May 10th : A tale of two dances…..

Whew! With so many things happening on the Cleveland dancehall scene these days, we wanted to take a breather to bring you an event happening a little up the road in a place called Detroit. Word on the street is the vibes are hot in D-Trios these days, so it is definitely worth taking the trip! Who knows you may want to take a break from our scene to check out some new people, dances, etc. So here we go…

On Saturday, May 10th, it’s all about the (eh hem) ‘Pum Pum Audition’ featuring our friends, Fudgie Springer from Vybz Machine and #1 dancer, Dutty Vybz from Pittsburgh (see April 13th post). Other Sounds for the event include Roots One and ‘The Mad One’ Jukie Black. From what I can tell, this will be a night of pure madness as this night features dancers KarKell from Minnesota, Detroit’s own, The Nocturnal Crew, The Hype Squad from Chicago and Selebrity (all that is missing is our girl Destiny!). And to top it all off? Fudgie releases his new single called, uh, uh, ----well, it’s on the flyer! (To hear the tune for yourself go to www.myspace.com/fudgiespringer.) It all goes down at The Victory One Social Club, located at 15775 James Couzens Freeway.

Still not convinced? Okay, for directions from Cleveland to the dance, click here:
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/3-3atdJDId*MCDku71

Yeah, I know, I know, gas has peaked $3.60 a gallon, but is that all it takes to stop you from taking a trip up North?

Okay, then I have another option for you…

Many a dancehall music lover looked out their window one early March 8th morning wondering, “Is the dance cancelled?” Yep. Well, not really. There were a few TRUE dancehall-alolics in the house that night, but not nearly what Metro Media is used to. So, for all of us who didn’t have 4wheel drive, it’s the return of Metro Media. Thankfully, the weather will be MUCH nicer weather than that little (18 inches) snow shower.

Come rain, sleet or snow (hopefully not). On Saturday, May 10th, it’s all about Metro Media and Big Belly Sky Juice. This event also features Cleveland sounds Sample Jack with Lava and Slaughter and New Horizon.

The sounds have had a chance to get a few new tunes, the vibes have been right on the scene these days and most importantly, Big Belly Mon Monk has had a chance to come up with some new dance moves for his bout with Big Belly Sky Juice, so this is an event – YOU CAN’T MISS!

Whether you stick around Cleveland or take a trip to Detroit, have a great time and see you back in Cleveland for Memorial Day Weekend!


Getting a gas card and a mapquest -

Bashy

Bashment Review: DJ Lava Ranks 'Bright Color/Spring Bling Affair'

The cold Spring air gave through to a sea of colors at DJ Lava Ranks “Spring Bling/Bright Colors Affair” last Saturday, April 19th at Dailey’s Blue Mountain Inn. It was all about yellow, hot pinks, orange and neon green at this bash as the best and the brightest (okay, I couldn’t help it) came out to welcome the season.

Chat ‘Bout entered made the usual fashionably late entrance as the bash was in full swing until about 4am. DJ Lava Ranks kept the vibes nice with a mix of a new dubplates mixed with dancehall tunes from Deseca, Beenie Man and of course, Mavado.

Not to be outdone, special guest, DJ Jelli – was on hand to supply the hip hop set as she held her own alongside the fellas. Soon after, New Horizon’s Big Belly Mon Monk took control with his ‘Independent Women’ set that kept all the gals in the place marching out tune after tune.

Also in the crowd, feeling the vibes were Makka B – doing his thing on the dance floor, Star Temple Ricky Hype, Flavor Unit, Maggie Untouchable and Crew -in full bright attire down to the belts, shoes and handbags, 88.7 DJ Chubbie, Ms. Trini and Crew, (still whining) KC Platinum and long time no see dancehall veteran, Onnie.

It was great to see the masses come out and support Lava in all the bright colors. Looking over the crowd after the bash, one was able to get a true feel for the Bright Colors theme. Once again, 2008 is all about the theme dances as Cleveland dancehall scene can look forward to The Untouchable Crew’s 10th Annual Army Fatigue dance, followed by Super Dee and Ricky Hype’s “All-White Affair” Memorial Day Weekend.

