs presents Fierce Expressions: Untamed

If you were bored last Sunday evening then you should have attended a splendid fashion show at the Tower Hotel by Shasha Designs called “Fierce Expressions: Untamed”. It was a mixture of subtle, colourful pieces and sexy, dark and raunchy articles. MC’d by DJ Casual of 98.1 FM, the show was divided into two short but very attractive segments of wonderful fashion display. Female entertainer “Bliss” opened the first segment with some musical renditions that could have been more musical, but she minus the slight wardrobe malfunction she was very easy on the eyes. She led us into a few models who exhibited well cut and bright dresses, skirts, suits and shirts done by Keisha Edwards, CEO of Shasha Designs. After about 10 models did their thing on the catwalk we were entertained by another local performer called “RACS”. He is a smooth rapper who critics say did a much better job than the previous on – stage performer. After his clever spin on Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” we entered a 25 minute break and bobbed our heads to great tracks by the event’s DJ.

During that time the El Dorado bar was well stocked with various vodkas and rums that certainly helped to make the ambience more enjoyable. Speaking of which, the decor for this event was appropriate but sparsely decorated. There were a few pieces of cloth draped strategically around the room but critics say that there should have been a backdrop of the show’s name to compliment the El Dorado banners and eccentric ceiling fans.

Enter segment number 2. RACS reappeared and wowed the ladies with a club hopping number which is still lingering in my head. Then! The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I watched model after model creatively draped in black leather, lace, and leopard prints and shiny accessories strut across the catwalk. I heard loud cheers and applauses time and time again; I saw cameras of all types flashing their little lights and each lady showed off the absolutely gorgeous outfit that she was blessed with. I can safely say that it seemed as if no one wanted this segment to end but it unfortunately did, and with that the gossip started.

From that gossip we at Guyanalive.com want to share our opinions. Firstly, we believe that a fashion show is an ample opportunity for everyone to wear their style with n qualms. However, if you are going to wear a t – shirt please run the iron over it properly. Personally this writer believes that a t – shirt is in appropriate but DJ Casual wore one under his unique jacket and pulled it off smoothly. Secondly, why was the show so short? There is no dispute that the fashion was top – of – the – line (and at the end of the day that is what matters) but $2,000 for two hours seems a little unfair. Maybe the designer should have thrown a few of her old pieces to continue wowing us or maybe there could have been another entertainer doing a different genre of music, or do an after party of meeting and greeting. Whatever the alternative, please take note for the future. Ultimately, on the Guyanalive.com scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest) we rate Fierce Expressions: Untamed at a 7. We know there is much more talent to be showcased by this duo corporation so we will put Sunday’s show in the win column and anticipate something bigger and better in the near future.

By Patrice Wishart

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Raunchy Celeste Davis – Much more than meets the eye

Celeste DavidStay focused and be patient knowing that there will be a lot of ups and downs in your life but ensure that God is in the midst of your decisions and always ask for his will to be done in your life. Such utterances might not be what you’d expect to hear from an artiste often described as raunchy but those are the words out of Celeste David’s mouth.

Popular for songs such as ‘back it up’, ‘My Sweetness’ and ‘Anthony’ etc this Berbice girl who broke onto the local music scene through the GT and T jingle competition is more than meets the musical eyes. Though she created quite a stir with her raunchy song and video that encouraged ‘all the ladies and shorties to back it up now’ and filling in for  Alicia Keys when Baby Cham sang  the ‘Ghetteo story’live on stage, she went missing but she’s by no means out of the music game.

Recently she told entertainer “I’ve been having some problems musically and personally but it’s all been sorted out.”

Her return to the Local music main stream spotlight began with her entry to the just concluded Groovy Soca monarch competition. Mainly to please her fans she entered with a hot song that encourages all to ‘watch how meh waist line rolls.’ But for some unknown reasons she did not find favor with the judges, much to her disappointment.

That aside, Celeste’s brief AWOL stint was not spent sitting idly by. Entertainer understands that the dark chocolate skinned woman has completed several ‘exciting’ recordings under the guidance of some new producers and vocal instructors in Barbados she also spent some time working on her image.

Explaining the new hairdo which saw her shaving the sides of her head, she said it was done in her quest for a new look with recommendations from a male hairstylist and she’s rocking the new do well.

While some might not know it both her parents are pastors and contrary to what some might believe she says “they do support me,” and this extended to her sister and one brother whom are all adults.

