Gone but not Forgotten - The Cotton Club

“Gone…” were the first words I heard on the other end. “What’s gone?” I asked.

“The Cotton Club, girl” says Tattletale, “The Cotton Club is officially torn down!”

“What????!” It finally sunk in.

After a long sigh, and a few screams, the reminiscing began.

I still remember the first time I went to the Cotton Club, it was for birthnight bash, I think. This guy told me about a party that night and I was going to ‘drop in’ to maybe check it out – since I was in the neighborhood and all. (I lived WAY across town). I knew what to expect from my Dad’s Hall days but I trying to convince my entourage that in spite of the looks (and the location); it would definitely be worth the $20 the guy at the door was asking. With some urging and some extra cash, I made my way in and a bashment gal was born! Fast forward a few years later and The Cotton Club became a place in which I ‘dropped in’ more often….

Still in denial, I drove to the site to see for myself. I looked at the hole that used to be the club’s basement and I chuckled as I remembered the near misses on those killer steps to the bathroom. I wondered how many scraped heels, ankles and egos met their demise on those damn things. With the combination of stiletto heels and Alize’ (don’t ask, it was a long time ago), It’s a wonder I never met that same fate.

I drove around to the parking lot, along that same route I took to the dances and paused as I can still remember how excited I used to get when the cars met me around the corner and heard the bass booming from the bash. Like any dance, the parking lot was a gauge of how the dance would be. If the lot was full and parking spilled out onto Miles and its side streets, you can believe the dance sell off! (The most ram dance that still holds the record was the bash featuring Sean Paul in 2002. I don’t think I ever remember having to park on a side street off 135th!)

In true stalker fashion, I pulled a little closer to the site and more dancehall memories kicked in….. The time when Elephant Man made a hasty exit from the stage courtesy of a gunshot….The stellar performance of Capelton regardless of the stench of mace in the air…. A very energetic Lady Spyder winning a 20 inch color TV by making it a part of her routine….The stage banner with the BIG green Bee with the words “Green Team” at all of their dances….. (sigh) the list of great times at the Cotton Club could go on…

I called my bashment buddy as I turned out the parking (for the last time) and said,
“Gone”.

“Yeah, girl, GONE.”

What do you remember about the Beautiful and Spacious Cotton Club? Hit us up – chat_bout_cleveland@hotmail.com.

A little more then I am now,

Bashy

It's almost here! Stone Love arrives in Cleveland on January 26th!

Chat 'Bout Cleveland has dubbed 2008 as 'The Battle of Dancehall Promoter' as we eagerly await the first round with the arrival of The Immortal Stone Love on Saturday, January 26th for Blacka’s birthnite bash, an evening called ‘Betta Must Come’.

Cleveland’s premier sounds will be on hand for the bash including Sample Jack (with KC and Lava), New Horizon (all of them), and Organik Sound featuring DJ Chubby and Leisa Engel. If you missed Blacka’s bash at Dailey’s last year with an impromptu appearance by Sizzla (Yes, at Dailey’s!) Then who KNOWS what this year’s bash will bring…

As many years as we have come to enjoy Stone Love at the dances (some more years than others!), Chat ‘Bout decided to list a few facts about the sound that we have all come to Love….

-For the past 35 years, the sound has set itself apart from all others in the industry, with its unique pattern of playing, standards, rules and the overall quality of the music played.

-Stone Love was started in 1972 by Winston Powell.

-The current selectors are; Wee Pow, Rory, Geefus, Billy Slaughter, Diamond, Ice Berg, Dwayne Pow and Fire Ras.

-Most recent accomplishments include becoming the first sound to start advertising ourselves on trucks, the first sound to be broadcast on an airline (Air Jamaica), first sound to be signed with a label, first sound to be endorsed and sponsored by a corporate company first Rum Cream, then Guinness and now Magnum.

So, if STILL haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying this sound after THREE DECADES on the scene – then we will definitely check you on the 26th at the Club Center!

It’s a New Year and I’m Still –

Bashy

Bashment Review: Dailey's Customer Appreciation Bash

If Saturday’s Customer Appreciation Bash at Dailey’s Blue Mountain Inn is any indication of what is in store for 2008, then this year will be full of can’t miss events! The dance sell off as the masses flocked to Dailey’s for the first Bash of the new year….

