Passion Part 2: Uku, The Sweet lavwey & Terrenaissance @ Euphoria, July 18

Natural vibrations will rock the room when Passion Part 2 takes place at Euphoria Lounge, bringing together three notable 'roots music' bands.



The show, on July 18,will feature top Tobago reggae band Uku, acoustic quartet Gillian Moor and the Sweet Lavwey, and Terrenaissance, a group of musicians playing traditional instruments including mandolin, tabla and pan.



Uku has made a mark in Trinidad with appearances including several at Songshine, and at Euphoria. Their brand of reggae has diverse influences and deals with love, life and righteousness. Terrenaissance's sound captures a truly local vibe with a mellow, sweet sound. Incorporating folk vocals and Indian harmonies, rustic percussion, strings, steel, tabla drum and berimbau--the bow-shaped instrument used in capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art form.



The Sweet Lavwey is the band of Trini-folk singer Gillian Moor. Singing and playing her accustic guitar, the new band adds djimbe drum, flute and a second guitar to the mix, giving the lyrically rich music added shade, colour and dimension.



Showtime is 9.30 pm and admission costs $80.


Euphoria Lounge is located at #54 Dundonald St in Port-of-Spain.



See the Passion Part 2 event page on Facebook or call 760-4655 for tickets and information.
Come out and support a great night of music!

Zantitronics. A night of electronically produced music

Golden Chord

Presents

Zantitronics

A night of electronically produced music

Featuring

Coreysan

With special debut guest artistes

a_phake and Alaphrey

on

Saturday 5th July 2008

@

Euphoria Lounge

#54 Dundonald Street, P.O.S.

Music by DJ Irukandji and DJ 1/0

Admission: $60.00

Showtime: 9:30pm

Doors open @ 7pm

Peace and Love

-Coreysan

Kaj Designs At Fashion Week Trinidad & Tobago

Wild Things!
Kaj Designs Offers An Explosion Of Sensual Safari And Animal Prints At FWTT

Couture Fashion House Unleashes WILD THINGS On The Catwalk

Monday June 2, 2008 – Scarborough, Tobago… Kaj Designs, Trinidad and Tobago’s newest couture fashion house, offered the Fashion Week Trinidad and Tobago (FWTT) audience a sensual take on jungle wild life when it unleashed WILD THINGS on Friday May 30, 2008. Kaj’s newest collection awakened the feline senses with lavish infusions of safari and animal print in soft chiffons, silk chamois, crinkle cotton and lambs wool. With only the fashion forward and confident woman in mind, WILD THINGS featured daring asymmetric cuts, plunging necklines, cold-shoulder blouses and draped layered skirts with bold slits.

Kevin Ayoung-Julien, the designer behind Kaj, has established a reputation for one-of-a-kind, custom-fitted, provocative creations with an unorthodox use of fabrics that reveal his natural affinity for colour and different fabric textures. In the designer’s musings on his recent showing he said, “It gives me a great sense of fulfilment to be able to show my work in my homeland and to feel the appreciation of my peers and members of Trinidad and Tobago’s fashion industry.”



For this collection, Kevin took his inspiration from the textures, tones and prints of the wild bringing an explosion of tiger, leopard and cheetah prints and the bold stripes of the zebra to the catwalk. Against a backdrop of Michael K. and Gab Logan’s nature-inspired rhythms, Kaj’s opening piece caused a stir as sultry Kim Lee-Inniss crossed the runway near topless with decorated nipples and a low-seated safari print skirt with alligator-inspired detailing. Angel Ross offered another highlight in a brown and black zebra print envelope blouse that was paired with ivory and black zebra print ultra hot shorts. Following this, Kimi See Tai graced the runway in an elegant guipure lace bandeau top with tiger and snake print details and a black low-rise skirt that floated from the hips. One of the closing pieces was a fresh take on the zebra featuring Shari Demas in a flowing mixed zebra print dress with a camouflage waistband and exquisite peacock fringe accents.

WILD THINGS with its fifteen avant-garde pieces made its mark on the FWTT catwalk leaving the audience of fashionistas, fashion photographers and critics thirsting for more. This has paved the way for Kevin’s latest work being captured by the lens of Trinidad and Tobago’s master fashion photographer, Calvin French for Caribbean Belle magazine. To add to Kaj’s already extensive list of publicity which includes coverage in Britain’s daily newspaper, The Independent; the US magazine, Sister 2 Sister; New York’s West Indian newspaper, New York Carib News; Guadeloupe’s newspaper, La Gazette Des Caraïbes; Caribbean Airlines’s in-flight magazine, Caribbean Beat; Primaris Airlines’s in-flight magazine, Caribbean LIFE; the international lifestyle and fashion publication, Ocean Style and; Caribbean lifestyle and fashion publication, SHE Caribbean, the designer looks forward to an extensive summer fashion spread in New York’s exclusive Ins&Outs Magazine.


Photography Mark Gellineau.

Kevin is looking ahead to the future as he embarks on establishing novel marketing strategies that will position his creations in exclusive boutiques regionally and internationally.

Estuary Public Relations
Telephone: (868) 761-1195
Email: liza@estuarypr.com
Website: http://www.estuarypr.com/
Myspace: www.myspace.com/lizammiller

Kaj Designs Unleashes WILD THINGS At Fashion Week Trinidad And Tobago

Designer Awakens The Feline Senses With Jungle-Inspired Couture

Thursday May 29, 2008 – Scarborough, Tobago... In signature Kaj style, Kevin Ayoung-Julien will titillate the senses as he unleashes WILD THINGS, his newest collection, at the first ever Fashion Week Trinidad and Tobago (FWTT). On Friday May 30, 2008, the audience at FWTT’s evening of Conscious Fashion will be treated to indulgent infusions of safari and animal print that awaken the feline senses.


The young designer who took his inspiration from the textures, tones and prints of jungle wild life, eagerly anticipates the thrill of bringing the wild to the catwalk. Kaj’s couture pieces will feature against the backdrop of nature-inspired rhythms by artists Michael K. and Gab Logan which also stimulated Ayoung-Julien’s creative process. In his reflections about the freeness of his design process, he said, “When I am building on a collection, I live it. I do not work in the conventional sense at all. There was no sketching. It was all free style. I listened to the music and then began draping fabric on mannequins.”


Kaj releases all inhibitions with this collection that offers eccentric combinations of tiger, leopard, cheetah and zebra prints with raw leather, camouflage detailing, majestic peacock fringe and exotic coque plumes. Feminine contours will be sensually draped in soft chiffons, silk chamois, crinkle cotton and lambs wool offering a whimsical notion of jungle life in striking spots and strips of black, ivory, sand and brown with subtle metallic accents. The lithe limbs and touchable bare skin of Trinidad and Tobago’s leading models will tease the sensibilities in asymmetric cuts, plunging necklines and layered draped skirts.


