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!)

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, Melanie Johnson and Veronica Campbell Brown nominated for IAAF’s ‘World Athlete of the Year’

As Jamaica is still beaming from the Olympic results of the Jamaican track and field athletes, the IAAF (International Association of Athletes Federations) announced its nominees for the 2008 World Athlete of the Year.......

To read more, click here: www.chatboutcleveland.com/news

Looking for us?

www.chatboutcleveland.com - have you logged on yet?

Yes, yes, it's all true!

From the 18,000+ visitors, to the love from the other cities to the My Space and beyond -

Our little blog has GROWN UP to a site - www.chatboutcleveland.com! Log on and enjoy!

(Will the blog continue? Give us some time....we are a little attached!)

Amidst premature rumors, Legendary Singer Alton Ellis passes on

Internationally acclaimed singer, Alton Ellis, died Sunday morning in Hammersmith Hospital in London, England. The singer was admitted last year after collapsing during a show last August.

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

Mourning another loss in 2008,

Bashy

www.chatboutcleveland.com - Have you logged on yet?

Join the 500+ visitors to chatboutcleveland.com, not just a blog, anymore! Check - it - out!

Sign our guestbook before you leave!

Enjoy!

Bashy

Chat 'Bout Cleveland - ON THE AIR!!! Can you hear me now???

Be sure to catch "Rudie's Hi Fi" with DJ Tommy Foxx as he lets Chat 'Bout Cleveland tag along for a few tunes and yes - some CHAT!

It all goes down THIS Saturday on your radio dial 89.3 WCSB or listen online: www.wcsb.org, from 2-4pm.

Getting Radio Ready,

Bashy

Lovely Trini Birthnite Bash "A Seductive Soiree" pics..

Yes, you missed it! The Chat 'Bout is Lovely Lady Trini did it again with another sell off bash! Looking for the pics? Log on to: www.chatboutcleveland.com , go to our photo gallery and check out the pics from the event!

Enjoy!

Bashy

BTW, before you leave, visit our GUESTBOOK and leave a comment! Thanks!

The Columbus Caribbean Community Responds to Hurricane Gustav, Hanna and Ivan

To read more, log on: http://chatboutcleveland.com/news or http://www.columbuscaribbean.org/.

Bashy

Thank you Cleveland!

Chat 'Bout Cleveland wants to take the time to thank all the Cleveland masses for all the love and support during the loss of our own, Makka B. We would also like to thank the kind words from our friends in Columbus, Pittsburgh and Chicago..

The numerous tributes, gatherings, calls and other actions is evidence of the great person Cleveland saw in Makka. He will never be forgotten as he is definately going to be missed by all.

Please remember to keep this family in your prayers...

Bashy

In Tribute....

It is with very heavy hearts that Chat 'Bout Cleveland posts this entry...Cleveland has lost a dear friend in our own, Makka B. Chat 'Bout Cleveland will always be grateful for the love and support he showed with this venture and with this love, we pause in tribute.....

A Time to Weep
Ecclesiastes 3:4
A Tribute to Makka B

I can remember the first time I saw Makka B.

It was the early 1990’s at Cleveland’s hottest club “Our Place”. Tuesday nights were the biggest. The line would be from Urbana (where the club sat), to Ivanhoe Rd filled with people waiting to get in. As with any hot spot, every Tuesday you would see the same faces week after week after week…

And every Tuesday I would see Makka B; standing alone by the speakers enjoying himself. A year or so went by and before my friends and I knew it, Makka B had us all over Cleveland supporting him at his reggae nights (even though we were not too familiar with reggae music). From Rueben’s to the Fireside, we would go stop in say hi, have a few drinks and then return to the comforts of “Our Place”.

Fast forward ten years later, finally ‘turned on’ to reggae music, I ran into Makka one weekday afternoon at Dailey’s. We looked at each other very familiarly and spoke. He kindly said in his well-mannered soft-spoken voice, “Hey, I remember you when you were this big.” and chuckled. I had to laugh too. I said, “Yeah, I remember you too. Damn it’s been what about ten years?” As we got reacquainted, always the promoter, Makka let me know that he was hosting and playing at Jiggy Fridays.

I always remembered him as the guy who introduced me to reggae music.

Makka B remained the same over the years. Always laid back and cool, soft spoken, and comical. He had jokes, and most of the time they were on me, but I had to laugh. I can remember running into Makka at Dailey’s. After telling him our plans to go to dinner, again he reminded me the weight I had put on and said, “T, do me a favor and all of y’all just need to have a salad, okay?” and chuckled. And like before, I had to laugh too. (I think he was one of the few who could get away with that!)

