Dancehall King Bogle Tribute Party

Gerald "Bogle" Levy, 1964-2005, was and will forever be the king of dancing in the dancehall scene. Bogle is the inventor of classic dances such as the 'Bogle Dance' and 'Willy Bounce.' He also gave credibility to the dancing scene in Jamaica and across the world. A party this Saturday Feb. 28 will be hosted in tribute to this legend.

The name of the party is Dancin' Extravaganza part III, The Annual Dancers Linkup. It is being held at Sankofa Center for Cultural Enrichment 2901 Druid Park Drive Baltimore Md. 21215. Music will be provided by High Rollaz, Vybz Machine and Upsetta. An array of local and international dancers will be performing. Featured dancers include Dip Squad(D.C.), Show Stoppa(Miami), Krazy Hype(NY), Famous Yute(VA), Lethal(Jamaica) and Ricky Chin(Baltimore).

For anyone who loves dancehall dances or wants to learn more about this unique cultural art form, this party is definitely a priority this weekend. R.I.P Mr. Bogle.

For more information call: 443-629-3166

Caribbean Dances

I love dancing to dance hall, reggae, calypso, and soca music and so does about every Caribbean person, its in our blood. The rhythms, beats and melodies of the music makes you move, it has such an energetic vibe to it.

The most basic dance is whining. you whine by rolling your hips in a clockwise motion to the beat of the music. It can be seen is basically every dance hall or soca music video. Whining can look like what is called "freak dancing" in the U.S., when done really fast when a man and woman are dancing together. Whining can also look like salsa when done slowly.

I personally love to whine, it is a Bajan (native of Barbados) thing. I remember being in elementary school and teachers teaching the students how to whine. I was a natural from the start and could whine down to the ground and back up. I couldn't wait to show of my moves my first time in a Carnival, I practiced in my costume for a week before Crop Over day(name of the carnival day in Barbados.)
Being able to whine also comes in handy when I dance with girls in the states because I can follow their waists' wherever they go. it's fun to hear, "you are such a good dancer." I just follow their lead, it's really not that hard.
Whining is a easy and fun dance to learn and do, so next time you hit the dance floor, whine up your waistline.

Here are some videos showing this classic Caribbean dance move.

Towson University Caribbean Student Association Event

I am particularly excited about this post because it is a Caribbean event that I am planning and promoting for one of my clubs at Towson University. I serve on the Caribbean Student Association's events board and this our first event of the year.

The name is Island Fever and it is being thrown as a funding raising event for the Caribbean Student Association. Since this we are doing this to raise money for our club we will be charging five dollars at the door, and this will allow you to drink our house drink,Island fever, all night. We welcome people from all walks of life being from the Caribbean is not a requirement for entry.

Island Fever goes down on Friday 27th and begins at 10:30. The address is 1301 Colbury Rd. Apt. J. Music will be provided yours truly so you know the music is going to be bumping all night long. If you like dancehall, soca, reggae and hip hop this party is for You! Come dressed to impress in bright, lively colors.

I will be posting some blogs this week about different dancehall dances that could done at Island Fever, so stay logged on to Blogival.

I.C.E Carnival Custome company interfiew.

Carnivals have been part of Caribbean culture since the times of slavery. For the slaves it was a chance to get away from the hard labor and a chance to wear something different than their ragged work clothes. West Indian people now celebrate carnivals in our respective islands to pay homage to our slave ancestors and also because is just really really fun.

Costumes are the most important thing for any carnival, they set the mode and the atmosphere. In my profile picture I am in costume for Carnival in Barbados.

I.C.E Carnival is one of the premiere costume making companies in the country. Founder Brian K. Jordan and his wife, who are originally from Trinidad and Tobago started the company because they felt the could fill a void. It should be noted that there is a Carnival that is held every summer in Washington D.C.

Q: Why and When did you start Ice Carnival?
A: "I.C.E. Carnival was an off-shoot of I.C.E. Entertainment, my promotional company. It was started in 2004 when many of my event patrons and my wife suggested that there was a void when it came to quality costumes in the DC Carnival parade. My wife asked if I would be interested in working with her to produce a section with another band, and the rest shall we say is history."