WILD THINGS is Kaj’s follow-up to his ultra successful 2007 Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) collection, Eccensual: Shake Well & Stir, where the rich tones, hypnotic rhythms and the deep sensuality and exoticism of the Caribbean met the eccentricities of high fashion. Following Eccensual, Kevin enjoyed widespread publicity in his homeland and internationally including coverage in Britain’s daily newspaper, The Independent; the US magazine, Sister 2 Sister; New York’s West Indian newspaper, New York Carib News; Guadeloupe’s newspaper, La Gazette Des Caraïbes; Caribbean Airlines’s in-flight magazine, Caribbean Beat; Primaris Airlines’s in-flight magazine, Caribbean LIFE and; the international fashion publication, Ocean Style.


Kaj Designs will present its latest creations at FWTT in the company of Trinidad and Tobago’s established design houses including Meiling, Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones, Radical Designs, Ecliff Elie, Millhouse, and The Cloth. As Kevin joins the ranks of the region’s fashion masters, he is poised to leave his signature on the Caribbean’s fashion industry.

WHAT: Kaj Designs at FWTT 2008


WHO: Designer Kevin Ayoung-Julien of Kaj Designs


WHEN: Friday May 30, 2008


WHERE: Adam Smith Square, Aripita Avenue, PORT OF SPAIN




For inquiries, please contact:

Liza Miller, Director of Public Relations, Caribbean
Estuary Public Relations
Phone: (868) 761-1195
Email: liza@estuarypr.com
http://www.estuarypr.com/

Medical aspect of SEX

Medical aspect of SEX

Lose weight. Reduce stress. Lower your cholesterol level. Improve your circulation. Live longer. Stay younger.

Sounds like an ad for a new wonder drug right? In fact it’s a partial list of the benefits of humanity’s oldest and most pleasurable pastime - sex.

Most of us are aware of the feel-good benefits of sex while we’re engaged in it, but do you also know that there are benefits which carry on after the sweaty bodies have dried and the sweet talk has reverted to sports?

For instance:

Maintaining Ideal Body Weight

There are 3500 calories in a pound of fat. For every 3500 calories you burn (that you do not replace with food!) you will lose one pound of fat. Sexual intercourse burns approximately 150 calories per half hour. Here’s how that stacks up against some other activities that may be part of your fitness regime: yoga 114 calories per half hour, dancing - rock 129, walking - 3mph 153, weight training 153, canoeing - 2mph 153, volleyball 174.

According to one survey reported by the Ottawa Citizen, Canadians on average have sex 7.33 times per month, lasting approximately 24.4 minutes. That means that “Joe Canada” is burning off more than 10 thousand calories a year, or about 3 pounds, in a not particularly active sex life. Those who are more sexually active, into Tantra for instance where lovemaking lasts 4 hours, would burn up 600 calories a session. At once a week that’s 31,200 calories or 9 pounds per year. Considering that people put weight on gradually, slowly gaining 5-10 pounds per year until they are overweight, it’s not unrealistic to assume that regular sexual activity is one way to help maintain a healthy body weight.


Increased Blood Flow

Sex helps increase the blood flow to your brain and to all other organs of your body. Increased heart rate and deep breathing accounts for the improvement in circulation. As fresh blood supply arrives, your cells, organs and muscles are saturated with fresh oxygen and hormones, and as the used blood is removed, you also remove waste products that cause fatigue and even illness.


Lower Cholesterol

Lowering your cholesterol is another of the “sex as exercise” benefits. Sex helps lower the overall cholesterol level. Perhaps more importantly it tips the HDL/LDL (good/bad) cholesterol balance towards the healthier HDL side.


Stress Reduction, Relaxation and Improved Sleep

People having frequent sex often report that they handle stress better, so the normal stresses of living do not become distress. The profound relaxation that typically follows lovemaking, with orgasm for women and ejaculation and/or orgasm for men, may be one of the few times people actually allow themselves to completely let go, surrender and relax. Many indicate that they sleep more deeply and restfully after satisfying lovemaking. In the relaxing afterglow you may be able to let go of distracting thoughts. Being able to stop thinking has helped many to overcome insomnia.


Sex as Pain Reliever

Through the touch magic of sex the hormone oxytocin is secreted in your body which in turn causes the release of endorphins. Because of these natural opiates sex acts as a powerful analgesic, elevating the pain threshold and helping to relieve the aches of conditions like arthritis, whiplash and headaches. Now there’s a novel approach, sex as a remedy for headache rather than an excuse for abstaining! With arousal and orgasm oxytocin levels rise. They spike 3 to 5 times higher than usual just before orgasm. In fact it is oxytocin that triggers the orgasm.

Measurements performed at the Masters and Johnson laboratories have shown that the uterine contractions brought about by orgasm (triggered by oxytocin) are just as powerful as those of child labor. Women can use this extraordinary orgasmic contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscle to relieve cramps during PMS and menstruation.


Live Longer, Stay Younger

A British study of 1,000 men found those who had at least two orgasms a week had half the death rate of their countrymen who indulge less than once a month. The hormone DHEA promotes sexual excitement and increases in response to it. Dr Theresa Crenshaw author of The Alchemy of Love and Lust says DHEA may be the most powerful chemical in our personal world. It helps balance the immune system, improves cognition, promotes bone growth, and maintains and repairs tissues, keeping your skin healthy and supple. It may also contribute to cardiovascular health and even function as antidepressant.


Prostate and Genital Health

Some doctors believe that more than 75% of men over 50 have a somewhat enlarged prostate, and that virtually all men will suffer from prostate enlargement if they live long enough. This condition, called benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), is normal and usually not dangerous. Unfortunately, some of these men develop prostate cancer, one of the leading causes of death in older men.

Regular sexual intercourse with frequent ejaculations will help to keep the prostate healthy. For those men who practice delaying ejaculation, for example in the practice of Tantra Sacred Sex, performing Kegel exercises (in which you contract the muscles around your genitals), will tone these muscles, just as exercising other muscles tones other areas of your body. More importantly, these exercises will help keep the prostate healthy, by moving the sexual energy up out of the prostate and circulating it throughout your body.

The technique is very simple and you can perform hundreds of contractions per day for top sexual/physical fitness for both men and women. Imagine you are urinating, but want to stop the flow of urine, that’s all there is to it. Contracting your muscles in this way is one of the healthiest exercises you could add to your exercise regime.