As Spring arrives and Summer approaches, the dance hall vibes are heating up in Cleveland…. Stay tunes as Chat ‘Bout Cleveland will try to keep up to bring you all the latest reviews, photos and who’s who on the scene….

To keep up with DJ Lava Ranks weekly and special events, go to www.myspace.com/djlavaranksmusic.com.

Feeling Spring like? Check out a few pics of the dance-

Until next time, I will (still) be-


Bashy

Bashment Review: CGP Presents: 2nd Annual Soca/Calypso/Flag Party

What can we say?
The Chat ‘Bout Friday nights was Caribbean Flavor (321 Babbitt Road in Euclid) as the word on the street was and is – that Full Throttle Fridays, has regained its title as the hottest dancehall Friday nights in Cleveland. Shutting down all its competitors, Caribbean Groove Promotions (or CGP) continued the madness with its 2nd Annual “Soca/Calyspo/Flag Party” on April 18th. If you haven’t been down to ‘Flavor’ (as some have begin to call it), you are definitely missing out. And if you missed the Flag Party, definitely make it a date for next year!

As Chat ‘Bout entered the venue, the mood of the dance was set by the look of the place – flags from different West Indian countries hung everywhere from the walls, the bar and yes, even the ceiling. If you were not feeling the party vibe when you hit the door, the Soca and Calypso music that filled the air definitely put you in the mood as the dance floor (complete with a wide screen showing videos of live Calypso and Soca shows) stayed packed all night with masses from Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica and everywhere in between. Reminiscent of Caribana and Carnival, the masses on the dance floor waved their towels and flags in the air as they dance to tune after tune.

Although the Soca and Calypso tunes dominated the dance, Leisa Engel and DJ Chubby supplied a few selections to cure those with the dancehall fix. As a few old school tunes from Lexxus, Beenie Man and Capelton played, the energy of the dance rose to another level as the dance floor filled to capacity.

It was good to see a few dancehall celebs in the building that Chat ‘Bout haven’t seen out in a while including The Spyda Crew and Ms. Punkin. It was even better to see more than a few new faces in the crowd (and some FINE fellas, I might add). The mix of old and new faces made this definitely a reason to make it back to ‘Flavor’ sooner than later.

Also checking in feeling the party vibe was Ms. Trini and Crew, Maggie Untouchable – representing St. Lucia with the custom airbrush t-shirt, New Horizon Pete, CGP Crew Ajoy, and Jomo Benn (81.1FM)….

All in all, the dance was mad fun and left me running to ITunes to cop a few updated Calyspo and Soca tunes to energize me through the work week! To get you through next year, here are a few pics….

A little whiny whiny and still –


Bashy

It's the Return of the Players Ball! May 3rd with Stone Love!

Picture it - Early April day in 2003, many a bashment gal set up their usual routine to get ready for a big bash...

Hair done – check

Manicure and pedicure – check

Outfit – check

Shoes(more cute than comfortable)shoes- check

“What???!! Cancelled???”

That was it- The Players Ball that we all came to know and love in the Spring was cancelled, or as some said, rescheduled -

Okay, Rescheduled until ABOUT 5 YEARS later!

The Players Ball is back in a big way for 2008!

On Saturday, May 3rd at the Club Center Mr. GQ himself presents “The Return of the Players Ball”. The flyer boasts this as a ‘night of fashion, style and class with elegance’.

Once again, Billy Slaughter of The Immortal Stone Love comes to Cleveland alongside Sample Jack with DJ Lava Ranks and Slaughter, New Horizon, and NYC Marc Dragon from Inner City Sound.So okay, divas and dons, you have about 2 weeks to get player ready for this DRESS TO IMPRESS event.

We all know that MR.GQ stays fitted so – ARE YOU RED CARPET READY?

See you there -

Bashy

Will you be our friends?

Once again, we listened to the masses and decided to take a trip to My Space Land. After always being asked, “Do you have a My Space?”, we decided to try it out. My Space is used by many in the dancehall community and apparently, Chat ‘Bout was missing out on some great networking opportunities.

