Search Results

“This dish is juicy, tender and delicious with a burst of Caribbean flavours (if I do say so myself!).” – Chef Noel Cunningham (Makes 2 to 4 servings) For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce 2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped 2 shallots, chopped 4 cloves roasted garlic, peeled 1 Tbsp. honey Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup olive oil Combine the peppers, shallots, garlic and honey. Purée in a blender, season with salt and pepper, and blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and blend until emulsified. For the Rub 1 1/2 Tbsp. smoked paprika 1/2 Tbsp. black pepper 1/2 Tbsp. Kosher salt 1/2 tsp. chili powder 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. ground allspice (pimento) For the Pork Chops 4 (1-inch-thick) bone-in pork chops (about 1 1/4 lb) 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 Tbsp. butter 1 sprig rosemary or fresh thyme Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle some of the rub on both sides of the pork chops; cover, and refrigerate 6 to 7 hours or overnight, prior to cooking. Remove chops from refrigerator and allow to sit 10 minutes before cooking. Heat a medium frying pan, drizzle with olive oil and add butter. Once the frying pan is heated, add pork chops and leave to cook on each side for 4 minutes or until properly seared. Add rosemary to pan and baste the meat with melted fat, while it’s cooking (this helps to add flavours and moisture). Remove from frying pan and place in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. By: Chef Noel Cunningham

Racking up such accolades as peaking at #10 on the reggae iTunes album charts, and charting on billboard, soulful recording artist K'Coneil debut EP "Love/Lust" has surpassed many expectations for a debut EP of a rising star. After the success of his lead single "Hot Like You", K'Coneil euphoric feeling translated in the follow up track of what is destined by industry insiders to be his breakthrough hit "Feel So Right". Produced by Calli B and co-written by K'Coneil, Wildfire Music and DJ Calli B, the team has created the perfect blend of soul, dancehall, pop and R&B, added some melodic vocals in the mix and topped it off with a hint of passionate and catchy lyrics. As previously explained by K'Coneil to the media, "LoveLust is a collection of 7 #songs that seek to straddle the thin line between two very complex emotions." Thus the laid-back composition celebrates those passions at hand with a poetic hook and catchy vibe while reminding listeners of the euphoric side of Love and Lust "I wanted to make a feel good song that spoke about a relationship that just felt great and didn't require any effort it was just easy and natural; all the stars aligned and it's just a perfect match the "match made in heaven" relationship."- K'Coneil To support the hit bound single, K'Coneil recently filmed the "Feel So Right" video on location at world famous landmarks Coney Island and Time Square in New York. The video is slated to release in a few weeks. "Love/Lust" EP executive produced by famed producer Sean Reid and Warren Bloise of Gedion Soldiers Entertainment. The EP features "Hot Like You" (Seannizle), "Not This Time" (Kheilstone). "Loving You Right" and "Spoon" (Okino "DJ Wav" Thomas and Sean "Seanizzle" Reid), "Feel So Right" (Calli B), "Bicycle" (Tricia "ZJ Sparks & Germaine "Mafy" Clarke to "Lightskin Love" (Sean "Seanizzle" Reid). LOVE/LUST available worldwide! Amazon http://smarturl.it/Amazonlovelustexp Itunes Explicit http://smarturl.it/LoveLustExplicit Itunes Radio Friendly http://smarturl.it/KConeilLoveLustEP K'Coneil and Calli B on set - Coney Island NY K'Coneil and actress/model on set - Coney Island NY K'Coneil and famed Danca Family on set - Coney Island NY

California Conscious Music Festival (aka CaliCon) with Kool & The Gang, Third World and others comes to Sonoma County’s SOMO Village, located at 1100 Valley House Drive in Rohnert Park on Sunday, September 18th. Tickets are now on sale. Second Octave and the 2016 SOMO Concert Series are producing the one-day, one-stage, six-band festival. The California Conscious Music Festival will deliver legendary artists, artisans and community goodness, with a clear vision to promote unity and green initiatives. The day will feature legendary funk kings, Kool & The Gang, reggae ambassadors Third World, Jamaican dancehall legend Half Pint, San Francisco favorites Native Elements, Mike Love, via Hawaii and Sebastopol’s very own, Sol Horizon. Local gourmet food, artisans, craft and commercial vendors, wines and craft breweries will be featured to fulfill the festival’s vision. Doors open at 1pm, show starts at 2pm. General Admission is $60 and VIP is $125.