When 178 Belgian men with minor erection problems participated in a 4-month daily rehabilitation program which primarily focused on Kegel exercises, 74 percent showed improvement and 43 percent were cured. For women, Kegels strengthen the entire urogenital tract, aiding greatly in childbirth and preventing the onset of incontinence in later life. They also sensitize the genital tissues, helping women to become orgasmic and/or increase the intensity of their orgasms


Boost Testosterone and Estrogen

Regular sexual activity boosts testosterone and estrogen levels in both men and women. Besides boosting your libido testosterone fortifies bones and muscles. Some physicians suggest that testosterone keeps hearts healthy and good cholesterol high. Testosterone is what makes the sex drive in men and women more aggressive. It makes you want to have sex, pursue sex, initiate sex and perhaps dominate the lovemaking.

Testosterone seems to motivate both men and women to strongly desire specific genital sex and release by orgasm. Because men have so much testosterone, they seem obsessed with genitals, intercourse and ejaculation, but appear to care less for romance and foreplay-touching, hugging, cuddling, eye gazing, etc..Sex increases women’s estrogen levels keeping vaginal tissues more supple and also protecting against heart disease. It is estrogen that makes a woman sexually receptive and responsive to a man’s approach. It is estrogen that makes her want to be touched and feel romantic, it is testosterone that makes her want to be penetrated. Estrogen makes a woman soft-breasts develop in response to estrogen.

Estrogen is a powerful influence on how a woman smells. It influences the degree to which she projects softness, openness, and interest in sexual touching. Men’s bodies also produce estrogen. In fact testosterone can be converted into estrogen in the man’s body. Some estrogen helps a man to develop the softer, more nurturing feminine sides of their personalities. As men age, the testosterone/estrogen balance begins to shift, with testosterone decreasing and estrogen increasing, and this is one reason why so many men seem to mellow out as they get older.


The Healing Power of Intimacy

Sex is good for you, but sex with love is even better. According to Dr. Dean Ornish author of ‘Love and Survival: the Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy’, “an open heart can lead to the most joyful and ecstatic sex”. His researches into intimacy and its effects on health have shown that “anything that promotes feelings of love and intimacy is healing”. If you have someone who really cares for you and for whom you care in return, someone you are intimately connected with in all ways - emotional, physical and more -- then you may be three to five times less likely at risk of premature death and disease from all causes. Part of this has to do with the positive effects of touch, what Dr. Crenshaw refers to as Vitamin T. The chemical composition of your body is changed by touch. Caressing, hugging, stroking, cuddling send a chain reaction of chemicals to signal your brain that this is pleasurable, nurturing, good.

There is strong scientific evidence demonstrating the importance of touch to good health. In the 1930s, Dr. Rene Spitz, attending physician at a number of nurseries, noticed that the illness and mortality rates were quite a bit higher in some of the nurseries. His observations and experiments led to the finding that the children who were becoming ill and dying had nothing to do with hygiene or nutrition, but rather had to do with the amount of touching the infants received from the attending staff. He confirmed his findings by hiring “grandmothers” to come into the nurseries to hold, fondle, and cuddle the children. The illness and mortality rates declined rapidly.

Researchers at Miami's Touch Research Institute (TRI) found that premature infants who received three massages a day over 10 days gained 47 percent more weight than preemies who weren't massaged. David Sebringsil, who writes regularly for The Society For Human Sexuality (one of the best online sources of excellent, sex-positive information), recommends Erotic Massage become a part of or alternative to regular lovemaking. It is one of the best ways to help someone achieve extended, multiple, or "whole body" orgasmic states. Through erotic massage partners learn to give and receive loving touch and extraordinary pleasure. It makes you healthier and happier.



Healthy blood, healthy bones, healthy heart, healthy body and a peaceful mind - all thanks to the healing powers of sex.

Yaabafunk, Perunika Trio, Bedoiun Jerry Can Band (+ the Green Note Festival of Latin Music)

Also be sure to check out:

BULGARIANS AND BEDOIUN

LIVE ON STAGE: PERUNIKA TRIO

(sublime Bulgarian a cappella women singers)

+ SPECIAL GUEST: GOMA GHANAEIM

+ other members of BEDOIUN JERRY CAN BAND

(deep roots music from the Sinai Desert)

+ RESIDENT DJ: JAMIE RENTON

@ DARBUCKA

THURSDAY 5TH JUNE 2008, 8PM - 12AM

Chilli Fried, London's leading global beat session, presents the cream of 2 contrasting musical cultures: the rich Bulgarian tradition of unaccompanied women singers represented by the striking, passionate voices of the Perunika Trio and the wild trance inducing sounds of the Sinai Desert provided by special guest Goma Ghanaeim from the acclaimed Bedouin Jerry Can Band.

Eugenia Georgieva, Victoria Mancheva and Victoria Evstatieva, the 3 young women who make up The Perunika Trio met through the London Bulgaria Choir. All are of Macedonian descent and spent their early years in the Bulgaria, but are now based in London. Their debut album Introducing: Perunika Trio (Riverboat) is a journey through the rich musical landscape of Southern Bulgaria: its laments, chants and love songs. Tonight, they'll be bringing this hauntingly beautiful voyage of discovery to life on the stage of Darbucka's beautiful Bedouin basement bar.

Opening the evening will be a special guest spot from Goma Ghanaeim, master of the traditional simsimiyya lute and founder member of The Bedouin Jerry Can Band, who play the deep roots music of the Sinai Desert. Their debut album Coffee Time (30 IPS) caused quite a stir on it's release last year. Tonight Goma will be joined by other members of the group, offering a rare opportunity to catch them in an intimate setting.

All this + resident DJ Jamie Renton spinning global beats and roots rhythms.

Chilli Fried North,

8 PM - 12 AM,

Thursday 5th June 2008 at Darbucka,

182 St John Street,

London, EC1V 4JZ

£5 / £3 concs

020 7490 8772

Nearest Tubes: Farringdon / Angel

http://www.chillifried.com/

www.myspace.com/chillifried

http://www.darbucka.com/

www.myspace.com/perunika

http://www.jerrycanband.com/

The Green Note Festival of Latin Music 2008:

(Tickets available via http://www.wegottickets.com/.

Check out http://www.greennote.co.uk/ for more info)

Friday 13th & Saturday 14th June: QUIMANTU

We launch the festival with a two night residency from one of Europe's most accomplished South American ensembles, led by Chilean virtuoso musician & multi-instrumentalist, Mauricio Venegas-Astorga, who is joined by some of the UK's finest performers. Quimantu present a vibrant repertoire of songs and music drawn from the diverse rhythms, styles and instruments of Latin America, Europe and beyond, brilliantly and effortlessly bringing together a diversity of cultures that blazes with skilful technique, energy, passion, poetry & rhythm.

