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CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. Mar. 23, 2014: Just 11 days before award-winning, New York-based artist Monty Alexander releases his new album, the jazz virtuoso is set for a scintillating performance at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College.

The Jamaican-born, Grammy-nominated performer and his band Harlem-Kingston Express are set to raise the roof in the Caribbean-populated borough of Brooklyn on Saturday, March 29, 2014 from 8 p.m.

“We are bringing a party that will fuse the smooth sounds of jazz classics with the infectious rhythms of reggae to create a singular sound unlike any other for our fans at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts this weekend,” said Alexander, whose ‘Harlem-Kingston Express Vol. 2: The River Rolls On’ album will be released on April 8^th on the Motéma Music label.

Tickets to see Alexander and the Harlem-Kingston Express are $40 for orchestra and $30 for the mezzanine level and can be purchased by phone at 718-951-4500 between Tues-Sat, 1 -6 p.m. or online at BrooklynCenterOnline.org.

Hailed as “an effervescent pianist and one of Jamaica’s proudest musical exports” by the New York Times, Alexander will take the Harlem Kingston Express on the road beginning this June for a 12-city tour that will include New York to Washington, D.C., Seattle, Colorado, California, Maryland and New Jersey.

His new album encapsulates the many moments in Alexander’s remarkable career and finds him returning to its earlier stages: both his teenage years, when he played on sessions helmed by pioneering reggae producers Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, Duke Reid and Chris Blackwell, and his first decades in the U.S., when he had the occasion to record and perform with icons such as Frank Sinatra, Milt Jackson and Ray Brown, among countless others.

The album features  “Love Notes,” with Alexander and his friends George Benson, Ramsey Lewis and Joe Sample; a live version of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” recorded live in 2005 with vocalist Wendel Ferraro; previously unreleased live recordings of the Jamaican folk song “Linstead Market;” Alexander’s “Regulator (Reggae-Later),” as well as  a mix of interpretations including “People Make the World Go Round,” “What’s Going On” (“Wa’a Gwan”) and Jimmy Cliff’s reggae landmark “The Harder They Come.”

2014 TOUR SCHEDULE

June 12 – New York, NY – B.B. King Blues Club w/ Harlem Kingston Express

June 13 – Washington, D.C., Howard Theater w/ Harlem Kingston Express

July 24-27 – Seattle, WA, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley w/ Harlem Kingston Express

August 1 – Telluride, CO, Telluride Jazz Festival w/ Harlem Kingston Express

August 2-3 – Denver, CO, Dazzles w/ Monty Alexander Trio

August 7 – Vail, CO, Vail Jazz Festival w/ Monty Alexander Trio

August 8-9 – Aspen, CO, Aspen JazzSnowman w/ Harlem Kingston Express

August 10 – San Jose, CA, San Jose Jazz Festival w/ Harlem Kingston Express

August 30 – Easton, MD, 6th Annual Monty Alexander Jazz Festival

September 13 – Salt Lake City, UT, Capitol Theatre w/ Harlem Kingston Express

November 8 – Cape May, NJ, Jazz Festival w/ Harlem Kingston Express

ABOUT MONTY ALEXANDER

In a career spanning five decades and with 70 recordings under his belt, Alexander has built a reputation that bridged the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica to create his own musical brand.

His collaborations span multiple genres, styles, and generations and he has performed globally with renowned artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Parker, legendary bassist Ray Brown, Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett among numerous others.

In August 2000 the Jamaican government awarded Alexander the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica as a worldwide music ambassador. And in 2012, ‘Harlem Kingston Express: Live!,’ was singled out by both the recording industry and fans and received a Grammy award nomination.

In the summer of 2012, Alexander was also awarded the prestigious German Jazz Trophy, “A Life for Jazz” while in November of the same year, he received the Caribbean American Heritage Luminary Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington, D.C.

For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit montyalexander.com or follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or on Twitter at @montyHKE.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Felicia Persaud

Hard Beat Communications

718-476-3616 (phone)

[email protected](email)

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MIAMI, Feb. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Absolut is proud to announce that the world-renowned vodka will be unveiling its newest flavor and bottle, Absolut Karnival, at one of the world’s most prominent carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago. The passion fruit and orange blossom-flavored limited edition Absolut Karnival will capture the transformative energy of Carnival.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140227/FL73910)

Inspired by carnival and launched in a big way, Absolut will be participating, or “playing mas” as it is known locally, in Port of Spain for the first time with the bottle’s exclusively designed characters. The Absolut Karnival Cocktail truck that features the distinct shape of the Absolut bottle will be strutting down the parade route with one of the island’s most revered bands, Harts.

The alignment with Harts joins one of the island’s most premium bands with the premium vodka brand. The family owned band that has been around for more than 50 years and has won Carnival five times is welcoming the Absolut Karnival Cocktail truck for the first time.

Absolut unveils the newest Karnival bottle design, featuring artwork by the Brazilian graphic novel artist and writer Rafael Grampa. The five characters symbolize freedom, spirit, smoothness, style and happiness; elements that are vital to the joy and celebration of carnival.

All five characters, along with stilt walkers, will be playing mas on Carnival Monday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 4 with “masqueraders” and Absolut personnel will be handing out complimentary samples.

Look for the Absolut Karnival Cocktail truck playing mas with Harts and get your taste of Karnival.

The Absolut Company has the worldwide responsibility for the production, innovation and strategic marketing of Absolut Vodka, Malibu, Kahlua, Wyborowa, Luksusowa and Fris. Absolut Vodka is the world’s fourth largest premium spirits brand. Every bottle of Absolut Vodka is produced in Åhus, southern Sweden. Malibu is the number one rum-based coconut spirit in the world, sold in more than 150 countries. Kahlua coffee liqueur is the world leader in its category. The head office is located in Stockholm, Sweden. The Absolut Company is a part of Pernod Ricard, which holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector.

For additional information on Absolut Karnival, artist Rafael Grampa, and Absolut products, please visit www.absolut.com.

CONTACT: For additional information and images of Absolut Karnival’s participation in Trinidad & Tobago’s carnival, contact: Jessica Drouet, MGSCOMM, [email protected], +1 786 433 4069

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CaribPR, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Feb. 18, 2014:  Jazz great and Jamaican-born Commander in the Order of Distinction, Monty Alexander, is set to bring a musical wave of sunshine to the Peach State this Saturday.

Described as “one of the most eclectic pianists you’ll ever hear” by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Alexander will play the famed Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall in Morrow, Georgia this Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 8:15 P.M.

Spivey Hall is renowned internationally for its superb acoustics, is home to the award-winning Spivey Hall Children’s Choir and Spivey Hall Young Artists and has become one of the places to play on the American classical and jazz music circuits.

The Grammy-nominated musician says he hopes the thousands of Caribbean nationals in Atlanta will come out as well this Saturday to enjoy the musical blend he will be offering – a unique blend of traditional jazz coupled with the contemporary Caribbean up-tempo reggae blend that has made him popular around the globe.

Atlanta jazz fans can get tickets here now or by logging on directly to https://itkt.choicecrm.net/templates/CLAY/

ABOUT MONTY ALEXANDER

In a career spanning five decades, pianist Monty Alexander has built a reputation exploring and bridging the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica, finding in each a sincere spirit of musical expression. In the process, he has performed and recorded with artists from every corner of the musical universe and entertainment world: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar, and Robbie Shakespeare, among others.

Alexander’s collaborations span multiple genres, styles, and generations. His projects have been as varied as assisting Natalie Cole in her tribute album to her father, Nat “King” Cole in 1991 (the resulting album, Unforgettable, won seven Grammy awards), performing George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” under the direction of Bobby McFerrin at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland, and recording the piano track for the film score of Clint Eastwood’s Bird, a movie about the life of jazz titan Charlie Parker.

In August 2000, the Jamaican government awarded Alexander the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica as a worldwide music ambassador. Two collections were released in 2011 that capture the excitement of Monty Alexander’s live performances around the world: Uplift, a trio album on JLP Records, and Harlem-Kingston Express on Motema Music.