So, check us out! www.myspace.com/chatboutcleveland, We are still working on the page, but in the mean time, hit us up!

See you in My Space Land-

Bashy!

Bashment Review: Hot Monday presents a Bashment & Barbie Bash

Can you say R-E-S-P-E-C-T? The Dancehall masses came out on a COLD Monday night to pay tribute to one of Cleveland's biggest Dancehall Celebrities the late NAY NAY. It was all about family and friends with another special edition of 'Hot Mondays' with a 'Bashment & Barbie Bash" for Brina, NayNay (4-10-76 RIP), and G-Man.

For the record: For those of you who remember, the Bashment crew consists of Nay Nay and her sisters while the Barbie Doll Crew is made up of Nay Nay cousins. I will always remember Nay Nay when she came to the dance – she was always cute, fly and always keep her family CLOSE!

Chat' Bout was more than happy to accept the invitation to come out and celebrate with the ladies, and needless to say, like many Mondays nights at Dailey’s lately, if you missed this bash, you missed a lot. The dance was full of vibes, great tunes, fun and a lot of love. It was great to feel the vibe of love for these ladies by everyone in attendance. Once again, the Cleveland dancehall scene pulled together to show support for one of its most memorable.

By the time Chat ‘Bout arrived at the bash, the dance was in full swing as I was able to see The Barbie Doll & Bashment Crew in full celebration mode; dancing, laughing, singing & chatting all night long.

In addition to the Bashment Crew and Barbie Doll Crew supporters, the usual suspects – New Horizon Curly Lox was on hand to bust a few dances on the dance floor. New Horizon selector Big Belly Monk spun some of the best old school tunes as he brought the crowd to the time with female anthem tunes to keep the bashment gals singing all night. The crowd got really hype as they sang along to the tune their favorite lines - "Me too rich to argue wid bitch...." (You know the rest!)

Not to be outdone, KC Platinum did the damn thing as he played some old school tunes that sent me in a time warp back to 1996 at the Cotton Club and KC Soundstation was the S*#&!!!! Whew! Okay, okay, I am back….

The hot fashions for the night? Of course, not ones to disappoint, The Bashment & Barbie Doll Crews represented well. It was all about pink and black with Toya Barbie in the black hoodie with pink “ B’s” complete with the ‘Barbie World’ ponytail and pink ribbon, Kiwi Bashment in the tie detail white blouse and hot pink shortsand we cannot go with out a mention of Brina Bashment’s black ensemble with the “RIP Nay Nay” airbrush design on the back! Very nice ladies!

Other dancehall celebs in attendance were always fresh Mr. GQ, Father B out to support the cause as well as promoting the RETURN of the Players Ball, May 3rrd! (just 2 weeks away!) Maggie Untouchable promoting her 10th Annual Army Wear Dance Memorial Day weekend, StarTemple Ricky Hype, First Class, Doe & Lil' Jon from 116th, Miss Trini &Crew Much respect and big up to Cynthia & Paul behind the bar. Also in attendance (after getting some rest from his HUGE birthnite affair) was The Diamond & Denim Don Hugh – or Huey as you call it! Yes, it’s the spring and the dances are heating up!

See you bright andearly for Lava Ranks Bright Color Affair this Saturday! This promises to be ANOTHER hot bash for us to Chat ‘Bout!

To keep you bashment ready until then, here are a few pics from the dance-


Caio! Tattle Tale--

Bashment Review: Hugh's "Diamonds and Denim Affair"

Once again, the place to be last Saturday was Dailey’s Blue Mountain Inn to celebrate Dailey’s Heir Apparent, Hugh (not Huey, y’all!) Birthnite Bash called “Diamonds and Denim”. In spite of other large events happening last Saturday as well, Hugh’s bash held its own as the place was filled with good food, great music, and yes, of course, DIAMONDS!

Guests arriving to the post dinner bash were able to take in the décor of the venue as Dailey’s was transformed into an ‘icehouse’ complete with blue and silver centerpieces, silver place settings and ‘diamonds’ throughout. The guest of honors’ table completed the look with silver letters H-U-G-H and a huge ‘diamond’ to complete the look.