(£15 adv -N.B. pls specify if it is for the Fri or the Sat night)

Sunday 15th June: REGIONAL BOLA OITO with BOSCO DE OLIVEIRA

An evening of Brazilian roots music: the hippest Samba de Rais (roots samba), burning Samba-Jazz and Chorinho, featuring classic compositions and stories of the masters of Samba from throughout the last century. Presented by renowned percussionist and historian, Bosco De Oliveira.

(£8 adv)

Thursday 19th June: MATICES LATINOS

Matices Latinos is a group dedicated to playing Latin American folk and popular music. They embrace popular musical traditions of countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Puerto Rico, Argentina and Cuba and have an inclination towards rhythms with a strong African presence. In this amazing collaboration, renowned Latin American musicians Luz Elena Caicedo and Wilmer Sifontes will take you on an authentic Latin journey through passion and melancholy with rhythmic and energetic music.

(£8 adv)

Friday 20th June: ANABELLA ZOCH

In her first UK appearance, Argentine singer-songwriter Anabella Zoch, will present songs from her new album "Merece lo que sueñas", a passionate vanguardist take on the roots music of South America; an exciting journey from Zamba to Chacarera, Tango to Waltz. If you like Mercedes Sosa, you'll love Anabella Zoch!

(£8 adv)

Saturday 21st June: FAMILY ATLANTICA

Renowned vocalist and cuatro player, Luzmira Zerpa leads her new ensemble which blends traditional Venezuelan songs with the explosive Afro-Latin percussion of Kwame Owosu, the flute of Jack Yglesias and the celebrated electric guitar of Adrian Owuso. Together, they offer a fresh perspective on the beautiful folk traditions of Venezuela.

(£10 adv)

Sunday 22nd June: MUSIC & POETRY OF THE CHILEAN EXILE

A special programme mixing the New Song & poetry of the Chilean Exile, featuring passionate songstress, Silvia Balducci, and renowned Chilean poet/playwright, Alfredo Cordal. Together, they will explore the work of Pablo Neruda, Violeta Parra and Victor Jara, digging into the roots of Chile and its artistic legacy, and creating a new form of expression with a contemporary appeal and meaning.

(£8 adv)

Thursday 26th June: MAJAGUA

An evening of Latin American Folklore, including Cumbias, Bambucos & Joropos from Colombia & Venezuela; Corridos & Rancheras from Mexico & Valses, Carnavalitos, Guainos y Zambas from Peru, Bolivia & Argentina. Majagua strive to keep true to the traditional sounds and rhythms in which each tune was conceived, but at the same time are open to incorporate new arrangements, giving each melody a personalized and fresh angle.

(£8 adv)

Friday 27th June: GUILLERMO ROZENTHULER & RIOPLATENSES

Innovative vocalist, Guillermo, headlines UK's favourite Argentine folk music ensemble, presenting their new album, "A route to the roots". Groovy Milonga and Candombe, foot-tapping Chacarera and exciting tales from the Rio de la Plata, topped with some Afro and Eastern vibes."...catch a Latin band without a Latin cliché in sight..." (Jazz UK)

(£10 adv)

Saturday 28th June: SONEANDO

Highly danceable Salsa and Cuban Son from this lively band featuring some of London's top Latin musicians. The band is led by pianist, Sara McGuinness, who is well known on the UK Salsa scene and has played and studied Cuba with members of the Buenavista Social Club. The band also features vibrant Cuban vocalists, Jesus Cutiño & Yuri, Elpidio Caicedo on bass, and Roberto Pla and David Pattman on percussion.

(£8 adv)

Thursday 3rd July: VIENTO SUR + DIEGO LAVERDE

Blending an array of styles and music from countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba and Bolivia, newly formed trio, Viento Sur, bring together diverse Latin American rhythms, as well as panpipe music from the Bolivian Andes. Support from renowned Colombian harpist, Diego Laverde.

(£8 adv)

Friday 4th July: CALLE LIMON

Contemporary Afro-Peruvian Jazz from London-based quintet. Calle Limón mix classics of Peruvian coastal music with delicate improvisation. The Spanish-Language parallel to Bossa-Nova: gentle, swinging and seductive... A most refreshing, unexpected combination from this beautiful & culturally diverse part of Latin-America.

(£9 adv)

Saturday 5th July: LA XULA

LaXula leads audiences on a journey of wonder and decadence... Songs drift effortlessly from the dusty sun-baked routes of Southern Spain to the pulsing urban vibrancy of the East London underground. There is a plaintive fiesta of influences from Flamenco to Arabic, Tango to Roma, laced with indie-rock psychedelia. Deeply rooted in an ancient feminine spirit, this travelling band of captivating musicians and alluring performers present sensuous and bewitching music, with a remarkable stage presence that brings together neo-burlesque glamour and gypsy defiance.

(£10 adv)

Tickets available via:

http://www.wegottickets.com/

See: http://www.greennote.co.uk/ for more info...

LIVE MUSIC @ THE NOTTING HILL ARTS CLUB!!

TUESDAY 27th May @ THE NOTTING HILL ARTS CLUB!! Go see.....


MOVIMIENTOS (LIVE)
From folkloric roots to cutting edge electronic -
Movimientos is the sound of London's Latin alternative.

Peyoti For President (Live)
Beatnik revolutionaries fusing euphoric melodies with Ska, Flamenco, Rumba & Samba
http://www.peyoti.com/

Oddjob (Live)
World funk brew mixing Latin and Caribbean carnival rhythms, Afrobeat, Funk and a hint of Gypsy rhythms and Flamenco flavour
www.myspace.com/oddjobworldfunk

+ Special Guest –

"The Return of the Havana Kid"

DJ Clem George
DJs Cal Jader (Movimientos) and Zen (Sonic 360) with blend of Future Latin, Neo-Tropical, Mestizo rhythms, and electronic beats

TUESDAY 27th May @

THE NOTTING HILL ARTS CLUB
7pm-2am
Entry: £5 (£3 before 8pm)
Notting Hill Arts Club
21 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JQ
(2mins from Notting Hill Gate tube)



Monthly events showcasing the most interesting local and international Latin-centric acts, plus films screenings, exhibitions and Latin culture
More info:

http://www.movimientos.org.uk/

www.myspace.com/movimientos


MORE INFO

Oddjob
Oddjob was born in 2005 through a love of funk. Mixing the grooves of the late 60s/70s, Afrobeat and Latin/Caribbean carnival rhythms (and a hint of flamenco), ODDJOB's world-funk brew is designed to wipe out the worries of modern life and make you dance! So polish your dancing shoes and get ready....

