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Captivating, Catchy, Exciting all words that have been used to describe the vibrant and charming Rudy Live and on July 2nd at the St. John 2016 Festival Village the soca star made due on those accolades. Photo credit: VIShowcase and Tyrek Roach Photography. Left to Right - Geffri (dancer), RudyLive and Kristin (dancer) The soca songstress and her dancers enthralled the masses with their sensual energetic moves, while Rudy Live delivered a stellar on stage performance of her hits like "Saddled Up", "R.U.D.E", "No Matter" and "Carnival Calling". During her set, Rudy Live had the masses so captivated and hypnotized that one of patrons became so enamored that she promptly pulled him on stage to the delight of the crowd (watch video). "USVI is my heart and when it comes to performing home I always go harder cause this is my foundation and I want my island to be proud of me. I love to take the stage, it is my way of connecting with my fans and music lovers, I want them to enjoy the Rudy Live Experience from start to finish." stated a still excited and proud Rudy Live. Rudy Live is back on the road hard at work on the promotional trail of her vibrant single "Saddle Up" and getting ready for more shows.

Don’t you just think Jamaica is the one of the most fascinating Caribbean islands? Makes you wonder why they imitate the Jamaica’s dialect, music, dance and cultural so much right? But before you visit Jamaica I'm sure you have heard a few stereotypical things as you would of any third world country. But, for the most influential island around the world, why is it still considered third world? Jamaica, the land of wood and water is monumental for its people, music and food. I must say though, I have encountered and introducing myself boldly as a Jamaican when I travel, the question of uncertainty never fails to become a subject. But, as proud Jamaican as I am, it’s with great pleasure to sell the paradise where I live, love and treasure. Granted, not all Jamaican have the luxury to enjoy the country’s tourist attractions. On the other hand, they never failed to endorse our rich cultural proudly. But let me answer your question, why not Jamaica mon? It’s inevitably the landscape itself, that great green garden that constitutes one of the most beautiful islands surrounded by that Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is the most quintessential island of them all . The island that proclaim “Out of many one people.” It begins with crystalline waters flowing over the gardens of the coral, lapping onto soft sandy beaches, then rising past the red soil and the lush banana groves onto sheer mountains. This is powerfully beautiful that will captivate to the eyes and soul of any tourist. So why not Jamaica mon? Jamaica is far from stereotypical, it isn’t about being Rastafarian, smoking weed, living by the beaches and partying non- stop. And in that case I’ve complied of five reasons why you should come vacation where I live, Jamaica mon! I'm convinced that, only in Jamaica you will be a complete stranger and yet feel right at home. The country’s vibration of mix ethic groups will give you a touch of paradise leaving you stress free and wanting more vacation time for sure . After reading this article you would better Identifying the culture, its heritage and the country’s prize possession and what is it rich for. The Icons Let’s talk about influential, at its highest: the philosopher, Marcus Messiah Garvey, the reggae singer Robert Nesta Marley better known as (Bob Marley) and the track star Usain Bolt, (Fastest man alive). Do you know what they all have in common? They all mold Jamaica into more than just a dot on the global map. The black, green and gold is defined elaborately anywhere in the world. One thing is for certain, you should know about these men is that, they were all born and raised in the rural part in Jamaica; so their lives were far from luxurious. Through their passion and determination it is highlighted in their success making them the most influential men to date in our history books. Political leader, publisher, journalist, entrepreneur, and orator who was a proponent of the Pan-Africanism movement, to which end he founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League. He also founded the Black Star Line, a shipping and passenger line which promoted the return of the African diaspora to their ancestral lands. Bob Marley has revolutionized soulful reggae music internationally and have commercialized and capitalized on the impact of his music around the world. He has not only produced great music for the world, but Marley is a brand, and even after his death, his legacy lives on. It is indeed Bob Marley, the Rastafarian smoking the marijuana on any T-shirt or souvenir when walking through the airports. Like Marcus Garvey you can sight see their statue and museum . It is indeed a historical experience. Bolt is one of the most controversial athletes on the track. Don't be fooled by his jovial and outgoing personality on and off the track because he isn't called the world fastest man for no reason. Bolt changed the way people look at tracks and field. Working hard but have fun while doing it is defiantly a motto he goes by. His signature pose before and after his races “to the world” is so fascinating so people do it right along with as a form of celebration. Reggae/Dancehall its influences The authenticity of reggae and dancehall culture is enchanting; the rhythm, dancing and lyrical content. However, there is a little differentiation between the art of dancehall and reggae. You have to come Jamaica and experience the deep rooted capital of Kingston. The dynamic of the dancehall scene is the most intriguing when you experience loud sound system, mouth watering Jerk Chicken, dancing and video/camera personnels all over; trust and believe you will surpass your exceptions leaving you astonishment. The environment is pretty exciting. Going from event to event in one night believe it or not you will be amazed.The hardcore dancehall music has to do with the rhythm and the aggressive nature of the lyrical content. It is clearly something great, because international artiste (Hip Hop, Soca) take samples of Jamaican music to endorse their music and albums. On the other hand, reggae is world music, where the music is heartfelt with the emphasis on political and social issues and feeling liberated. People from all over the world is wooed by reggae and they themselves have started their career in this musical path. Music feels no pain, I tell you! Reggae revolutionized with younger talent singing and playing instruments. Reggae music and its ital lifestyle are highly influenced by the Rastafarian culture. Recreation Dolphin Cove Oh boy! The breath taking beaches, rivers, cliffs are like sceneries from a post card. From the white to the black sand, stretching from the west to the east coastal line of Jamaica will tingle between your toes as the warmth of the sun and luscious breeze blow on your skin. The recreation scene in Jamaica goes from being a daredevil, cliff jumping to swimming with dolphins. There are a few things you can mark off your bucket list, surfing,kayaking, windsurfing, zip lining, parasailing, snorkeling and scuba diving excursions. In addition to hiking into the blue mountain peak (Jamaica’s highest mountain ) Going to historical museums such as Bob Marley museum (Kingston & St.Ann) and Appleton Estate; visiting Great houses like (Devon House and Anne Palmer’s) Art exhibitions and monumental parks ( Emancipation park) is an adventure. Food The food ! Oh my God! what makes Jamaica food so scrumptious? There are countless of Jamaican restaurant all over the world. I can confess to you, that it is definitely how it being seasoned. The taste will leave you speechless and you would be begging for the recipe eventuall. Popular food are: patties, rice & peas, oxtail, curry chicken& goat and the Ackee and salt fish just to name a few. I must mention the Jamaican beer; Red Stripe. You can have it cold or hot on any given day and even with your meal. Commercialization Yes! little did you know Jamaica is fully capable commercially. There are no worries about sending off that email you have a deadline for, internet access is at its best! And of course, we also have digital cable and smart phones. Again! What third world country? More and more Jamaicans are traveling all over the world and as such are acquainted to international assets and cuisine. Jamaicans has so many brand name vehicles such as: (BMW of the latest series, VW, Range Rovers, Audi, Jaguar etc. ) Not to mention the different cuisines (Mandarin, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, African, Italian and of course Jamaica) restaurant. Now, am I convincing enough? Im sure I have. See you in Jamaica in Jamaica mon. By: Shenea Pia Jordine

