The Natural View: Pegasus 3-man show

Its been a while - both for this blog and for exhibits of new material at the Gallery Pegasus. But a couple of weeks ago, three enterprising young artists put their collective talents on display in the gallery's customary home downstairs the hotel lobby.

The two painters focussed on realistic depictions of scenery inspired by the picturesque parish of Portland, with some minor deviations into semi-abstraction (top). While there as also sculpture on hand, it was the ceramic work of Wazari Johnson (above) that primarily caught our eye.

Johnson, a bit of a polymath - he also works as furniture designer, graphic artist and illustrator - says these pieces, with the facial representations signal a new phase emerging in his artistic development. "It's been a while since I've really experimented with these types of images" he told us at the opening "I didn't have any idea how they would turn out beforehand, I just allowed myself to be open to hat was coming up for me"

the show continues at the Gallery through February.

Eat up, Drink Up, Tweet-Up

With good weather (no rain, gentle breeze) there's hardly any venue that can compare to the unparalleled vantage point of the Pegasus hotel's Top of the World rooftop patio (18 stories above New Kingston).

And it proved the perfect location (or relocation) for the the second in the series of Tweet-Ups, dubbed the Tweetheart edition in recognition of impending Valentine's day celebrations

And since you can't say valentine's without chocolate, the Chocolate Dreams fountain was positioned right at the entry door to greet guests - with plenty of fruit, marshmallows, and doughnut holes (rounds) for dipping.

Inside the catering was copious and supplemented by the addition of a NUVO bar, Nuvo being the new rose-champagne, sparkling liqueur cooler.

Pegasus GM Eldon Bremner hada few official words as did Sales Manager Prudence Simpson, then it was emcee Paula Anne Porter's turn to guide the faithful through a series of quiz giveaways and a quick performance turn from Youth View Award-winning dancehall star Tifa.

Thereafter, DJs Alrick and Boyd resumed the party vibes and spontaneous dancing broke out amid the conversations and - of course the tweeting and FB updating.

From a "Walk-On" to "Featured Analyst": a Super Sunday

MEMORANDUM

To:       Victor McFarlane, Dwayne Anderson, Richard Nembhard, Maurice Foster, Michael Edwards, Peter John Breakenridge

Cc:      Mr. Stewart, Roger Hasfal, Sean Grant, Norman Mighty. Pat Spence

Fr:       Tony Young/Programmes

Date:   February 7, 2011

Re:      Super Bowl Coverage

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I thought the two teams covering the NFL Super Bowl 45, did an exceptional job on Sunday February 6, 2011.  The interaction between the two locations was great and ‘on time’ and no could tell that you were not linked by some television monitoring system.

I would like to thank in particular Mr. Michael Edwards who sat in for Alva Anderson who was unavoidably absent due to illness.  Although Mr. Edwards has some broadcasting experience, to fit in the way he did at the last moment was a fine example of professionalism.

Well done team...You all did well and let us strive to keep that standard in all the projects that we undertake.

With thanks   

A Singing "Mercedes" Blazin' DJ and others: Its JARIA Reasoning @ Stone Love

Its more noted for its Weddy Weddy mid-week sessions, at which dancers put down the latest moves and the sizable roster of selectors keep patrons bouncing to the latest (even more so now that Passa Passa's not in the picture; not they were actually competing, of course);

But things heated up a day (or night) early as the Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) held its periodic "Reasonings" session Tuesday night last - in actual fact a showcase for new and upcoming talent, though a few stalwarts "passed through".

A motley crew of  hopefuls and risers took the Stone Love platform, led by the useful and versatile crooner Ricardo Suave, who tossed in a couple of smart covers (Al Green, Gregory Isaacs) in his short stint. Clinton Black held his own  with his brand of message music.

The gospel-touting Mercedes was the other pick of the night vocally, bringing a joyful energy to her delivery.

DJ Blaze brought some toasting energy late, and he had an "extra". After 'big-ups' to his "team' he brought up hot film star of the moment Nina 'Sky' Grey (above) co-star of the movie "Better Mus' Come".

Selector Geefus ensured levity with his Speedy Gonzalez impressions and razor-sharp selections in between the "live" acts .

Amid the City Towers....The Roktowa

New Kingston's towers of concrete and steel now have a bit more creative flair. the Roktowa Art movement, which has justifiably attracted attention for its artistic and social activism in the downtown area has moved "uptown" so to speak.

On the ground floor of the gleaming white Pan-Caribbean tower now houses a small collection of Roktowa works, with more to come form another location, The Glyph at red Bones. The works in PanCaribbean share space with the latest from Laura Facey.

The Art of the Burger, Eye-Popping paintings and Showing the Biz

The weekend proved a feast for the eyes and the palate, with some mental stimulation thrown in (via the Business Expo) that took us from Deli Works in Liguanea to Manor Park and to the wyndham in new Kingston.
At Deli Works, a somewhat confusing buffet greeted us, but we were soon distracted by the burger menu and decided "Why Not?"
service a little iffy at first, but our quick-thinking attendant ate some humble pie and apologized, leaving us in a better frae of mind to enjoy the meal

And boy, did we enjoy. The onion rings were just the curtain-raiser; not great, but good enough to feed our anticipation. The flan - made fresh in store - took things up a notch, buttery smooth, well-balanced (just the right amount of egg to sugar) and very delicious.

But then, came the piece (or pieces in this case) de resistance. For me, the blue cheese  for her, the Mushroom Swiss The taste?? heaven on earth.

Later that night even more gastronomic delights, buttressed by a cool art show, the debut solo exhibition of teen sensation (18) Laura anne Fung at the salubrious Grosvenor Galleries at the top of Manor Park.

Former Digicel CEO David Hall (shown here with the artist) spoke to the need to celebrate the excellence of Jamaicans in all spheres, recalling the early exploits of one Usain Bolt, and declaring that Fung's energy and talent   would take her to international renown on a similar level.
And, to go with the colour riot, there was absolutely mouthwatering fare on two fronts: first, cheese poppers, veggie spring rolls and jerk chicken from caterer extraordinaire Lorraine Fung(the artist's aunt, how fortunate for us), and then some sweet treats, including some positively habit-forming brownies from Polly Ho.

Come Sunday, the future and present mavens of the Young Entrepreneurs Association united to stage the Entrepreneurs Expo at the Wyndham Kingston. Though service providers dominated, there were manufacturers, such as wrought iron masters Bellindo, makers of the chair and table shown. The Expo is the opening salvo in a week of activities, culminating in a Tribute Ball on Friday evening.

the Wyndham was the scene of the kick-off of Entrepreneurs Week, hosted by the Young Entrepreneurs Association

Weekend Wrap tomorrow

Hop on the Donkeycart tomorrow.......we review Jamaica's best burger, sample soe eye-popping colours at a new solo art show, and dissect the Entrepreneurs Expo