‘Harlem Kingston Express: Live!,’ was singled out by both the recording industry and fans and received a Grammy award nomination in 2012.

In the summer of 2012, Alexander was awarded the prestigious German Jazz Trophy, “A Life for Jazz” and in November 2012 he received the Caribbean American Heritage Luminary Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington, D.C.

For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit www.montyalexander.com.

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CaribPR, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Dec. 23, 2013:  On the heels of his London Jazz Festival performance, Grammy-nominated international jazz pianist, the legendary Jamaican-born Monty Alexander, will catch a good case of the “blues” beginning next week and lasting into January 2014.

Alexander, who is gearing up for the release of his “Harlem Kingston Express 2,” next year, will begin the “blue-bration” with his annual holiday performance at the legendary Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., from December 27th through the 31st.

Blues Alley has earned rave reviews globally for showcasing internationally renowned concert hall artists in a small intimate setting and for the past two years, Alexander has been the act booked to ring in the New Year. Tickets for this show are in demand so book early.

Show times nightly will be 8 and 10 p.m.  For a full schedule of Alexander’s performance and to book advance tickets log on to http://www.bluesalley.com/events.cfm.

THE BLUE NOTE

Alexander will continue his musical celebration with a historic performance in January 2014 at New York’s legendary Blue Note Jazz Club, under the theme, “A History of Jamaican Music – Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady and Jazz.”

“This show will be one of the most incredible that I have ever been a part of,” commented Jamaica’s acclaimed Piano Man. “It will truly be called a musical presentation of the history of reggae and Jamaican music!”

The New York performance at the legendary jazz club will run from January 13^th for one night only before returning for six consecutive nights, from January 21^st with vocalist, Caterina Zapponi & the Pizzarellis on guitars and bass and John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton from the 22^nd to the 24th . All of the artists will be backed by Alexander’s Grammy-nominated band, the Harlem-Kingston Express.

HISTORY OF REGGAE

“A History Of Reggae,” will take the show to higher heights on January 25^th and 26th and will not only feature Jamaica’s Commander of Distinction and ‘Luminary Award’ 2012 recipient, Alexander, but Ernest Ranglin, Jamaica’s Master of the Guitar and the pioneer and innovator of reggae and Jamaican music; and the new Prince of Reggae and Jamaica’s most buzzed about reggae act, Chronixx.

Ranglin played guitar on many early ska recordings in Jamaica and helped create the rhythmic guitar style that defined the music form. He has worked with Jimmy Cliff, The Skatalites and the late great Robert Nesta Marley and is a known for a chordal and rhythmic approach that blends jazz, mento and reggae with percussive guitar solos incorporating rhythm ‘n’ blues and jazz inflections. In 2008 Ranglin was inducted into the Jamaican Music Hall of Fame by the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA).

Chronixx, born Jamar McNaughton, 21, has been lauded recently as reggae’s next superstar. The first single from his “Dread and Terrible” EP, “Here Comes Trouble” recently topped the BBC’s digital urban station Radio 1Xtra chart, is in rotation on Sirius XM’s reggae channel.

Show times on January 13^th and January 21-26^th at the Blue Note will be 8 and 10:30 p.m. For more and to make reservation, log on to http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/schedule/moreinfo.cgi?id=11634

ABOUT MONTY ALEXANDER

In a career spanning five decades, pianist Monty Alexander has built a reputation exploring and bridging the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica, finding in each a sincere spirit of musical expression. In the process, he has performed and recorded with artists from every corner of the musical universe and entertainment world: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar, and Robbie Shakespeare, among others.

Alexander’s collaborations span multiple genres, styles, and generations. His projects have been as varied as assisting Natalie Cole in her tribute album to her father, Nat “King” Cole in 1991 (the resulting album, Unforgettable, won seven Grammy awards), performing George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” under the direction of Bobby McFerrin at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland, and recording the piano track for the film score of Clint Eastwood’s Bird, a movie about the life of jazz titan Charlie Parker.

In August 2000, the Jamaican government awarded Alexander the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica as a worldwide music ambassador. Two collections were released in 2011 that capture the excitement of Monty Alexander’s live performances around the world: Uplift, a trio album on JLP Records, and Harlem-Kingston Express on Motema Music.

‘Harlem Kingston Express: Live!,’ was singled out by both the recording industry and fans and received a Grammy award nomination in 2012.

In the summer of 2012, Alexander was awarded the prestigious German Jazz Trophy, “A Life for Jazz” and in November 2012 he received the Caribbean American Heritage Luminary Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington, D.C.

For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit www.montyalexander.com.

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WestStar continues its unauthorized interception and rebroadcast of HBO programming

MIAMI, Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – Negotiations between HBO Latin America and Cayman Islands cable television operator WestStar TV have reached an impasse, after WestStar management did not accept HBO’s proposals that would have legalized WestStar’s rebroadcast of HBO programming under a licensing agreement with HBO LA.

“We had hoped that after we explored every possible business scenario with WestStar’s management, they would recognize their violation of international intellectual property rights and would have seen an end to WestStar’s unauthorized interception and rebroadcast of HBO programming in the Cayman Islands,” said Miguel Oliva, Vice President for Public Relations and Corporate Affairs at HBO Latin America.

WestStar was reported to have temporarily suspended HBO programming broadcasts for several days after receiving official notification that it lacked the consent and authorization of the copyright owners of the programming to legally distribute the broadcasts. Since then, the signal has been restored under the same non-ethical process. HBO Latin America will continue to pursue WestStar for its ongoing intellectual property rights violations by all means available and through any appropriate regulatory body in the Cayman Islands, the U.S. and Great Britain.

“We are hopeful that the Cayman Islands Government and the local regulatory authority will recognize that local companies such as WestStar should not be allowed to operate in this manner as it is affecting the island’s standing and reputation in the international business community,” said Oliva.  “We intend to pursue this matter with the newly elected government and remain confident that we may still avoid litigation, though HBO will pursue all legal options to enforce its rights and those of the copyright owners.”

HBO Latin America is proud of its licensed and authorized Cayman Islands partners, LIME and Logic, who offer world class HBO and MAX programming to their subscribers with the authority and license of the copyright owners.

About HBO Latin America

HBO Latin America is the premium television network leader that, in addition to being recognized for the quality and diversity of its original programming, films and documentaries, also provides services with the highest technology in SD and HD formats in more than 24 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean through its channels HBO, HBO2, HBO Signature, HBO Plus, HBO Family, HBO Caribbean, HBO On Demand, HBO GO, Cinemax, MAX and MaxPrime.

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CaribPR, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Aug. 6, 2013:  Monty Alexander, Jamaica’s legendary, international jazz pianist, will celebrate the 51^st independence anniversary of his homeland with a return to Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola in New York City from August 14-18, 2013.

Alexander and his Grammy-nominated Harlem-Kingston Express band,  will soar with his positive vibrations of ‘One Love and Upliftment several stories above the expansive vista of Central Park at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center in the Time Warner building, 10 Columbus Circle in New York City.

Show times each day are at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., respectively.

The musician, whose 50^th anniversary album, “Harlem-Kingston Express: Live!” was nominated for a Reggae Grammy and won rave reviews from The Wall Street Journal, The London Evening Standard and Jazz Times among dozens of other media houses, will return to his home state of New York from performances  in Seattle, WA.

Tickets for The Dizzy’s show are $40-45 and can be obtained by logging on here or to https://jalc.org/dizzys/events/event/av-136063#.UcSCc5wmwdo

“This is a celebration of my Jamaican roots and of Jamaica’s 51^st anniversary of independence and I look forward to seeing my Caribbean music fans in the house,” said Alexander. “My band and I will be celebrating the vibes of one love and positive upliftment.”

Jamaica’s Commander of Distinction and ‘Luminary Award’ 2012 recipient, will next head to Ozawa Hall in Lenox, Massachusetts for an August 25^th performance and celebrate Labor Day Weekend, August 29^th to September 1^st with the ‘Monty Alexander Jazz Festival’ in Easton, Maryland.