CONGRATULATIONS to Kaci Fennell, Miss Universe Jamaica 2014, and longtime boyfriend Zachary Shirley who tied the knot today. The wedding ceremony was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Ann's Bay in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. See Pictures of the Beautiful Couple

The Virgin Islands… turquoise waters, sunshine, intoxicating tropical aroma, steel drum, pulsating rhythm of Soca "soul of calypso" and the Captivating, Catchy, Exciting Rudy Live! As St. John Festival month long events are in full gear from steel pan performances, pageants, food fair and parades build up to the week of July 3rd (Emancipation Day) and the 4th (Independence Day). The final week is party time with anticipated shows and performances. Rudy Live will join Nadia Baston, Patrice Roberts and Destra alongside the Express Band on July 2nd for "Girl Power" and deliver what she is best known for, an energetic colorful full of vibes soca sensory fulfillment by belting some of her hits like "Saddled Up", "R.U.D.E", "No Matter" and "Carnival Calling" among others. Born Toiya Isaac her story is reminiscent of those true artist born with the essence of music in their veins. Starting in music at a young age, the artist who would later adopt the moniker of Rudy Live recalls her destiny becoming clear with her first stage performance at the junior show in St.Thomas, V.I. Influenced by her love of reggae and the iconic words of Bob Marley, the soulful voice of Whitney Houston, charisma of Janet Jackson and stage presence of Michael Jackson, it isn’t until her first soca show where Allison Hines gave a memorable performance that Rudy Live fell in love with soca music and understood her musical calling. Hailing from her proud Virgin Islands, Rudy Live recognized that soca was synonymous with a neighboring island, but there was no denying her calling and Rudy Live went on to make her mark by becoming the first and only female to twice capture the title of Soca Monarch in St. Thomas and St.Croix consecutively. Adding to this prestige Rudy achieved an honor sought by many of her peers by collaborating and sharing the stage with international soca king, Machel Montano. Already boasting an impressive discography, namely It’s "Rudy Soca Edition" 2010, "It’s Rudy Socanomics" 2011, "Rudy Soca Invasion" 2012, "Rewine" 2013, "Wip it Remix" featuring Machel, "Heat Wave" 2014, "Show Dem Remix" Featuring Shurwayne Winchester, "Demolish" 2015 EP and "Saddle UP" (Single)2016, the budding star story against all odds from a young single mother, to achieving higher education and obtaining her RDA have fueled her passion. Combining smarts, beauty and talent, Rudy Live aims to inspire through her music and represent her beloved island on an international level. “I want to be remembered as someone who made an impact in this world, with faith you can move mountains, you can reach your goals, nothing can stop you”

