Bashment Review: Leisa Engel's PAJAMA Style Birthnite Bash

Riding on the recent success of CGP’s sell-off boat ride, “Rock da Boat”, Leisa Engel gives Cleveland’s dancehall fans another great event with her birthnite Pajama Style Bash on August 24th at Caribbean Flavor. If you haven’t made it to 'Full Throttle Fridays’ at Caribbean Flavor and came out to support Ms. Engel for her birthnite, you were treated to some great tunes from DJ Chubby and guest sound, Young Hawk from New York.

SPECIAL NOTICE***
Since 2007 has been declared “The Year of the Theme”, Cleveland’s Dancehall promoters have had the scene in blazers, in pink and white, mixing and matching, (and who can forget the never-ending all white)? Promoters come with these themes to make a dance a little more interesting and, I feel, brings a better vibes to the dance.....

That being said, when a promoter decides to go against the norm and have a dance like, for example, “Pajama Style” then YES YOUR ARE TO DRESS ACCORDINGLY… Come on Cleveland, you have got to get with it (and not only at the all white Memorial Day Bash or the pink Valentine’s Day Dance). When you as decide to support a dance with your attendance, take it a little further and play along. You know how we do it, “What are you wearing?” or “Girl, I’m getting this made…” part of being a Dancehall Celebrity is being a Celebrity and being Red Carpet Ready (shameless plug). Just try it. You’ll see the dances would have better vibes. I’m just saying, how hard could it have been to participate and support Lisa Angel’s Pajama Party theme? Hmm straight to the closet, right? Except for those of us who sleep in the buff, you may have to think a little! And speaking of buff, big ups to the gentleman who wore his pajamas, that’s what I’m talking about, doing the damn THEME & THING!

Of the few and the proud who didn’t sleep on the theme (okay, I couldn’t help it). The Guest of honor wore a pink satin camisole trimmed in black lace with cuties capris. Following close behind, was Cleveland cutest proprietor, Mrs. Lulenine (sp?) with an eye catching red satin pajama ensemble. Also out to support Leisa Engel were of course her fam from WJCU radio, Maggie & the Untouchable Crew (cute jammies girl!), the Blaza Crew, the laid back Lady Spyder (Spyder Crew), The Bashment Crew, Metroplex Crew, Super Dee, Cat, Jo Jo, Mark Dragon from New York, Tammy Trendz and Tanya Classic of Designing Women (still on their promotional tour for their big birthnite bash with The Big Man, Mr., Dailey). Also in the building, First Class (the promoter, along with Makka B, behind the MUCH anticipated Tony Matterhorn in October). Ms. Brandy, the Zimbabwe Crew, Doug, Vinnie and Craig, (those African men can dance!)

Guest sound from NYC, Young Hawk was rocking the crowd NYC style to such big tunes like Sam Cooke “A change Gone Come” and moved it right along all night long until the Lisa & DJ Chubby took over and moshed up the place old school style just the way the Cleveland crowd likes it. The dance was in full groove and would have lasted even longer but ended in smoking fashion, courtesy of the city of Euclid….

****Although Chat ‘Bout is all about the positive side, we almost forgot to discuss the haters mentioned by the guest sound wishing bad vibes to Leisa’s bash…. Just two words - SELL OFF!

Keep it moving (U P !)


Ciao

Tattletale

Bashment Review: Wifey V. Matey Affair - No Competiiton!

Leave it to Superdee to bring another blazin’ bash! The Wifey Vs, Matey Affair on August 18th, proved to be a night of good vibes, great tunes and self realizations. The big tunes came and ruled the crowd all night from Super Dee and friends straight from the BRONX.

As the Wifeys wore white and the Mateys wore red, Chat ‘Bout was on hand to spot the Wifeys AND the Mateys at the dance. It was all about Tammy Trends of the Designing Women Crew as she represented with a custom t-shirt in full style: “Matey by Day” on the front and “Wifey by Nite” on the back (see pic below). Also on hand promoting their September 1st birthnite bash with Mr. Dailey was Tanya Classic sporting a white and red paisley strapless dress… (Hmm, is she saying that she is a wifey AND a matey?)

