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The beautiful island of Aruba will host a brand new multi-day music event, the Aruba Summer Music Festival , which will kick off June 26th 2015 at the Harbor Square Arena. International Latin Grammy Award winners will showcase a variety of music genres alongside Aruba’s best local bands at the national port of Aruba! Headlining for the Aruba Summer Music Festival is the popular Pitbull, the American artist from Miami with multiple hit-songs, awards and successful concert tours. Most recently he concluded an extensive tour in Asia and in 2014 Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias sold out multiple venues in the US with a joined-tour. The famous Colombian singer-songwriter Carlos Vives is another Latin sensation who will perform in the Aruba Summer Music Festival . Vives currently is very popular around the world, because of his long list of hits, concert production and charms. Another artist who has already confirmed to be participating in this festival is “Bebe de la Salsa” from Puerto Rico Jerry Rivera who has revolutionized the world of salsa in the 90’s. His unmistakable way of interpreting salsa and his charismatic presence has made thousands of fans fall for him and he always ‘shakes’ the venues he performs at. Another well-known artist who will be on stage during the Aruba Summer Music Festival is the merengue and bachata star also born in Puerto RicoElvis Crespo, known especially for his great hits ‘Pintame’ and ‘Suavemente’. For the younger fans the most popular reggaeton artist Nicky Jam, will be performing in the Aruba Summer Music Festival. He is one of the most prestigious singers in the Latin music scene. The line-up for June 26 2015 (Friday Night) will be Grammy award winner Carlos Vives, merengue giant Elvis Crespo and salsa legend Jerry Rivera. For June 27 2015 (Saturday Night) the attendees can expect an out-of-this-world performance by successful reggaeton artist Nicky Jam and the famous Pitbull . Together with these international artists there will also be our local DJ’s, bands and artists performing like Zion, DJ Gogo, DJ Beatz, Nutzbeatz, N’Fuzion, Tsunami, Le Groove, D’Licious and Robert Jeandor and his Solo Banda Show. For more detailed information including travel packages visitwww.arubasmf.com , www.aruba.com, or search for Aruba Summer Music Festival on facebook. The Aruba Summer Music Festival is being produced by Loco Lobo Production, SD Concerts and supported by The Aruba Tourism Authority.

Brian Cox is an Emmy Award-winning actor born in Dundee, Scotland who has performed over 200 roles in films and television over a career spanning 5 decades. Cox first came to attention in the early 1970s with performances in numerous television films. His first big break was as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in “ Manhunter ”. Cox’s career prospects and popularity continued to rise. Cox has had roles in several major films including “Red” and “Red 2”, “Braveheart” , “X-Men 2”, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” and of course, his amazing performances in the Jason Bourne Films. He was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2003 Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for his accomplishments in theater, film and television. The Cayman International Film Festival CayFilm 2015 runs from June 18th - 21th

Dancehall veteran Lady Saw seems to have a hit on her hands with her latest single Whine, which was produced by Hitmatic Records. The up tempo dancehall tune sees Saw at her best bringing it like only she can. It is featured on the Bumpa Shake riddim. Producer and CEO of Hitmatic Records, Oneil ‘Clarkie’ Clarke said getting Lady Saw involved with the project was an easy task due to his previous affiliation with the iconic dancehall diva. ‘I have been working with Lady Saw for years now because I am also a promoter in the Tri-State area, so it was easy to get her on this project’, said Clarke. The Bumpa Shake riddim also features up and coming Hitmatic Records recording artiste Lady Ali who recorded the track Knee N Pray, and former Born Jamericans member Notch on the track Push it Back. A video for Lady Saw’s Whine was recently shot on location at Lime Cay and directed by Wayne South. The New York based Hitmatic Records has been around since 2010. Among its previous projects are the Ackee Seed riddim which featured Lady Saw, Vybz Kartel, Capleton, Beenie Man, Sizzla and Mad Cobra among others. The label also released the Hold a Medi riddim with Gentleman, Capleton, Richie Stephens, Christopher Martin, I Wayne, TOK and others. ‘Hitmatic Records is here to give young artistes a chance and opportunities to be featured on projects with major artistes in reggae and dancehall’, said Clarke. Click to watch Lady Saw - Whine Official Music Video - Hitmatic Records Click to Download Lady Saw - Whine - Official Video - Hitmatic Records

Eddie Murphy has released a video for his song called " Oh Jah Jah, " just four after the song debut. This is not the first reggae song and video for Murphy; in 1993 he did "I Was a King" with dancehall great Shabba Ranks which featured a music video shot in Portland, Jamaica. Oh Jah Jah , which follows his previous reggae effort Red Light – a collaboration with Snoop Lion which was released in 2013. Murphy also worked on a song with Beenie Man that is scheduled for release later this year.

