Trinidad Carnival has come to an end and it was probably the best start Machel Montano could have for his 25^th anniversary in the business. Machel copped the Road March title last week leaving his competitors far behind. The song that is played the most among the various judging points on the road wins the coveted Road March title, and it was no surprise by Carnival Monday who would win. “Jumbie,” had an astonishing 388 plays, versus Shurwayne Winchester’s, “Open De Gate,” at a mere 34 plays. The rhythm and pan in, “Jumbie,” was an ideal tune for the road. The song didn’t need a roadmix to compliment the song for the road. Over the last four years or so, DJ’s looked forward to the roadmixes for songs, but this was one year where many wondered what could possibly be done to make the song better. In one word, “nothing.”

Recently, I had a chance to attend Island Xpress at Island Mecca in Lauderhill. I wasn’t sure what to expect since it was a rather chilly night. There wasn’t a huge crowd which I presume could be blamed on the weather. I was quite pleased at the DJ for the evening, DJ Kevy Kev. I hear music from just about every island. DJs Marshal and Soso were in attendance as well, but Kevy Kev seemed to take control for most of the night giving a refreshing set of music South Florida has been lacking. Playing music new and old, couples and singles danced the night away. An overall nice enjoyable time, I look forward to attending another, ‘Island Express,’ in the near future.

Machel Montano is celebrating 25 years in the soca business with a concert at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on March 23^rd. Tickets went on sale two weeks ago and there’s a possibility of a sold out show. The theater holds just over 6,000 persons, and if you’re looking for close up seats, good luck. The $125 tickets are already sold out. I’m curious to hear how the seated event goes, as soca isn’t exactly the type of music you want to sit down to. Also performing at the event is veteran calypsonian, David Rudder. I’m sure the show will be spectacular. Machel’s HD (High Definition) performance has been getting rave reviews from Trinidad, and his high energy performance is unmatched.

March is here and it’s time to get the ball rolling for soca in South Florida. We tend to forget about it once Miami Carnival is finished until everyone comes back with new music in their heads from Trinidad, Dominica and to a lesser extent, St. Croix. This Friday night at Yage, there will be an album release party for D-Life of NY’s Hot 97. The album is titled, “Extreme Soca Vol 1,” a mix CD featuring some of the best in soca tunes over the last year. For more information, log onto www.myspace.com/extremesoca. Special invited guests include Peter Ram, Biggie Irie, Alison Hinds, Bomani, and Shurwayne Winchester. While I know invited guests doesn’t necessarily mean they will show, DJ’s D-Life, Walshy Killa, and House Arrest should make the evening nice for soca lovers.

Ram Jam United is bringing Antigua’s Red Hot Flames to Hibiscus on March the 10^th. Red Hot Flames is the top act out of Antigua and winner of the Road March during Antigua’s Carnival in 2006. I attended last spring’s event with the band, and it was plenty fun. If you plan on attending, I suggest a rag or towel. Their music is hardly anything to stand up and hold the walls up. Ram Jam United is also bringing the Small Axe Band out of St. Kitts to Hibiscus on March 31^st. Small Axe did well at Ram Jam’s Miami Carnival event, so I’ll be sure to attend that one as well. For more information, log onto www.smallislandmassive.com. Until next time, have a safe and enjoyable week.