He liked to say he watched my friends and I grow up into to women. He also has a deeper side, and what a conversationalist! We would talk about things from music (of course) to the Kundalini that lies sleeping within every person. Yes, he was deep and that smile! I will always remember that beautiful smile, beautiful spirit and beautiful soul.

I will always remember Makka as a man who loved and respected his family. He loved his wife and children and was constantly working to provide for them. He often spoke on how he wanted his son to go to college.

It seemed that everything that Makka did was for other people. When Makka had something he had it with the intention for everyone. He was not a man obsessed with ego or fame. If he ate, everyone ate too. He wanted the scene in Cleveland go to the next level I think about the love and support he had for his 6-Day Birthday Tour. I am also thankful that I, along with the other Cleveland masses had the chance to show him some love and support for ALL his events.

People are remembering Makka for always having a good time, respecting everyone and wanting to see people uplifted. My recent memory is last Saturday at Mr. Dailey’s dance Saturday, doing his usual thing on the dance floor, I can still see him having a great time, dancing all over the place, and really enjoying himself.

The last time I saw Makka was Sunday at Caribbean Flavor as we discussed his dance this coming Saturday.

“I will call you Tuesday or Wednesday, to talk over the details.”

“Okay.” – that’s how he was, cool, laid back, easy to get along….

Saddened in my heart when I received the news this morning about Makka B’s murdered, I turned to the Lord and read Ecclesiastes 3 which says:
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to die;…A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance;…

Makka B for your season of life, I can honestly say that we were blessed to have had you present in ours. Although this is a time to weep, as I write this tribute to you, I find myself laughing through my tears. I find joy in my heart being thankful that I had the pleasure of knowing a true soldier, faithful and just to the end.
To your family, my prayers go out to you and I leave you with words from the Most High:

Psalms 37:23-24 …the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand...

Our hearts are heavy, God bless…

Tattletale.

Bashment Review and Pics: Leisa Engel's birthnite bash 'Strawberry Fantasies/Lingerie Dreams'

See, I told you…

If you missed Leisa Engel’s “Strawberry Fantasies/Lingerie Dreams” Birthnite Bash last Friday at Caribbean Flavor (located at 321 Babbitt Road), what else can I say?

Well, where do I begin? I know what you are thinking… a lingerie party? Hmmmm, I don’t know…. But YES. Let me tell you the party was NICE y’all. I was loving it all – décor, the theme and especially the music! The masses were definitely in the house to support Cleveland’s first lady of Dancehall; all Cleveland promoters, crews, selectors were in the place to wish Leisa a happy birthday. (And the fellas to get a look at the ladies in their ling-ling, I’m sure).

Chat ‘Bout Cleveland decided to arrive at the venue a little on the early side and good thing! The parking lot gage was on FULL at about 12:30! Luckily, I grabbed one of the last few parking spots, and followed the booming sounds coming from the club. Ready to party, my mode was interrupted by a party patron ‘commenting’ about the admission. As the doorman explained there was a lingerie party, I chuckled to myself since she was obviously dressed for the theme (see, SOME men don’t even notice!). While the patron continues to ‘comment’ about the price - I was tempted to pay the extra money just so she could hurry the line and I can get in.

As I FINALLY entered Flavor, I noticed all the barmaids and Mrs. Lurlene in full lingerie/pajama mode. Okay, okay, I am feeling this… Then I see the deep red curtain accented with the beaded curtain and red balloons to create the boudoir look. To further add to the elements of the theme, guests were treated to strawberries with whipped cream and Leisa’s birthday cake? What else? But a cassata cake (filled with strawberries and cream)- adorned with her picture, of course.

After spotting the guest of honor taking a few pics, (looking cutey cute in her purple bustier with black slip and garter), taking a look around the venue, the lingerie/pajama theme was present as some fellas decided to do the silky pj or boxer thing and the ladies settled somewhere between the playful sleep date and sex kitten look. But, it was all in good taste and most importantly, good fun! The people came to have a great time as they danced to the tunes of DJ Chubbie as well as other Cleveland selectors, Super Dee and New Horizon Powerstone supplied a few tunes as well.

As the crowd grew thicker, the party kicked in full gear as guest selector, Jaime Hype ripped the set, WOW! Playing tunes like, ‘Tek wey Yourself’, ‘Doh’ and of course ‘Money Changer’, the masses couldn't help but to keep dancing! Let me tell you, the tunes were NICE and I will definitely be in the look out for Jaime Hype at the next bash!