As Chat ‘Bout made our usual fashionably late appearance at about 1:30, the vibes were coming through the door as the sounds of New Horizon blazed the latest tunes from Busy Signal, Macka Diamond and Munga. The crowd was feeling the tunes as the men and women moshed up the dance floor. New Horizon Monk soon turned the tunes over to who he referred to as a pioneer, KC Platinum from Sample Jack. KC Platinum always has a way of taking control of the crowd by cooling them down with tunes like ‘We Are the World’ (no, really) and ‘I’m Alive’ by Celine Dion only to crank the crowd back up with white hot tunes such as Duffel Bag Boy Riddim featuring Mavado.

It was good to see the people out and about enjoying themselves at Dailey’s once again. Saturday’s bash reiterates the fact that Dailey’s has been and will be the nucleus of West Indian Culture in Cleveland. The dance was full of great vibes and this reporter certainly hopes it will continue through 2008 and beyond.

(Okay, okay, there was a minor altercation at the bash but trust me it was quickly handled – and I DO mean handled! I don’t think I have ever seen a covert operation take place as quickly as security (and others) disposed of Ms. Don’t–push- me–even-though-I’m-in-a –crowded-ass-club-so-now-I-want-to-fight. Peace out, fool! Now back to the tunes…)

Also in the crowd enjoying the vibes were Maggie Untouchable of course sans Sharon and Jodi, Ms. Trini, 88.7 DJ Chubby, 1/3 of the Designing Women Crew, Ocean Wave Eye (loving that peach suit, boy!), Dailey’s Heir Apparent, Huey, Flava Unit Nicholai and Brother Dylan, Blacka – reminding the masses of his HUGE birthnite bash, and of course, Mr. Promoter Himself, Makka B.

I really don’t know what I enjoyed most about this bash – was it the free admission (or in our case, $2), the return of the vibes, the hot tunes, the giveaways (coffee maker, vacuum cleaner, smoothie maker, or roaster) courtesy of Maggie and Mr. Dailey or was it the impromptu dance off courtesy of Monk and Makka B? If you missed Monk’s moves, trust me – you just had to be there! All I can say is -Wowwwww!

That being said, Chat ‘Bout is fully bashment ready for 2008. Starting with Blacka’s Birthnite Bash (can you say that 5 times fast?) with Stone Love on January 26th, followed by Makka B’s night featuring Bass Odyssey on February 2nd, all getting ready for one of the hottest events of Cleveland’s dancehall scene – M A V A D O- coming February 22nd! Chat ‘Bout has also heard a few murmurs of some great events coming in March such as Huey’s dance featuring Glamour Wayne and who can forget KC Platinum’s Birthnite bash?

Other promoters are promising some BIG things in the New Year. So I guess we will have to wait and see!

Must get some ‘fits for these events so I be-

Bashy

Chat 'Bout Year in Review: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.....

Happy 2008! 8 is the number of new beginnings we at Chat 'Bout Cleveland are looking forward to the beginning of possiblilities in 2008 (and beyond). In retrospect, here a wrap of our the year we left behind......

The Good: First Rastafarian wins Ms. Jamaica Universe title

Zahra Redwood, 25, is the first Rastafarian to win the competition on April 1, 2007 and represented Jamaica in the international finals in Mexico on May 28.
Following her historic victory: "I was just in absolute awe. I was elated, I was overwhelmed; it's a feeling I've never felt before, so everything that I'm saying is just a mere approximation to the emotions I was going through at that time."
As the proclamation came over the system, 'Zahra Redwood, Miss Jamaica 2007!' an African song played softly in the background and Cindy Wright, Miss Jamaica Universe 2006, balanced the large diamond crown on Miss Redwood's pinned locks.

The Good: George Bush proclaims Caribbean-American Heritage Month

PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT:
CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2006
THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press SecretaryFor Immediate Release June 5, 2006

CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2006- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAA PROCLAMATION

During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the great contributions of Caribbean Americans to the fabric of our Nation, and we pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Caribbean countries.

Our Nation has thrived as a country of immigrants, and we are more vibrant and hopeful because of the talent, faith, and values of Caribbean Americans. For centuries, Caribbean Americans have enriched our society and added to the strength of America. They have been leaders in government, sports, entertainment, the arts, and many other fields.