Marriott International announced the July 1 opening of the first Courtyard hotel in Nassau, Bahamas: the 112-room Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach. Formerly the Sunset Resort Nassau, the waterfront resort on the palm-fringed sands of Junkanoo Beach is located just a short stroll away from the cruise port, famous Cable Beach, excellent shopping and dining options and top local businesses. The hotel is managed by Urgo Hotels & Resorts and owned by Sunset Equities Ltd. “We’re excited to introduce the Courtyard Hotels brand to the Bahamas market,” said Donald J. Urgo, Jr., Senior Vice President, General Counsel for Urgo Hotels & Resorts. “The Courtyard Nassau’s location, just steps from Junkanoo Beach punctuates the resurgence and revitalization of downtown Nassau.” The five-story Courtyard Nassau is stylishly furnished with a distinctly Bahamian vibe and color palette. The spacious 112 guest rooms and suites feature luxurious bedding, modern lounge furnishings and large work areas, accommodating the needs of travelers of all types. The hotel also boasts a resort-style pool and sun deck, a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center, The Bistro, the brand’s signature restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner, and a lobby bar and lounge for evening cocktails. Complimentary high-speed internet is available throughout the property. The refreshing lobby concept is contemporary, open and stylish, with colorful, bright and welcoming spaces where guests can check e-mail, gather informally with colleagues or simply relax. “Courtyard Hotels has become a very popular brand in the Caribbean and is expanding rapidly,” said Tim Sheldon, President of the Caribbean & Latin America at Marriott International, Inc. “It offers excellent value in the mid-tier market that is currently underserved. The hotels adapt well to the lifestyle needs of both domestic and international guests.” Courtyard Nassau’s choice location near top local businesses makes it an ideal stop for business travelers. Its beachfront setting is equally well-suited for family reunions and birthday parties, and the resort’s well-equipped boardroom hosts 15 for executive meetings. Courtyard Nassau is located on West Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas. Bookings can be made now, online or by phone, for stays as of Friday, July 1. For more information or to book a stay, call the hotel directly at 800-406-7910 or toll-free at 1-888-236-2427 or visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nascy-courtyard-nassau-downtown-junkanoo-beach/. Courtyard by Marriott Courtyard by Marriott features hotels with refreshing environments that help guests stay connected, productive and balanced while traveling. Courtyard is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the guests. The latest guest room design offers hybrid spaces that accommodate all aspects of a guests’ stay. With more than 1,000 properties in more than 45 countries, Courtyard has the most locations of any brand in the Marriott International portfolio. For more information or reservations, visit www.courtyard.com or call Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach directly at 800-406-7910 or toll-free at 1-888-236-2427. Courtyard hotels proudly participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. About Urgo Hotels & Resorts Urgo Hotels is a Bethesda, Md.-based hotel company that develops, owns and/or operates 31 distinctive and unique hotels and resorts with an aggregate of more than 4,300 rooms in major markets and resorts in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The company develops, builds, and operates for its own account, and provides third-party management and asset management services. For more information about Urgo Hotels and Resorts please visit www.urgohotels.com.