About Monty Alexander

In a career spanning five decades, pianist Monty Alexander has built a reputation exploring and bridging the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica, finding in each a sincere spirit of musical expression. In the process, he has performed and recorded with artists from every corner of the musical universe and entertainment world: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar, and Robbie Shakespeare, among others.

Alexander’s collaborations span multiple genres, styles, and generations. His projects have been as varied as assisting Natalie Cole in her tribute album to her father, Nat “King” Cole in 1991 (the resulting album, Unforgettable, won seven Grammy awards), performing George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” under the direction of Bobby McFerrin at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland, and recording the piano track for the film score of Clint Eastwood’s Bird, a movie about the life of jazz titan Charlie Parker.

In August 2000, the Jamaican government awarded Monty Alexander the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica as a worldwide music ambassador. Two collections were released in 2011 that capture the excitement of Monty Alexander’s live performances around the world: Uplift, a trio album on JLP Records, and Harlem-Kingston Express on Motema Music.

Harlem Kinston Express: Live! was singled out by both the recording industry and fans and received a Grammy award nomination in 2012.

In the summer of 2012 Monty Alexander was awarded the prestigious German Jazz Trophy, “A Life for Jazz” and in November 2012 he received the Caribbean American Heritage Luminary Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington, D.C. For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit www.montyalexander.com.

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Wyclef Jean, Kassav, Tabou Combo And Djakout #1

To Perform On Opening Night Of Three-Day Concert Celebration In New York

CaribPR Wire, New York, NY, Thursday, June 27, 2013: – Today, Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival announced the official line-up for the International-themed opening night of the three-day festival, a premier celebration of Caribbean cultures, cuisine, fashion and music. The event is scheduled to take place during Labor Day Weekend on Friday, August 30 through Sunday, September 1, 2013 at the landmark Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn, New York.  Iconic artists from the French-speaking Caribbean Diaspora slated to perform on Friday’s “International Night” include Wyclef Jean, Kassav, Tabou Combo and Djakout #1. The festival’s Saturday and Sunday night performances will feature big-name Reggae, Dancehall, Calypso, Soca and World Beat superstars.

As a lead-up to the famed West Indian American Labor Day Carnival Parade in Brooklyn that attracts over three million participants, the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival will be a highlight of the Labor Day Weekend cultural activities for New York’s vibrant Caribbean-American communities.  The French-Caribbean musical genres of Zouk and Kompa will be taking center stage during the festival’s opening “International Night” with powerhouse performers.

Award-winning and multi-platinum musician and producer Wyclef Jean will headline the opening night’s festivities.  One of the world’s most talented artists, Haitian-born Jean has risen to the top of the American and international music scene over the past two decades as front man of the musical trio Fugees and during his solo career. Jean’s April Showers mixtape was released in April 2013 as fans await his upcoming album The Carnival Begins. Jean is guaranteed to electrify the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival audience with his eclectic mix of world carnival rhythms, Hip-Hop and Caribbean island vibes.

Hailed for their dynamic concert productions, the 2013 Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival will mark Kassav’s return to New York City after two years.  For over 30 years, the beloved show-stoppers have popularized the Zouk-style of music originating from Guadeloupe and Martinique.  With a new album released in May 2013 entitled Sonjé, Kassav’s French Antillean Creole lyrics and beats captivate loyal global fans.

The showcase of legendary musicians will also include the original ambassadors of Haitian Kompa music – Tabou Combo.  The internationally-renowned band has taken Kompa dance music to new heights as one of the most famous and successful bands from the Caribbean. This year, Tabou Combo commemorates its 45^th anniversary and continues to sell out live shows and major festivals around the world.

Carnival will come alive on the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival stage with Djakout #1, one of Haiti’s most sought-after music groups.  Crowned as a top band in Haiti for their high-energy performances, Djakout #1 is well-known among the younger generation of “Kompa Dirèk” contemporary music lovers.

The Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival’s “International Night” will also present master DJ’s to entertain avid concert-goers.  New York’s most popular Haitian-American DJ Stakz Hi-Profyle will hit the stage as the main DJ for Friday’s sensational performances.  Additionally, a “DJ Battle for the Barclays” is being produced by festival organizers, and the grand-prize winner of the DJ search will share the stage with the event’s prominent musicians and bands. The “DJ Battle for the Barclays” will be hosted every weekend at Liquid Bar and Lounge located at 322 North Central Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580.

“Music is a universal language and we’re thrilled to showcase a fusion of iconic artists from the French Caribbean on the opening night of this year’s historic Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival weekend at the Barclays Center,” said Blandine Jean-Paul, principal and executive marketing director of White-Mark Entertainment.

The Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival weekend is a joint production with Irie Jamboree, North America’s leading reggae festival.  Since its 2003 launch, Irie Jamboree has built a solid reputation globally for being the best one-day reggae festival in the U.S.  Back by popular demand after a three-year hiatus, the Irie Jamboree reggae showcase is being presented on the closing night of the three-day Caribbean Fever Music Festival commemorating the 20^th anniversary of Irie Jam Radio, New York’s primary source for Caribbean local radio entertainment.

Following “International Night,” the 2013 Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival will feature the hottest Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and Calypso entertainers.  Saturday night’s “Carnival Mania” line-up of Soca and Calypso will include Bunji Garlin; Iwer George; Alison Hinds; Fay-Ann Lyons; and Edwin Yearwood.  Sunday night’s Irie Jamboree roster of roots Reggae and Dancehall music will feature Damian “Jr Gong” Marley; I-Octane; and Shabba Ranks.  Additional A-list artists will be announced.

The Barclays Center, which celebrated its grand New York opening in 2012, will be home to thousands of Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival concert goers, music press and supporters from across the United States and around the world.  Production of the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival weekend is led by a management team of prominent media and entertainment industry insiders: Robert Clarke, executive director and founder, Irie Jam Media Group; Dahved Levy, executive director, Devonish Productions and founder of Caribbean Fever Music Festival; and Steven Williams, executive director and founder, Irie Jamboree.

Tickets are available for sale via Ticketmaster.  For additional event information and sponsorship opportunities for the 2013 Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival, contact Blandine Jean-Paul, principal and executive marketing director, White-Mark Entertainment, at 516-984-6286 or via email at [email protected]

ABOUT CARIBBEAN FEVER IRIE JAMBOREE MUSIC FESTIVAL

The festival will take place over three days (Friday August 30 – Sunday, September 1, 2013). The event will transform the Barclays Center into an explosion of Caribbean cultures such as cuisine, fashion, reggae wear, music products, beverage, books, magazines, flags and other assorted Caribbean paraphernalia will be on display and on sale. The festival is expected to be a media feeding frenzy for the international music press, with coverage expected from journalists from Japan, Europe, Canada, South America, the Caribbean, and various states across the USA.

ABOUT WHITE-MARK ENTERTAINMENT (WME)

White-Mark Entertainment (WME), which is serving as the full service event sponsorship and marketing agency for the 2013 Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival, is also leading promotion and marketing strategy for the festival’s “International Night” and has secured an exclusive performance contract with Kassav through Labor Day Weekend 2013.  White-Mark Entertainment (WME) is a new entertainment marketing company that leverages nearly three decades of unparalleled industry experience among its founding partners.  Founded in 2012, White-Mark Entertainment’s mission is to change the landscape for multicultural events and help more brands maximize their reach and target affluent Caribbean immigrants, Caribbean-Americans and Hispanics. For more information, regarding White-Mark Entertainment and its services, please contact [email protected]

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D.C. – June 20th-23^rd; PA – June 28^th; Rochester, NY – June 29th

CaribPR, NEW YORK, NY, Mon., June 17, 2013: Grammy-nominated, Jamaican-born jazz great, Monty Alexander is on a mission in his 51^st year of music – taking his “Uplift” rhythm to as many fans as possible across the U.S. and around the world.

Fresh from headlining the Dominica Creole Music Festival in the Caribbean, Alexander and his Grammy-nominated band, The Harlem Kingston Express, will bring their foot-tapping, hip swinging jazz to Washington, D.C.’s prestigious club, Blues Alley at 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, from June 20^th through 23^rd.