Hugh arrived fashionably late as he made his entrance in a custom made denim vest and pants ensemble. Clean cut and ready to receive his guests, Hugh immediately began to work the crowd and thanked guests for their attendance.

As dinner was served, there was a hush over the crowd as they enjoyed a Jamaican inspired menu included delicacies such as Jerk Pork and rice and peas. Other items included barbeque chicken and macaroni and cheese. If you were lucky enough to have an opportunity to experience this feast, you know Ms. Cynthia and Ms. Pat did their thing in the kitchen!

As the night progressed, the dinner crowd remained and quickly turned into the bashment crowd as Sample Jack DJ Lava Ranks catered to the early partygoers with an extended hip hop set. Not only is it a treat to hear Lava Ranks spins the tunes at a dance, it is quite entertaining to watch Lava as he clearly enjoys what he is playing above all else!

Want to see what I mean? Be sure to catch Sample Jack with Lava Ranks and Slaughter, Star Temple with CB and Ricky Hype and Organic Sound with Leisa Engel and DJ Chubby at Lava’s “Bright Color Affair” THIS Saturday! (See April 5th post)
In was easy to tell Hugh had A LOT of well wishers on hand to celebrate his birthday. Chat ‘Bout was able to spot a few dancehall celebrities in the house including Maggie Untouchable, Makka B, First Class, Conscious, DJs Ricky Hype and KC Platinum. Cleveland Reggae / Midwest Reggae Fest promoter Packy Malley was also seen in the crowd chatting it up with proud papa, Mr. Dailey.

All in the entire dance was, as expected, a success as the masses came out to support Mr. Albert Dailey Jr. It was also great to hear about the strong support for another dancehall celeb’s birthnite bash as well. Big up Lurlene! (Caribbean Flavor) We also hear your birthnite bash was a success as well!

Until the next bash you choose, here are a few pics from “Diamonds and Denim” – ENJOY!

Still blinging and still –

Bashy

Chat 'Bout it: Vybz Machine

It was all about the Pittsburgh/Cleveland link up as Ten to One Promotions presented ‘Dutty Vybz’ featuring Pittsburgh’s #1

sound, Vybz Machine. Okay, it’s not enough to say that Vybz Machine is just a sound. Having spinning tunes in cities such as Berlin and Yokohama, we can say that Vybz Machine is international. And with selector Fudgie Springer recording more than a few dancehall worthy tunes, we can also say that Vybz Machine is also an artist and producer with his finger on the pulse of the dancehall scene.

Chat ‘Bout Cleveland recently sat down with Vybz Machine DJ Fudgie Springer and Pittsburgh’s Maddest dancer, Dutty Vybz during their visit to Cleveland to chat ‘bout the Midwest music scene, the Cleveland/Pittsburgh connection and where Vybz Machine stands in it all…..

Saturday, April 5th, 7:15pm

Tattletale: Where did you all get your stage names?

Fudgie Springer: Well, my name was King Fudgie, the name Fudgie came from a childhood nickname that stuck with me. Later, as I became a selector, people started to say that I played more for the female audience and got women ‘sprung’, so that is how I became Fudgie Springer.

Dutty Vybz: Fudgie actually named me as a dancer, Dutty Vybz.

Tattletale: ….. And the name, Vybz Machine?

Fudgie: Part of our name, Vybz Machine came from my favorite dancehall artists, Vybz Kartel.

(Other members Vbyz Machine include Unda Taker, Madd Sonic and Faya Ras)

Tattletale: Since starting the sound in 2003, you struggled to build a dancehall following that consisted of new tunes. What have you done to try to get the masses to let go of the old tunes and bring new music to the dancehall community in Pittsburgh?

Fudgie: It was definitely hard at first, since many of the DJ’s didn’t play a lot of new tunes. People were used to hearing the old songs, so when something new was played at the dance, people didn’t really respond. Recently, we have placed some track listings on our website (www.vybzmachine.net) to get people to become familiar with the newer songs that are played at the club. I also make CD’s of live parties with the new tunes and pass them out at dances, so people can hear the newer music.

