Nadine Sutherland Releases Stirring Acoustic Version Of “Queen” For Mother’s Day

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 10, 2024: Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist Nadine Sutherland has unveiled a heartfelt acoustic rendition of her hit single “Queen” in time for Mother’s Day. The stripped-down version of the emotionally charged track aims to resonate with women worldwide, offering a raw and intimate perspective on the journeys they undertake throughout their lives.

Nadine Sutherland salutes Mothers this ‘Mother’s Day.’

Sutherland took to her Instagram page to introduce the acoustic version, emphasizing its importance for women to hear themselves in the song and connect with the narrative she shares. “Queen” in its acoustic form sees Sutherland unplugged and unfiltered, delving into the untold stories behind the crowns women wear.

“It’s a song I’ve poured my heart into,” Sutherland expressed. “It’s about women who have endured hardships on their path to success, who have faced setbacks but always risen again. Through it all, women are Queens. She is you, because we’ve shared so many similar journeys.”

Recorded and filmed at Anchor Studios, the acoustic rendition features Neil-Prince Halliburton on guitar and was engineered by Delroy “Fatta” Pottinger. Accompanying the release is an official music video, capturing the raw emotion and authenticity of the acoustic performance.

With a career spanning over three decades, Nadine Sutherland has solidified her place in the music industry with her powerful vocals and empowering messages. Her collaborations with renowned artists and her unwavering commitment to spreading positivity through music continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

For fans of Sutherland and enthusiasts of authentic, soul-stirring music, the acoustic version of “Queen” serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength inherent in every woman’s story. Listen HERE

Four Flight Attendants Accused Of Smuggling Millions In Drug Money To Dominican Republic

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 10, 2024: Federal authorities says four flight attendants exploited their privileges as airline personnel to transport millions of dollars in drug proceeds from New York City to the Dominican Republic.

According to Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations, the suspects took advantage of their access to the “Known Crewmember (KCM)” lane at John F. Kennedy International Airport, circumventing standard security measures and inspection protocols.

A Homeland Security Investigations special agent highlighted the lax security procedures associated with KCM privileges, noting that flight attendants could transport significant amounts of cash without detection.

The individuals facing charges are Charlie Hernandez, 42; Sarah Valerio Pujols, 24; Emmanuel Torres, 34; and Jarol Fabio, 35. They stand accused of engaging in unlicensed money transmission activities and were apprehended on Tuesday.

Hernandez resides in West New York, New Jersey, while the remaining defendants are residents of New York City.

Prosecutors allege that the group collectively smuggled approximately $8 million in bulk cash to the Dominican Republic over several years, purportedly including funds derived from drug trafficking.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the serious nature of the allegations, stating that the flight attendants abused their status to facilitate the illegal transfer of illicit funds.

An informant provided Hernandez with $121,215, sourced from narcotics trafficking, a portion of which he allegedly passed on to Pujols for transport to the Dominican Republic in December 2019.

Delta Airlines confirmed that two of the defendants are employees, asserting their cooperation with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.

While Pujols has been released from custody, her attorney declined to provide further comments. No immediate responses were available from Fabio’s legal representation, and court records did not list attorneys for Hernandez and Torres at the time of reporting.

Full ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Schedule

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 10, 2024: The excitement is building among cricket fans for the opening of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The opening match will get underway in Dallas, USA on June 1st between the US and Canada, which is also Caribbean American Heritage Month in the US.

Call him ICC Cricket Ambassador Bolt!

Four matches will be played at Central Broward Park and Broward County Stadium in Florida. They are Sri Lanka against Nepal on June 11th, the US against Ireland on June 14th, India versus Canada the following day, June 15th, and Pakistan versus Ireland on June 16th.

So far Olympian Usain Bolt and West Indies cricketing star Chris Gayle are among this year’s ambassadors. The West Indies squad for the World Cup is:

Squad: Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.

