Times Arts and Entertainment

GUYANA

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eigning Miss PJD 2 Caribbean Alicia Bess has set her eyes on bringing home another Caribbean Crown when she participates in the Miss Jaycees International Pageant.

The Pageant is slated for Antigua during their carnival celebration and will see at least 15 Caribbean beauties competing in several segments, include display of national costume, introduction, swimwear, talent, evening gown and intelligence.

The delegates are expected from St Lucia, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts Nevis, Haiti, The Dominican Republic, Montserrat, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, USA and other countries. The event is slated for the Antigua Recreational Ground.

In an interview with Guyana Times Entertainment on Thursday, Bess said she is ready to compete and is confident that she will do well. The reigning Miss PJD 2 Caribbean Queen wings out on July 27 and will be a part of several photo shoots and a preliminary competition.

The 24-year-old stands at a massive six feet and is humble yet filled with ambition, generoustly and thoughtfulness.

She embodies the philosophy that with hard work and determination, one can accomplish anything one sets one’s

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mind to.

In the famous words of her favourite Author and Comedian “Steve Harvey”, Alicia encourages people to fight for what they desire and believe in, and to do it through God, because nothing great comes easy and with God everything is possible.

Pageant. She has also won the Miss Guyana Jamzone 2013 Pageant in emphatic fashion, gaining the People’s Choice, Best Body, Best Gown, and Best Smile awards. The statuesque model went on to place second in the 2013 Miss Jamzone International Pageant.

Then, on October 6, 2013, she copped the first runnerup position in the 2013 Miss Guyana Universe Pageant, rounding off 2013.

Exceptional

Coming from a humble background like her role models Oprah Winfrey and Miss Faye Caleb, Bess is an exceptional young lady who enjoys reading, dancing, and modelling in her free time. She displayed a passion for the fine arts at a very young age and embraced training in dance, drama and singing throughout her school and working years.

Her love for the arts saw Alicia garnering a Republic Bank Limited Arts and Culture Award in 2009 for her constant involvement in drama, singing, and dancing.

Bess ventured into the world of pageantry at the age of 21 as a way of becoming a more rounded young woman and won her very first pageant, Miss East Bank Supermodel, in 2010 and placed second in the Miss Republic

Friday, June 27, 2014

Well-rounded

Bank Caricom Pageant in the same year.

She was cast as one of the feature models of Guyana Fashion Weekend 2010, and is frequently used by various Guyanese designers, especially the renowned Sonia Noel and Carol Fraser, to model their pieces.

Bess has been a constant on the local pageant circuit, placing second and winning the Miss Congeniality award in the 2013 Miss Bartica Regatta

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Bess has also applied the same dedicated work ethic to her academic life. After obtaining nine subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, inclusive of three distinctions, s h e

he very first Jamzone Summer Break in New York City is already predicted to be one of the most exciting events in the Brooklyn area during the month of August, with an impressive lineup of artistes from the Caribbean Region! Now, Hits and Jams Entertainment is raising the bar with the addition of Guyanese artist Fojo and the very best local deejays.

No concert is complete without the people behind the mixing table and Hits and Jams are taking the most requested spin masters to the Big Apple! Fusion Sound System’s very own DJ Hype Man, Gully Ras and DJ Energy will be in The Village on August 9, delivering the best party experience to Jamzone supporters! Known as a veteran in this business, DJ Bevaughn will be sure to dish out those old school vibes that we love so much!

Meanwhile, Fojo is the most recent local

graduated from the St Joseph High School and then went on to St Rose’s High where she graduated as Valedictorian after topping the school at the A Levels examinations.

She is currently enrolled in both Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Association of Business Executives courses and hopes to read for her Master’s in Business Management in October.

In addition to a hectic academic life, Alicia is the Administrative Manager and Executive Aide at AU Drilling Inc, the Australian Honorary Consulate, and President of her Charity group “Expressions – Beacon of Hope”.