During the month of June, we also honor the friendship between the United States and the Caribbean countries. We are united by our common values and shared history, and I join all Americans in celebrating the rich Caribbean heritage and the many ways in which Caribbean Americans have helped shape this Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2006 as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of Caribbean Americans and their contributions to our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

The Good: Captain Barrington Irving, Jr

Barrington A. Irving, Jr., an aerospace student at Florida Memorial University, and reportedly the youngest person and first black person and first Jamaican American to pilot a plane around the world solo.
Irving was born in Jamaica, and grew up in the Miami, Florida area.
Irving started his journey on March 23, 2007 in the Opa-locka Airport located near Miami, planning to complete the trip in 41 days. His airplane, a Columbia 400, is named the "Inspiration", and was assembled by himself using over $300,000 in donated parts.
The first two stops on his itinerary were Cleveland and Long Island.
On June 27, 2007, Irving completed his flight around the world, after 95 days of travel, making him the youngest, and first Jamacian American to complete a solo flight around the world.
Irving turned down multiple football scholarship offers with his sights set on aviation. He later founded Experience Aviation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering minority youth to pursue careers in aviation.

The Bad: Jamaica's female prime minister struggling

When Portia Simpson Miller became their first female Prime Minister, Jamaicans celebrated in the streets, hailing "Sista P" as a warmhearted champion of the poor.
Months later, much of her support had dissipated. A scandal over a political donation from a European company and her failure to reduce crime had voters questioning her effectiveness. The homespun style many once found endearing had begun to work against her.
Beyond the donation scandal, Simpson Miller's administration failed to curb criminal violence, which many Jamaicans consider the country's most pressing problem. More than 1,000 people were murderered-- the third straight year that homicides have topped that number on the island of 2.6 million people.
With opponents urging her to call early elections, Simpson Miller risked becoming one of Jamaica's shortest-serving prime ministers since independence from Britain in 1962.
On September 3, 2007 her party narrowly lost the 2007 general election retaining 27 seats against the rival Jamaican Labour Party 's 33 seats. Simpson-Miller initially refused to concede defeat alleging voting irregularities and the possibility that recounts will change the final result. The Organization of American States issued a statement declaring the election free and fair. "I believe this election can stand international scrutiny," said OAS assistant secretary-general Albert Ramdin who led a team of international observers who monitored the election.

She conceded defeat on September 5, 2007. Then on September 11, Simpson Miller was succeeded as Prime Minister by JLP leader Bruce Golding.

The Bad: Montego Bay 'makes it rain' at the 11th annual Dancehall Queen Competition, forcing the promoters to rethink the format of future staging 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 26 year-old Canadian Maude Francato as the winner, forcing contestants, organizers and patrons to run for cover.
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.

Unfortunately, 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.
Francato was the second Non Jamaican to win the Dancehall Queen title. The first was Junko, from Japan.

The Bad: Beenie Man and D'Angel

These two have had more of a soap opera year than Brittany. It’s been the type of drama we wouldn't wish on our worst enemies. From their short lived marriage, followed by the divorce petition, very public squabbles, mud-slinging and even a paternity test …(The inspiration behind the track, ‘Baby Father’ featuring Vybe Kartel?)! WHEW!
The 'King of the Dancehall' owes the government millions in taxes, and she keeps getting booed at stage shows. Together and apart, these two have been on a roller-coaster ride with no end in sight.

The Ugly: The murder of Lucky Dube

South African Reggae singer, Lucky Philip Dube (pronounced doo-bay) was killed in the Johannesburg suburb of Rosettenville shortly after dropping two of his seven children off at their uncle’s house on October 18, 2007. News of his murder has triggered outrage in the entertainment industry, and particularly in countries where Mr. Dube performed, including Jamaica.
Police reports suggest he was shot dead by carjackers. Five men have been arrested in connection with the murder. He is survived by his wife, Zanele, and his seven children.
As a frontline artist in the reggae genre, Lucky's creativity and inventiveness kept growing.Compelling in his musicianship and intriguing in his lyrical content, Lucky's sonic daring to take his genre to new heights never failed to amaze even the most ardent fans, whilst reigning in new devotees to his magic every day.

What do you think? Link us up your hits and misses of 2007 at chat_bout_cleveland@hotmail.com!

Best,

Bashy