The full ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Schedule is as follows:

Sat, 1 Jun ’24

1st Match, Group A (N)

Dallas, Texas

United States Of America vs Canada

8:30 PM (12:30 am GMT | 7:30 pm Local)

Sun, 2 Jun ’24

2nd Match, Group C

Providence, Guyana

West Indies vs Papua New Guinea

10:30 AM (2:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

3rd Match, Group B (N)

Bridgetown, Barbados

Namibia vs Oman

8:30 PM (12:30 am GMT | 8:30 pm Local)

Mon, 3 Jun ’24

4th Match, Group D

New York

Sri Lanka vs South Africa

10:30 AM (2:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

5th Match, Group C (N)

Providence, Guyana

Afghanistan vs Uganda

8:30 PM (12:30 am GMT | 8:30 pm Local)

Tue, 4 Jun ’24

6th Match, Group B

Bridgetown, Barbados

England vs Scotland

10:30 AM (2:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

7th Match, Group D

Dallas, Texas

 Netherlands vs Nepal

11:30 AM (3:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

Wed, 5 Jun ’24

8th Match, Group A

New York

India vs Ireland

10:00 AM (2:00 pm GMT | 10:00 am Local)

9th Match, Group C (N)

Providence, Guyana

Papua New Guinea vs Uganda

7:30 PM (11:30 pm GMT | 7:30 pm Local)

10th Match, Group B (N)

Bridgetown, Barbados

Australia vs Oman

8:30 PM (12:30 am GMT | 8:30 pm Local)

Thu, 06 Jun ’24

11th Match, Group A

Dallas, Texas

United States Of America vs Pakistan

11:30 AM (3:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

12th Match, Group B

Bridgetown, Barbados

Namibia vs Scotland

3:00 PM (7:00 pm GMT | 3:00 pm Local)

Fri, 7 Jun ’24

13th Match, Group A

New York

Canada vs Ireland

10:30 AM (2:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

14th Match, Group C (N)

Providence, Guyana

Afghanistan vs New Zealand

7:30 PM (11:30 pm GMT | 7:30 pm Local)

15th Match, Group D (N)

Dallas, Texas

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka

8:30 PM (12:30 am GMT | 7:30 pm Local)

Sat, 8 Jun ’24

16th Match, Group D •

New York

Netherlands vs. South Africa

10:30 AM Local Time

17th Match, Group B •

Bridgetown, Barbados

Australia vs. England

1:00 PM Local Time

18th Match, Group C (N)

Providence, Guyana

West Indies vs. Uganda

8:30 PM Local Time

Sun, 9 Jun ’24

19th Match, Group A

New York

India vs. Pakistan

10:30 AM Local Time

20th Match, Group B

North Sound, Antigua

Oman vs. Scotland

1:00 PM Local Time

Mon, 10 Jun ’24

21st Match, Group D

New York

Bangladesh vs. South Africa

10:30 AM Local Time

Tue, 11 Jun ’24

22nd Match, Group A

New York

Canada vs. Pakistan

10:30 AM Local Time

23rd Match, Group D

Lauderhill, Florida

Nepal vs. Sri Lanka

7:30 PM Local Time

24th Match, Group B (N)

North Sound, Antigua

Australia vs. Namibia

8:30 PM Local Time

Wed, 12 Jun ’24

25th Match, Group A

New York

United States of America vs. India

10:30 AM Local Time

26th Match, Group C (N)

Tarouba, Trinidad

West Indies vs. New Zealand

8:30 PM Local Time

Thu, 13 Jun ’24

27th Match, Group B

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Bangladesh vs. Netherlands

10:30 AM Local Time

28th Match, Group D

North Sound, Antigua

England vs. Oman

3:00 PM Local Time

29th Match, Group C (N)

Tarouba, Trinidad

Afghanistan vs. Papua New Guinea

8:30 PM Local Time

Fri, 14 Jun ’24

30th Match, Group A

Lauderhill, Florida

United States of America vs. Ireland

10:30 AM Local Time

31st Match, Group D (N)

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Nepal vs. South Africa

7:30 PM Local Time

32nd Match, Group C (N)

 Tarouba, Trinidad

New Zealand vs. Uganda

8:30 PM Local Time

Sat, 15 Jun ’24

33rd Match, Group A

Lauderhill, Florida

Canada vs. India

10:30 AM Local Time

34th Match, Group B

North Sound, Antigua

England vs. Namibia

1:00 PM Local Time

35th Match, Group B (N)