Other onlookers for the affair included, Serena of the now debanded Wow-Wow Crew (keep holding it down, Ma!), Nikolai (sans wife Tamika Untouchable - no need to advertise, can you say WIFE?!!!) Blaka, Brokefoot & brother Ritchie (rocking the latest latest True Religion Jeans - THANK YOU), Toronto Jay and Desmond… Selector Monk, looking 80’s fly in a RUN DMC – style DOOOKEY DOPE ROPE CHAIN – (Loved it!), Dia P, The Untouchable Crew, Maggie and Sharon, Cool Cool Kat looking dapper in a blazer & jeans.

Selectors on the scene included Star Temple’s CB & Ricky Hype, Makka B of Megga Force and the ever changing, ever transforming New Horizon Crew - who has more members than the Wu Tang Clan… maybe they should change their name from New Horizon to New Additions… just a suggestion. Sample Jack’s Lava and newlywed KC and Lady T were missing in action- oh well, everyone doesn’t have to advertise their status......

Okay, okay, back to the dance…

Its check out time and no, I don’t mean bye, I mean check out this… as the soundman rocked the latest tunes and the crowd finally began to vibe, Cleveland’s dancehall celebrities of course have to take action on the dance floor. As one dancehall celeb, Miss Skippity Skip, skipped to the tunes and was doing her thing, she accidentally drops her Heineken in the middle of the dancefloor only to backshot dip it low, picks it up, places it on the bar, orders another and gets back in her groove before the soundman can switch the tunes… Check Out that!…

Or let’s check out the honey that had soooo much fun modeling and dancing happened to slip, and recover by turning the malfunction into a new dance move that actually led her to dutty wuk all over the floor. Got to love ya for it ladies! Who says Beyonce is the only who to fall with grace? That’s what the dance is all about - having a good time no matter what the mishaps. Keep it coming Cleveland - the vibes haven't been this right for a loooonnnng time!

Till the next dance …


Ciao!

TattleTale

Three the Hardway - Coming to a Dancehall Near You! September 1st!!!!!

Damn! Is it that time of year again? Already? (It doesn’t seem that long ago, really....) Anywho, last year Chat'Bout Cleveland was of many, to attend the annual birthnite bash for the one, the only, MR. ALBERT DAILEY! Big Up Yourself! Without Dailey’s as the Mecca for the West Indian Community in Cleveland, who knows?

Okay, okay, back to the bash! Well, Mr. Dailey's birthnite bash remains one of the most anticipated parties of the year. We know that his LAbor Day Weekend Bash marks the farewell to summer and the greetings to fall. Well, this year, few things have changed. To bring even more fire to this event, there are a few additions to his annual dance. Mr. Dailey has teamed up with Tammy Trends and Tanya Classic of The Designing Women Crew to present “Three the Hard Way” Birthnite Bash. Hmmm, how does one get to have a party with the Big Man?.....It’s easy - it's as simple as being born (on the same day)!

A night called "Three the Hard Way" comes straight from the blaxploitation* film from the 70's. Sooooo, perhaps that's why “Are you Red Carpet Ready?” is much more of a statement than a question.

We will just have to see.

And trust, Chat 'Bout can't wait to see how this is going to go down.

See you at the bash.


Tattle Tale


*Blaxploitation is a film genre that emerged in the United States in the early 1970s when many exploitation films were made that targeted the urban African American audience; the word itself is a portmanteau of the words “black” and “exploitation.” Blaxploitation films starred primarily black actors, and were the first to feature soundtracks of funk and soul music. Although criticized by civil rights groups for their use of stereotypes, they addressed the great and newfound demand for Afrocentric entertainment, and were immensely popular among black audiences.


– wikipedia.com

Reggae on the Radio - who knew?

Need a dose of dancehall to get you through to the next bash? A cup of culture vibes or a shot of ska? Here is a listing of the stations playing Reggae on the Cleveland area radio waves- enjoy!