"Oddjob brought their unique brand of Afro-Latin flavoured jazz to the stage and within minutes had the huge crowd eating out of their hands. By the time the sax led outfit reached the end of their performance the crowd were crying out for more!!"
Dom Servini (Wah Wah Live, Cargo)

www.myspace.com/oddjobworldfunk



Peyoti for President
Peyoti for President are gypsy beatnik revolutionaries fusing euphoric melodies with elements of Flamenco, Rumba & Samba opposing musical lethargy and rapping no-bullshit words calling for 21st century uprising. The band is comprised of some of the most innovative and diverse world musicians playing with melody, rhythm, spirit, attitude, with a 21st century punk with purpose. Call it what you want but Peyoti for President is unique, unexplored territory, an atom about to be split wide open.

Following the massive success of their support slot on various Manu Chao tour dates last year playing to crowds of over 5000 people, and the imminent release of their debut album "Rising Tide Of Conformity" Peyoti For President launch into summer 2008 with vigour and purpose.

'Flamenco thunder, Bolenesque vocals, a sixties pop sensibility and political conscience makes Peyoti for President an agreeable antidote to all the tedious guitar bands busy going nowhere.' The Independent

www.myspace.com/peyotiforpresident

http://www.peyoti.com/



Movimientos Live
With their monthly live music night Movimientos is bringing together some of the most accomplished & exciting up and coming Latin-centric acts, playing traditional roots music, global fusions, and future Latin alternative, from London, the UK and beyond. Alongside a mix of film, poetry, performance, art and visuals their events aim to showcase the diversity of the Latin culture in London & the UK and highlight the passion and energy that gives the music its power to inspire.

http://www.movimientos.org.uk/

www.myspace.com/movimientos

-- Next Movimientos @ The Notting Hill Arts Club on the 27th May

Movimientos Radio on La Invasion

Saturdays 2pm-4pm

http://www.radioweb.tv/

Movimientos - Musica Mestiza. Documentary Film. Latin culture.

-1st THURSDAY OF THE MONTH @ THE SALMON & COMPASS

-4th TUESDAY OF THE MONTH @ THE NOTTING HILL ARTS CLUB

http://www.movimientos.org.uk/

www.myspace.com/movimientos

movimientosuk@gmail.com

Copy Courtesy:

DJ Jamie Renton

jamierenton@ukonline.co.uk

Chilli Fried South

Lilliput Theatre Premieres “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

Children’s Theatre Uses Caribbean Vernacular To Put An Original Spin On Classic Tale

May 9, 2008 – Port of Spain, Trinidad... Trinidad and Tobago’s audiences will be taken on a thought-provoking and imaginative journey with Lilliput Theatre’s adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes. The production will premiere on Friday May 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at Queen’s Hall and will run throughout the weekend.

The Lilliputians expressing themselves.

The young thespians will offer two versions of the classic tale emphasising the relevance of the story’s metaphor in today’s society. Lilliput’s junior drama class will stay true to the original tale, telling the story as presented by the original author. Contrasting the traditional story is the Seniors’ presentation from the perspective of ‘guntas’ or gangsters. In this alternate offering the young actors use the vernacular and culture of their familiar Caribbean landscape, drawing a parallel to contemporary society that any Caribbean audience could relate to. The play’s director, Wendell Manwarren, saw this year’s project as a means of facilitating the youth’s reconnection with the art of storytelling. “The reason why all good stories endure is that they are applicable over time. Certainly if we are aware of what is going on right now, we can see where it will apply,” he said.

At recent rehearsals for Lilliput’s upcoming production.

The production came out of the creative mind of designer and artist, Merylle Mahabir whose theme and conceptual costume designs served as a catalyst for the Lilliputians playwriting process. Every year, Noble Douglas, Lilliput’s artistic director, producer and choreographer is challenged with creating choreography that stays true to the theme while accommodating Mahabir’s abstract and unconventional costume designs. “It is a very difficult process that often calls me to look within myself. I work with children and teenagers of a range of abilities so this is an integral consideration in my compositions,” reflected Douglas. The end result is an intricately woven play that carefully balances the elements of dance, drama and costuming.

Lilliput’s dancers prepare for the Queen’s Hall stage.

Lilliput Theatre teaches drama to children aged 7 to 18 and dance to children aged 3 to 18. It was founded in 1975 and encourages self-confidence through the challenge of theatre, game play and imagination. Juxtaposing rising concerns for indiscriminate government spending with growing complacency in society, Lilliput’s 2008 production is well timed.


WHAT: The Emperor’s New Clothes

WHO: Lilliput Theatre

WHEN:
Friday May 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday May 17, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday May 18, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Queen’s Hall, St. Anns, Port of Spain

TICKETS: $80 adults/$60 children
Crosby’s Music Centre, St. James or students of Lilliput Theatre

TAARA

EL BICHO UK DEBUT!!!

The Best of New Urban Flamenco LIVE!

EL BICHO + LAXULA

THE BEST OF NEW URBAN FLAMENCO!

Thurs 5 June
London, Islington Academy

N1 Centre Upper Street N1 0PS0

844 477 2000, www.comono.co.uk

Wed 4 June

Brighton, Komedia

0127 364 7100, www.komedia.co.uk

EL BICHO

In Spain El Bicho is one of the hottest names on the ‘new’ flamenco scene. They merge rock guitars, jazz riffs and classic flamenco vocals, and a repertoire spanning bulerias, rumbas and tangos, creating a fresh and powerful new sound. This is their long-awaited UK debut.

http://www.elbicho.com/

LAXULA

Drawing from similar inspirations, but creating a language entirely of their own, LaXula take audiences on a journey of wonder & decadence. Songs drift from dusty sunbaked routes of Southern Spain to the urban vibrancy of London underground. Routed in an ancient feminine spirit, this alluring band present sensuous and bewitching music bringing together neoburlesque glamour and gypsy defiance.

http://www.laxula.com/

THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES

Food for thought
Lilliput Theatre – The Company

Lilliput theatre was born in 1975 out of the vision of two artists, actor Tony Hall and dancer Noble Douglas, who were driven to use the performing arts as a medium to stimulate young people’s creative energy, and to build their character, self confidence and self esteem. The theatre company has evolved its own techniques and exercises that are deftly employed to create drama and tell stories in novel ways, scripted by the young thespians themselves. The end result is abstract, innovative and thought-provoking productions with intricately woven scripts of drama, dance and costuming. Under the guidance of artistic director, Noble Douglas, drama director, Wendell Manwarren and costume designer, Merylle Mahabir, Lilliput offers drama instruction to children aged 7 to 18 and training in contemporary modern dance to children aged 3 to 18. Lilliput provides youth with a forum for self exploration and expression, to channel their imagination while nurturing a love, respect and discipline for the craft and tradition of the performing arts and the creative process.



THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES
The Poem, by Merylle Mahabir.


The Emperor had a Vision

said, "I need something new!",

He got a fancy new Tailor,

and a fancy house too.


Then Empire State buildings

new boats and a plane

to wear his new clothes in,

we know it's insane.


The Emperor's New Yes Friends

say "the Clothes looking fine!"

but there's nothing to see,

are they deaf, dumb and blind?


We all see that he's naked;

is he going mad?

And he spends all our money,

it is mad, bad and sad.


The Emperor's New Clothes

are outrageous, expensive,

but there will be a parade and

we're creative, inventive.


We took a page from Pierrot:

cut old curtains and lace,

put on a straw hat

and made up our face.


With dames, baby Dolls

though our costumes are scant

Saga boys, Devils, Imps

don't tell us we can't.


The Nation's not safe now,

so just as a surety,

Lilliput walks with Stick-fighters

for our own Band Security.

Lilliput Theatre Calls Us To Introspection

Children’s Theatre Company Premieres Its Interpretation of The Emperor’s New Clothes

April 28, 2008 – Port of Spain, Trinidad…Lilliput Theatre will premiere its interpretation of The Emperor’s New Clothes at Queen’s Hall beginning Friday May 16, 2008 and running throughout the weekend. In their re-presentation of this classic tale, the young thespians emphasise the relevance of the tale’s metaphor to Trinidad and Tobago’s present political and societal landscape.

This year, Trinidad and Tobago’s political environment deeply inspired the artist and designer, Merylle Mahabir, in her conceptualisation of the theme for Lilliput’s 2008 thought-provoking production. “The original story echoes what is going on in the country. I wanted to do something that highlights the complicity and the follow-fashion mentality of the people not just ‘The Emperor’ in the big con. It seemed really apt and inevitable that we do this,” muses the artist. The Lilliputians were charged with creating theatre out of Mahabir’s conceptual designs which first came to life in the streets during Lilliput’s 2008 Junior Carnival portrayal.

Mahabir’s desire to make her art socially and environmentally conscious led her to look back to traditional costume design. In the costuming there are historical references from very different periods combined with influences from Trinidad and Tobago’s traditional mas characters. The designer created fancy yet economic costumes reflecting those of the Pierrot, Dames, Baby Dolls, Saga Boys, Devils and Imps. “There is a kind of not-quite-covered-up feeling although they dress to impress. Between the loosely spaced strips of fabric, one can see their 'underwear'. Their real story,” she says.

Lilliput Theatre teaches theatre to children aged 7 to 18 and dance to children aged 3 to 18. It was founded in 1975 and encourages self-confidence through the challenge of theatre, game play and imagination. The theatre’s production team is led by the founder, artistic director, producer and choreographer, Noble Douglas and the director, Wendell Manwarren.

Juxtaposing rising concerns for indiscriminate government spending with growing complacency in society, Lilliput’s 2008 production is well timed. In the words of the director, “In signature Lilliputian style, the play is not for those who want all the answers…rather it stimulates one to think and read between the lines.”

WHAT: The Emperor’s New Clothes

WHO: Lilliput Theatre

WHEN: Friday May 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday May 17, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday May 18, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Queen’s Hall, St. Anns, Port of Spain

TICKETS: $80 adults/$60 children

Crosby’s Music Centre, St. James or students of Lilliput Theatre

For more information, please contact:

Liza Miller, Director of Public Relations, Caribbean

Estuary Public Relations

Phone: (868) 761-1195

Email: liza@estuarypr.com

http://www.estuarypr.com/

Craig Venter is on the verge of creating synthetic life

TED Talks

Can we create new life out of our digital universe?" asks Craig Venter. And his answer is, yes, and pretty soon. He walks the TED2008 audience through his latest research into "fourth-generation fuels" -- biologically created fuels with CO2 as their feedstock. His talk covers the details of creating brand-new chromosomes using digital technology, the reasons why we would want to do this, and the bioethics of synthetic life. A fascinating Q&A with TED's Chris Anderson follows (two words: suicide genes).

Click To Play

Oojami summer gigs!!

--- Some Festivals from Summer 2008 ---



17th May - Kortrijk, Belgium - www.kokopellifestival.be


26th May - Loughborough - UK1st June - Sunrise festival - UK


7th June - White Mischief - London, UK


13/14 June - BDSS, DJ set - Blackpool, UK


15 June - Amsterdam Roots Festival



11 July - Wales, UK



13 July - The big Weekend Festival - Cambridge, UK



24th August - Solfest, UK

4REAL Launch Party, Toronto, April 14th

Shizuka Minami

Shizuka Minami

Shizuka Minami was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1979. She studied aerodynamics and holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Tokai University. In 2003, she moved to New York to pursue a career in photography. She attended the International Center of Photography : Documentary Photography and Photojournalism Program in 2005. She is a member of PHaT Photo's Photographers in 2008.



She is passionate about festivals, carnivals and music performances and has photographed them around the world.




Exhibitions/Actions:


Veras Images Exhibition Canon Open Gallery in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan, 2007

Friends Without a Border's Friends of Friends Photography AuctionNew York, USA, 2006

Slideluck Potshow 7 - theme 'Energy' New York, USA, November 2006

The School at the International Center of PhotographyNew York, USA, 2005



Shizuka is currently in Trinidad.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Liza Miller, Director of Public Relations, Caribbean

Estuary Public Relations
Phone: (868) 761-1195
Email: liza@estuarypr.com

Trini Style‏.....nothing to do with fashion, by the way.

STAGE 1 - BAZODEE - Pronounced Bah Zoh Deeeeeeeeee

The boy meets the girl and butterflies fill his stomach. Every touch is electric, every glance is dramatic, he lingers on her every word. The sun reflecting off the morning dew reminds him of the way her eyes twinkle when the moonlight catches her eye. The time away seems like an eternity and when he sees her nothing else matters. He calls everyday and flowers on every date, he even writes her name on the back of his work pass so she will always be close to his heart.


STAGE 2 - Tutoulbay - Pronounced Tut ool bey


The girl's boss complains that she takes to many personal calls on the company phone, so he buys her a cell phone and pays the bill too. He doesn't want her tainted and ogled by the miscreants on the Maxi Taxi so he decides to drop her to work and pick her up every day. This poses a dilema because she works further than him. No Problem.

He picks her up at home and gives her the car, so she drops him to work and keeps the car for the day. His friends dont exist anymore because she said that they are too crass and he drinks too much during the week ( Like me). He takes her shopping and holds the bags, he even sits on the benches in the middle of the mall while she has her Mani/ Pedi/ Hair day. Oh yes AMORE!!