The performance at 8 and 10 p.m. nightly comes as Alexander’s new album release “Uplift 2” on the JLP label, remains on the Jazz charts amidst rave reviews.

Tickets for the shows are $40 and can be bought online at http://www.bluesalleylive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&eventID=278567D9-D3AC-41FC-D138A9D50A1510B2

“I look forward to having another opportunity to play with my ensemble, Harlem-Kingston Express, for my long-time, faithful friends, as well as new friends who may visit with us,” said Alexander. “I and my colleagues will be celebrating our ‘One Love’ experience as well as the ‘Joy of Life.’”

From D.C., Jamaica’s Commander of Distinction and The Harlem Kingston Express will head to Allegheny, PA for a free performance at the South Park Amphitheater from 7:30 p.m. on June 28^th.

He will end Caribbean American Heritage Month in Rochester, NY at the Rochester International Jazz Festival on June 29^th from 9 p.m. where he is one of the headliners at the free show, set for the City of Rochester East Avenue & Chestnut Street Stage.

For more see http://www.rochesterjazz.com/artist_lineup/?artist_id=934.

About Monty Alexander

Over his stellar career, Alexander, whose influence combines that of Oscar Peterson, Gene Harris and Nat “King” Cole, has performed with international stars including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

In fact, it was Sinatra and his best friend Jilly Rizzo who hired Alexander after he moved to the United States in 1961 at the age of 17.  And it was at Jilly’s famed New York City nightclub that this Jamaican teen caught the ears of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Milt “Bags” Jackson.

Bags introduced him to the great bassist Ray Brown, and the rest as they say, is history, including Alexander’s 1976 Montreux (Switzerland) Jazz Festival performance with drummer Jeff Hamilton and bassist John Clayton, which has become one of the most celebrated live recordings in contemporary jazz.

For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit www.montyalexander.com.

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Caribbean-Themed New York Concerts Scheduled For Labor Day Weekend 2013

CaribPR Wire, New York, NY, Weds. May 22, 2013: Today White-Mark Entertainment (WME) announced its contract with the 2013 Caribbean Fever Music Festival, a premier celebration of Caribbean cultures, cuisine, fashion and music.  Presented in partnership with Irie Jamboree, Inc., the Caribbean Fever Music Festival is a three-day live event taking place during Labor Day Weekend on Friday, August 30 through Sunday, September 1, 2013 at the landmark Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn, New York. The music festival will feature big-name performers and bring together thousands of concert goers, music press and supporters from across the United States and around the world.  The Caribbean Fever Music Festival will also enhance Labor Day Weekend cultural activities for New York’s vibrant Caribbean-American communities as a lead-up to the famed West Indian American Labor Day Carnival Parade in Brooklyn that attracts over three million participants.

The Caribbean Fever Music Festival weekend is a joint production with Irie Jamboree, North America’s leading reggae festival.  Irie Jamboree built a solid reputation globally for being the best one-day reggae festival in the U.S. and set a record attendance in 2008 with 25,000 patrons.  Back by popular demand after a three-year hiatus, the Irie Jamboree reggae showcase is being presented on of the three nights of the Caribbean Fever Music Festival and is moving from its regular venue in Queens for a grand debut at the state-of-the-art Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn.  As one of New York’s most sought-after arenas, the Barclays Center has featured some of the world’s leading entertainers since its opening in 2012 and is also home to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.  The Caribbean Fever Music Festival will also commemorate the 20^th anniversary of Irie Jam Radio, New York’s primary source for Caribbean local radio entertainment

White-Mark Entertainment, a new entertainment marketing company targeting multicultural audiences across major live-event platforms, is serving as the full service event sponsorship and marketing agency for the 2013 Caribbean Fever Music Festival.  Launched in 2012, the newly formed company is comprised of a seasoned marketing and creative team led by founding partners Blandine Jean-Paul and Jean “Marco” Guerrier. Together Jean-Paul and Guerrier bring more than 27 years of combined industry experience.  Created to deliver unparalleled services and change the landscape for multicultural events, White-Mark Entertainment’s mission is to help more brands maximize their reach among affluent Caribbean immigrants, Caribbean-Americans and Hispanics.

Haitian-American marketing executive Jean-Paul is principal and executive marketing director of White-Mark Entertainment and has led marketing initiatives for the annual Irie Jamboree event since its 2003 launch.  With nearly two decades of multi-media experience leading all facets of partner activation and integration across various platforms, Jean-Paul is a key playmaker and strategist for some of the biggest sporting events and awards shows, driving millions of dollars in advertising and sponsorship revenue.

Commenting on White-Mark Entertainment’s key role with the 2013 Caribbean Fever Music Festival, Jean-Paul noted, “We are very proud to partner with this year’s dynamic Caribbean Fever Music Festival and look forward to delivering a memorable three-day experience for sponsors and guests at the renowned Barclays Center.”

Haitian-born Guerrier, who serves as principal and executive creative director of White-Mark Entertainment, has over a decade of experience helping businesses design, create and implement creative solutions that increase their presence in the marketplace.  As founder of Icon Graphix, Guerrier has a strong track record of working with diverse clients and exceeding their marketing and sales objectives.

“It is very exciting to join creative forces with this year’s Caribbean Fever Music Festival, which will be a non-stop weekend of spectacular music, culture and entertainment,” stated Guerrier.

The 2013 Caribbean Fever Music Festival and Irie Jamboree co-production will feature a stellar lineup of legendary reggae, dancehall and soca artists across the Caribbean Diaspora, as well as several other genres of music.  Notably, one of the three nights will showcase R&B music with iconic performers spanning the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

Previous Irie Jamboree musical acts have included:  Admiral Bailey; Anthony B; Beenieman; Buju Banton; Baby Cham alongside hip-hop pioneers KRS-One, Doug E Fresh, Chubb Rock, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane and Black Sheep; Da’Ville; Macka Diamond; Etana; Beres Hammond; Morgan Heritage; Queen Ifrica; Gregory Isaacs; Barrington Levy; Luciano; Beenie Man; Elephant Man; Jr. Gong Marley; Stephen Marley; Wayne Marshall; Tony Matterhorn; Freddie McGregor; Tanto Metro & Devonte; Gramps Morgan; Munga; Frankie Paul; Sean Paul; Tarrus Riley; Lady Saw; Shabba; Sizzla; Richie Spice; Tanya Stephens; Coco Tea; Mr. Vegas; Wayne Wonder; and Yellowman, among others.

Production of the Caribbean Fever Music Festival weekend is led by a management team of prominent media and entertainment industry insiders: Robert Clarke, executive director and founder, Irie Jam Media Group; Dahved Levy, executive director, Devonish Productions and founder of Caribbean Fever Music Festival; and Steven Williams, executive director and founder, Irie Jamboree.
For additional event information and sponsorship opportunities for the 2013 Caribbean Fever Music Festival, contact Blandine Jean-Paul, principal and executive marketing director, White-Mark Entertainment, at 516-984-6286 or via email at [email protected]

ABOUT WHITE-MARK ENTERTAINMENT (WME)

White-Mark Entertainment (WME) is a new entertainment marketing company that leverages nearly three decades of unparalleled industry experience among its founding partners.  Founded in 2012, White-Mark Entertainment’s mission is to change the landscape for multicultural events and help more brands maximize their reach and target affluent Caribbean immigrants, Caribbean-Americans and Hispanics. For more information, regarding White-Mark Entertainment and its services, please contact [email protected]

ABOUT CARIBBEAN FEVER MUSIC FESTIVAL AND IRIE JAMBOREE

This year, the annual Irie Jamboree reggae festival is presented as part of the Caribbean Fever Music Festival at a new home, the Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn. The festival will take place over three days (Friday August 30 – Sunday, September 1, 2013). The event will transform the Barclays Center into an explosion of Caribbean cultures such as cuisine, fashion, reggae wear, music products, beverage, books, magazines, flags and other assorted Caribbean paraphernalia will be on display and on sale. One of the three nights will be dedicated to R&B music and will feature some of the most accomplished stars from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s era. The festival is expected to be a media feeding frenzy for the international music press, with coverage expected from journalists from Japan, Europe, Canada, South America, the Caribbean, and various states across the USA.