Reggae on Cleveland Radio

Sundays:
“R – Vibes” with Dread Clayton
5- 7pm
89.3 WCSB

“African Abstract” with Charleston Okafor - 89.3 WCSB
7-9pm
89.3 WCSB

Mondays:
“Yard Vibes Radio Show” with Empress Ajah
2-4pm
91.1 WRUW

Tuesdays:
Ras Gato’s Gullah Gumbo
3-5pm
89.3 WCSB

“Ishence” with Kabir
5:30pm
89.3 WCSB

“Monster Boogie Ska” with Joe
9-11pm
89.3 WCSB

Wednesdays:
Black Scorpio
2-4pm
91.1 WRUW

Thursdays:
“Higher Vibes of the Caribbean” with Jomo Benn
1-3pm
89.3 WCSB

Fridays:
“Night of the Living Dread” with Rich Lowe
7-9pm
91.1 WRUW

Saturdays:
“Rudies Hi-Fi” with Tommy Fox
2-4pm
89.3 WCSB

“Carribbean Groove” with Leisa Engel and DJ Chubby
8:30pm-12am
88.7 WJCU
www.caribbean-groove.com

Anger Over Winner Spoils Dancehall Queen Competition

Red Label Wine International Dancehall Queen 2007 Maude "MoMo" Francato (seated), 26, of Quebec City Canada is flanked by her runners-up; 2nd Place; Kadian Reid (right), 23, of Montego Bay, and 3rd place, Angelina Battle, 20, of Boston.

A bottle-throwing incident marred the 11th staging of the Red Label Wine International Dancehall Queen competition on Saturday, forcing the promoters to rethink the format of future stagings of the event.

Sections of the large crowd which turned out to see the event at Pier One pelted the stage with liquor bottles after the judges announced 27 year-old Canadian Maude “MoMo” Francato as the winner, forcing contestants, organizers and patrons to run for cover.

"We definitely will have to resort to no bottles in the venue in order to prevent something like this happening in the future," said promoter Brian 'Big Head' Martin after the incident had subsided. "Once it happens once, it will happen again."

Martin expressed disappointment at what he said were the misguided actions of a minority of the audience, which succeeded in marring the event and scoffed at accusations by some patrons that they colluded with the judges to select Francato as the eventual winner.
"There were five different judges and it is unlikely that they would have colluded to fix the winner," said Martin. "Furthermore, the promoters have no hand in the judging of the girls and it would not serve our interest to preordain the winner."

This is not the first time the highly controversial event, known for its raw, sexually suggestive dance routines, has been marred by violence. In 2005, the audience reacted in similar manner, rejecting the judges' choice and eventually choosing the now deceased Shanique Taylor as the winner. Ironically, Francato, who hails from Quebec City in Canada, and describes herself as a professional dancer, was a crowd favorite from the beginning.

Unfazed by Saturday's violent episode, Francato was able to return to the stage to pose for pictures with her runners-up, second place Kadian Reid, 23, of King Street in Montego Bay and third place winner Angelina Battle, 20, of Boston in the USA.

Reid, who burst into tears after she was announced as the second place winner, subsequently erupted into an angry tirade, claiming that she should have worn the crown. "She can't even wine," Reid said of Francato.

However, the 27-year-old, who was entering the competition for the third time - placing second in 2004 and not placing in 2005 - said she was overjoyed at her win and felt it was deserved as she had put in a lot of hard work.

"There is no way to describe how I feel right now," she said. "I wanted it so badly." Francato, who won a $300,000 cash prize, said she would now use her position as Dancehall Queen to raise awareness in her hometown. Reid won $150,000 and Battle won $100,000.
The competition, which this year attracted a record 48 contestants from Europe and North America, including Austria, Germany and Estonia, kicked off shortly after midnight without incident.

The contestants, displaying skill and agility on current dance moves, including Raging Bull, Drop Dead and Dutty Wine to hits by Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Munga Honourable and Rihanna, were soon narrowed to a field of 20.

The 20 contestants then had a quick two-minute dance off, with five outstanding dancers emerging as crowd favorites. Reid's wild gyrations to Beenie Man's, ‘Cock It Up, Gal’ and Francato's fresh take on current dance captured the imagination of the crowd.