Bahamian actor Jamaal Hepburn will be guest starring on an upcoming episode of the new season of CBS science fiction drama series "Extant." "Extant." stars Halle Berry as Molly Woods, an astronaut who returns from a 13-month solo mission in space only to discover she's pregnant, despite believing herself to be infertile. Hepburn have previously appeared in iPhone 5S and Boost Mobile ad campaigns. The second season will begin on Wednesday, July 1, at 10 PM EST

Nicki Minaj will be joining the cast of the Barbershop 3, which stars Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer. Minaj will play Draya, a sassy new hairdresser of the beauty shop side of the barbershop. Minaj joins a group of newcomers which includes Common and Regina Hall. In 2012 she made her movie debut in lending her voice for "Ice Age: Continental Drift". In 2014 she made her first screen appearance as Cameron Diaz's assistant Lydia in “The Other Woman” She also will be appearing in a supporting role in the upcoming Lake Placid Vs. Anaconda. “Barbershop 3″ will be directed by Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man) from a script by Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver. No release date has yet to be announced.

Nick Cannon, Whoopi Goldberg, Busta Rhymes and Karl Bradshaw are currently in Jamaica shooting a movie called "King of the Dancehall". Other stars include Jamaican actors Dorothy Cunningham, Camille Davis and Kimberly Patterson . Nick Cannon on the set of "King of the Dancehall" The movie is about a young man from Brooklyn, New York with Jamaican heritage who visited the Island and falls in the music and culture. It surrounds the island's dynamic Dancehall culture where dance crews battle each other at nightly street parties creating explosive, spontaneous entertainment. The set of "King of the Dancehall" Top local entertainers are slated to make cameo appearances, such as Beenie Man the ‘ King of the Dancehall ’, Sean Paul, Ky’Mani Marley, Ninja Man and TOK. No word on when the movie will be released.

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC), widely recognized as the most prestigious and respected international songwriting competition in the world, has today announced its 2014 winners. With over 18,000 entries submitted from 118 countries, a total of 345 songwriters are honored in the competition. ISC's overall Grand Prize is awarded to Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy for his song " Riptide. " It is the first time in ISC's 14-year history that any entrant has ever received perfect scores across the board. The song is being called an instant classic by both critics and fans across the world, launching Joy's career with sold-out tours, worldwide chart success, and critical acclaim. "It is such an honor to win this songwriting prize," Joy said in a statement. "Writing songs is what gives me a feeling of purpose. I'm proud to receive this award voted on by my songwriting peers." The Grand Prize winner receives $25,000 in cash plus $45,000 in services and merchandise, including a custom-built Lowden guitar valued at over $11,000, a Hammond organ, Abelton Push and Live 9 Suite, and much more. Winners were selected by a panel of Judges which included: American Authors, Pat Metheny, Sarah McLachlan, Bastille, Avicii, Sara Evans, Keane, Casting Crowns, Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C), Newsboys, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, London Grammar, Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), Gerald Casale (Devo), Dan McCarroll (President, Warner Bros. Records), Craig Kallman (Chairman/CEO, Atlantic Records), Mike Smith (President, Virgin EMI Records), Jeff Castelaz (President, Elektra Records), Ted Cockle (President, Virgin Records UK), and many more. "ISC is one of the most successful ways for artists to have their music heard and recognized on not only a national scale, but also an international one ," states Candace Avery, Founder and Director. "The competition encourages songwriters to create, develop, and challenge their artisty by creating something truly meaningful. It is vital for all artists to be recognized for their talents, as well as to be awarded respect and validation for their accomplishments. Vance Joy exemplifies the extraordinary talent we are looking to honor." Having already sold more than a million copies worldwide, " Riptide" was inspired by a motel that Joy visited as a child when he would go on family holidays down the coast of Australia, staying at a motel named Riptide. The motel became the title of this memorable song that not only has charmed the world but has also led to the explosion of Joy's career. Soon to embark on a seven-month tour as the support act for pop superstar Taylor Swift, the Australian is popping up everywhere, including recently performing "Riptide" on the MTV Europe Music Awards in Glasgow, Scotland. Joy's accomplishments also include reaching the #1 spot on Triple J's Hottest 100, and the single has been certified 5x platinum in Australia and 2x Platinum in the US. Furthermore, the songwriter took home the prestigious 2014 APRA award for Song of The Year. The track also went to #30 on Billboard's Hot 100 and #1 on the Rock Airplay chart. Created in 2002, ISC awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to winners of the competition. Winners range from amateur songwriters who are just starting their careers to professional songwriters who have years worth of experience. Previous ISC winners include Bastille, Passenger, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lindsey Stirling, Gotye, The Band Perry, Kasey Chambers, Gin Wigmore, King Charles, Kimbra, Gregory Porter, Omar Sosa, For King & Country, and many more. ISC is sponsored by: Lowden Guitars, Hammond USA, Abelton, Gauge Microphones, Slate Digital, DiscMakers, D'Addario, Taxi, IndieProMix and FinalMix, Inc., Indie Venue Bible, George Stein, Esq., Berklee College of Music, Thayers, AirPlay Direct, Celebrity Access, SongU, The Music Business Registry, Lurssen Mastering, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat. ISC is now accepting entries for 2015. More information can be found at: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com . For a complete list of 2014 ISC winners and to hear the winning songs, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners