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

Australia vs. Scotland

8:30 PM Local Time

Sun, 16 Jun ’24

36th Match, Group A

Lauderhill, Florida

Ireland vs. Pakistan

10:30 AM Local Time

37th Match, Group D (N)

Kingstown, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Bangladesh vs. Nepal

7:30 PM Local Time

38th Match, Group D (N)

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

Netherlands vs. Sri Lanka

8:30 PM Local Time

Mon, 17 Jun ’24

39th Match, Group C

Tarouba, Trinidad

New Zealand vs. Papua New Guinea

10:30 AM Local Time

40th Match, Group C (N)

Gros Islet, Trinidad

West Indies vs. Afghanistan

8:30 PM Local Time

Wed, 19 Jun ’24

41st Match, Super Eights, Group 2

North Sound, Antigua

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(A2 v D1)

42nd Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N)

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(B1 v C2)

Thu, 20 Jun ’24

43rd Match, Super Eights, Group 1

Bridgetown, Barbados

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(C1 v A1)

44th Match, Super Eights, Group 1 (N)

North Sound, Antigua

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(B2 v D2)

Fri, 21 Jun ’24

45th Match, Super Eights, Group 2

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(B1 v D1)

46th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N)

Bridgetown, Barbados

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(A2 v C2)

Sat, 22 Jun ’24

47th Match, Super Eights,Group 1

North Sound, Antigua

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(A1 v D2)

48th Match, Super Eights, Group 1 (N)

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(C1 v B2)

Sun, 23 Jun ’24

49th Match, Super Eights, Group 2

Bridgetown, Barbados

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(A2 v B1)

50th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N)

North Sound, Antigua

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(C2 v D1)

Mon, 24 Jun ’24

51st Match, Super Eights, Group 1

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(B2 v A1)

52nd Match, Super Eights, Group 1 (N)

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(C1 v D2)

Wed, 26 Jun ’24

1st Semi-Final (N)

Tarouba, Trinidad

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

Thu, 27 Jun ’24

2nd Semi-Final

Providence, Guyana

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

Sat, 29 Jun ’24

Final

Bridgetown, Barbados

TBA vs. TBA

10:00 AM Local Time

Caribbean Travel News And Deals This Week

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. May 9, 2024: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and some can’t miss deals this week in 60 seconds.

Get ready for smoother and cozier travels to Puerto Rico and beyond, thanks to a major JetBlue expansion in the Caribbean! Beginning in October, JetBlue will be introducing new flights to and from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).

Anguilla is the place to be this month for The Anguilla Culinary Experience, ACE 2024, Guest Chefs Zachary Engel and Yannick Rochat will be there from May 23rd to 26th. Event tickets can be purchased at AnguillaCulinaryExperience.com.

Speaking of great food, if you are in Antigua, check out the second annual Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week (ABRW)- through Sunday, May 19th. Prix Fixe lunch and dinner menus will range from $25-$75USD, with more affordable “Eat Like A Local” options available around the island. Book at antiguabarbudarestaurantweek.com.

Is a short vacy on the cards this month? Is a short vacy on the cards this month? Here’s a great deal. Get an all-inclusive vacation in Jamaica at Riu Negril. Fly from Fort Lauderdale, Fl. From June 3rd to the 6th and pay just $565 per person when you book on CheapCaribbean.com

Maybe the Dominican Republic is more your idea of a budget vacay? Fly from New York JFK from May 20th to the 23rd and stay at the all inclusive VIK Arena Blanca & Cayena Beach in Punta Cana for USD 481 per person. Book at CheapCaribbean.com

And make sure you reserve your spot now for the newest Jamaica hotel – Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle In Trelawny. A Jr. Suite, and all inclusive stay, booked between 1 October 2024 to 23 December 2024 is now USD 176 per night. Book now

Burna Boy And Jamaican Stars Ignite Guyana With Intense Performances

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By Anthony Turner

Special To News Americas

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Sat. May 4, 2024: Event promoters had promised patrons an unforgettable experience at Burna Boy’s first live performance in Georgetown, Guyana on May 1st, the Labour Day holiday there. When the curtain fell at 2:20 a.m. the next day, most felt they delivered a lot more.