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CaribPR, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 1, 2013: Birdland Jazz Club will be springing to life this May, as Grammy-nominated artist Monty Alexander and his Grammy-nominated band, The Harlem Kingston Express, returns with their foot-tapping, hip swinging Caribbean infused jazz.

The Jamaican-born, Caribbean-raised jazz great, who recently released his new album and entered his 51^st year as a musician, will play New York’s premier live music venue, Birdland, at 315 West 44th Street in New York City, from May 7^th to 11^th at 8:30 and 11 p.m. nightly.

The performance comes as Alexander’s new album release “Uplift 2” on the JLP label, sits at #4 on the Jazz charts. Tickets for Birdland are $30-40 and can be obtained by logging on here or to http://www.birdlandjazz.com/event/243141-monty-alexander-harlem-new-york/

“I look forward to having another opportunity to play with my ensemble, Harlem-Kingston Express, in one of the finest music venues in the world – Birdland – for my long time faithful friends, as well as new friends who may visit with us,” said Alexander. “I and my colleagues will be celebrating our One Love experience as well as the Joy of Life.”

The musician, whose 50^th anniversary album, “Harlem-Kingston Express: Live!” was nominated for a Reggae Grammy and won rave reviews from The Wall Street Journal, The London Evening Standard and Jazz Times among dozens of other media houses, is fresh from performances  at the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland and Boston’s legendary Scullers Jazz Club.

Jamaica’s Commander of Distinction and ‘Luminary Award’ 2012 recipient, will next head to the nature isle of Dominica for the first time, where he will headline the increasingly popular, Dominica Jazz ‘n Creole Festival on May 19^th at the Cabrits National Park.

Following his Dominica debut, Alexander, will again join his Harlem Kingston Express to bring his brand of jiving jazz, to Washington, D.C.’s popular Blues Alley from June 20th to 23^rd and Pittsburgh, PA on June 28^th at the South Park Band Shell.

He and his band will wrap up the first half of 2013 in Rochester, NY with a scintillating performance at the Rochester International Jazz Festival on June 29th. For more see http://www.rochesterjazz.com/artist_lineup/?artist_id=934.

Monty’s Other 2013 Performance Dates:

Dominica, W.I. – Dominica Jazz ‘n Creole Festival – May 19^th.

Washington, D.C. – Blues Alley – June 20^th to 23^rd.

Pittsburgh, PA – South Park Band Shell – June 28^th.

Rochester, NY – Rochester International Jazz Festival – June 29^th.

About Monty Alexander

Over his stellar career, Alexander, whose influence combines that of Oscar Peterson, Gene Harris and Nat “King” Cole, has performed with international stars including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

In fact, it was Sinatra and his best friend Jilly Rizzo who hired Alexander after he moved to the United States in 1961 at the age of 17.  And it was at Jilly’s famed New York City nightclub that this Jamaican teen caught the ears of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Milt “Bags” Jackson.

Bags introduced him to the great bassist Ray Brown, and the rest as they say, is history, including Alexander’s 1976 Montreux (Switzerland) Jazz Festival performance with drummer Jeff Hamilton and bassist John Clayton, which has become one of the most celebrated live recordings in contemporary jazz.

For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit www.montyalexander.com.

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Spaceship Earth Transforms into “Monsters University” Star Mike Wazowski To Announce All-Night Parties for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resorts

ANAHEIM, Calif. and LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will kick off a Monstrous Summer by keeping three theme parks open for 24 hours nonstop on Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of the family travel season.

The Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in California will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time* marking the beginning of a summer of fun inspired by the upcoming Disney•Pixar comedy adventure Monsters University.

The oversized fun of a 24-hour Disney park “All-Nighter” called for an equally epic announcement, and the huge sphere of Spaceship Earth was transformed from Disney Parks icon to Disney•Pixar “Eye-con,” becoming a 180-foot-tall, fully animated Mike Wazowski, the loveable green-bodied, one-eyed monster who joins best pal James P. Sullivan (”Sulley”) in the prequel to Monsters, Inc., this summer as college students with hopes of becoming Scarers.

Walt Disney World President George Kalogridis joined Mike to share the news of the first-ever, three-park All-Nighter.

“This summer, Disney Parks are bursting with a monstrous lineup of new thrills, shows and happenings,” said Kalogridis. “Guests can start Memorial Day Weekend with a 24-hour-marathon of memory-making as three Parks stay open all day and all night to celebrate the bi-coastal kick-off of a Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks.”

Mike and Sulley will take a break from collegiate life and their Scare studies at Monsters University to host the All-Nighter, dropping in to scare up some school spirit. Guests will scream and giggle with delight at the lineup of thrills and entertainment that promises to make this a day and night to be remembered for a lifetime.

In Florida, the Magic Kingdom will feature a Monsters University theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshals of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” day parade – complete with pomp and circumstance – and make appearances in Tomorrowland. Guests also will find extra entertainment throughout the day and night, including characters in their pajamas in Town Square during the late night and early morning, and late-night dance parties in and around the courtyard of Cinderella Castle.

In California, guests can party the night away at both parks with special entertainment, including a Monsters University “TLT Monstrous” Dance Club and Star Wars characters in Tomorrowland, and late-night Character Pajama Party in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland. The new Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre at Disneyland will become a Royal Dance Hall late at night with a live band and dancing, and guests of Disney California Adventure will find Monstrous photo opportunities with new Monsters University “Dorms” in Hollywood Land and a new Monsters University float leading the Pixar Play Parade.

All three parks will feature limited-edition specialty merchandise and food and beverage offerings plus other surprises throughout the entire day.

The All-Nighter is just the beginning of the fun. In California, vacationers at “The Happiest Place on Earth” will see how Disneyland Resort “Just Got Happier” with great new attractions such as the “Mickey and the Magical Map” stage show. It is also the first summer for guests to experience the new Fantasy Faire with Disney Princesses at Disneyland, and they continue to enjoy the exciting new offerings of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure.

Walt Disney World Monstrous Summer includes new offerings and popular favorites in all four parks. This is the first summer for New Fantasyland, which has received rave reviews from guests since its December grand opening as the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Guests also will find new, engaging offerings for the entire family throughout the Walt Disney World Resort this summer such as an interactive “Pirates Adventure” game at Magic Kingdom, the newly re-imagined Test Track at Epcot, the new Disney Junior show, featuring Sofia The First and Doc McStuffins, as new additions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus Wilderness Explorers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that will bring families together in exciting new ways.

ABOUT “MONSTERS UNIVERSITY”

Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer.  The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right. Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (”Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (”Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman (”Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3″). For more information, like us at facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity, and follow us on twitter.com/disneypixar. The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in 3D in select theaters. For more information, check out disney.com/MonstersU.

For more information on Monstrous Summer, check out http://www.disneyparks.com/MonstrousSummer

* Hours of operation: 6 a.m. on 5/24/13 to 6 a.m. on 5/25/13; subject to capacity restrictions. Only select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Valid theme park admission required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

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CaribPR, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. April 2, 2013: Jamaican-born, Caribbean-raised jazz great and Grammy-nominated artist, Monty Alexander, is in high demand this year, with performances that has him globetrotting and city-hopping on the heels of his new album and his 51^st year as a musician.

Alexander, whose 50^th anniversary album, “Harlem-Kingston Express: Live!” was nominated for a Reggae Grammy and won rave reviews from The Wall Street Journal, The London Evening Standard and Jazz Times among dozens of other media houses, is set to take his brand of stirring jazz to the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland from Tuesday, April 16th to Saturday, April 20^th.

The performance comes as Alexander’s new album release “Uplift 2” on the JLP label, sits at #2 on the Jazz charts.

The stellar musician will then return to the U.S. to share a similar kind of joy with his fans at Boston’s legendary Scullers Jazz Club on April 26^th and New York City’s famous Birdland Club Jazz Club from May 7^th to 11^th.