Nicole Hylton, Barrie Hype, Calibe Thompson and Chef Irie – Photo by Addy Chin. On April 27, 2015 Blondie Ras Productions hosted the Watch Party for the South Florida premiere of their history-making series “ Taste the Islands with Chef Iri e”. Throughout the course of the evening over 500 guests passed through Fusion Cafe, where attendees watched the first South Florida broadcast of the show along with the cast and production team. The star studded affair was attended by celebrity guests Kevin Lyttle, Ato Boldon, Inner Circle and Honorebel, dignitaries including Jamaican Consul General Franz Hall, former US Consul to Jamaica Ward Morrow and Mrs Carmen Morrow (Karmen’s Collection), Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam and former Miramar Commissioner Alexandra Davis, stars of the show Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair and Nicole Hylton, Executive Producer Calibe Thompson, Associate Producer Lukkee Chong, sponsors including Caribcast’s Tyrone Robertson, Jamaicans.com’s Xavier Murphy, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Victoria Mutual Building Society and more. Executive Producer Calibe Thompson announced that in addition to the over 130 public television stations that will broadcast “Taste the Islands” around the United States, the show will premiere nationally on the Create TV Network as of June 29, 2015 reaching over 230 million potential viewers. Find out where to watch Taste the Islands in your neck of the woods

Pwason Gwo Sel is eaten all over Haiti. The best version of this dish can be found in the south as they have a lot of seafood readily available in the coastal cities. This dish is especially popular on Good Friday, because 90% of Haitians are not eating meat on that particular day. I personally prefer to season the fish with my epis/green seasoning. But you may choose to simply marinate the fish with salt, as the broth is pretty flavorful. 2 whole snappers (scaled, cleaned and gutted) 3 cups of water 1/2 cup of green seasoning 3 Limes 3 shallots julienned 1/2 green pepper julienned 1/2 red pepper julienned 1/5 cup of olive oil 1 stalks of chopped scallions 1 scotch bonnet pepper 2 tablespoon of butter 1 sprig of parsley 1 sprig of thyme 6 cloves 6 garlic cloves(whole) sea salt In a medium bowl, place snappers and cut 2 slits on each side of fish about 1 inch apart. Wash fish with cold water and the juice and rind of 2 limes. Rinse. Sprinkle sea salt liberally along with the juice of 1 lime. Season Fish with Epis** and coarse sea Salt. Let marinade for at least 2 hours preferably overnight. Reserve liquid that collects in the bowl. On medium heat, in a deep skillet pan, add olive oil 3 cups of water, scallions, green pepper, scotch bonnet pepper, shallots, thyme, cloves, garlic cloves, and parsley. Bring to a boil. reduce heat to medium. Add reserved fish liquid and butter, and then reduce to a simmer for ten to 12 minutes. **Many believe that Pwason gwo sel should only be seasoned with salt. I added epis to this recipe because I find that gives it a deeper more pronounced flavor. but feel free to try it both ways. About the CHEF Nadege Fleurimond is a chef and owner of Fleurimond Catering Inc. She is also author of Haiti Uncovered: A Regional Adventure Into the Art of Haitian Cuisine, a culinary cookbook that embraces every region in Haiti

