After all the winter blues we have had these past few months, cruel…cruel winter is finally making its exit.  What a pleasurable feeling it is, as the warm air caresses our skin and blows through our hair.  Certainly, the glorious new colors of spring signifies the new glow of life…so I ask you to join me as I sing "Hooray for Springtime!”  

Ahhhh, the feeling of a new and revitalizing season!  The fresh greenish glow that radiates from the grass, the not so cold temperatures, the beautiful blooming flowers and blossoming trees, birds singing happily as they prepare for nesting, butterflies fluttering beneath trees and from flowers to grass, rabbits “chilling” with their young, and regrettably the annoying pollen that taunts us and makes us suffer oh so greatly.   Nonetheless, this special time is the inaugural of fun, frivolity, "feting"; and simply a time to enjoy unique festivals, museums, events, and the outdoors.

Our special springtime fun began as we celebrated Easter, and we truly had a harbinger of a weekend celebrating outdoors due to the stunning weather that stretched across our area.  We spent our days walking, talking, laughing and planning.  “Glorious Saturday” was lovely and quite fascinating as we walked along the Tidal Basin Wash. DC.  Oh, what a site to behold as we strolled along the Potomac River under a canopy of Cherry Blossom Trees watching folks paddling across the waters in their paddle boats, and tourists snap, snap, snapping away as they captured photos of their special moments.  Our walk continued along the streets of historic Georgetown where we marveled at the cornucopia of people sauntering through the busy streets of this trendy district; shopping, chatting and eating.  We stopped at one of our favorite restaurants the historic "Martin’s Tavern” for a late lunch, and it was scrumptious as usual.  This restaurant is known to have be frequented by many past US Presidents, Senators, and other Government types.  Actually, it was their little hideaway for enjoyable meals, work related receptions/business outings, and just a safe and comfortable place to relax after a hard day of governing.  In fact, before John F. Kennedy became President, as a young Senator he proposed to Jacqueline Lee Bouvier (his wife) in booth # 3 at this restaurant.   

As we tied up our evening of walking and having a fun time we had a nice laugh as we approached an interesting store we frequented in our late teens-early 20s called the “Pleasure Chest”.  LOL, this store is still exotic and it was funny to see after all these years young and old people still walking around the store, browsing and viewing all the items on the shelves.  LOL…I guess some things never really change!  As we headed out of Georgetown we decided to check out another area of DC - "Adams Morgan", which is somewhat like Georgetown - very trendy and filled with a lot of restaurants and bars; but has more of an ethnic flavor.  Here we decided to check out the Carnival Band launching of "PANISHA".  The band leader of "Panisha" Ms. Patrice Francis is a 2nd generation DC Carnival Band Leaders who is following in her parent footsteps presenting Mas to the DC area for the Caribbean Carnival.  The vibe was very cool at this event, and the costumes and theme "Out of Asia" was nice.  I must say it was great seeing Ms. Francis's parents looking on with pride.

Cool and easy Easter Sunday was absolutely beautiful.  We took time out of this lovely day to fully groom our pet, who seemed to have adored all the attention.  The reminder of our evening was spent in DC as we laughed and talked over an early dinner in one of DC’s trendy restaurants; and our talks and laughter continued as we walked the streets of downtown DC reminiscing about certain buildings that meant a lot to us.  (Chuckling about some special memories in these buildings as we took steps toward building our lives together 25 years ago).  This 2010 Easter weekend was divine!!!

This weekend is upon us and excitement fills the air, because without a doubt springtime truly signifies to its fullest here in Washington DC.  Yup, the inaugural Springtime festival “The Cherry Blossom Festival” culminates in the Nation’s Capital with lots of celebrations, and its historic annual parade.  This annual festival celebrates 98 years of the original gift of the Cherry Blossom Trees, and is a symbol of the friendship between the citizens of Japan and the United States.  This years' festival & celebrations began March 27^th and will commence on Sunday, April 11^th.  It’s such a spectacle witnessing a sea of fully blossomed Cherry Trees with their delicate lily whites and beautiful pink flowers along the National Mall, Tidal Basin and throughout the entire city.  A truly remarkable sight it is indeed!  For the history on the Cherry Blossoms and the festival  please CLICK HERE and for the history on the trees CLICK HERE.  

The "feting" starts with a bang this weekend as Washington DC prepares to “Palance” with Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival Power Soca Monarch and Road March Winners “JW & Blaze” tonight, Friday, April 9, 2010 at Ibiza Nightclub.  Trinidad Chutney Soca Monarch winner Ravi B will also be performing on this show, as well as the 3rd place winner of Trinidad and Tobago's Power Monarch "Shal Marshall" (Member of duo Shal Marshall & Screws). Click Here for all the details!

"JW" Williams and Ancil "Blaze" Isaac Jr. have been a part of Trinidad and Tobago's pop culture landscape for the last few years in many regards with Jason being a former host of the popular "Party Time" television series and Blaze being a member of famed music sound system Sel Construction.  However, in recent years the duo has become a household name through their on air comedy and antics on the "Red Hot Morning Show" on Red 96.7FM.  For 2010 Carnival, JW and Blaze gained much more attention for their mega Soca hit "Palance" penned by master songwriter Kernal Roberts. The success of this tune has propelled them into the stratosphere of T&T's entertainment elite, as they have been fan favorites in every major fete for the Carnival season leaving audiences ecstatic everywhere they go.  These young energetic performs went to the top of Power Monarch Soca Monarch Competition placing 1st which is a position regularly held by other more established Soca artists.  JW and Blaze's has had previously made it to the Soca Monarch finals in 2007 competitions.  The duo are certainly no novices either as they have released several tracks such as "Eat Ah Food", "Bamceeology", "Work" and "Ah Wah Go Home".  Hooray to JW and Blaze for winning the 2010 Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Power Soca Monarch Competition and The Carnival Road March with their massive hit "Palance"