The one time worship leader and choir girl says ultimately her parents would like to see her back in church and that too is her desire sooner rather than later. While she sings music that is considered as worldly he confesses that her favorite song remains “fill my cup Lord… fill it up and make me whole.”

The diva in the making is influenced by divas the likes of Mariah Carey, Lauren hill and Whitney Houston said she always wanted to get involved in music generally since age 12.  Speaking of the local music industry she says thus far she has gained much recognition locally and ever growing fan base.

Personally: I am taken by a regular Guyanese guy who is older than I am… I wouldn’t call it love as yet because our relationship just started but I’m really enjoying the stage that it is at presently.”

Her message to teen age girls who are thinking of having a boy friend while at school is “limit your friendship and closeness with boys and focus on school not sexual relations during your teen years.” Look out for David as she continues her musical quest to one day hit the international music mainstream with her sights set on copping a Grammy for Guyana.

By Mondale Smith

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Peter Ram to headline Hits and Jams Soca Jeans Fete this weekend!

Peter RamIts round two of the Hits and Jams Mash Camp roster of events and the team has already turned up the heat with the Mash Crank up concert/ party which was held last week at the GNS Ground. Hundreds turned out as veteran Barbadian Band Krosfyah showcased a scorching performance and did exactly as the party’s theme suggested and cranked up patrons with the Mash vibes.

This week get ready for the annual Soca Jeans Fete! Come out in your denim apparel and prepare for a night of fete, music and great entertainment as Barbadian Soca Star Peter Ram is set to take the stage. The ‘White Pants Tight’ singer promises an unforgettable performance and urges Guyanese to come out and enjoy a ‘soaking wet’ Soca Fete!

As the events continue several Caribbean megastars will be featured including Soca Queen Alison Hinds who is set to perform at the upcoming ‘Colors’ party. The team will also be participating in the annual Mashramani Float Parade and has already released their theme costumes which will be on sale shortly.

The upcoming events are as follows:

Colors (Party) – February12

Ladies First- February 18

All White Edition- February 22

HJ Mash Day Float/ Mash Night Super Concert- February 23

Mash Wash Down- February 27

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Neyo

Spend an entire day with the Superstar

Superstar NeyoThe ‘big’ day draws closer, palms are sweaty and fans are anxiously awaiting the arrival of one of the most celebrated International artiste to ever perform in Guyana. As if witnessing this incredible perform ance wasn’t enough, Neyo’s team has come forward with an additional treat for Guyanese that is sure to blow the minds of Neyo fans countrywide.

The Hits and Jams Team is pleased to inform the public that one lucky person will have the opportunity to spend the entire day with the megastar on August 21st. The entire experience will be documented for the means of a video diary. The chosen individual will be allowed access to hang out with the superstar from the time he arrives in Guyana to the moment he leaves.

If you are indeed a ‘Neyo-fanatic’ you can win this incredible opportunity by explaining in no more than 100 words why you are ‘Neyo’s Number One Fan’. Your applications should be submitted along with a picture to [email protected] or you can simply drop it off at the Hits and Jams Headquarters at 206 Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown. Applications close Thursday August 19th at 12pm.
In the past, Neyo’s team had opted to gather submissions via video. Fans from various countries were advised to upload videos via YouTube and the winner was eventually selected. However they are giving Guyanese an easier chance to grab this remarkable opportunity!

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Jamzone Beach Party

Gear Yourself for and All-Day excitement and Fun.

Jamzone Beach Party this Sunday at Splashmins Fun Park and Resort

It’s here once again, the only beach party that attracts thousands of Guyanese every year to soak up the sun and revel in the excitement. Get ready for the tenth Jamzone Beach Jam, Guyana’s biggest beach party.

Every year patrons from all corners of Guyana awake before sunrise to start the journey to the Splashmins Fun Park and Resort to be a part of the day’s festivities. On many occasions, traffic becomes congested due to the great number of people and some often disembark thier vehicles and resort to walking the miles just to be a part of the Jamzone action.

This year patrons can expect more games, water sports and even greater excitement as a few changes have been made to create a more enjoyable experience. When the sun goes down several artistes will take the stage to entertain the crowd and they will witness the crowning of the first ever MIss Jamzone International Queen.

This event will mark the conclusion of the Jamzone Summer BReak Weekend 2010.

We are asking that patrons pactice carpooling for ALL Jamzone events since parking at the venues is limited, and this will also help ease congestion. They re also advised to get their tickets early since prices will increase at the gate.