Tattletale: What makes a great sound?

Fudgie: Great people and the versatility of the DJ. The DJ has to have the ability to cater to any crowd.

Tattletale: Many sounds like to bless the dance with roots and culture, is that something that you like to do as well?

Fudgie: Since there is usually other sounds involved, it depends on what time I start. It also depends on the vibe and energy of the people at the dance.

Tattletale: As a sound, how do you set the vibes for each dance?

Fudgie: We SET the vibes, we bring our own energy!

Tattletale: So, how difficult is it to set the vibes over and over at each dance?

Dutty Vybz: It’s fun! We love it! It’s really NOT work! (Both laughing)

Tattletale: Since you have traveled to other countries, such as Germany and Japan, how does the dancehall scene in the state compare?

Fudgie: It’s really hard to tell….New York’s dancehall scene differs from the Midwest dancehall since and so on…. It’s really hard to compare.

Tattletale: So, what are some of the differences in the some of the cities in other countries?

Fudgie: You can go to places like Hanover, the party is always nice, and there is a party EVERY night of the week. Then you see somewhere like Yokahoma, where they knew every tunes and all the dances.

Tattletale: When you come to play in Cleveland, what should the people expect?

Fudgie: Expect NOTHING you hear on the radio – not TOO clean, SORRY (laughs).

Tattletale: Where are some of the places that you enjoy playing?

Fudgie: Detroit and I would love to return to Yokohama, I try to go there at least 2-3 times a year.

Tattletale: So, what is coming up next for Vybz Machine?

Fudgie: Currently, we started Lamar Clan Records. We feature Jamaican artists like DJ Crazy Criss and Bugle, who will perform at my birthday bash in September. Lamar Clan Records will also produce Vybz Machine as well as the songs of other artists.

Tattletale: Anything else that you would like Chat ‘Bout readers to know?

Fudgie: Definitely looking forward to playing here in Cleveland!

(Well, Cleveland lived up to Fudgie’s expectations, in addition to the pure madness at the Dutty Vibes bash last Saturday, Fudgie was feeling the Cleveland vibes and bought the madness back to 4U2B on Sunday night and to Monk’s birthnite bash at Dailey’s on Monday!)

For more information on this sound, go to: www.vybzmachine.net, www.pittsburghreggae.net, www.myspace.com/fudgiespringer, www.myspace.com/vybzmachine, or www.myspace.com/lamarclanproductionsusa.

DJ Lava Ranks' Bright Colors Affair

The best and the brightest will come out as DJ Lava Ranks presents A Night Called 'Bright Color Affair/Spring Bling' THIS Saturday, April 19th at Dailey’s Blue Mountain Inn. Music by (of course) Sample Jack with Slaughter, KC and Duds alongside Star Temple with CB and Ricky Hype and Organik Sound with Leisa Engel and DJ Chubby. Special Guest DJ Jelli, playing the hip hop set for the evening.

Yes! It’s FINALLY Spring! Come and celebrate the season in hues of yellow, green, orange, pink and every other (bright) color under the sun! This weekend promises to bring nice weather, so what’s your excuse?

See you there!

Always bright and always-

Bashy

Calling all Aries! Hugh's Birthnite Bash - A Night Called "Diamonds and Denim"

…..Calling all divas and dons as Hugh presents his annual birthnite bash, A night called “Diamonds and Denim” on Saturday, April 12th at Dailey’s Blue Mountain Inn. Dailey’s heir apparent, Hugh (I still call him Huey, but he says its Hugh!) welcomes all Aries to celebrate at this guaranteed sell off event. ‘Diamonds and Denim” will feature a pre-bash dinner at 8pm followed by a birthnite bash with sounds of Sample Jack with Lava and Slaughter and Roots High Power.

Why ‘Diamonds and Denim” you ask? As any true Aries would know, diamonds are the birthstone for the month of April and denim was added to accompany Albert Dailey Jr.’s laid back persona. So don’t fret - there will not be a karats and clarity check at the gate!