Jamaica’s Commander of Distinction and ‘Luminary Award’ 2012 recipient, then returns to the U.S. for performances in Boston and New York City, before heading to the nature isle of Dominica for the first time, where he will headline the increasingly popular, Dominica Jazz ‘n Creole Festival on May 19^th at the Cabrits National Park.

“For many years I have harbored the desire to be able to visit one of the beautiful island if the Caribbean – Dominica,” commented Alexander. “I have had friends of Dominica heritage, including Connie Kay, the great drummer from the great Modern Jazz Quartet.  To be able to bring a musical offering to Dominica makes my visit extra special.”

Dominica’s jazz fans are sure to experience a different kind of jazz from Alexander – the kind that will have them putting on their dancing shoes on and keeping them on.

And his Grammy-nominated band, The Harlem Kingston Express, will add to the experience that combines traditional jazz with the rocking rhythms of Jamaica which results in a sound that is uniquely Alexander’s and The Harlem Kingston Express!

Tickets for his Boston and New York performances are $30 per person. For Scullers, get tickets at http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3466214&pl=scullers and for Birdland, log on to http://www.birdlandjazz.com/event/243141-monty-alexander-harlem-new-york/

Following his Dominica debut, Alexander, will again join his Harlem Kingston Express to bring his brand of jiving jazz to Washington, D.C.’s popular Blues Alley from June 20th to 23^rd and Pittsburgh, PA on June 28^th at the South Park Band Shell.

He and his band will wrap up the first half of 2013 in Rochester, NY with a scintillating performance at the Rochester International Jazz Festival on June 29th. For more see http://www.rochesterjazz.com/artist_lineup/?artist_id=934.

2013 Performance Dates:

Switzerland – Bern Jazz Festival – April 16-20^th.

Boston, MA – Scullers Jazz Club  – April 26^th.

News York City – Birdland Club Jazz Club- May 7^th to 11^th.

Dominica, W.I. – Dominica Jazz ‘n Creole Festival -  May 19^th.

Washington, D.C. – Blues Alley – June 20^th to 23^rd.

Pittsburgh, PA – South Park Band Shell – June 28^th.

Rochester, NY – Rochester International Jazz Festival – June 29^th.

About Monty Alexander

Over his stellar career, Alexander, whose influence combines that of Oscar Peterson, Gene Harris and Nat “King” Cole, has performed with international stars including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

In fact, it was Sinatra and his best friend Jilly Rizzo who hired Alexander after he moved to the United States in 1961 at the age of 17.  And it was at Jilly’s famed New York City nightclub that this Jamaican teen caught the ears of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Milt “Bags” Jackson.

Bags introduced him to the great bassist Ray Brown, and the rest as they say, is history, including Alexander’s 1976 Montreux (Switzerland) Jazz Festival performance with drummer Jeff Hamilton and bassist John Clayton, which has become one of the most celebrated live recordings in contemporary jazz.

For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit www.montyalexander.com.

Click Here for More Information »

The Cayman Islands cable operator leads the way for the island

MIAMI, April 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — HBO Latin America Group and LIME, the Caribbean brand of Cable & Wireless Communications, announced an agreement today for the transmission of the HBO channels in the Cayman Islands on its new pay TV service, which will launch later this month.

Under the agreement, LIME will broadcast the HBO/MAX premium package developed specifically for the Caribbean, which includes 9 channels: HBO Caribbean, HBO (East), HBO2, HBO Plus (East & Pan Regional), HBO Family (East), HBO Signature, MAX, Max Prime (East & Pan Regional) and Max HD. Viewers will be able to select and subscribe to their favorite HBO and MAX channels via LIME’s HBO MAX movie package to enjoy over 300 new releases and series per month, offering the most award-winning and nominated series made exclusively for HBO, along with hit Hollywood movies, thought-provoking documentaries, concerts, comedy specials, original HBO Films and critically acclaimed programming, all with no commercial breaks.

“HBO Latin America is very pleased to announce this agreement for a new and long-lasting partnership with LIME and its subscribers. LIME is now able to provide its customers the option of enjoying premium programming, just in time for them to tune in to new seasons of original series like Game of Thrones, True Blood, Veep and The Newsroom,” said Javier Figueras, Corporate Vice President of Sales for HBO Latin America. “We both have an aligned goal of delivering the highest quality in entertainment with the best technology available to the market.”

In addition to the paid channels above, LIME will also add the following HBO channels to their basic line-up to enhance their channel offerings: Cinemax, Warner Channel, Sony Entertainment Television, AXN, Sony Spin and E! Entertainment Television.

“We are delighted not only on the long awaited launch of LIME TV in Cayman but we’re also excited to offer Caymanians quality programming that’s always on.  The launch of HBO/MAX adds a new, unique and compelling dimension of choice and value to our premium movie channel platform,” said Dianne Bissoon, VP Television & Entertainment.  “This further strengthens our partnership with HBO in other LIME TV islands such as Barbados and St. Lucia and we look forward to enhancing our partnership in years to come.”

This agreement makes LIME the first cable operator in the Cayman Islands to legally offer its subscribers quality programming from HBO. Joining several cable partners throughout the Caribbean who have already established agreements with HBO, LIME is positioned to provide the best entertainment value for its subscribers now and in the future.

About HBO Latin America

HBO Latin America is the premium television network leader that, in addition to being recognized for the quality and diversity of its original programming, films and documentaries, also provides services with the highest technology in SD and HD formats in more than 24 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean through its channels HBO, HBO2, HBO Signature, HBO Plus, HBO Family, HBO Caribbean, HBO On Demand, HBO GO, Cinemax, MAX and MaxPrime.

About LIME

LIME has a proud history in the Caribbean region and is always working to improve life in the region.

We deliver the very best telecommunication services to governments, businesses and families in 13 Caribbean countries with one unifying promise – building, connecting and serving communities.

Our four key values are:

• Respect – we treat our customers and each other as we want to be treated;
• Deliver – we keep our word. We do what we say we’re going to do;
• Win – Caribbean people are winners. We win by helping our customers and communities to win;
• Innovate – We always find a way to help our customers and communities and love coming up with new ways to do it.

For more information, please visit:  http://www.lime.com

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Caribbean’s Next Top Model Emerges With Lifestyle Brands

CARIBEPRWIRE, NEW YORK – MARCH 26, 2013 – Caribbean’s Next Top Model, a new model competition series created in collaboration with CaribeNTM, Inc. emerges across 25 Caribbean countries with partner brands to promote 11 episodes of the most popular and first of its kind reality television.   The show debuted on Monday, February 18, 2013 on free-to-air – various Caribbean local TV stations, CaribVision and One Caribbean Television, WSEE TV in Puerto Rico during primetime.

Mark Rowen, President of Blue Collar Productions said, “We have been able to partner with CaribeNTM, Inc. to custom design and tailor television production content which highlights the unique attributes of the respective host countries.”

This one hour Reality TV program, co-produced by Blue Collar Productions, one of the leading producers of creative content for licensed television shows, provides a comprehensive look at eleven contenders competing individually and in teams for the chance to be Caribbean’s Next Top Model.  Miss Universe ‘98, Wendy Fitzwilliam serves as the celebrity host and judge, along with associate judges Pedro Virgil, International Photographer, Richard Young, Runway Coach and Creative Director of Trinidad and Tobago’s Fashion Week, and other special guest appearances from experts in the fashion industry and related fields.

Mr. Rowen adds, “We are excited to have had the opportunity to work with Caribbean’s Next Top Model television show.  We have plans to continue working together to produce leading international content with a focus on television production, distribution, marketing and syndication.  Our combined companies have the ability to broaden the future scope of entertainment television.”

The partner brands are included in the episodes in ways that range from product placements, credits, mentions in lines of dialogue, to numerous endorsements on the screen.  “If you are watching the show, chances are you aspire to emulate the lifestyle of the CNTM program’s cast,” said Wendy Fitzwilliam.  “So we want to align with those partner brands that add competitive value and reach.”