Flan is one of the most popular and delicious desserts in the Caribbean. It’s origin dates back centuries, to the days of the Romans. It became popular in the VII century when it began leading the menus of renowned French cuisine. But the best part of this dessert is its easy preparation, with common ingredients: eggs, milk and sugar. Flan is very versatile as it allows one to explore and surprise with more than one combination of ingredients. Several countries have their signature ingredient that gives flan its personalized stamp making it a completely different recipe. Whether you like it with fruits, coconut, caramel, cream cheese or chocolate; flan will always bring happiness to the table. Although all variations of flan are delicious, Anaisa Lopez, recipe developer for KitchenAid, shares one of her favorite. Artisanal coffee, handmade and full of flavor, is the mouthwatering “secret” to making the perfect flan. To Anaisa, a good flan is cooked in a bain marie or a double boiler for an hour and a half. You can also cook it directly over fire which is the traditional preparation technique as used by our grandmothers. Anaisa tried the coffee flan, “It’s an enjoyable alternative. The way the flavors complement coffee flan is deliciously magical. I made my coffee strong in my KitchenAid Pour Over Coffee Brewer and the flan’s taste was exactly what I wanted. I served it this weekend for my family and everyone loved it. It’s also delicious with coffee in the afternoon or as the final touch to a special dinner.” Coffee Flan Recipe courtesy of KitchenAid’s line of artisanal coffee products Ingredients: · 5 eggs · 1 can of condensed milk · 395 milliliters of whole milk (can be substituted by skim milk) · 1 cup of strong black coffee (the stronger the coffee, the more you’ll taste it in the flan) · 2 teaspoons of gold rum · 1 teaspoon of cocoa · 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract · 3 teaspoons of water · ¼ cup of sugar Preparation: Boil a large pot of water over medium-high heat while the mixture is prepared. This pot is where the flan’s mold will be placed, which should be prepared in a double boiler. Mix the eggs, condensed milk, milk, coffee (prepared in KitchenAid’s Pour Over Coffee Brewer where a flavorful artisan coffee is obtained), rum, cocoa and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend at high-speed for approximately 2-3 minutes, until its consistent. Add water and sugar on the flan mold. Place the mold directly over the burner over medium heat and let the sugar melt and caramelize (without removing). Be careful with letting the caramel get too dark as it can easily burn. When you the caramel reaches an amber tone, take the mold (with a towel or glove as it will be hot) and move it to the sides until the caramel covers the walls and the base. Then pour the milk and egg mixture over the caramel and cover. Place the mold in the large pot which has been heating up the water for the double boiler. Cook for 1 hour – 1 hour and 25 minutes, depending on the burner’s power. In any case, insert a knife in the center of the flan, if it comes out a little damp but clean then its cooked. You should watch the water’s level in the pot as the heat evaporates the water and more should be slowly added. Cool in the pan (at room temperature) for at least one hour. Run a knife around the edge of the flan within the mold to prevent sticking. Unmold and cool for 6 hours or overnight. Serve. Must be kept cold. Tips: · You can use the same can where the condensed milk was to measure the amount of complete liquid milk, as it’s the same · To prepare the double boiler, heat a little bit of water in a pot or pan which is where the cooking mold is placed, making sure the water is always up to half of the mold’s height. More water should be added as it evaporates and be careful not to put too much water or let water enter the flan. · The mold must be metal and with a lid, there’s different shapes and sizes in pastry stores (for this recipe, a round aluminum was used with 18 centimeters in diameter).

Legendary honorable Bob Marley once said "One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.", and for Rob Diesel those words echoed his life. Born Robert Dirscherl in Philadelphia, music was a part of every day life with the sounds of a diverse cities blaring all genres. The soundtrack of his life became Hip Hop legends, Reggae icons, Latin beats, Pop culture sprinkled with classical composers. Rob became drawn to music sounds with a purpose, whether it be social commentaries laid to reggae rhythms, or party feel good to Hip Hop tempo. Naming Notorious BIG, Beanie Sigel, A Tribe Called Quest, Spragga Benz, Sean Paul, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer among his musical influences, Rob began to pursue his music career in 2010. Crafting a successful name for himself as a Hip Hop artist, it was dancehall and reggae that captured his soul. It is with the encouragement, support and blessings of his mentor Spragga Benz that Rob Diesel the "Rasta In America" followed his passion. His debut single "Jah Know" was well received and gave music lovers and insight to the intriguing artist. Following up with the hit "You No See (Every Gyal)" written and produced by Rob Diesel, and released by Tallawah Records/Red Square Productions on iTunes, the single made it's way unto various airwaves and became a much requested song on the dancefloor. At the urging of his fans, Rob Diesel has released the video for his party anthem "You No See (Every Gyal)". "I really wanted to shoot the video in Miami, but I had two trips to Miami already with a full schedule. We had to capture style and try to translate the songs vibes into a visual without the scenery I really saw. So, I called two young ladies with different styles and we just touched road. All of it was fun." stated Rob "Bringing life to music with party vibes and positivity" !