So ladies, slip on your hottest denim dress or bustier and fellas come with your denim blazers, vests and slacks and get ready for a night of great food, great music and vibes!
See you there!




A little bling and a little-





Bashy

Toronto gives American Dancehall Queen Destiny much love!

Chat ‘Bout the dancehall scene in Cleveland and a few mainstays come to mind – Dailey’s….The -now debunked - Cotton Club…KC Platinum…..and of course, Destiny. Established as one of the true icons, the scene has surely not been the same since her brief hiatus, but let me be the first to say we can’t wait until we see Destiny back in the place – headstand and all!

Our dancehall darling has received much love from bashments in Detroit to Chicago. So it is only befitting that a city as bashy as Toronto will host the diva’s birthnite bash is a big way.

Main Event Entertainment will present an evening called “The Yellow and White Spring Splash” on Saturday, April 29th. This event will feature a ‘Rip the Runway’ style fashion show and 3 (count ‘em) DJ’s to add to the madness.

So, if your bashment calendar is clear and you have more than a few extra dollars for gas, head north of the border in support of Cleveland’s own – Destiny!


Keep praying (it works)–


Bashy

Bashment Review: Flavor Unit ‘constructs’ a Sell Off (with photos!)

One look around Dailey’s last Saturday night and there were a slew of hardhats, tool belts and suspenders. Was it the Department of Transportation’s night out? No, it was the masses who dressed in theme to support Flavor Unit’s “Construction Affair”. The flyer wanted this dance to be about all the hardworking people so in addition to construction workers, there were also a few hottie police women and naughty nurses in the crowd.

As expected from the last Flavor Unit bash featuring John Hype, the venue filled up quite early as Chat ‘Bout entered the dance at about 1am. The exterior décor of an orange and white barrel and street crossing sign greeted guest as they entered Dailey’s. (There were also sightings of constructions vest and hardhats on the wall of Dailey’s earlier in the week to further peek interests in the bash). Sounds from Sample Jack filled the air with great vibes as the partygoers who dresses for the occasion took a step back to admire there fellow ‘hard workers’ on the scene.

Although there were several, one high‘light’ of the evening came as Sample Jack’s Lava and Slaughter played their latest Mavado dub plates and the crowd immediately got hype. The crowd’s energy grew larger and larger as the light from the video camera took in the action of the back room. No sooner than you could say Night Ryder, the video light revealed itself as no other the Ricky Hype sporting a hard hat with a light attached (the better to see you with my dear...). Too cute! Theme dances always bring out the creativity of some people and we love to see everyone have a good time at the dance.

Yes, there was a minor incident that attempted to disrupt the fun - who were they again? Hmmmmmm….. Let’s say it probably was the usual, someone bumped somebody in a crowded club, or somebody was messing with somebody’s man, blah, blah, blah – pick one. I am sure the real story will fall somewhere in between. But, who cares? Obviously no one, since the party didn’t even pause as the lights turned on and security quickly disposed of the rats.

So, moving on-

With any Flavor Unit event, there were definitely a few dancehall celebs in the house. Big Up to Ocean Wave Eye as he sported the coveralls and hard hat, Marc Dragon from NYC, Cleveland’s dancehall diva Ms. Trini (and Crew), 10to1 Promotions DJ Ray in the place promoting his big bash on April 5th featuring Pittsburgh’s Vybz Machine (see March 22nd post), Leisa Engel alongside the CGP crew, DJ Chubby, (working it out on the solo tip), Maggie and the Untouchable Crew - all decked out in neon vests and hardhats and last but not least, Mr. GQ, Burlow was in the house, sporting his usual suit combination (no construction attire for him, thanks), no need to promote the return of his much anticipated Players Ball at the Club Center on May 3rd featuring Stone Love - the word of mouth buzz will make it sell of on its own.

So once again, Flavor Unit did it in a big way with this bash. The crowd had a great time in spite of those who skipped the attire of the bash. No matter, all the hard working people had a great time and we all look forward to the next Flavor Unit bash.

But, to hold you over, put on you hard hat and enjoy a few pics, courtesy of Chat ‘Bout Cleveland!

Still working and still –

Bashy