A new look Rum & Rhythm returns to Canada’s most populous metropolitan city this fall. The Ultimate Caribbean Epicurean Experience, a benefit for the Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation, the region’s tourism development agency’s scholarship programme, will be held on Saturday, November 12th at Canvas, 1381 Castlefield Ave, Toronto, the city’s new modern event centre located above the iconic Elte Market. Expertly designed to host weddings, corporate and private functions, Canvas features high ceilings, modern wall installations and reclaimed wood, all guaranteed to create the perfect atmosphere for any event. “Rum & Rhythm is one of the CTO’s most sought-after events and is a true exhibition of Caribbean famous spirits, music and cuisine. I am excited that it is returning to Toronto where we have had outstanding support from the public in previous years,” said Sylma Brown, head of the CTO New York office, which overseas Canada. Rum and Rhythm in Toronto is being organized by a CTO Foundation Committee of Caribbean nationals led by CTO Foundation board member Zamani Thomas, Esq. in collaboration with Sheldon “Solitair” Pitt and event organizer Cian B. Knights. ‎”Rum & Rhythm Benefit is an important outlet and we are proud to be a part of this effort to expose the broader Caribbean Diaspora to the social and economic realities they may not otherwise be aware of. Through Caribbean food, rum and music, the Benefit is an entertaining way to get the message and amazing story of the region to the masses,” added Thomas. Since its establishment in 1997, the CTO Foundation has awarded approximately US$1 million in scholarships and grants to Caribbean nationals pursuing further studies in tourism and hospitality

Fast-rising recording artiste Giannii kicks off his musical campaign with the single, Gone A Lead, accompanied by a music video. The single was produced by Street Block Records and released last month. “The feedback has been positive. That is very humbling and gratifying for me”, said Giannii. The single has received favourable airplay from radio stations, locally and across the Caribbean. “I have been getting a lot of requests for dubs and jingles for this song, and I just want to say thanks to everyone who supports my music and help me to bring my talent to a wider audience,” he said. The video was shot and directed by RoadBlock Films in Montego Bay and Kingston. From Kingston 17, the hard-working and talented artiste is focusing on targeting audiences with his music and creating a household name in the music industry. “My style varies, and I sing a little bit of everything, " he said. Giannii is in the studio working on singles such as Work Fi Yuh Dream an Everywhere We Go for Sweden-based record label, Sound Bank Music. He is also working on projects with Konsequence Muzik and Team Kronik Production. Giannii can be followed on IG @itsgiannii

Incarcerated DJ Buju Banton, who real name Mark Anthony Myrie has graduated from the University of New York on June 7, 2016 and earned his Master’s Degree In Music Business Management. Banton was imprisoned on drug charges in 2011 in the Sam Gibbons US District Court in Tampa and has been serving time in a federal facility, for a 10 year sentence. Buju was arrested at his Tamarac; South Florida home in 2009 after United Sates authorities accused him of taking part in the purchase and sale of cocaine. He was captured on video tasting cocaine in a government-controlled warehouse in Tampa, Florida. The artist is still slated to be released on December 8, 2018.

Yvette Noel-Schure, a former senior VP of Media at Columbia Records/Sony Music, established her own publicity and event-planning firm, Schure Media, LLC. (now Schure Media Group) in 2010. During a seventeen-year career as a music publicist, Noel-Schure developed press campaigns for a diverse roster of artists, including Mariah Carey, Will smith, Jessica Simpson, Prince, John Legend, Adele, Wyclef Jean, Destiny's Child and for each of that group's members: Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams and Beyoncé, as well as media launches for Maxwell ("BLACKsummers'night") and Beyoncé's ("I AM...SASHA FIERCE"). Noel-Schure has folded her passion for others into Schure Media Group with successful social campaigns including World Humanitarian Day 2012 and 2013 with the United Nations and Chime For Change, founded by Gucci, to promote Education, Health and Justice for women and girls everywhere. She worked closely with Chime For Change on the media campaign for The Sound of Change Live, a global concert at Twickenham Stadium in London in 2013 attended by 50,000 people and seen by millions around the world. Yvette started her business career started as a journalist. In 1985, Noel-Schure joined the staff of Black Beat Magazine where she served as editor until moving to Columbia Records as Director, Media in 1993. In 1997, she was named Senior Director, Media. Before leaving Columbia Records in 2010 to open Schure Media Group, she served as the department head for Columbia Records Media, handling press for every genre. An immigrant from the Caribbean island of Grenada, Yvette Noel-Schure holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the City College of New York. She is the mother of three and has been married to David Schure for over three decades.