Burna Boy performing in Guyana. (Anthony Turner image)

To enhance the overall vibe, patrons were offered not just US$250 front row VIP access, but a premium hassle-free vantage point experience where VVIP guests like Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, enjoyed complimentary food and top shelf drinks for the duration of the concert.

Guyana Veep Bharat Jagdeo, l, with rising Jamaican born dancehall star, Nigy Boy. (Anthony Turner image)

Jamaican born rising dancehall sensation, visually impaired, Nigy Boy, who accepted his first invitation to perform at Mashramani in Guyana in February, delivered the first spark of the concert with a scintillating rendition of ‘Goodness of God,’ that brought out the lighters and a harmonic singalong from the 18,000 plus fans who were jammed inside the National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara. More fireworks were to come as the visually impaired singer continued the musical onslaught, delivering hits songs ‘Judgement,’ ‘Nomad,’ and ‘Continent,’ that featured two scantily clad dancers, who thrilled fans with their onstage antics.

Jamaica’s reggae star Tanya Stephens was also on the bill and delivered a barrage of unending hits including  ‘It’s A Pity,’ ‘These Streets,’ ‘Yu Nuh Ready Fi Dis,’ ‘Handle The Ride,’ ‘Boom Wuk’ and ‘Goggle’ while Busy Signal entertained with ‘Bad Up Who,’ ‘Full Clip,’ ‘Unknown Number,’ ‘Nah Go a Jail Again,’ ‘Bedroom Bully,’ ‘Stamma,’ ‘Hustling,’ ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Stay So.’

The only blemish to his 20-minute performance came early in his set when he fell off the stage. Was it an accidental fall or part of the theatrics? Without missing a beat, he got back on his feet and on stage where he continued the hit parade.

After a brief intermission, the final act, Grammy-winning Nigerian star, Burna Boy, waltzed onto the stage. 

“Guyana…If you ready, say Guyana,” were his first words to the crowd which had swelled to over 20,000.

Burna Boy has been creating unforgettable moments wherever he performs. He brought Afrobeat to the 2024 Grammy awards, starting his performance with “On Form,” before inviting 12-time Grammy nominee Brandy and Savage 21 down to the main stage for a medley performance of “Sittin’ on Top of the World.” At the Billboard Music Awards (BBMA) last year, the Nigerian sensation was named Afrobeat artist of the Year. Earlier this month he etched his name in the history books again, this time becoming the African artiste with the highest-grossing US arena concert ticket sales, surpassing his numbers at Madison Square Garden in 2022. He created memories in Guyana (Gal-ana) with ‘Last Last,’ ‘City Boys,’ ‘For My Hand,’ ‘On the Low,’ ‘Gbona,’ ‘Alone’ and ‘It’s Plenty.

“I had to be here for this performance,” declared 26 year old Jennifer Singh, who made the 5-hour trek from New York to see the African Giant. “I know I will remember this moment for many years to come.”

Tamika Marshall (Anthony Turner image)

 Sholunge ‘Shelly’ Grenada had a fantastic time as well. “It was a great performance from Burna Boy although some of the songs I really did not know,” she confessed.

L – r.: Skeng, Chronic Law, Nigy Boy, Jiggy D and DJ Skipp backstage in Guyana. (Anthony Turner image)

Not all ‘Unforgettable’ concert goers however felt Burna Boy’s heat. Nesta, a local Georgetown artist, was enthralled by Jamaican stars Busy Signal, Nigy Boy and Tanya Stephens. Burna Boy she felt did not deliver as expected.

“Yuh burn me out then make me feel sleepy,” Nesta said of the Nigerian superstar.

“When you come to the south and the Caribbean, you have to bring a whole lot of vibes and energy. Guyana is an English speaking country. We are familiar with English, patois and even French but not with Yoruba or Igbo so that may have been where the gap came in,” she added.

Brit Charged With Rape Of Three Cayman School Girls

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News Americas, GEORGE TOWN, Cayman, Fri. May 3, 2024: A British man residing in the Cayman Islands faces serious charges involving three school children, as reported by local authorities.

