We stayed in town just chilling this past weekend.  We started off by checking out Maximus Dan at Kili’s Kafe, and that was very nice.  Below you will find a commentary from Susan about that.  All I have to say is that the DJ’s were “off the hook”, and it was well attended.  For those who know me personally, you know how particular I am about DJ's and their playing, and when I see and hear good ones I must comment.  The DJs who were playing at this show was Juggler Sound from Trinidad, and these guys were real good, they “rocked” the house.  I was introduced to them via the Internet from the radio station 96.1 FM in Trinidad, where they had a regular show (not sure if they are still there).  Additionally, I like Sprang International’s concept for his crew "The New Generation", it’s good to see the new, young brothers learning and walking in the footsteps of one of the best Soca DJs in this area (Sprang).  The young brother on the mike has a great voice, knows his music and plays real well, so does the other member of the "New Generation Crew" (my wife’s nickname for them is the “Pretty Passé Crew”, don’t fret she knows this name is taken by some DJs out of New York, but she argues that since they are so cute, Sprang should call them the  “Pretty Passé Crew”).  FireBurn from New York was in the house also spinning some good tunes, actually they too “rocked the place”, what I loved most about them was their innovativeness and willingness to move into the 21^st Century, they were not using records or CDs, they were using a lap top, which in my opinion, if you are really serious about “your game”, that’s the way to go.  It was nice to see some of the “big” DC Carnival bandleaders in the house  – BIG UP to Jerry and Marlon from Knock Boyz, and Bobby Aming, as well as Neal Mattei (host of WEAA 88.9 FM - Caribbean Affair Program every Saturday), along with DJ Smalley the Golden Touch, and the Mystic Vibes 6.0 crew.  Oh, I’m not calling names, but it was funny to see a certain bandleader handling business on the stage with the DJs…in the middle of Maximus Dan set…you know the DJs must have been really good.  Hey, much respect to that bandleader, so look out for more of Juggler Sound, because I’m sure they will be on the road for DC Carnival with one of the big bands.

We really began chilling on Saturday at a small house party, where we  celebrated a friends’ birthday by sitting around drinking, talking, eating, laughing and playing bingo…how boring right?  It actually was a lot of fun!  Paulette Happy Birthday Again!  We really enjoyed ourselves. 

Sundays are becoming fun, we attempted to attend the Wash. DC T & T Association Women’s Committee Sunday Brunch, but by the time we got there all the food had been sold out.  Even though we were starving it made me happy to see empty dishes, because that told me it was a success, and we are finally starting to support!   I must thank Deanne Samuels for the hops and salt fish she prepared for us, it hit the spot!  Scroll down below to our "Announcements" to see the "Note of Thanks" from Deanne and the Women' s Committee.

Since I get so much joy from talking and vibing with people, I was afforded the opportunity on Sunday to vibe with an up and coming DJ in this area, along with his girlfriend.  DJ Spyda is a local DJ from Barbados and even though I have not had the opportunity to really hear him play, I was able to listen to him, and get in-tune with his thoughts and goals about the music and his playing.  He is a very intelligent person, and with his ambition, knowledge, and willingness to learn, I know he will go far.

By the way, I received an E-mail from DJ Spyda last week about the petition I mentioned and encouraged folks to sign some weeks ago.  This petition is to the FCC, which explains and shows how a Caribbean radio station is needed in our area.  Additionally, this week I got another e-mail from Mr. Carlton Joseph (who is the sole person behind obtaining this radio station) asking that I forward the petition to all on our on-line community.  Please Click here to view and read the letter, print it, sign it, and have others sign in the spaces provided, and mail it to the FCC, the address is listed on the letter.   As Spyda indicated "who knows if this petition will help, but it shows that we in the Caribbean Community think it’s important and needed."  

As for me, I too feel it’s needed, even though I know it will be difficult and almost impossible to obtain an FM station in Washington DC, which is one of the largest radio markets in the country.  Most of the radio stations in the DC area are owned by a few large corporations (Radio One, Clear Channel and Infinity Broadcasting), and with these big corporations it’s their purpose to eliminate all competition, which is smart business!  Therefore, it might be best to try and obtain an AM radio station, with possibly at least 50,000 Watts, which would give good coverage during the day (at least).  I haven’t done any research recently on radio stations, but from my previous knowledge I know this is possible.  Once we (the Caribbean Community) obtain an AM frequency, it would be easier to get an FM frequency.  The goal should be to get on the air legally, prove that there is a need, and the rest will follow.  I believe with the support of the community this will be a success.  Sometimes we have to crawl before we walk or even run, and with this plan - we will be starting small and will build step by step, because now all we have is approximately 20 hours per week of Caribbean Programming in this area (Wash. DC), and all but 6 hours of those are public broadcasting (listener supported) and not a commercial station.  I’ve got one more very “do able” idea, which could put Caribbean music on the air in the next week or so.  I understand the financial backing is there, so if you can’t find an AM station for sale, negotiate a deal to buy time on a  Station on a monthly basis for your programs, then obtain advertising and operate it as you would your own station, and make that a success, surely before you know it, you would have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week due to the success.  The key is - run it like a business, professionally!   Folks, please do send the petitions to the FCC because they really need to see that there is a segment of the population that’s not being properly served. 

This weekend look out for us at our regular spots, we love hoppin' from club to club.  Check out Kili’s Kafe for Happy Hour on Friday, and with Sprang International and the New Generation Crew on Saturday.  Please remember on Saturday evening March 20^th, you must attend the memorial concert for Mike "Iron Mike" Edwards to "Celebrate the life of Pan Masters Bass man" at Pan Masters Steel Orchestra Pan Yard.  Scroll down to see the details.  

Scroll down and Check out the "Big Ups" and "Shout Out" section.

Take care and enjoy your weekend...until next week...

Nuff Respect!

THIS FRIDAY

INTERNATIONAL CARIBBEAN HAPPY HOUR & DANCE PARTY

FREE ADMISSION 5PM TO 8PM

FREE BUFFET 5PM TO 8PM

2 FOR 1 DRINKS 5PM TO 8PM

SATURDAY

INTERNATIONAL CARIBBEAN AFRICAN NIGHT

DINNER  - 6pm TO 10pm

CALYPSO     SOCA     REGGAE 

DJ SPRANG INTERNATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL/AFRICAN 

DJ'S CLOVIS, OUMAR & AMMO

21 & UP

SUNDAY'S

COLLEGE PARTY

DJ SUPER SLICE 

REGGAE AND SOCA

DJ CELO

HIP HOP & R&B

18 TO PARTY..... 21 TO DRINK

ADM. $ 10.00 WITH COLLEGE ID $15.00 WITHOUT

DOOR OPEN 10PM