Finalists selected from pool of 290 cities that submitted bold ideas to address urban challenges and improve city life Finalists now competing for 9 Million USD in Innovation Funds NEW YORK, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced the 20 Latin American and Caribbean cities selected as finalists in its 2016 Mayors Challenge, a competition that encourages cities to generate bold ideas that solve urban challenges and improve city life - and have potential to spread. The finalists, hailing from 10 countries, will move forward to compete for a $5 million USD grand prize and four $1 million awards, as well as extensive implementation support. The ideas reflect creative new approaches to some of the most pressing issues facing cities in the region, including mobility, youth unemployment, waste management, obesity, and social and economic inclusion for immigrants and people with disabilities. "We received so many great ideas for this Mayors Challenge, and narrowing it down to just 20 finalists was a big challenge in itself. These ideas really capture the diversity of the region and the creativity and commitment of its leaders and citizens in making cities work better. Each of them has the potential to improve the lives of local residents -- and if they work, to spread far and wide. We look forward to working with all of the finalists on their proposals and to seeing the winning cities bring them to life," said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term Mayor of New York City. The 2016 Mayors Challenge is Bloomberg Philanthropies' first in Latin America and the Caribbean following successful competitions in the United States and Europe. After receiving submissions from 290 eligible cities in April, Bloomberg Philanthropies conducted an intensive review of the ideas with the support of Bloomberg's extensive global network and a selection committee of 13 innovation and policy experts from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Ultimately, the top 20 best and most innovative ideas were selected to move forward in the competition. The 20 finalist ideas were evaluated against four key criteria - their idea's vision, potential for impact, implementation plan, and potential to spread to other cities. Finalists will next attend Bloomberg Ideas Camp in Bogotá, Colombia - a two-day convening in July where leading innovation experts and peer cities will help finalists take their proposals from good to great. Prize winners will be announced by the end of 2016. The finalists' ideas (outlined below) illustrate fresh thinking to address common urban challenges experienced by cities across regions: Asunción, Paraguay - Data: Closing the city's socio-economic data gap by conducting citizen-led research to gather demographic information that can inform and measure the impact of policymaking for the first time. Barueri, Brazil - Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities/Workforce Development: Increasing access to the workforce for people with disabilities by creating a physical and virtual network to improve job training, analyze workplace conditions, and provide technical assistance to employers and job candidates. Bogotá, Colombia - Education: Twice daily, the city will leverage all transportation channels, public facilities, volunteers and the city's cultural history to enhance and shorten the severe school commute times for children. Cap-Haïtien , Haiti - Waste Solutions/ Environment: Reducing deforestation and mangrove destruction by creating community biodigesters, which are closed containers that break down organic waste and turn it into renewable energy. Caracas, Venezuela - Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities/Mobility:Enrolling volunteers to drive people with motor disabilities to and from public transport points and providing assistance during their commutes, opening access to education, culture, healthcare, employment and productive citizenship for a vulnerable segment of the population. Corumbá, Brazil - Environment/ Economic Development: Combatting further environmental degradation caused by improper disposal of ore - a mining byproduct - by repurposing the waste into productive materials for construction. Curitiba, Brazil - Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities/Mobility:Drawing on its history of transit innovation, improving the mobility of disabled people by integrating more inclusive transport services and introducing better designed routes. Estación Central, Chile - Social Inclusion for Immigrants / Entrepreneurship: Promoting social inclusion by matching immigrants with new business ideas to technical assistance, office space, and local entrepreneurs looking to partner to launch a new startup. Godoy Cruz, Argentina - Waste Solutions: Preventing illegal waste disposal in canals - an essential feature of the city's irrigation system - by placing sensors to monitor and identify the exact location where infractions occur. Guadalajara, México - Transparency / Government Efficiency: Tackling corruption by streamlining the legal requirements for construction projects through a new geo-referenced app that publicly maps business names, plans, licenses and payments, speeding processing times and increasing transparency. Kingston, Jamaica - Youth Unemployment / Workforce Development:Tackling entrenched youth unemployment through a mobile digital platform that encourages young people to explore, create, and access career opportunities in a variety of industries, especially Jamaica's cultural and music industry, based on their strengths and interests. Medellín, Colombia - Public Safety / Financial Empowerment: Reducing demand for illegal loans that finance organized crime by creating neighborhood lending collectives that offer low-interest commercial loans and connections to employment. Milagro, Ecuador - Environmental Sustainability: Encouraging emergency preparedness for children through the creation of a network chaired and formed by students that promotes better preparation for adverse weather and natural disasters. Pudahuel, Chile - Education: Pairing older residents wishing to volunteer with the children of working families in need of after-school child care, limiting social isolation for seniors and providing a vital service for families. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Public Health: Improving children's healthcare standards and outcomes by removing silos and integrating data across agencies to improve the health and wellbeing of children ages zero to six. Santiago (Commune), Chile - Public Health: Through citywide challenges, encourage neighborhood groups to work together to reduce childhood obesity; communities earn points they can use to fund local recreational and civic infrastructure. São Paulo, Brazil - Economic Development: Creating an online exchange that connects growing local demand for locally produced farm products from restaurants, markets, and schools to struggling local farmers on the outskirts of the city, addressing a market failure. Tlalnepantla de Baz, México - Social Cohesion: Publishing and promoting a municipal catalog of good deeds, an effort to address widespread civic apathy by engaging citizens in acts like helping the elderly and improving the local environment. Tuxtla Gutiérrez, México - Anti-Corruption: Fighting corruption and improving efficiency by streamlining service delivery for public facing transactions and allowing users to monitor the activity of civil servants through a new mobile app. Valdivia, Chile - Entrepreneurship: Directing promising academic research toward practical problems and helping the local economy by testing bright ideas from local universities in real-world markets with a new mobile lab. "This year's finalists are using innovation to address the concrete, clear, and urgent needs of citizens - with noteworthy emphasis on vulnerable populations," said James Anderson, the head of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Government Innovation Programs. "There is so much cities around the globe can learn from the way these finalists are engaging citizens and data to meet pressing needs," said James Anderson, the head of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Government Innovation program. To learn more about the Mayors Challenge, visit www.mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org and @BloombergCities on Twitter and Instagram. About Bloomberg Philanthropies Bloomberg Philanthropies works in more than 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg's charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2015, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed over half a billion dollars. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter @BloombergDotOrg.