Within five years, Alicia, who considers herself a woman of substance in the 21st century, sees herself completing her academic studies, becoming the CEO of a reputable company and beginning a family while still contributing actively to her charitable causes to ensure a better future for the young people of Guyana.

artiste to be added to the lineup. The entertainer landed on the music scene back in early 2000s and made a name for himself with “Woman”, arguably his most popular song to date.

With the success of this single, Fojo decided to produce a video which created even bigger buzz about the track that set the local airwaves alight. He later proved his versatility when he compiled his album “Different Sides of Me” which featured hip hop, reggae, rap, R&B, soca and dancehall tracks.

With a solid reputation in the local industry, Fojo has collaborated with many other local artistes and the results have been nothing less than remarkable. Among the duets are “Playing Games” with Little Africa, “Swing It” with Shelly G, and “Bholo Bholo” with Fiona.

Jamzone Summer Break is sure to hit the Big Apple with a bang…

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, june 27, 2014

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he Lake Mainstay Resort’s 5th Annual Car and Bike Show and After Party is back this year with a bang and is slated for July 19 at the Lake Mainstay Resort Beach Mainstay/Whyaka Village, Essequibo.

The excitement is on and will see cars and bikes competing in at least 14 categories.

In the show, King Category vehicles will be judged for best car, best SUV/minibus, best small bike and best super bike. As usual, artwork is used to enhance the appearance of the vehicles and as such, the judges will be looking for the best artwork displayed on cars, SUV/minibuses and bikes.

Another aspect of the competition is all about the sounds hence, the cars and SUV/

minibuses will be judged for loudest sounds and cleanest sounds. Vehicles will also be judged for their antique looks in the form of uniqueness, classic and extreme.

After the results would have been revealed, Malcolm “Wickedee” Ferreira will heat things up as he performs duties as Master of Ceremony and Commentator.

After it gets dark, Pream’s Mega Sounds will definitely be booming the right music to start the after party. There will be a number of food courts and beverages bars to the pleasure of the patrons. Children will not be excluded since there will be a Children’s Fun Park.

Registration fees for each category will be

$2000. Forms can be downloaded from the Facebook website – lakemainstayresort.biz – or can be uplifted from Lake Mainstay Resort Offices in Georgetown and Essequibo; Elton Snackette – Supenaam Market; Universal Pharmacy – Suddie; Anil Cellphone Store – Anna Regina Old Market; G&P Jaigobin and Sons Supermarket – Henrietta and Gutty’s Variety Stall – Charity.

Deadline for registration is Wednesday July 16. Over $1 million in cash prizes and trophies will be up for grabs. Admission to the event is $500 for adults and $300 for children under 10 years of age. For further information, please call telephone numbers: 226-2975, 771-4951/52/60.

designs.

Stemming from their fights, misunderstandings, love, appreciation and most importantly, their friendship, along with their unique sense of style, is Kim Gomes Designs.

The duo was featured in Nelsion Nurse’s Reflections (A New Dawn) fashion show this past May where they officially launched their first line “Mirage”.

And optical illusions are just what Kim and Shanai plan to create with their clothing.

Their advice to young and upcoming designers: “Let your love for fashion be your drive, because once you love something that alone in itself is your motivation and no one could take that away from you.

It is never easy, but nothing that is worth fighting for ever is, plan to have sleepless nights and deadlines to meet.”

The mother-and-daughter duo of Kim Gomes and Shanai

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im Gomes Designs is the fashion stylings of a mother-and-daughter combination whose goal is to not just dress the men and women of Guyana but to make a mark with their signature looks within the industry.

It all began when Kim Gomes, a seamstress at the tender age of 17, started sewing for just close friends and family for the love of it, but then realised that this was her passion and made it her primary occupation.

As the years passed, Kim’s talent was recognised and her business grew from just sewing for friends to sewing for renowned fashion designers and dressing contestants of the Miss Guyana Universe and World pageants.