Q: What is the Caribbean nightlife like in the Towson, Baltimore area?
A: "Caribbean nightlife is fairly subdue in the Baltimore-Towson area. It's not as active as the DC area, That's for sure. Partly due to a lack of venues, and partly due to few promoters willing to take a chance on investing on events, due to the smaller Caribbean student population."
Q: Do you think there is a void in Caribbean events in the Towson, Baltimore area?
A: "There is a void and we'd love to work with the various student promotional groups to fill that void. Our Caribbean culture is too rich not to have it properly represented in the area."
Q: Do you know of Blogs about Caribbean events?
A: "Our friends Arious Entertainment are the only local blog that has been consistent and around for the last many years. Their blog is not only about Caribbean events but about other socio-political issues affecting the Caribbean-American population."


This is great company owned by honest hard working people. here is their website if you would like to look at designs of their costumes.
www.icecarnival.net

DJ Interview: Duane Powell of Stone Love

Meeting people that interest you or inspire you are some of the many reasons people decide to become journalist. As a journalist you have the opportunity to get a glimpse into people's lives through interviews. This interview is one I will never forget because I got to talk to Duane Powell of Stone Love. Powell is the son of founder, Winston "Wee Pow" Powell, and has been playing for eight years.
Stone Love Music is the number one sound system group in Jamaica. Stone Love was founded in 1972 and has become the perennial force in the industry. I remember growing up in Jamaica and hearing my older cousins and friends talking about Stone Love DJs and parties. How the parties are always corked(full), how loud the speakers were and how they danced with all these pretty girls to the hottest songs at that time.
This interview was not planned. After I finished my interview with DJ Sir Bingz he pointed to a guy sitting down and said he plays for Stone Love. I replied with asking, "Stone Love from Jamaica, Stone Love,? I introduced myself and jotted down a quick list questions to ask Duane.

Q:What brings you to Baltimore?
A:"I'm playing at a party tonight. Ricky's Valentines day bash."
Q: Is this the first time you have played in Baltimore?
A: "first time for me, but other guys from the group have played in Baltimore and in other places in the U.S."
Q:Who are the DJs that make up Stone Love.?
A: "Wee Pow, Rory, Billy Slaughter, G-Fuss, Bill Cosby, Diamond, Ice Berg, Duane Powell, Fire Ras and Black Fox."
Q: What makes Caribbean parties one of a kind?
A: "Well in the islands they you can party until the morning, and most of the times they are outside. But in general, all the different dances you see the dancers come up with. The dances catch on and then everyone is doing it along with the dancers."


http://www.imexpages.com/stonelove/

Dancehall Wednesdays and Hot Thursday

The Blue Caribbean Lounge is the hot spot for Caribbean parties in the Baltimore area. When I asked DJ Sir Bingz about the this subject he and another man in his barbershop quickly replied the Blue Caribbean.

I also have found memories of the Blue Caribbean Lounge. I happened to go there one night because one of my best friends from Jamaica, Chase, who now goes to school in Washington DC. was visiting me and I wanted to take him to place that played Caribbean music. I called a DJ friend of mine and he told me to meet him at the lounge. I'm glad we did because Chase and I had definitely were feeling the vibe all night, the music and the atmosphere made us feel like we at a session(party) back in Jamaica.

The Blue Caribbean host two parties on a weekly basis; Dancehall Wednesdays and Hot Thursday. Hot Thursday is described on its promotional flyers as the, "Biggest Caribbean party in Baltimore."

The party on Wednesdays starts at 8 p.m. and admission is free. All events at the venue are 21 and older. Dress code: no plain white T-shirts.

The party on Thursdays begins with a happy hour at 6 p.m. that features a free buffet, drink specials and apple martini. The dance party starts at 9p.m. Admission is free before 9:30.
Music provided my Jamdown Promotions and DJ Easy E.

The Blue Caribbean Lounge 5402 Park Heights Ave. Baltimore, Md.