The charges include rape, sexual communication with minors, and possession of indecent images. The man is accused of grooming the girls and posing as a teenager to commit the offenses. The man is facing 18 counts including rape, sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following sexual communication and having indecent images of a child. He is accused of grooming the girls but cannot be named due to an order made at the Cayman Islands Grand Court. The man’s age has also not been released.

Detectives discovered extensive evidence, including thousands of messages and illicit content on seized phones. They say he was reported to police at the end of 2023 after the mother of a young girl intercepted communications between her child and the man. He is currently in custody awaiting trial and is also facing five further charges relating to separate offences against a different child relating to a separate incident on similar charges involving a fourth alleged victim that took place in March 2023. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him and denies any wrongdoing.

Detective Superintendent Peter Lansdown emphasized the importance of parental vigilance regarding children’s online interactions. “It appears contact with the victims was initiated through social media. This situation serves to stress the importance of parents and guardians being actively aware of the communication young persons are engaging in on messaging services and social media networks, via, predominantly, their mobile devices,” he said.

“God Is Good” Says Buju As He Re-Enters The US

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News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Fri. May 3, 2024: “God is good” declared veteran dancehall deejay, Buju Banton, who is now back in the United States after more than 15 years.

Buju Banton, l. with DJ Khalid in Miami. (IG Live screen grab/DJ Khalid)

The singer, whose real name is Mark Myrie,declared “God is amazing. I want to send nuff love to all the people out there … nuff love to my fans…. The Gargamel is back.”

He was introduced by an excited DJ Khaled from his residence in Miami on an Instagram Live. Khaled said he “could not keep this [news] to myself.”

“I’m in Miami … Buju Banton is back in America,” Khaled said, as Buju entered the frame. “Buju Banton has not been in the United States of America for more than 15 years.”

An enthusiastic Buju added: “Greetings my people, it’s a long time I haven’t seen you. It’s a long time these feet have not walked these shores. Let’s get music going.”

“This is a celebration. We are having lunch and we are celebrating with the Banton,” DJ Khaled stated. “Shoutout to Jamaica and to everybody in Jamaica. Buju Banton is officially in Miami.”

Banton was deported to Jamaica on December 7, 2018, following his release from McRae Correctional Institute Telfair County, Georgia, USA. Sentenced in 2011, he had served close to 10 years for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. It is unclear how Banton secured a US visa to return to the US. Under US rules, a non-citizen who was removed because of an aggravated felony likely has to stay out of the U.S. for 20 years. However, a deportee can apply for a waiver to re-enter the US if they spent at least ten years of a 20-year ban outside of the US.

A New Luxury Resort Is Coming To The Bahamas

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News Americas, Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas, Fri. May 3, 2024: Get ready for a new hotel resort in the Bahamas.

The OSPREY is slated to open this summer and promises a slice of paradise nestled within the idyllic Berry Islands chain. Set against the backdrop of Great Harbour Cay, this beachfront property boasts an abundance of thatch berry palms and indigenous trees, creating a lush tropical oasis.

The OSPREY is slated to open this summer and promises a slice of paradise nestled within the idyllic Berry Islands chain.

Guests at The OSPREY will have the privilege of direct beach access, spanning an impressive 400 feet along a five-mile stretch of pristine white sand. The architectural vision behind The OSPREY comes to life through the expertise of a talented Bahamian architect, who has meticulously designed the Osprey villa and cottages to showcase breathtaking ocean views.

Elegance permeates every aspect of The OSPREY, with vaulted ceilings, inviting porches, and decks that invite guests to unwind and soak in the serene surroundings. Detailed roof lines add to the charm of this tropical haven, where turquoise waters provide a mesmerizing backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adding to its allure, Great Harbour Cay has a storied past as a favored retreat for luminaries such as Cary Grant, Jack Nicklaus, the Rockefellers, Ingrid Bergman, and Douglas Fairbanks. The island’s rich history adds an extra layer of fascination to The OSPREY, inviting guests to indulge in a luxurious experience while immersing themselves in a legacy of glamour and prestige.