If all goes as planned, Jamaica looks to welcome the inaugural High Vibes Roots & Reggae Festival, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, at the Aqueduct in Montego Bay on US Labour Day weekend, September 3 and 4. Patrons will have the chance to experience the heart and soul of reggae music while learning about the pivotal role that cannabis has played in the birth of the Rastafarian religion and lifestyle. This two-day festival promises to deliver an exciting weekend celebrating Rastafarian culture, roots and reggae, featuring first class music events and stage shows alongside an unbeatable vendor exhibition, delectable culinary experience and the very finest cannabis. Many may ask why another music festival? High Vibes Roots and Reggae Festival is different in its focus, it brings a first-class line up of the very best in reggae music like Kymani Marley, Beenie Man, Lee Scratch Perry and Emch Subatomic to name a few. There will be the best Ital cuisine along with exquisite global specialties, top wholesalers, growers and retailers, locally and internationally, along with interaction with the international cannabis movers and shakers as well as VIP service for an unforgettable elevated experience. High Vibes Jamaica organizers have gone a step further to make the experience amazing and more convenient to enjoy by providing affordable accommodation packages in top class hotels with a range of budget options. According to Douglas Gordon of High Vibes Jamaica, the island’s Marijuana Laws are finally being amended and have been relaxed in a number of areas. “These changes have opened up new avenues for us to create events that will attract many people who identify and embrace the Jamaican and Rastafarian culture,” Gordon said. “High Vibes Roots and Reggae Festival goes beyond a live music experience; it will certainly be entertaining but it will also be educational as we want to share all aspects of Rastafarian culture and not limit our showcase to just the music. We want to share the food, craftsmanship and the basic knowledge about Jamaican culture for the patrons to get an ultimate festival experience, in the heart of reggae music.” Gordon explained. The exhibition space at the Festival is designed to keep patrons flowing through the event from the time it starts all the way to when the concerts end. High Vibes Jamaica hopes to deliver to Montego Bay a music festival with the potential to grow and benefit the local economy. There will be a limit to the number of booths in each line of business to maximize the benefit to the exhibitors and patrons, with exhibition packages, sponsorship opportunities and partnerships that will be tailored to meet business objectives and budget. “As a High Vibes Jamaica partner, you will reach a passionate and defined niche in a booming industry and benefit from our interactive and far-reaching pre-event marketing campaign. We hope to capture first hand some of the elements of the local reggae entertainment and music landscape and share that with the world,” he added. High Vibes Jamaica will showcase another aspect of the Jamaican cultural experience and will impact the economy positively.

It is said that he who forgets or neglects to gain understanding from his history, has a greater tendency to repeat it. Well we are now approaching that time when many within the Region would recall the day when those gone before had the privilege to fully fancy being free. As we now carry on today, it seems as good a time as any for each and every one of us then, to consider just how much, if at all, we derive any thrill or satisfaction from being fully free. In the beginning we had the opportunity or obligation if you will, to allow another to direct and dictate what happens for us, to us and with us. And this is true on many levels. But as time passed and growth and development took place, external and internal factors made it so that we were handed our ‘free papers.’ And again this is true on many levels. Yet would you know, and here I invite each to do his/her own investigations, that many of us; do not enjoy this privilege, seek replacement authority figures, or constantly find ways to abandon that autonomy self-directing throne. And so the real questions are; are you happening to life or is life happening to you? Who is managing your life? Do you live consciously, exercising freedom of choice when and where possible? Are you happy to simply live in reactive mode as opposed to being proactive? And most importantly, how do you fancy being fully free? If you answer these questions, the discovery might be startling? Or you might simply discover that each and every one of us would do well to find ways, to improve how we manage our freeness. And again this is true on many levels. Well for those who are celebrating being ‘fully fancy free’ ... enjoy the journey, for a journey it is indeed. And for those who remain skeptical of holding the reins of power and doing what you can to manage yourself, well consider this, how would you know if you never try. Why not try it? You just might like it. You just might discover that no one has any answers in advance and that it is okay to make mistakes and correct your course as you go along. So remember, one way or the other, you hold the keys: So Sir, kind Mam, beautiful Region that we are, carrying on we shall, so until then KarryOn Caribbean carry on. Kerriann Toby - CONTRIBUTOR