STAGE 3 - Tabanca - Pronounced Tah Bank Ahhhhhhhh


So one day while she's shopping in Pennywise and he is sitting outside in the car waiting, he notices that she left her phone (which he bought and still pays bills for) by the hand brakes. Curiousity wins, he picks it up, "New Message".... yuh boy cyah help it, he read the message. "Yesterday was great. Same time tmrrow. Your body is HOTT".....But what de Muddah #@$%??? Who d flikk txtin my oman so dred? Cigarette light up one time. The vein on the forehead start to bulge. Leg shaking like dat. She returns from Pennywise and tries to hand him his Credit Card.

Who de flikk is Andre, where he see you yesterday and how de flikk he know yuh body hot??" she reels for a second..."Oh Andre.....am he is my trainer...at the gym and he was commenting on my progress, you know i go to the gym to look good for you baby".....yuh hear lie!!!....So yuh boy calm dong. Or so she thinks..Ah fellah call Cudjoe (for you Trinis that don't know, Cudjoe is a Private Detective Agency, yes we have dat in Trinidad). Cudjoe follow she for a week and reports to Mr. Loverman. Sir she has been going to the gym, TO PICK UP ANDRE, and then they proceded to Econo Guest House (before Jo Sing Pasta in Kelly....I Think LOL) they spent 2 hours and then she came to pick you up. WHAT DE MUDDAH #@$%!!!!! As she reach is cuss..."Yuh flikkin garden tool, gimme meh damn phone, PASHAW (Trinidadian Onomatapia for the sound of something breaking) the phone hit the ground. Ah goh kill yuh Muddah #@%$, after all i do for you, dat is how u go repay me???. "but honey.."

"Doh flikkin honey me, i know bout you and Andre and flikkin Econo Guest house".........she breaks down in tears "you were smothering me, i found comfort in Andre's arms, I need space"...."Space??" he fires back "is Muddah #@$% space yuh want?? Yuh is a flikkin astronaut??"....she begins to cry uncontollably. Meanwhile a Rapid Response 999 vehicle notices the comotion, one time they done assume he ress a cut azz on she. Of course she cyah stop cryin so she can't confirm or deny the allegation (conveniently). Is jail in he azz!!!



STAGE 4 - Foofooloomps - Pronounced Fou Fou Loumps

After a good cut azz from the police followed the next morning by sincere apologies for the "misunderstanding". He sits at home, calls sick for work, for two weeks. Radio is stuck on 97 (Love Hurts by Nazereth is playing). The man doh answer no calls. He stop shaving and bathing, is only on a have-to-must-to basis. He tried calling her 4,345,876 times everyday to say he sorry and he want to make back up.

She mother change the home number. Das it!!! He pick up the SHARP CD player and he gone. There he stands baring his soul playing "Baby Come Back - Vanessa Hudgens". The window cracks, his heart leaps, a shadow appears....it's Andre and he is informed that a restraining order was taken out and the police are on the way. Not wanting the same royal treatment from the cops, he exits stage left. He was last seen on Curepe Junction drinking a bottle of Bay Rum singing "Baby Come Back.......

Tribalondon 2008 Featuring Oojami DJ Set 9th February

CHANGO SPASIUK on tour!

"it's a deep, unfettered joy to indulge in Chango's masterpieces" (Songlines)
Chango Spasiuk (trio)
Deep swing, wild joy and dark melancholy from Argentina's young chamame hero.
Chango Spasiuk is celebrated as the guardian angel of chamamé, the powerful folk tradition of the Argentine North East. An exceptionally expressive performer, Spasiuk taps into a higher animating spirit, playing like a man possessed, visibly transported amidst the affecting swirl of the category defying resonance of his enchanted squeezebox. His rapt, dervish-like stage presence and his extraordinary ensemble make for a music of profound beauty and feeling. Not to be missed!

UK Dates 2008
.
19 Feb Tue Southampton, Turner Sims Concert Hall
023 80595151 www.turnersims.co.uk
~
20 Feb Wed Crawley, The Hawth
01293 553636 www.hawth.co.uk
~
21 Feb Thu Bristol, St Georges
0845 4024001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
~
22 Feb Fri Norwich, Arts Centre
01603 660352 www.norwichartscentre.co.uk
~
23 Feb Sat London, St Ethelburga's
020 7496 1610 www.stethelburgas.org
~
25 Feb Mon London, SOAS Concert Series
020 7898 4500 www.soas.ac.uk/concerts
~
plus! many more dates throughout March in Europe!
for full tour dates see www.kapa-productions.com


For more information contact Katerina Pavlakis at KAPA Productions
020 7095 9566 or katerina@kapa-productions.com

Tour produced by KAPA Productions, supported by Arts Council England.
www.kapa-productions.com

~

hotROMania - Trigon

Ethno Jazz group Trigon was born in 1992 owing to desire to play music for the soul, which one is unexpected for musicians has brought to them the European grade already in 1994, thanking to the award of the French Academy of arts "Charles Cros" for debut CD - "The Moldovan wedding in jazz". "Trigon's style encompasses elements of folk, jazz, rock and symphonic music. Brilliant improvisations and a keen understanding of musical forms characterize their jazz compositions. Trigon is undoubtedly a phenomenon in modern jazz music in its highest intellectual expression".
L.Osipova, Vice-president of the Russian Composers Union

"Anatol Stefanet is kind of the Jimi Hendrix of the viola. Stefanet comes from a long line of musicians. Playing with the folk band Laeutari, Anatol began playing the bratsch as a solo instrument, something that had never been done before. His new-found musical love has resulted in solo albums and a stint with the group Trigon. The band plays jazz tunes that are tinged with elements of folk, rock, funk and chamber music" Philipp Krum (France)

"Four virtuosos, four magnificent musicians, create together aesthetically modern and very original music. The proficiency and easiness of their performance, the humour of their dramatic music can be compared to Chick Corea playing the concert of Mozart, with vocal participation and conducted by Bobby McFerrin" Milen Panaiotov, Festival " Varna summer ", "Kultura" 17 September 2004, (Bulgaria)

"A pulsating blast from the global jukebox." (The Observer)

To see the Oojami live, click here!
Oojami have already started booking for 2008!
Between 17th Of January and 3rd of February they are organising a small UK Tour. Around these dates Oojami will be available to play as a full band with 9 people or as a Sound System with 5 people!!!

Hot news; they have already recorded their next album for release before the summer!!!

London based, Turkish originated Oojami has released 3 albums over the last 6 years with the US label CIA run buy M.Copland who released bands such as The Police and REM.

In the last few years Oojami has played over 200 gigs in 16 different countries including US, UK and Canada tours. They have played and head lined many festivals and venues including Mano Mundo (Belgium), Ostrava (Checz Republic), Royal Albert Hall (UK), Glastonbury (UK).....