In 2013, Shanai, Kim’s eldest daughter, a 21-year-old

University of Guyana student who always has had an eye and passion for fashion, discovered that she herself had the talent of designing and embarked on expanding her mother’s business with her unique style.

After a few months of designing together, the two made their debut at the 2013 Mother and Daughter Pageant both as contestants and designers, showcasing their own gowns in the senior category for which they were awarded second place.

Kim and Shanai’s inspiration comes from their bond with each other, their relationship is more than just mother and daughter, they are best friends. Even their differences (as every mother and daughter experience), this duo look at from a positive perspective and put into their

A Kim Gomes design

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ET’s 106 and Park’s DJ, Charlie B returns to Guyana for the newest concept party under Sean Major Entertainment’s line-up of groundbreaking parties. This time, Charlie B brings “Beauties and the B” – the seductive summer mask party.

The event is billed for July 5 inside Gravity Lounge, Camp and Regent Streets, Georgetown. This event is expected to be off the hook like the last event, the Glow Party, hosted by Sean Major Entertainment. Patrons will party through the night to the vibes of Deejays Charlie B, Energy, Countri Boi, Blax and Anthony.

Sexy burlesque stage dancers will be on show as they greet patrons with complimentary masks and beads. Persons can also bring along their own masks. Tickets for the event cost $2000 and can be uplifted at Electronics City and Vinu’s Shoe Box. Beauties and the B is sponsored by Electronics City and Vinu’s Shoe Box.

ulse Entertainment is known for its wild concept parties which see patrons flocking the venues to have a grand time.

This Saturday, Pulse Entertainment is doing it again with a party called “Wickedest Wine”, which is expected to blow your mind. The event is set for June 28 inside Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown.

Ladies, if you feel you have the wickedest wine, then the place to be this Saturday is Palm Court where you will enjoy the best selection of music

from the Pulse DJs and those who are passing through. Enjoy music of all genres that will be sure to keep you popping all night long.

The guys will not be left out either, there will be lots for them. The Pulse Ladies will also be present to add some icing to the cake. So this is one of those parties that you do not want to miss…. Be sure to be early since the gates open at 21:00h.

Admission to the event is $2000 before 23:00h and more afterwards. Music and lighting is powered by Pulse Entertainment.

guyanatimesgy.com

fridAY, june 27, 2014

Clemencio Goddette

Sonia Yarde

Seventeen-yearold Payshnarine “Richie” Hansraj during one of his performances

Mark LukeEdwards

Lyndon Jones

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he stage is now set for “Till Ah Find A Place 3 – She’s Back” as it opens this weekend at the National Cultural Centre for a two-day run, June 28 and 29.

One of the directors, Sheron Taylor says the cast is ready to entertain as the drama unfolds on Saturday and Sunday. “Come prepared to be thrilled,” she says as the playwright has taken this play, a little out of the box.

The popular play is written by Ronald Hollingsworth, one of Guyana’s most celebrated playwrights and dramatist, who now resides in the US and who has, for

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reparations are well underway for the hosting of iconic local play “The Tides of Susanburg” at the Theatre Guild, Lamaha Street, Georgetown, this weekend.

The Guyanese radio serial and stage play was written by one of Guyana’s most prolific writers, journalists and television personalities, Francis Quamina Farrier.

First broadcast in 1965 and then again in the 1970s, it is said to be the first local radio serial ever aired in Guyana and the entire Caribbean Region. Guyanese of all ages

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he National Dance Company presents its dance production “The Enchanted Caribbean 10”, as it continues to celebrate its 35th anniversary on Saturday, July 5 at the National Cultural Centre.

The dance sequences will feature dramatic poetry, with music reflective of the exploration of aspects of cultural heritage and nationhood which are cherished by the people of the Caribbean Community.

More specifically, the Dance Company will unearth, develop and showcase Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s cultural heritage through the mediums of the performing and visual arts.