Amirakal Marketing, a full-service marketing and PR firm with offices in the Central New Jersey area, has signed actress Stacy-Ann Rose to their list of public relations clientele. After recently relocating from the South Metro Atlanta area with offices previously in Fayetteville, GA, Amirakal Marketing is still maintaining its stronghold in the Southeastern US by adding the Miami-based actress to its list of celebrity clients. With the addition of its newest client, the company is looking to grow exposure for Rose's endeavors, which also include voiceover work, radio hosting and film production. Stacy Rose was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She has always had a love for the performing Arts and at the tender age of 9 she was featured in her first play with her church's drama troupe. She then went on to compete and excel in Regional and National Speech and Drama competitions on the island of Jamaica. At the age of 15, Rose migrated to the United States. She attended Miami Dade Community College, Florida State University and finally Florida International University where she earned Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in International Business and Marketing. After relocating to the US, her interest in the stage and screen grew. While engaged in academic pursuits, she found time to participate in numerous theatrical productions. Rose then turned her attention to film, TV, commercials, production as well as voiceover/radio and print work. She has had film and TV roles in "Dolphin Tale", "Hoot", "The Glades", and "Burn Notice." She currently has a recurring role as Dr. Robbins, the physician of Spencer Strasmore (played by Dwayne Johnson) on the HBO hit series "Ballers", which is currently airing its second season on Sundays at 10pm EST. More information about "Ballers" can be found at http://www.hbo.com/ballers/about/index.html. Recently, she has stepped into the role of producer with the completion of the feature film "Break the Stage" which will hit screens in 2017. Another of Rose's great loves is radio. For over a decade, she has served as program host of Island Praise, an internationally-syndicated Caribbean gospel music show heard weekly on Saturdays from 11am to 3pm and Sundays from 6pm to 7pm EST on WAVS1170 AM in South Florida. The international version of the evening program airs on 9 other stations in the US, Caribbean, Africa and the Pacific. Additionally, she can also be heard every Saturday on one of South Florida's most popular Caribbean music programs "The Love Doc n' G.I.R.L. Power Radio Show online at www.wavs1170.com. Amirakal Marketing will be handling media and public relations for Stacy Rose and helping her to promote her current and upcoming productions both in the States and the Caribbean. For more information on her filmography, visit http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2123677/. To connect with Stacy, follow her on Instagram at @stacyannrose and Twitter at @StacyAnnNRose. For updates and information, like her FB pages for Island Praise @ipraize at https://www.facebook.com/ipraize/ and The Love Doc N' GIRL Power Radio Show @lovedocgirlpower at https://www.facebook.com/lovedocgirlpower and follow them on Twitter at @LoveDGirlPshow. For media and press inquiries for Stacy-Ann Rose, contact Amirakal Marketing at pr@amirakalmarketing.com or call 866-441-3583. About Amirakal Marketing: Amirakal Marketing is a full-service marketing and branding firm founded in the Metro Atlanta area, now based in Central New Jersey. The company handles all areas of marketing for their clients including promotional products, customized apparel, print marketing, media and public relations. Their clients include small businesses, large corporations and government agencies, public school systems and local churches, civic and non-profit organizations, professional athletes, entertainers and celebrities across the country. For more information on marketing and PR services, contact them at 866-441-3583, connect with them on social media or email pr@amirakalmarketing.com.

International reggae-dancehall artiste Bugle, CEO and managing director of An9ted Entertainment, is known for hits such as Pearly Gates, Nuh Compatible,Anointed, Rasta Party, and many more. With a successful musical career, Bugle now ventures into music production and released his first rhythm, titled Kick Off, on the An9ted Entertainment label. "Initiating my first project included hours of hard work and late nights, which resulted in sleepless nights. After seeing everything coming together and exceeding my expectations, the long hours and hard work turned into fun and excitement. This experience has made me more appreciative of the work producers have done with my songs in the past. I enjoyed every minute working on this project, making it a great experience for me," Bugle said. Kick Off features 14 tracks from artistes such as Busy Signal, Agent Sasco, Mr Easy,Tifa, Fully Bad, Samboni, Tarrus Riley, Dexta Daps, Dean Loyal, Craigy T, Sizzla, Popcaan, Cobra, Kibaki and Bugle. The compilation is getting rave reviews from fans and industry players alike, showing that it is possible to put out excellent production with an interesting mix of veterans and up-and- coming dancehall stars. "It was a great experience! Working with my colleagues is always a joy. My relationship with them goes deeper than music. We would vibe at the studio cooking, drinking and smoking. We are like family. I think this made producing easier for me in comparison to a regular or a new producer," said Bugle.