The Bahamian-owned-and-operated resort is a boutique experience, with a collection of one villa, one cottages and three other suites. There’s also a guest lounge, the home for breakfast, meetings and movies and games, anchored by a 65-inch flat-screen TV.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), and take a 20-minute scheduled charter flight from Nassau to Great Harbour Cay.

Take a private charter from Nassau (25 mins).

Take a private charter from Fort Lauderdale, or Miami, Florida directly to Great Harbour Cay (35-45 mins).

SAIL

Sail into the Great Harbour Cay marina from your nearest port (https://www.greatharbourcaymarina.com/index.html).

Whether you’re flying or sailing into Great Harbour Cay, your drive to your OSPREY suite is a mere 6-7 minutes away from your arrival.

Grammy-Nominated Jazz Maestro Dr. Monty Alexander To Bring “Spirit Of Jamaica” Music To Honolulu Following Release Of New Album – ‘D-Day’

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Friday May 3, 2024: Esteemed Jamaican-born jazz legend, Grammy-nominated, Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J., is set to bring the vibrant spirit of Jamaica’s music to the island of Honolulu just weeks before his 80th birthday, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, known as D-Day.

Following the release of his latest musical masterpiece, the album ‘D-Day,’ on March 29th under the prestigious French record label PeeWee, Alexander will grace the stage at prestigious Blue Note Hawaii. The venue, located inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort at 2335 Kalakaua Ave., is renowned as Hawaii’s premier 326-seat live music destination.

The performance, scheduled for May 4th, promises an electrifying celebration of the album’s release ahead of Alexander’s milestone birthday. Joined by bassist Luke Sellick and drummer Jason Brown, two shows are scheduled at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

“I am very happy to celebrate my upcoming 80th in Hawaii at the Blue Note, where I will not only play selections from my brand new release, D-Day, but also play selections that reflect my beloved Jamaica where I was born, and where I have fond memories of participating in many recording sessions at Studio 1, as a music pioneer at the dawn of Ska when I was still a teenager,” commented Alexander. “Hope to see as many of my fans as possible – and of course, especially those who love the music of Jamaica.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $35-45, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magic of Alexander’s legendary jazz expertise.

Fans can get tickets here by logging on now to https://www.bluenotejazz.com/hawaii/shows/?eid=13603273

MONTY’S OTHER UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES & BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SHOWS

The release of ‘D-Day,’ will be accompanied by other tour dates to also mark Alexander’s birthday worldwide. They will include:

The Puerto Rico Jazz Festival in San Juan on May 17th.

The Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland from May 21st to May 26th.

Birdland, New York City from May 28th to June 1st for his D-Day and 80th birthday celebration.

Jazz Alley, Seattle from June 6-9th.

The San Francisco Jazz Festival on June 11th.

Blue’s Alley, Washington, D.C. from June 14-16th.

Ronnie Scott’s London from June 24-28th.

New Morning, Domaine de Fontblanche in France on July 3rd and July 6th, respectively; and.

Victoria Hall, Switzerland on Nov. 25th.

See all performances and book advance tickets now at https://bnds.us/b8c6pc.

D’DAY’S FULL TRACK

The full track of the new album is as follows:

01 – Intro [0:16]

02 – I’ll Never Smile Again (R. Lowe) [04:18] 

03 – Aggression (M. Alexander) [06:03]

04 – Oh Why (M. Alexander) [06:37]

05 – Restoration (M. Alexander) [06:34] 

06 – June 6 (M. Alexander) [06:14]  

07 – River of Peace (M. Alexander) [05:49]

08 – Smile (C. Chaplin) [06:30]

09 – V.E. Swing (M. Alexander) [04:22]

10 – You Can See (M. Alexander) [05:33] 

11 – D-Day Voices (M. Alexander/L. Alexander) [04:28]

12 – Day-O (Trad.) [02:52

ABOUT ALEXANDER

Renowned for his extensive discography and hailed as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Alexander’s contributions to music have earned him prestigious honors, including the Commander in the Order of Distinction and the Order of Jamaica. His unwavering passion for music, coupled with his Jamaican and Caribbean heritage, continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on June 6, 1944, Alexander’s musical journey began at an early age. By 16, he was already proficient in various musical genres, including cha-cha, merengue, calypso, reggae, and ska. Moving to the United States at 17, he quickly gained recognition, accompanying jazz legends like Frank Sinatra, Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, and others. Today, Alexander remains an iconic figure in American jazz, blues, and gospel, infusing his music with the vibrant rhythms of his Jamaican and Caribbean heritage.