Also in the place to wish Leisa a happy birthday, longtime supporter, Lady Spyda (showing the masses she still ‘got’ it), the Waistline Crew (Trini, I missed you again!), Punkie and Nunkie, the beautiful Ms. Lovie and Eva Ready Camille, CoCo Tea (loving the boxers), Maggie Untouchable alongside Naughty Nurse Sharon and French maid Michie Boo, The Barbie Doll Bashment crew (arriving fashionably late), New Horizon fam DJ Curly, Ms. Punkin, Shavon, Summer Body Suzette and Stacy.

All in all, this was a great dance! Big up yourself Cleveland for showing a lot of love, making this bash a blast and of course - keeping – it- classy!
(Next year, I won’t CHICKEN out – I promise!) In the meantime, enjoy the pics.....


Mad ‘cause I forgot to get some cake,


Bashy

Please excuse us...

Even Bloggettes get tired sometimes...

There has been A LOT going on this past week, so pardon us for not updating the blog for the past few days. Trust, we are still out and about, peeping the scene so be sure to stay tuned to Chat 'Bout Cleveland as we continue with our regularly scheduled postings on Tuesday, August 26th.

Thanking God that this is a new week,

Bashy

Jamaica being called 'World's Fastest nation'

In the spirit of the Olympics, we can't help but to watch as Jamaica makes history at these games with the FIRST gold medal (in the men's and women's 100m) and then with the FIRST sweep in country's history (taking first, and then tying for second place in the women's 100m). And with more track and field events to come this week, the excitement continues to build....

From Jamacian Observer.com

BY PAUL A REID

reidp@jamaicaobserver.com

Monday, August 18, 2008

MONTEGO BAY, St James - In addition to Jamaican athletes winning both 100m finals at the 29th Olympiad being held in Beijing, China, being a rare feat in and of itself, there are even more interesting similarities in the races run almost 24 hours apart.

Both Usain Bolt who won the men's 100m and Shelly-Ann Fraser who won the women's, won by margins of .20 seconds and both ran from lane four.
Shelly-Ann Fraser, running in lane three, in awesome form in her gold medal-winning run in the women's 100m at the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China, yesterday.

Jamaica also had three runners in each final, two each from Fraser's MVP club, former World Record holder Asafa Powell and Michael Frater, while Sherone Simpson (MVP) and national champion Kerron Stewart who tied for silver.

Bolt's new World Record 9.69 seconds and Fraser's astounding 10.78 seconds, the second fastest ever by a Jamaican woman, bettered only by Merlene Ottey's National Record 10.74 seconds.
The last time runners from the same country won the 100m at the Olympics was 20 years ago in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, when Americans Carl Lewis and the late Florence Griffiths-Joyner stood on top of the podium.

Both Jamaicans who were 21 when they won would have been shy of their 22nd birthday when the feat was last achieved.

Usain Bolt (right), running out of lane three, celebrates after powering to the men's 100m gold and new world record at the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China, on Saturday. (Photos: Bryan Cummings)

Lewis was upgraded to the gold a few days after the race after Jamaican-born Canadian Ben Johnson was stripped of the title after testing positive for a banned substance and was credited with a then World Record of 9.92 seconds.

Griffiths-Joyner, who owns the female World Record at 10.49 seconds, recorded a wind-aided 10.52 seconds to win the Olympic crown.

Then there was the unbridled joy from both champions after the event, and while Fraser stopped short of the dancehall moves that Bolt put on for the fans on Saturday, her elation was obvious.

Neither runner was considered threats to win the 100m say nine months ago. Bolt was considered a 200m specialist with some suggesting he try the 400m while Fraser was an unknown outside of the Jamaican track and field circles.

Bolt opened some eyes with a 10.03 seconds run at a low-keyed meet at GC Foster in March and then turned the track and field world on its ears with a series of fantastic runs - 9.76 seconds at the Jamaica International Invitational in early May, 9.92 seconds at the Hampton Games in Trinidad and Tobago and then the World Record 9.72 seconds at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York on May 31.

All this time Fraser worked in obscurity, and except for her win in the College Women's 100m at the Penn Relays in 11:86 seconds after running 11:39 seconds in the qualifying heats, did not have a major win to her name.

With her win yesterday (Jamaican time) practically every-thing has changed for the girl from the tough inner-city area of Waterhouse.

Fraser, who turns 22 in Decem-ber, has surpassed practically every Jamaican female sprinter before her after taking the most coveted title at the Olympics - the 100m.