Ravi B is one of the most popular Indian male artistes in Trinidad and Tobago because of his versatility and charming personality. He is the youngest musical producer, director, arranger, singer and one of the most sought after musical programmer. Ravi started singing at the age of 13 and ever since this young artiste has just kept on aspiring.  At the age 25 he was the lead vocalist, music director, producer and arranger for the popular Caribbean fused music band Karma. He is also a top radio personality with Trinidad and Tobago's leading East Indian radio station, 90.5fm. This young superstar has toured the Caribbean, U.S.A, Canada, Guyana, Europe and Suriname; representing Trinidad's culture, chutney and soca. Some of Ravi's hit songs are: 'Gul yuh start meh’, Rum is meh lover and 'Teer cheer.' Other hit songs include Karma slam 1&2, Aids, Mom and Dad, Gul gul, Ta la la, Ganjawala, Barahee, With a bottle of rum and his version of Mangalam Ganesham.  Ravi B has already produced eight albums which includes Karma Evolution, A.B.C. party mix, Secret 48, Karma Mangalam, Destiny 1,2,3 and Karmasutra.  This year Ravi won the Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival Chutney Soca Monarch Carnival competition with his hit tune "Aa Drinka"

Shal Marshall is considered to be one of the most experienced DJ's in the business; on-air at WEFM in Trinidad for the last 7 years; originally as part of the Jugglers Sound System, and now hosting his own show Monday to Friday.  DJing was not enough for the ambitious young man, and soon he lent his voice to some hot tracks which were released for carnival and made their way into the clubs. Shal is also sought after to do radio ads, host functions and MC events.  This year 2010 Shal along with friend/partner "Screws" placed third in Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival Power Soca Monarch with their hit song "Police".

On Saturday, April 10, 2010 between the hours of 10:00 am and 12:00 Noon, the Annual Cherry Blossom parade takes place between 7th and 17th Streets, N.W. Washington DC (rain or shine).  According to the weather meteorologists, it looks like it will be a pretty great day.  

For all the details on the Parade' CLICK HERE!  

For a list and details on all the Cherry Blossom events CLICK HERE.  

For the history on the Cherry Blossoms and the festival  please.

CLICK HERE, and for the history on the trees CLICK HERE.

On Saturday the 9th, the fun continues with a fantastic play taking place at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium entitled “De Wedding”.  Everybody’s magazine “De Wedding,” is a comedy for the entire family, with sold out audiences in Grenada and the Eastern Caribbean.  The play is written by Chris Dregs whom is regarded as Grenada’s leading playwright and produced by the internationally renowned Heritage Theatre Company. Supported by an all-star cast of ten, “De Wedding” is an elegant and brilliant masterpiece play that you must see. The play begins at 8:00 pm at the Cramton Auditorium at the Historical Howard University.  To get your tickets call the Cramton Box Office at (202) 806-7914 or Spice Island Sounds (240) 462-5843, or click  FOR WASHINGTON, D.C. PERFORMANCE outlets in MD, DC & VA.  800-551-SEAT. The play moves to Brooklyn NY on Sunday April 11th at Wingate Campus.  www.everybodysmag.com.

Also on Saturday night the 9th, members of the Baltimore Caribbean-American Carnival Association cordially invite you to their All-Inclusive Bar and Buffet fundraiser for their 2010 Carnival. This fantastic event will take place at the Gala Center Banquet Hall in Baltimore.  Click on the flyer to the left for all the details.

On Sunday, April 11, 2010, the fun continues at Ice Carnival Annual CurryQue in Baltimore Maryland at  I.C.E. Carnival Mas Camp, 6204 Liberty Heights Terrace, Gwynn Oak, MD 21207, http://www.icecarnival.net Phone: 240-447-2417. 3pm to 9pm

Also on Sunday, April 11th, check out the "Diamonds and Pearls Hottest Hair, Glam and Fashions" event of the year taking place at Howard University's Blackburn Ballroom @ 4pm.  Click on the flyer on the left for all the details!!!

susan@ariousentertainment.us 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WESLIE!!!! ALL THE BEST TO YOU ON THIS SPECIAL DAY.  In my book you are the greatest and I love you dearly.  I pray that all you wish for is granted!

Tara Happy Birthday to you too, as well as AMG and Trini Mike

We at Arious Entertainment Group is proud to be a part of the DC Caribbean Promoters for Haiti (DCPH) alliance.  DCPH represents area promoters who have formed a coalition to maximize their contribution to the Haiti recovery and reconstruction effort. As the unprecedented scope of Haiti's devastation becomes more apparent every day, your support and generosity are desperately needed. The group has an immediate goal to raise $30,000 in 30 days. DCPH will contribute all monies raised by making donations to Yele Haiti, CARE International, and Medical Teams International. Our collective contribution will help these organizations provide the people of Haiti with necessary supplies and services including food, water, temporary shelter, and medical attention.  SEE MORE!

DC Caribbean Promoters for Haiti is an alliance of Caribbean promoters in the Washington DC area. DCPH was formed to maximize individual contributions to the Haiti recovery and reconstruction effort. The advantages of jointly working together are to: (i) reach a wider audience; (ii) capitalize on resources; and (iii) ultimately raise more money for this worthy cause. Learn more or donate.

     

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April 10, 2010 Washington, DC www.ticketmaster.com     -     Cramton Box Office (202) 806-7194     -     Spice Island Sounds (240) 462-5843 BROOKLYN, NY: WINGATE CAMPUS, SUNDAY APRIL 11 AT 5:30PM Tickets at Caribbean outlets     718. 941.1879     www.everybodysmag.com
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