For more information, visit his YouTube channel or his official website at https://montyalexander.com/. You can also follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or stay updated on his performances through his Twitter handle, @montyHKE.

Luke Forbes Of Amazon Prime’s ‘Harlem’ And Denise Hunt Of ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ To Head The Cast Of This Caribbean Drama

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NEWS AMERICAS, NY, NY, Thurs. May 2, 2024: Luke Forbes, known for his role in Amazon Prime’s hit comedy series ‘Harlem’, and Denise Hunt, acclaimed for her performance in the iconic film ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back,’ are set to lead the cast of the American Premiere Presentation of Alwin Bully’s Caribbean drama, ‘McBee.’

From left- David Heron as Tony Welsh, Tony Award nominee John Andrew Morrison as Claude Massop and Luke Forbes as Tek Life in the world premiere production of Marley The Musical. (Photo courtesy of David Heron)

The premiere will take place during Caribbean American Heritage Month, (CAHM), in the US, on Sunday, June 23rd, at The Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica Queens, starting at 7 p.m. The event will commence with a Caribbean Cuisine reception at 5:30 p.m.

This one-night-only staged reading production pays tribute to Alwin Bully, the late Dominica-born playwright, and is part of New York’s annual CAHM festivities.

Jamaican-born David Heron, a Broadway World Award winner, serves as the producer and director of the project.

Set on an unnamed Caribbean island in the recent past, ‘McBee’ follows the story of respected politicians Allan and Alice McBee. Upon encountering three mysterious Rastafarians who predict his rise to Prime Minister, Allan and his ambitious wife, Alice, embark on a path of power and deception, with consequences for themselves and their nation.

Forbes and Hunt will portray the pivotal roles of Allan and Alice McBee, bringing their extensive experience from stage, film, television, and Broadway to the production.

LUKE FORBES (Photo credit- Evan Kafka)

DENISE HUNT (Photo credit- David Mikesell)

Forbes, with Jamaican roots, currently stars as Michael in ‘Harlem’ and has appeared in various television series and the hit feature film ‘Dog’. On stage, he made his Broadway debut in Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant Of Venice’ alongside Al Pacino.

Hunt, born in Jamaica, gained recognition for her role in ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ and has an extensive stage career, including performances in award-winning productions like ‘Against His Will’ and ‘Dirty Diana.’

Producer-director Heron expressed his excitement about working with Forbes and Hunt again, citing their long-standing professional relationships and shared theatrical history.

“Luke and I met as actors in the world premiere production of  Kwame Kwei Armah’s Marley- The Musical at Baltimore Centerstage several years ago,” he says, “And we have been interested in collaborating on something else for awhile now. So I relish this opportunity to welcome him to McBee and to see him add yet another terrific performance to his resume,” he said. “Denise and I go back over twenty years since she appeared in my play Against His Will, and we toured together afterwards in Cheaters in the USA and in the UK touring production of  Love and Marriage and New York City. She had stepped away from acting for awhile but I’ve been trying to get her to come back. This titanic role is yet another step in that direction and will be a reminder to audiences of why we have all missed her so much.”

In a remarkable full circle moment, upon contacting Hunt regarding the role of Alice McBee, Heron learnt that she had in fact played Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth- to excellent reviews-  as a teenager in a high school production of Macbeth for Jamaica’s National Schools Drama Festival in Kingston.

“I shook my head when I heard that, because I approached her for McBee without knowing that she had played the Lady M role in Shakespeare’s original play at her alma mater, Queens High School in Jamaica. This to me is a case of something that’s simply meant to be,” said Heron.

Additional casting for ‘McBee’ will be announced soon, with tickets available starting tomorrow, Friday, May 3, at mcbeetheplay.eventbrite.com.