Grateful and humbled for all the blessings bestowed upon his career and life, reggae recording artist ORieL thanks time to "Give Thanks" in his latest video release. Produced by Afar Music Group, "Give Thanks" was ffilmed and edited by FarEye. "Give thanks to the creative force, the giver of life" - ORieL Spearheaded by Linval 'Shem' Brown, Oriel 'ORieL' Barry and Michael Wilson, Afar Music Group comprised of acclaimed label and concert promotional company proudly stands by their 'Music Is The Mission'' motto . Afar Music Group is a division of the Afar Group Of Companies that includes Afar Clothing, Afar Marketing/Promotions and Afar Visio

Alyson Cambridge is an accomplished operatic soprano. She was born in 1980 to a Guyanese father, an Economist at the World Bank, and a Danish-American mother who works at the Academy of Natural Science. Alyson grew up in an affluent suburb of Washington, D.C. She attended Oberlin College where she earned a Bachelors of Music in Voice Performance from the Conservatory and a Bachelors of Sociology. In her first year at the Curtis Institute of Music, at age 23, she was the Grand Prize Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Nine months later she debuted at the MET as Frasquita in Carmen under renowned music conductor/director James Levine, a performance that earned her praises from many news outlets including the New York Times for her "powerful, clear voice". Alyson has since achieved over a decade of success for her superlative performances throughout the U.S. and internationally. In addition to the MET, she has wowed the audience at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Washington National Opera, as well as recent debuts in Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Beijing, and other musical capitals throughout Europe and Asia. Among numerous awards and prizes, Alyson was also awarded First Prize in the 2003 Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation International Voice Competition. She was a 2004 George London Foundation Award recipient and received the Régine Crespin Award at the 2008 Elardo International Opera Competition. Alyson's debut album, "FROM THE DIARY OF SALLY HEMINGS", a song-cycle by acclaimed American composer William Bolcom, premiered at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall to rave reviews, and her next album of crossover and jazz standards is due out within the next year. Alyson is also a brand ambassador for luxury watch and jewelry designer Chopard. As part of her personal mission and with a strong desire to give back and make an impact beyond the traditional confines of the theater, she lends her time and talent to charities and causes close to her heart, including Sing for Hope, The Humane Society, K9s for Warriors, Hope For Hearts Foundation and American Red Cross. Source: www.alysoncambridge.com