Brands such as bMobile, SACHA, and CHI were heavily featured to establish the reality of the worlds the girls lived in.  Beverly Morrison, CEO of Caribbean CHI Ltd., and Juliana Fermin, Director of Ansura Wholesalers in Trinidad and Tobago are excited to be official hair sponsors of the first season.

Beverly Morrison says, “We remain committed to the Caribbean aesthetic and we look forward to the refinement of the contestants as the imagination and execution of CaribeNTM, Inc, beauty with CHI Biosilk exceeds expectations.”

Making brand connections that were organic to the characters became the signature for show.  Juliana Fermin said, “We saw Caribbean’s Next Top Model as a vehicle for the enhancement of many industries that span; fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and television…week after week.”

Executives at SACHA Cosmetics have helped to position our footprint from the beginning to predominantly celebrate women.  “As the official cosmetics of the inaugural season and leader in the cosmetics industry in the Caribbean and as we continue on our drive toward global expansion, we recognize that partnerships like these truly complement our journey,” said Kamla Regrello, Marketing and Retail Manager.

KCL Capital Market Brokers Limited, a licensed full service investment firm based in Trinidad became involved to provide authenticity in the television series financing.  As stated by the company’s CEO Kerwyn Valley, “KCL is committed in its support for creative industries across our region.”

Other partners include Caribbean Airlines, The Carlton-Savannah, Lime Trinre, Factor Women, Caribbean Belle, Blue Waters, Kalloo’s, and Micles.

The CNTM series airs for 11 episodes and is midway through its inaugural season. The show is broadcast in over 25 Caribbean islands on terrestrial and cable television.

For a complete review of CNTM, our broadcast details, to share your thoughts on the show and to become a member fan, like us at www.facebook.com/caribbeansnexttopmodel or log on to: www.caribbeansnexttopmodel.com. Follow us  @CaribeNTM on Twitter.

About Caribbean’s Next Top Model

CARIBBEAN’S NEXT TOP MODEL was founded in July 2011. CNTM’s mission is to unleash island beauties and the enchantment of the Caribbean.  Executive Producers are Wendy Fitzwilliam and Dionyse Fitzwilliam of CaribeNTM, Inc., a production company created in association with AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL under license by CBS International, and Mark Rowen, CEO of Blue Collar Productions (USA).

About America’s Next Top Model

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with The Tyra Banks Company.  The executive producers are Ken Mok (“Making the Band”), Tyra Banks and Laura Fuest Silva. The series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. Tyra Banks also hosts the series, which will soon begin airing its 20^th cycle in the United States. Currently, AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is under license in over 100 markets around the world and has 20 international versions in production.  AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL format are licensed internationally by CBS Studios International.

About Blue Collar Productions

Blue Collar Productions, is one of the leading producers of creative content for studio released motion picture films and licensed television shows, amassing a high caliber library that includes the production of Caribbean’s Next Top Model.

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As part of MasterCard’s sponsorship of the festival, cardholders will receive a $15.00 discount on event tickets when using their MasterCard.

San Juan, Puerto Rico – For the sixth consecutive year, MasterCard and the Priceless Puerto Rico program have joined the biggest culinary festival of the Caribbean, Saborea Puerto Rico: A Culinary Extravaganza, as the exclusive card of the event. As part of this union, MasterCard’s debit and credit cardholders will receive a discount of $15.00 on the purchase of admission tickets. Moreover, MasterCard Black cardholders will have privileged access to the MasterCard VIP pavilion, where food and drink will be served in an exclusive environment within the event.

According to Manuel Catedral, general manager for MasterCard in Puerto Rico, “to be part of this important festival is of great importance, because it stimulates tourism, gastronomy, and the local economy. Without a doubt, it positions our Island of Enchantment as the culinary destination in the Caribbean, in line with the focus of our Priceless Puerto Rico program.”

The culinary festival will be held from April 5 through 7 of 2013 at Escambrón Beach, reaffirming itself as one of the main attractions for domestic and international tourism. The event will include multiple live demonstrations of chefs, tastings of local restaurants, pavilions of drinks and desserts, music, and entertainment.

“At MasterCard, we know that our users, both local and international, are passionate about gastronomy, which is one of the pillars of our Priceless Puerto Rico program. For this reason, we know that supporting events such as Saborea and providing this attractive discount offers a large added value to our cardholders, since it makes the event more accessible to them. We are quite proud to provide these benefits as part of our Priceless Puerto Rico program,” emphasized Lorena Holguín, vice president of marketing for MasterCard in the Caribbean.

Priceless Puerto Rico is a MasterCard program that provides its cardholders with discounts, offers, and exclusive experiences. The program has been implemented since July, 2011, with Puerto Rico being the first Caribbean country to join the program. Its purpose is to enrich the experience of the MasterCard cardholders, both local and international, through discounts, offers and priceless experiences. The program has experiences and benefits in six categories, based on the following consumer passion points: gastronomy, sports, music and entertainment, purchases, trips, and art and culture.

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About MasterCard

MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the payment processing industry at the global level. It operates the fastest payment processing network in the world, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, and companies in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make daily commercial activities – such as making purchases, traveling, managing businesses, and administering finances – easier, safer, and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter@MasterCardNews, join the conversation on the blog Cashless Conversations Blog, and subscribe to receive the latest news.

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Super Wings New York Serves up Two Tons of Wings Including Bajan Merry Mango Just in Time for Super Bowl

CaribPR Wire, BROOKLYN, N.Y., Sat. Feb. 2, 2013:  Colette Burnett, owner of Super Wings New York announced today that her restaurants will sell more than 2 tons of chicken wings for Super Bowl Sunday. “We have been marinating wings around the clock,” stated Burnett. “Our customers were concerned because of the rumor on the shortage of wings. What occurred was an increase in price and the chicken producers cut back causing a temporary shortage on the supply.”

Chicken lovers need not worry because Super Wings New York has 2 locations in Brooklyn, and are on target to sell more than one ton of wings per store on Super Bowl Sunday, serving up their world famous Bajan Merry Mango wing sauce. The wings are simmered in traditional Caribbean ingredients including mango, which is currently featured on Bobby Deen’s Not My Mama’s Meals airing both on the Food Network and the Cooking Channel.

The Bajan Merry Mango is a sweet, yet tangy wing sauce and has the dubious honor of being named by local customers as the official Super Wings New York 2013 Super Bowl Wing Flavor. According to the National Chicken Council during Super Bowl Weekend, Americans will consume 1.23 billion chicken wings. Super Wings N.Y. serves up thirteen (13) wing flavors, and there is a sauce to represent almost every island in the English-speaking Caribbean. The ingredients are made entirely from Caribbean flavors including; Pineapple Jerk, Ginger Buff, and Island BBQ all inspired by Colette’s’ native Trinidad and Tobago where recipes are a tantalizing blend of mainly African, East Indian, European, Chinese, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Burnett has gained national recognition in the United States: she won the Food Network Thrown Down with Iron Chef Bobby Flay, and Super Wings was voted “Best Wings In Brooklyn” and placed #3 in the “Restaurant Sauce Off” creative spicy category at the 10th Annual National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, N.Y.

“Super Bowl Weekend is great time for parties with family, and friends all culminating in the largest carry out day of the year for us, stated Burnett. Colette continues, “We have extended our hours and are looking forward to being a part of our customers Super Bowl celebration.” To order your very own Bajan Merry Mango wings or any of the other 12 flavors please call and or visit one of Super Wings New York locations or log onto www.mysuperwings.net.

Super Wings NY I 11218 Union Street, Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY;  (718) 467-8737 or  Super Wings NY II 888 Utica Avenue, East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY (347) 915-0773.

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MIAMI, Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The fifth annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival — the largest gathering of rum experts, professionals and enthusiasts in the world — will span Monday, April 15 to Sunday, April 21, 2013 at the Doubletree by Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130123/FL45539LOGO )

Last year, more than 8,000 rum enthusiasts attended the festival with 20,000 square feet of exhibit space. The new space spans 40,000 square feet, twice the size of last year’s event. Festival organizers are preparing for 15,000 attendees.

In addition to a week-long series of VIP parties, tasting sessions and celebrity seminars, the rum festival brings together members of the esteemed International Rum Expert Panel (RumXPs) for their annual tasting competition.