This year, special attention will be given to cultural forms inherent in the various Caricom member

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two consecutive years (2012-2013), won the Guyana National Drama Festival Best Production Awards (Open Full-length Play).

This third instalment of the four-part play which is extremely relevant today, because it forces us to ask the question “whether we as a people are too generous or too naïve, when it comes to those whom we call our friends”.

It highlights how some persons can misuse friendship in their bid to take what belongs to others. It warns us about being too quick to open our doors to seemingly good acquaintances, particularly without

clear definitive boundaries being set.

The dynamic cast includes Romel Edmondson, Sonia Yarde, Mark LukeEdwards, Abiola Clarke, Clemencio Goddette, Nirmala Narine, Kirwyn Mars, Lyndon Jones, Paul Budnah, and Brian Goodman.

Though the messages are very serious, the play will captivate and entertain its audiences in a way that they would not expect, even though some might have seen it before when it was first staged in 1995.

Tickets will cost $1500 and $1200, and are on sale at the National Cultural Centre or from members of the cast.

19:00h.

During the first evening’s performance, Senoj Creations will be paying tribute to the following persons who were part of the first staging, most of whom we are fortunate to still have with us, including our very own playwright Rosamund Addo, Hector Stoute and John Exeter. would huddle together at their transistor radios to listen to the latest drama in the lives of the residents of the mythical Susanburg which was supposed to be between Anna Regina and Henrietta on the Essequibo Coast. The play was based on real persons the playwright was familiar with from the Essequibo Coast, his hometown Agricola, and McDoom on the East Bank of Demerara Such was its appeal and realism, Francis reminisced in an interview in another section of the media, “… that people used to go to Essequibo and come

back and tell me I had them like a fool looking for Susanburg.”

This time around, the tragic comedy is being staged by Senoj Creations under the direction of Collette Jones-Chin. The cast includes Henry Rodney (Mentore); Natasha Azeez (Savitri); Charisma Jones-Chin (June Winters). Other popular actors who will be gracing the stage are LaVonne George, Keyon Heywood, Colleen Humphrey, and Collette Jones-Chin.

The play’s run begins with a Matinee Performance at 13:00h, and on June 28 and 29, performances commence at

states, as the programme, designed for family edutainment, enlightens and entertains.

The National Dance Company has made use of information that can facilitate the systematic infusion of the arts in the educational curricula

for prospective candidates of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Theatre Arts, teachers of dance and students of Grade six to 10.

The general public will also find it an enjoyable source of entertainment.

-Networks Emerging Voices contestant, 17-year-old Payshnarine “Richie” Hansraj has his eyes firmly set on becoming a musical star. And the singer, who is awaiting the results of his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, has been putting in the work to realise his dream. Although he did not make it beyond the top 10 of the competition, he impressed with his passion and dedication.

Born on April 20, 1997, the budding star was raised at Hague Back, West Coast Demerara by his parents and grandparents.

He attended the Hague Nursery, then Hague Primary School after which he attended the Professional Learning College. His hobbies include singing, dancing, travelling and interacting with people of different backgrounds.

His singing career began at his temple, Hague Back Mandir at the age of five. The vocal training he received from Pandit Jagmohan Persaud, owing to his active membership in the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, increased his confidence and skill.

The young talented singer took another step along the path to stardom in the year 2008, when he was selected to represent the West Coast Prant in the Kaka Ustav competition and placed first in the male category. He continued to hone his skills at special cultural events hosted by the Sabha.

In 2012, he entered the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited’s Bollywood singing competition and reached the semi-finals. Next was the E-Networks Emerging Voices Competition, where the versatile singer of devotions, bhajans, chutney, filmi and other genres of Indian music, although he is more versed in filmi and Bhajans, made it to the top 24 singers and eventually the top 10.

There, he was grilled and mentored by professional singers. He said his most memorable moment thus far was the announcement of the top ten.

