10 things Chat ‘Bout Cleveland are grateful for….

1. Begins with a O and ends with an A…. Our 44th President, Barack Hussein Obama, or as I like to call him, Barry!
2. Finally – www.chatboutcleveland.com - our baby is growing more and more everyday….
3. My Space – who knew? Next stop - Facebook….
4. Gas FINALLY going down (now I can resume my road trips).
5. The Club Center – Cleveland’s new dancehall (now if only we can get Big Family back...)
6. Sunday Soccer at Woodhill Park – all about family!
7. CGP – The Flag Party, The Boat Ride (see, I remembered!), Leisa Engel’s Ling Ling bash, and the ‘Black Out Party’ landing RIGHT on Halloween this year, need I say more?
8. The great stage shows this year – Movado, Luciano, Baby Cham and Beenie and (of course Beres) made me realize the Cleveland still has ‘it’…..

9. The friends and supporters Chat ‘Bout Cleveland has come to know and love this past year, Big Up – Vybz Machine, Fudgie Springer, Punkie, Super Dee, Detroit Reggae, Roots Rock Sound, Reggae Source Magazine, Columbus Caribbean, Higher Vibes with Jomo Benn, DJ Tommy Fox, Rich Lowe, Chicago Reggae, Hot gal Lavonia, Ms. Shavon, DJ Lava Ranks and his better half DJ Jellie, Mitch from Razdabar, Trini, Selebrity, Destinee – you can never have enough (dancehall) friends!

10. All the love and support from family…

Of course, the list could go on…

So, what are you thankful for?
Bashy

Popular Bronx DJ and dancer, Skerrit Bwoy, recovers from near fatal car crash...

Popular Bronx DJ and dancer, Dale Richardson, AKA Skerrit Bwoy and crew were struck by an 18-wheeler truck while en route to a Washington D.C. performance. The car occupying the DJ and crew members was totaled on impact. ...

To read more on this story, go to: www.chatboutcleveland.com/news.

Bashy

Gives thanks. TOK on Columbus Thanksgiving Night!

Yes, it’s yet another hot stageshow coming in 2009 as Roots Records (Columbus) presents T.O.K. in concert! It all goes down Thanksgiving night, NEXT Thursday, November 27th. The reggae style crooners haven’t made it to Ohio in more than a few years (since The Odean, I remember), but these fellas present a show full of high energy leaving many audiences impressed…

The four singers began T.O.K. -- the acronym originally stood for Touch of Klass consists of Alistaire McCalla, Roshaun Clarke, and Craig Thompson who all met in the school choir at Kingston's Campion College, while friend Xavier Davidson attended Calabar High School.

T.O.K. began by performing R&B covers, but that inevitably changed. As Davidson explained, "We're Jamaican. That has to come out in the music, and that's what happened, gradually."

By 1993, the harmonious quartet placed second in the annual Tastee Talent Contest. Though they didn't win, their appearance helped bring them to Nuff Records, where they recorded a few tracks for the label, although nothing hit the charts. By 1996, they were on Sly & Robbie's Taxi label, where the single "Hit Them High" appeared, again making no real impact. From there it was on to Main Street, where they encountered engineer Richard Browne, who was about to start his own label. T.O.K. opted to go with the engineer, who was just a couple of years older than them.

Their first successful effort for his new High Profile label went nowhere, but the follow-up, "Hardcore Lover," which teamed them with dancehall queen Lady Saw, rose to number four.

After this success, T.O.K. followed up by releasing a series of singles like "Whoa" and "Ill Nana" that kept crashing into the charts. Wanting to return to
dancehall which had become a much bigger influence and their sound, the 1998 release of "Eagles Cry" (a nod to Prince's "When Doves Cry") gave the band their first number one.

Other hot tunes by the crew include; the heavily political and most frequenylt heard, ‘Chi Chi Man’, (2000)’, ‘My Crew, My Dawgs’ (2001) - , T.O.K. released on their own X.C.A.R.R. label and the recent single, ‘Footprints’ and ‘She’s Hot’ from the latest ‘Unknown Language’ released in 2005.

Once again, it’s all about a road trip Cleveland! For more information about this concert, log on to: www.rootsrecords.com!

Hoping they sing ‘Money 2 Burn’,

Bashy

Ten to One Promotions present: Shashamane International!

Cleveland promoters bring yet another great event to the Cleveland masses as Ten to One Promotions present from Shashamane International LIVE to the Club Center THIS Saturday, November 15th.

Shashamane International emerged in 1984 as Papa Bingi formed 'DREAD BROTHERS PROMOTIONS and SHASHAMANE INTERNATIONAL'. Shashamine International consists of Rev Dida, the late Pupa Davis, Oga Sura Mbaya, Daddy Chosh,Youthman Terry, and Ras Ken.

“We started playing out the Sound around Nairobi Kenya in Clubs like, ‘The Starlight’, ‘Halliance’, ‘Hollywood’ and around the country promoting Reggae music”. Say founding member, Papa Bingi.

By 1985, Papa Bingi set off for Europe leaving behind the rest of the crew. Shashamane has played in countries like Germany, Holland, England, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France and Swizerland. In 1990, Papa Bingi decided to move to New York City where he build another set. The New York crew includes; Six Killer, James Bond and Little Fox.

Currently, Shasashamane has three major bases: New York Headquarters (with Owner Papa Bingi), Denmark (with Ras Akally and Princess T)and Nairobi.

“Shashamane is a clash and juggling sound”, says Papa Bingi, “have clashed and played with Sounds like Killamanjaro, Stormforce, Love Star, King Addies, King Barka, Stereo Five, Black magic, Black Terror, Blunt Posse and many more.”

Yes, Cleveland, come and check this legendary sound THIS Saturday at the Club Center, 8800 Woodland Avenue with music by all Cleveland Sounds. Live Video and food will be in the place. See you there!

CGP's 'Black Out Affair' review and pics posted on www.chatboutcleveland.com!

What?

Don't tell me you missed ANOTHER CGP event... No worries, check out the pics and review posted on www.chatboutcleveland.com/event_reviews_.

Feel better now?

Bashy

Ohio votes for change! I love THAT ONE!

Once again, Ohio – making history!

Yes, Ohio and all it’s glory was yet AGAIN at the center of this historic election. As predicted, the favor of our great state determined the 2008 presidential race.

Thanks Ohio and beyond to help elect Barack Hussein Obama as this nation’s 44th President! May his journey be productive and prosperous for us all.

Finally able to turn away from CNN (almost)-

Bashy

Election Night - Bring in this historic event at Caribbean Flavor!

JUST ANNOUNCED!

Election Day

Tuesday, November 4th

Caribbean Flavor

321 Babbitt Road

Euclid, Ohio

Bring in this HISTORIC election with Caribbean Flavor
(we'll either be all laughing or all crying - together!)