DJ Interview: DJ Sir Bingz of Jamdown

When you think of a Caribbean party what is the first thing that comes to your mind? I don't know about you, but loud music is my first response. Every Caribbean party will have music playing, the music is what sets the vibe and most people go to the parties to dance. I interviewed DJ Sir Bingz for this post so you guys out there can get to know more about one the best Caribbean DJs in the Baltimore area.

Sir Bingz, who is one of the founding members of the DJ and promotion group Jamdown, has been playing at Caribbean parties since 1991. He says his best quality is that he is versatile and is comfortable playing any kind of music to any type of crowd.

I can attest to this. I first met Sir Bingz at a party he was playing at. I danced all night to old and new songs of dancehall and soca. He was so good that I asked him for his business card, and have used his services for one of my own parties.

Since Bingz has knowledge about Caribbean events in this area he was an ideal person to find out where parties are, who promote them and in his opinion of the scene.

Q:Where is the hottest Caribbean night spot in the Towson, Baltimore area?
A: "The Blue Caribbean."
The Blue Caribbean located on 5402 Park Heights Ave. Baltimore, Md.
Q: What promoters throw the best parties in this area?
A: 'Lone Star Promotions, Rebels Promotions and Jamdown Promotions."
Q: When and Where will you be playing next?
A: "At the Blue Caribbean, I am there every Thursday night."
Q: Describe the patrons of these parties, are they diverse?
A: "Yes it is diverse. There are people from different Islands, African Americans, Africans and even some English."
Q: In your opinion, what cultural effects do Caribbean events have on the Towson, Baltimore area?
A: "It definitely brings diversity to the area. It helps people from different cultures and backgrounds interact in a social environment."

I wanted to ask him more questions but he was in the middle of giving someone a haircut, so I didn't want to distract him to much.

www.jamdownworldwide/myspace.com

Legandary Stone Love playing at Valentines day Party

Stone Love is the premiere DJ grew in Jamaica and one of their members will be playing at this party. It starts at 11 p.m. so you still got time to make it.

High Rollaz Booking Agency in association with Flava Kids United presents: Ricky a.k.a Richie Rich Annual Valentines Birthday Bash @ Potters Place 3333 Frederick Ave. Baltimore, MD 21229.

$20 with a ticket, more at the door. A bottle of champagne for the first 50 Ladies before 1a.m. Free roses for all Ladies!

Music by: Duane Pow of Stone Love, High Rollaz, King Raw Deal and Emperor.

Happy Valentines Day.
http://www.imexpages.com/stonelove/

Party This Thursday: Sex Appeal

Here is the 411 for the party.

The name is Sex Appeal and it is being hosted by DJ Lawless. It goes down Thursday 12 with the doors opening at 9:00 p.m. The venue is Kildaries Lounge which is located at 6826 Hartford Rd. Baltimore Md. Kildaries Lounge is new bar located at the lower level of Finn bar and grill. There will be a live DJ every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

This should be a fun party because it is a new hot spot and because DJ Lawless will be playing the music. From personal experience Lawless knows how to get the crowd on the dance floor. Lawless has been the DJ of many of my most memorable Caribbean parties. He does an excellent job of mixing rap, reggae, dancehall and soca, so everyone gets to hear their favorite dance music.

This is a party you definitely should check out.
http://www.facebook.com/wall.php?id=39601958&banter_id=18419537#/event.php?eid=49346632927

Introduction

Hi my name is Jimi Payne and I am a senior broadcast journalism major at Towson University. My blog will be about Caribbean events in the Towson, Baltimore Maryland area. Blogival will be a place where people interested in Caribbean culture can come and find out about events to attend. I will also try to attend as many parties as possible so I can give a first hand critique of the events.

So why should you read my blog?

I am from the Caribbean. Born in Barbados, lived eight years in Jamaica.
I have know promoters and DJs in the Towson/Baltimore Caribbean night life scene.
I have organized and promoted Caribbean Events with my own company Wild Out Entertainment.
I listen to dancehall, soca, calypso and reggae music on a regular basis.
I serve on Towson University's Caribbean Student Association board as director of social events.

So stay tuned for more Blogival.