Hansraj, who described himself as a honest, hardworking and loving individual, is thankful that he was indeed lucky to have been a part of the competition. He will continue to pursue a singing career at the Indian Cultural Centre where he will obtain a diploma in singing after the competition concludes.

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friDAY, june 27, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

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esidents of the Corentyne and East Berbice in general will be afforded some top-class musical and cultural entertainment, as the newly-established New Amsterdam-based organisation, Africa World, launches its community-oriented programme with the “Caricom Music Showcase”.

This show will be held at the Kildonan Village Community Centre ground, Corentyne, Berbice on Saturday, July 5 from 16:00h to celebrate the annual Caricom Day which is commemorated on the first Monday in July.

The musical extravaganza will feature Michelle “Big Red” King and Beverly Smith backed by the Peppa Band, along with “Original First Born – Lamby”, Benji Diamond and Gad Kid, Garnett Strength and Mario Kein with special guest artiste EMPRESS TG. The emcee of the proceedings will be Ras Leon, with music by Paragon Sound System.

Admission to the event cost $1000.

Refreshments will be provided by Banks DIH and ANSA McAL. For more information, persons can contact the committee on 681-8125 or 693-6035.

Repurposing old tyres in the name of recycling Michelle “Big Red” King

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s we prepare to welcome the July/August school break, Bravo Arts is planning to host for the second year, its Get Creative Funshop.

The Get Creative Funshop is a two-week class which aims at simulating children’s creativity as it relates to non-traditional art and inspiring children to think creatively about caring for the environment.

This year, the Funshop is being held under the patronage of the reigning Miss Earth Guyana, Stacy

number of recycling projects using plastic bottles, old newspaper, tyres, plastic bags, etc. They will also learn about colours and various painting techniques, including water marbling.

Additionally, the children will be treated to two environmental tours per class. The patroness, Stacy Ramcharan, will be present at the classes with lots of surprises for the children.

Because the company will be working with children, it will add

Leon Saul, the emcee of the proceedings

Learning all about art through practical experience

Ramcharan. There will be three classes, which will be held at Bravo Arts’ location at 264 Thomas Street, Georgetown, running from July 12 to 25, July 26 to August 8, and August 9 to 22 respectively.

The classes are open to children ages 5 to 11 and 12 to 16.

Children will be exposed to a

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-Networks’ “Emerging Voices” heats up this weekend with Artie Sookhai, Dharmendra Gobin, Gail Ann Singh and Vishalie Sukram advancing into the semi-final rounds.

All four singers have delivered outstanding performances throughout the competition and much is expected from them this week when they present solos and duets. Celebrity judges Jeffrey Iqbal and Purnash Durgaprasad will also be performing two of Bollywood’s latest hit songs.

On the last episode, one of the competition’s favourites Vaishalie Sukram captured the overall best performer of the week prize for her exquisite rendition of the Sufi classic “Maula Maula”.

She received an Asus tablet, compliments of E-Networks, and a hamper from Continental Group of Companies for her efforts. Another favourite, Artie Sookhai, received a standing ovation from the judges, led by Dr Vindya Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, for her soulful rendering

of the classic ghazal “Aaj Janneke Zidnakaro”.

Dharmendra’s qawali “Patthar Se Sheesha” was described by celebrity judge Iqbal as his best performance in the competition to date, while Gail Ann Singh was praised for her soothing performance of Jagjit Singh’s “Tumko Dekha To Yehkha Yalaaya”.

Saying goodbye to the show last week was Aamir Khan of West Berbice who thanked E-Networks for the opportunity to have “the greatest experience of his life”. He also expressed appreciation to the judges for their guidance and promised that Guyana would hear more from him in the future.

No doubt the judges will have a tough time this week picking the three singers who will advance into the final.

The show airs today on E-Networks Cable Channel 1 and LRTV in Berbice at 19:00h, and is rebroadcast on NTN on Saturday at 20:00h and Sunday at 14:00h and on MTV on Wednesday at 18:00h.