On Sunday August 14th, 2016, reggae rocker Omari Banks will take the stage at Dwayne Bravo's annual signature event, 47 to benefit the Book Buddy programme and the Blind Cricket Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Named after Dwayne Bravo's international playing number, the anticipated star studded event will welcome the WT20 West Indies champion team as well as members of the visiting Indian team among notable distinguished guests. Omari eager to lend his voice to a notable cause, will delight the attendees with selected songs from his hit filled repertoire. "I'm always happy to support anything that contributes meaningfully to the lives of people. The Book Buddy Programme and the Blind cricketers Association of Trinidad definitely inspires hope and being apart this event with past colleges/ team mates will surely be a fun and meaningful one. Im excited to perform a couple songs at the event as its would be my first time in Trinidad performing and in addition it will be great to catch up with my old cricket mates. Dwayne Bravo has always been a shinning light and positive force I salute him in the endeavor, Its great to see him "Champion" such a great cause." - Omari Banks With all proceeds going to the important charities, the all White 47 affair will take place at the stylish Estate 101, Maraval, Trinidad. Speaking on his philanthropist endeavors in a previous release to the media, Dwayne Bravo stated “Giving back has always been important to me. I came from humble beginnings and am happy to give other people, especially children, the chance to succeed and recognize their own potential. 47’s first time up to bat was more successful than I even dreamed and I will definitely be doing this every year and hope to give even more to more charities as it grows”.

Fresh from a myriad of appearances in Toronto, New York , Tampa and Orlando, Reggae firebrand Nesbeth is back on local soil and fully focused on conquering the stage at this year’s Reggae Sumfest. Despite an exhausting schedule the Rastafarian crooner who will be making his third appearance on the festival is very upbeat about his upcoming performance and promises fans something spectacular on Friday night (Dancehall Night - July 22nd). “Reggae Sumfest is one of those world renowned festivals where music lovers across the globe descend on Jamaica to see their favourite acts live in concert and so we can’t give the same performance that they’ve grown accustomed to, therefore on a platform such as this we have to showcase our best and even give a little more and that’s exactly what I intent to do this weekend in Montego Bay.” – says Nesbeth. Under the helm of new franchise owner Joe Bogdanovich, the festival now in its 24th year will see the introduction of a live 360-degree virtual reality streaming for the public to experience the festival on any device over high speed internet. Sumfest will commence with a beach party followed by a performance line up of local and internationally acclaimed Reggae and Dancehall acts. This year's staging will also have two concert nights and see the introduction of 'Sound Explosion' on Thursday, July 21 at Pier 1. Sound Explosion will feature top tier sound systems and selectors spinning the biggest hits of yester-year. Dancehall night will unfold on Friday, July 22, 2016 at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay with headliners Nesbeth, Beenie Man, Assassin, Spice, Popcaan among others. The festival will conclude on Saturday, July 23 with Reggae Night featuring stalwarts such as Barrington Levy, Sanchez, Tarrus Riley, and others. Following his Sumfest performance, Nesbeth amidst promoting his latest single ‘D.I.A.L’ (Devil Is A Liar) is scheduled to depart the island for a series of assignments in Bimini, Nassau, Freeport and Grand Cayman later this month before turning his attention to the U.K. in August. PHOTO CREDIT: Desran McKie

The Captivating, Catchy and Exciting Rudy Live is trotting on her promotional trail and bringing her smile and sounds to the beautiful island of Barbados. Crop Over Festival 2016 season is in full effect (calendar of events) and the soca songstress and her team will be amid the celebrations while Rudy Live also takes time to visit various media outlets to formerly introduce her latest "Saddle Up" single. Proudly representing the Virgin Islands, from a young age Rudy Live recognized that soca was synonymous with Caribbean life, and embraced by neighboring islands. As she made her mark by becoming the first and only female to twice capture the title of Soca Monarch in St. Thomas and St.Croix consecutively, the songstress has worked tirelessly to hone her craft and set herself apart. On July 22nd, Rudy Live will arrive in Barbados, "I look forward to Crop Over, the sounds, smells, music and wonderful people always make me feel like home" stated the soca diva.