The last album 'Boom Shinga Ling' was released early this year(2007)and was listed in the The Observer Music Monthly as one of the best 10 albums of the month. Oojami songs have been on many compilations in many countries. Their music has appeared in some movies including Dirty Pretty Things in which French actress Audry Tatou dances to Oojami music. Their music has been a major contributor of the US based Belly Dancing Super Stars show, DVD and CDs.

Oojami is 9 piece band including 2 dancers!

Listen to Oojami @ www.myspace.com/oojami

Oojami CDs are available @ http://www.oojami.co.uk/

Caribbean Media Arts need a Queen for their Children’s Band

We Need A Queen for Our Children’s Band!!

Hey Folks
We looking for someone to play our Queen costume… so if you know any strong, brave 11-14 year old girls who love to perform give us a holler – quick. If you want to check out the children’s band, call Vanessa on 624 5562 for more info. Or check the costumes on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8520722038

The band is raising funds for Caribbean Baby Network. So spread the word! It’s a medium sized band. And we give group / family discounts.
Call Vanessa for that info as well.

Cheerio!

Name: Natural Disasters - Trinidad Children's Carnival 2008

Description: Natural Disasters! Children's Mas Trinidad Carnival 2008.
A delightful children's carnival presentation featuring the natural hazards that affect our precious planet.

Natural Disasters will perform at 5 children’s carnival competitions for the 2008 Carnival season.

The band is produced by Freedom Carnival Arts - a Carnival Arts collective that has produced carnival costumes, exhibits and presentations in Trinidad and the Caribbean, the UK, the US and Europe.

With over 15 years experience Freedom Carnival Arts aims to put the young masquerader’s enjoyment and safety first.

Following is information on this 2008’s presentation: Natural Disasters.

SECTION --- AGE --- BOYS/GIRLS --- PRICE

Avalanche--- 3-4 --- girls --- $650
Below Zero--- 7-8 --- girls --- $650
Blizzard--- 11-12 --- boys & girls --- $700
Downpour--- 3-4 --- girls --- $550
Tsunami --- 5-6 --- boys & girls --- $550
Maelstrom --- 11-12 --- boys & girls --- $1100
Hurricane --- 5-6 --- girls --- $700
Tornado --- 9-10 --- boys & girls --- $900
Sandstorm --- 7-8 --- girls --- $600
Earthquake --- 5-6 --- girls --- $700
Volcano --- 9-10 --- girls --- $850
Bushfire --- 9-10 --- boys & girls --- $1100
Global Warming --- 11-12 --- boys & girls --- $1000
Holey Ozone! --- 13-14 --- boys & girls --- $1100
Greenhouse Gases --- 13-14 --- girls --- $1200

Camp: Belmont Studios, 27 Jerningham Avenue , Belmont , Port of Spain , Trinidad

Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm

Registration: January 9th 2008

Costume Collection: January 18th 2008

Contact: Vanessa Riley
Phone: 868 624 5562
email: vanimissy@gmail.com
Website: Launching January 15th 2008.

Detailed communication on the band’s policies, meeting venues, dates and times will be provided to all parents and guardians. Band information available at the Freedom Camp upon registration. We look forward to you joining us for a wonderful 2008 Children’s Carnival experience!

Contact Info
Email: freedomcarnivalarts@gmail.com
Website: coming soon
Office: Freedom Carnival Arts
Belmont Studios, 27 Jerningham Avenue, Belmont.

Kaj Designs 2008

Kevin Ayoung-Julien
Designer/Director, Kaj Designs

Kevin Ayoung-Julien is always thinking, re-thinking and dissecting. Every initiative must be evaluated and re-evaluated as he stresses on the importance of learning and growing from every experience. He is Trinidad and Tobago’s newest and quite probably its youngest fashion genius. He is also the man behind Kaj Designs, an individual with a natural flair for design and affinity for colour and different fabric textures. His discerning eyes explore every line and cut of his pieces ultimately concerned with the visual impact of his works. His musings, “Has the essence of what I am portraying been conveyed? How can it be improved? Is it a cohesive body of work?” steadfastly push him to perfection.
At the age of 28, considered a junior yet already leaving an indelible mark on the Caribbean’s fashion sphere. He is driven to create. He exists to do so. Nothing provides him greater joy. It is his passion. And his raw talent has caused members of the Caribbean’s fashion circles to stop and pay notice to his art.
With no formal training, Kevin began designing in 2005 with his first collection and signature line Chachalaca, another name for Tobago's native bird, the Cococrico. Nature's tones, patterns and textures dominated this collection and trademark pieces were featured at the 2005 Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) in Jamaica. With its combination of feathers, coconut shell and burlap reflecting the Cococrico’s majestic appearance and muted natural colours, Chachalaca garnered Kevin the attention of international fashion critics and designers with his work featuring in fashion publications including SHE Caribbean Magazine.
Chachalaca was closely followed with Mwangaza his sophomore collection under the signature line, which graced the runway at Trinidad and Tobago’s 2006 Makin’ Style.
Kevin’s most recent success has been with his sophomore showing at the 2007 CFW. Last June, Kevin again walked the infamous CFW runway following the showing of his newest collection Eccensual: Shake Well & Stir. The Caribbean’s lush landscape and diverse cultures served as inspiration for Kevin’s latest offering where the rich tones, hypnotic rhythms and the deep sensuality and exoticism of the islands met the eccentricities of high fashion. Kevin once more impressed the CFW audience, basking in Eccensual’s widespread publicity which has included coverage in Britain’s daily newspaper The Independent, the US magazine Sister 2 Sister, Caribbean Airlines’s in-flight magazine, Caribbean Beat, Primaris Airlines’s in-flight magazine, Caribbean LIFE and the international fashion publication, Ocean Style.
As the artist works to refine his design techniques, his ingenuity and enterprising and conscientious approach to his craft and business has not gone unnoticed. In August 2007 he won the noted award for entrepreneurship at the National Youth Awards ceremony which was presented by Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs. In December, his couture swimwear creations featured at the 2007 Miss World pageant as Grenada’s representative, Vivian Burkhardt, sought out his work to complete her wardrobe. His skill in the art of costume design was also recognised in Tobago’s 2007 Carnival competition as his creation, Island Spirit, paraded by Mickael Franklyn coped the Junior Individual Of The Year title.
Kevin is now looking ahead to the future as he continues work on his newest collection, Wild Things, which will feature on runways in 2008.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Liza Miller, Director of Public Relations, Caribbean
Estuary Public Relations

Phone: (868) 761-1195

Email: liza@estuarypr.com


http://www.estuarypr.com/