It was then down to the selected five contestants to out-dance each other, showing all levels of skills, bumflicking and head-top wining to the delight of the audience.
-www.jamacianobeserver.com

To read more about The 2007 Dancehall Queen, MoMo go to: www.myspace.com/dancehallqueenMoMo

Bashment Review: Reggae Boyz Patrick's Birthnite Bash - 8.4.07

Dailey’s Blue Mountain Inn defended its title of the little bash that could Saturday night for Cleveland Reggae Boyz’ Patrick’s Birthnite bash. What started out to be an evening of redemption from Last Saturday’s bash (see August 1st post), unexpectedly turned a night of good vibes and even better tunes. Yes, the heat was on, but we are not talking room temps! (this time)….

At about 1am the small but mighty crowd was feeling the tunes provided by New Horizon (so many selectors, not enough dances) as hey blessed the party with some oldie but goodie tunes that kept the crowd moving. KC Platinum keep the grooves coming with a few Sample Jack dubs and the newest dancehall tunes.

Just as partygoers thought they had reached the highest point of the bash, along comes Organik Sound featuring Caribbean Groove’s duo, Leisa Engel and DJ Chubby. What????? In case you forgot how they burn up the place every Friday night at Caribbean Flavor, they came with a pure WHITE hotness that put me in the mind of the old days of The Big Family. Straight up, they did the damn thing – really. Kept the crowd moving and feeling completely satisfied with hot tune after hot tune. (Is this what we are in for at Leisa Engel’s Pajama Jam on August 24th?)

In the crowd, also having a good time were The Uprising Crew, The Designing Women Crew with Tanya Classic and Tammy Trendz - giving them a taste of what to expect for their big birthnight bash with Mr. Dailey (September 1st), Blacka, Serena (Wow Wow), Dancehall Queens Ms. Trini and Destiny (way to check that hater, Ms. Destiny! She’ll know next time, won’t she?), and Brandi of the CGP crew.

I was loving the vibes of the evening, all selectors were on their best behavior as they made sure to big up all the coming events and showed every promoter and sound much respect. But, isn’t that how it’s supposed to be?


Feeling the love,

Bashy

Stone Love - We told you it was going to be H O T !!!!!

It was definitely HOT like fire at The Club Center on Saturday. No, literally hot – I mean REAL hot. SO hot this reporter kind of lost track of a few things. Warning: Alcohol and Heat – BAD COMBINATION!!!!

Chat ‘Bout arrived to a jammed packed parking lot (and surrounding side streets) at a fashionable 2am. The bash was in full swing with the Star Temple playing classic favorites such as “Like a Virgin” and “I Will Survive”. As the heat took over the constantly growing crowd, the bash was quickly turning into “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” until the Sounds of New Horizon took over to move the sluggish, over heated crowd. Trust me, trying to keep sweat off a MAC face and not dancing too much to attract even more heat was NOT easy, but I was able to hear a few new dub plates and crowd favorites.

Chat ‘Bout was also able to spot a few more Dancehall Celebrities in the bash; The Untouchables, Maggie, Jodi and Ms. Sharon (looking so radiant), The God Bless Crew, The Blaze Crew, The Designing Women Crew (with Tanya Classic and Tammy Trends delivering a teaser for their Labor Day birthnight bash with Mr. Dailey), Dancehall Queen Alums, Ms. Destiny, Lady Spyda and Ms. Trini. Ms. Brandi in the cutesy cute hot gal dress, Ms. Sheri, Nicholai with his better half Tamika, Leisa Engel (88.7), Brightnite and his lovely wife, and of course, Blacka (word on the street it that his sell off bash at the Club Center is coming soon!)

A comparison to the last BIG bash at The Club Center? There isn’t any (does the same location count?) Not really, the ungodly heat killed (or should I say burned) any type of vibe at the dance. It was extremely difficult to really feel the tunes and cut loose if you have to stop and fan yourself, wipe your face or get some water! Speaking of water, THERE WASN’T ANY!!!! I guess the promoters figured if all they bring is Stone Love that is clearly enough. No air, no wine, no mixed drinks, Just Stone Love, some jerk Chicken and Hennessey – now THAT’S a bash!

Needless to say the bash had its potential – weren’t we all looking forward to it? But word to Cleveland’s Next Top Promoter- A great sound does not automatically make a good dance! Or does it?

Trying to stay cool,

Bashy