She joins two other Olympic Champions - Deon Hemmings who won the 400m hurdles in Atlanta in 1996 and Veronica Campbell who won the 200m in Athens in 2004.

Usain Bolt: World's Fastest Man...

Too Bad. As Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in the US, had to wait until 11:00 pm at night to see the World Record run by Usain Bolt, many people missed the race.....

No Worries! Click here to view the races live.....
www.dabahamianting.com (Click on upper right hand corner, then click on ZNS).

In the meantime, check this article about the race by Josh Peter....

World’s Fastest Man hasn’t hit top speed
By Josh Peter, Yahoo! Sports Aug 16, 3:47 pm EDT

BEIJING – Like the best of showmen, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt left us wanting more.
Twenty meters from the finish line, his celebration began. He relaxed his arms, looked toward the crowd and slapped his chest. And despite those theatrics, he still covered 100 meters faster than any man ever has.

He did it in 9.69 seconds, and immediately one had to wonder how much faster he could go. Faster than a speeding bullet?
The showman teased our imaginations. But he denied us the answer, shrugging off questions about why he coasted for the final 20 meters rather than obliterate the world record.
“I didn’t come here to run the world record because I am the world-record holder,’’ he said. “I came here to win.’’

This wasn’t so much an Olympic 100-meter final as a tantalizing one-man show. Because the World’s Fastest Man is also the World’s Biggest Ham.
He was dancing before the race even began.
Shimmying in front of the starting blocks, Bolt struck a pose during pre-race introductions as if the race was over before it started. Turns out it was, and Bolt had post-race entertainment planned for the enthralled sellout crowd of 91,000.
It took him fewer than 10 seconds to run 100 meters but at least 10 minutes to complete his victory lap. He pulled off his gold spikes and held them aloft, wrapped himself in a Jamaican flag and clowned as if he were on stage at a karaoke bar rather than on the biggest stage of the Olympics.

“I like to have fun,’’ he explained.

Munching on a post-race snack during a press conference, Bolt said there would be plenty of time to test his limits and lower the world record. That’s the most mind-boggling part about it – what might come next.

He is only 21, and his specialty is the 200 meters. Like a lot of things in life, Bolt runs the 100 for fun.

At 6 feet 5, he stands in stark contrast to the shorter and stockier sprinters. Too tall to run the 100, most experts thought before the jolly giant arrived on the scene. It took him five races as a pro before he broke the world record.

“He’s a freak of nature,’’ said Darvis Patton, one of seven runners who was vying for the silver medal in Saturday’s final, seeing that Bolt could have jogged his way to the gold.
Lightning Bolt, they call him. Prodigy, they called him before that.

At 15, Bolt became the youngest-ever world junior champion in the 200. He qualified for the 2004 Games at the age of 17, but an injury derailed his chance of medaling. His coaches then urged him to begin running the 400, too, but Bolt hated the 400 workouts. So earlier this year, he and his coach cut a deal.

If Bolt broke the Jamaican record for the 200, he could give up the 400 in favor of the 100. So Bolt promptly broke that record and began a mind-boggling dash to the title of World’s Fastest Man.

He earned it May 31 when he beat Tyson Gay, the reigning world champion, and lowered the world record to 9.72 seconds from the 9.74 Jamaica’s Asafa Powell had run. Six weeks later, at the U.S. Olympic trials, Gay ran a wind-aided 9.68, setting up a hotly anticipated showdown with the young phenom.

But six days later, Gay suffered a hamstring injury and he failed to regain his form by Saturday, when he finished fifth in his semifinal heat. The mention of that after the race was about the only time Bolt looked downcast.

“I was looking forward to racing Tyson,’’ he said. “To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.’’
But on Saturday, Bolt looked unbeatable. Next, he’ll turn his attention to the 200 meters, with the first rounds set for Monday and the finals scheduled for Wednesday. If he wins the event, he’ll become the first man to capture the gold in the 100 and 200 since Carl Lewis in 1984. Without anyone as talented as Lewis around to challenge him in the 200, he might be competing against history.
The world record of 19.32 seconds, set by Michael Johnson at the 1996 Olympics, looks within Bolt’s grasp. Marveling at Bolt’s performance, Johnson already has said of the 12-year-old record that he’s “ready to kiss it goodbye.’’

But if it happens, it might be incidental. Bolt looks and sounds more interested in winning gold medals and celebrating. When he had circled the track and finally completed his joyous and comical victory lap, he looked up at the crowd and took a bow.

Make no mistake. For the young showman, there will be an encore.