There are several reruns daily on E-Networks Channel

1. “Emerging Voices” also has a wide overseas viewership via Youtube.

Outstanding E-Networks launched the reality television series “Emerging Voices” in an effort to unearth good voices, fresh talent and energetic young performers who will give a boost to Guyana’s budding music industry.

With a focus on Hindi and Bollywood music, the cable provider held auditions countrywide following which 22 persons were selected by judges Iqbal, Durgaprasad and Dr Persaud to take part in the series.

With a first prize of one million dollars up for grabs, the competition has been intense thus far, with the artistes pulling out all the stops to present their best.

An added bonus for all the participants has been the training provided by Iqbal, a Bollywood playback singer, and Durgaprasad, a Guyaneseborn outstanding singer. They have worked long hours with

the contestants to ensure that quality performances are delivered.

The show is being competently hosted by Zahrah Alli who is known for her graceful dance performances on the Naya Zamana stage.

“Emerging Voices” has been receiving accolades not only because of the outstanding performances by the contestants but also its overall presentation and technical production.

An amazing set design, costuming, excellent lighting and sound are all hallmarks of the excellent production. Music for the show is provided by the E-Networks Band, made up of musicians from India and Guyana, which has been wowing viewers with its versatility.

It is noted that, in addition to the prizes announced, the top two contestants will have an opportunity to visit India for some musical exposure and training. E-Networks has been supported in this venture by Torginol Paints, Sujata Curry Powder, NTN Television, and King’s Jewellery World.

the fun factor to its activities and engage the children in games, visiting mascots, etc.

Parents who wish to register their children for the classes can do so at Bravo Arts or call 223-0677 or 651-9120. They can also visit the Bravo Arts Facebook page for more information.

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he Gravity Lounge is the place to be this Saturday evening as the soca “Bacchanalist”, Kerwin Du Bois is expected to set the place on fire.

Born in the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain, Du Bois was destined for success in calypso and soca. He started his singing career in primary school as he competed in the first Junior Calypso Monarch competition.

The talented performer rose through the ranks of the calypso world, captured the Young Kings title and even reaching the National Calypso Monarch finals on several occasions.

In recent years, Du Bois has spread his wings and can no longer be considered simply a calypsonian, having branched out into soca, not only as a performer, but also as a highly rated producer and songwriter.

His efforts have been acknowledged by some of the other major soca artistes who have tapped into the talents of this accomplished hit maker. He has produced tracks for Bunji Garlin’s “Black Spaniard” album, wrote and performed the 2004 hit “BubbleNut” with Machel Montano, and worked with the dynamic vocal group H2O Phlo on a track entitled “J’ouvert”.

His talents have shone brighter throughout the years as he went on to produce other major hit songs like Machel Montano’s “Scandalous”, which was written by Kernal Roberts.

Kerwin performed throughout the 2006 Carnival period with Xtatik, with his major hit song “Madology”, which was a continued re-mix of the already acclaimed hit “Madda Dan Dat” performed by Montano.

In 2007, he teamed up with one of the most highly-rated divas of soca, Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon, the result was the hit song “De Rose and De Stem”, but one hit wasn’t enough, and the popular “Party Rocker” certainly had the industry buzzing.

Du Bois’s career blossomed and he went on to win the International Soca Awards in four categories for 2012 – Soca Songwriter of the year for “I Am Soca”, “Baddist” and “Bacchanalist”; Groove Soca Song of the Year for “Bacchanalist”; Best Collaboration for “I Am Soca” and Soca Song of the Year, “Bacchanalist”.

There is a limited quantity of tickets available for the show. The early bird tickets cost $3000 and are available at Electronics City and Gravity Lounge. Kerwin Du Bois LIVE at Gravity Lounge is sponsored by Corona, Guyana Inc and Electronics City.