Residents witnessed another round of steel pan talent as students showcased their skills at a packed Mary Miller Memorial Hall on Wednesday evening. Judges Angharad Parkes, Dawn Batson and Ken Figuero sit among hundreds of residents who supported the Amin Mohammed Memorial Steel Band Competition at Mary Miller Memorial Hall in Red Bay Wednesday evening. - Photo: Jewel Levy Schools throughout Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac participated in the Amin Mohammed Memorial Steel Band competition, part of the National Children’s Festival of the Arts. Nine bands competed in three categories – junior, junior high, and senior. There were also seven pan solos and two duets. A new addition to the competition was an open category in which a number of the bands participated. Pan ‘n’ Riddim’s Abby Onfroy won the steel pan solo competition and was chosen as an entrant in the upcoming Young Musician of the Year contest. Other winners were: Mark Plowright of John Gray High School, who took first place in the junior steel pan solo; Pan ‘n’ Riddim’s Natari Levy, who placed first in the open category; and Cayman Prep and High School’s Jaden Francis and Artemis Deslandes-Hydes, who were first in the steel pan duet category. The steel band junior winner was Prospect Primary School. Cayman Prep and High School’s Panjammers won both the junior high and senior high categories. UCCI’s Pandemix won the senior category, and Cayman School for Pan won the open category. The Amin Mohammed Memorial Steel Pan Competition is named after a former senior vice president of Cayman National Bank, which sponsored the event. Avolyn Howell , a Cayman National Bank representative, said that during Mr. Mohammed’s tenure with the bank, he shared his love of steel pan music and through this many at Cayman National Bank had learned to appreciate the beauty of steel pan. Welsh cellist Angharad Parkes, music director and conductor Dawn Batson, and steel pan enthusiast Ken Figuero were the judges. Acting Chief Education Officer Lyneth Monteith said the competition continues to showcase the tremendous musical talent in the schools and it was an exciting night for all attending. In her remarks, she called for a moment of silence in the memory of Perry George, dean of administration at the University College of the Cayman Islands, who passed away this week. http://www.compasscayman.com /

International recording artiste Demarco presently preparing for a triple concert stint this weekend in Haiti, New York and Guyana has yet another career milestone to celebrate amidst his hectic tour schedule. Though unable to attend due to other professional engagement the 'Bun Up Road' singer was the recipient of the ' Lifetime Achievement Award ' at the 5th staging of the annual Music Industry Achievers Awards (MIA) held at the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston last Friday. The singer was also nominated for 'Male Artiste of the Year' and 'Song Of The Year' with 'Good Book'. Known for being instrumental in some of the biggest music projects locally Demarco says he is very pleased that an organization such as the MIA sees it fitting to recognize him for him body of work throughout the years. Unknown to many Demarco has worked with a plethora of international superstars such as Busta Rhymes, French Montana, Machel Montano, Eve, 3six Mafia, Olivia (formerly of G-Unit). M.O.P., Timbaland, Missy Elliot and Shaggy among others. He has toured extensively across the globe accumulating a surfeit of accolades namely: The first Dancehall act to grace the cover of ‘Infuzion’, an Arabian magazine; Nominated for 2014 Afro Song of the Year in Australia for ‘Summer Time’ with Ghanaian star Samini; First Dancehall act to perform in Ethiopia, Nominated for ‘Best Reggae Act’ in Europe’s 2013 & 2014 Urban Music Award; Performed for Ugandan dignitaries; Given the Key to the City of Belize; Performed for the Haitian Government, Uganda and Israel annexed to appearances at almost all the major Reggae and Dancehall festivals across the globe. The multifarious entertainer is also known for concocting some of the most successful projects in the Dancehall sphere over the last decade namely: Mission Rhythm, Shoot Out Rhythm, Side Walk University Rhythm, Gang War Rhythm, March Out Rhythm, Warning Rhythm and Pon Di Edge among others. His most recent hits includes: Lazy Body, Continue Whine, Love Yuh Wah Love, Ride, 'Bun Up Road', 'Puppy Tail' and the heavy hitting street anthem ‘Good Book’.