Two full days of Grand Tasting events for the public will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21. More than 240 spirits from the Caribbean and beyond will be available for sampling, along with a selection of island-style cuisine.

New this year is a half-day exhibit session exclusively for the beverage trade on Friday, April 19. Liquor store buyers, food and beverage managers, bartenders and other spirits trade professionals will be invited to attend.

The Miami Rum Renaissance Festival attracts cane spirit products and brands from all over the globe. Companies large and small will be on hand to present their rums to a global gathering of experts, reporters, critics and consumers.

South Florida is regarded as the number one rum market in the world, with a high percentage of rum enthusiasts, liquor stores, bars and restaurants offering both popular and top-shelf luxury rum products to consumers.

According to event manager Robin Burr, the Miami Rum Fest has doubled in size each year, a testament to the fact that consumer interest in sugar cane spirits is growing faster than any other category of liquor.

“We’re proud to say that our prediction of rum’s resurgence in popularity was on the money,” said Robert A. Burr, festival organizer and publisher of Rob’s Rum Guide. “An incredible range of fine rums, from casual and fun mixers to luxurious top-shelf sipping rums will be on display. There is no better opportunity for the rum enthusiast to sample such a vast selection of spirits in one place.”

Rum lovers can choose between $50 day passes to the grand tasting events and $65 VIP tickets that allow early access to the exhibits and complimentary tickets to the celebrity seminars. VIP ticket holders also enjoy access to a private area featuring complimentary cuisine and VIP cocktails.

For those that wish to participate in the entire week of VIP special opportunities, a $250 Executive VIP pass grants admission to all events.

For more information on the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, activities planned during Miami Rum Week and exhibits at Miami Rum Fest, call 305-443-7973 or visit the web site at http://www.RumRenaissance.com

photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thatnimrod/sets/72157629655109120/

logo: http://www.rumrenaissance.com/images/RumRenaissancePoster2_678.jpg

interviews, details, follow-up contact:

Robert A. Burr
[email protected]
305-439-1376 cell
305-443-7973 office

web site: http://www.RumRenaissance.com

Rum Examiner:
http://www.examiner.com/article/2013-miami-rum-festival-details-announced

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CaribPR Wire, New York, NY, Thurs Jan. 17, 2013: The wait for the most anticipated television show in the Caribbean is over.

Caribbean’s Next Top Model™,’ (CNTM), the Caribbean’s own version of CBS’s internationally renowned  ‘Next Top Model™’ format, is set to begin airing across over 25 Caribbean countries on February 18, 2013 and will be hosted by Miss Universe 1998, Wendy Fitzwilliam.

CNTM will feature 23 Caribbean beauties – Xiea from Antigua & Barbuda; Sedia from Barbados; Jenelle and Kendra from The Bahamas; Treveen from The Cayman Islands; Stephany from Curacao; Treicy from The Dominican Republic; Ashley from Guadeloupe; Lisa and Trudy-Lee from Jamaica; and Semoy, Ornella, Anna-Rosa, Davia, Julianna, Athaliah, Candace, Susan, Sheriza; Rachel, Kim-Marie, Maranda and Tinnitia from Trinidad & Tobago.

They will all be competing for the title of the ‘Caribbean’s Next Top Model’ and will be judged by Fitzwilliam as well as international photographer, Pedro Virgil and runway coach and creative director of Trinidad & Tobago’s Fashion Week, Richard Young, along with international and regional experts in fashion, who created a model “Boot Camp” giving the girls real lessons on what it takes to be an international model.

CNTM, which was shot in Trinidad & Tobago, will run for 11 episodes and air on various free-to-air stations, WSEE TV in Puerto Rico, One Caribbean Television and CaribVision, in Caribbean territories during prime time on Mondays, with repeat airings on Saturdays. Check your local TV listings for exact broadcast times.

International stylist and fashion pundit, Freddie Leiba is also set to appear on the show as a featured guest, along with music producer, Bryce Wilson; international photographer, Matthew Jordan-Smith, fashion designer, Claudia Pegus, reigning Soca Monarch, Machel Montano and Factor Model Management’s, Bridget Halanski.

CNTM is presented by bMobile, LIME, KCL Capital Market Brokers Limited, Caribbean Airlines, The Carlton-Savannah, Farouk Systems – CHI, Trinre, Sacha Cosmetics, Factor Women, Caribbean Belle, Blue Waters, Kalloo’s and Micles.

For a sneak preview to CNTM, log on to: www.caribbeansnexttopmodel.com. Share your thoughts on the show at facebook.com/caribbeansnexttopmodel or follow CaribeNTM on Twitter.

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with The Tyra Banks Company.  The executive producers are Ken Mok (“Making the Band”), Tyra Banks and Laura Fuest Silva. The series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. Tyra Banks also hosts the series, which will soon begin airing its 20th cycle in the United States. Currently, AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is under license in over 100 markets around the world and has 20 international versions in production.  AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL format are licensed internationally by CBS Studios International.

CONTACT US:

For Corporate Sponsorships & Advertising contact: Roshan Persad @ Ads Media Intelligence – (868) 383-1282.

For Public Relations & Management including for for Model Inquiries & Wendy Fitzwilliam contact: Lowena West @ (242) 454-8528.

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Master pianist, Monty Alexander, in performance mode.

 

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 12, 2012: Monty Alexander and the Harlem Kingston Express is bringing a celebration to Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola in New York City next month, as the party to mark Jamaica’s 50^th year of independence and the Grammy Award nominee’s 50^th year in music, continues.

"Monty Alexander – Harlem Kingston Express – Continuing The Celebration Of Jamaica’s 50th Year Of Independence And Monty’s 50th Year In Music," returns to Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s at Broadway and 60th Street in New York City for five nights of musical festivity from November 20th-25^th.

Concerts, featuring the Jamaican-born Commander of Distinction’s Caribbean musical roots combined with his American jazz influence, will be held at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. each night. The Thanksgiving Day show will be marked by a special treat with a top Caribbean number from Alexander so after feasting on turkey and other delicacies, fans can dance it off with Alexander and the Harlem Kingston Express.

“I’m inviting all my fans to come one last time to celebrate my 50^th and Jamaica’s 50^th before we bid adieu to 2012,” said Alexander.

Tickets for the Thursday, Friday and Sunday night shows are $35 each while Saturday night tickets are $45 per person. Students with valid identification will be able to enjoy the show for $15 per ticket.

Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, one of the three main performance venues located in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s home, Frederick P. Rose Hall, produces world-class jazz performances nightly.  The intimate 140-seat jazz club is set against a glittering backdrop with spectacular views of Central Park.

To make your reservations, book now at http://jalc.org/events/event/av-124809#.UIW4jVHhc2k or call 212-721-6500 between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 11am-1 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.

Alexander has been dubbed “a masterly pianist who delights audiences everywhere” by the London Evening Standard since the release of his two collections – ‘Uplift,’ a trio album on JLP Records, and ‘Harlem-Kingston Express’ on Motema Music – last year.  Between ‘Uplift’ and ‘Harlem-Kingston Express,’ Monty Alexander has officially dominated the US Radio Charts with three number 1 spots, all in the summer of 2011. ‘Harlem-Kingston Express’ was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category this past February.

Last July Alexander performed at the Stuttgart Jazz Festival in Germany where he received the "German Jazz Trophy – A Life In Jazz."  He then traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa for two concerts at the Johannesburg Joy of Jazz Festival and performed at the 4th edition of the Monty Alexander Jazz Festival in Easton, MD. 

And only 2 weeks ago he played a solo piano concert in South Korea for an open air audience of 6,000 people.  Alexander will travel to Washington, D.C. on November 16th to receive the Caribbean Heritage Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies and travel from Washington to Miami where he is slated to play as the headliner for the first Miami Jazz Fest on November 18th.

Following his five night performance at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola he will perform at a major concert with international special guests set for December 16th in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

See Monty in performances here or visit www.montyalexander.com to stay abreast of his upcoming scheduled performances and latest news.

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