WHAT A weekend I had!  For all those who read last week’s news, I reported that the Red Hot Flames would be in town Friday night for a free performance.  Unfortunately, the venue wasn’t announced until mid-week.  Well, it appears word gets around, because Miami’s Roman Pub was packed with fans waiting to see Flames.  Ram Jam United had promised to bring the band back given the fact they didn’t get a chance to perform at last month’s event.  Ram Jam didn’t disappoint, and the Red Hot Flames did a good set of past and present tunes.  I was delighted to hear, “Workey Workey,” “Tout Moon Dance,” “All Is Yours,” “Morning Noon & Night,” “Strings,” “Pong & Chant,” and one of my all-time favorites, “Gym Jam.”  There were plenty other big tunes such as, “Swingin’ Engine,” and “I Command You,” which were also performed. 

Flames’ lead singer (as well as the main backbone of the band), Oungku, seemed to enjoy himself on stage (while playing the keyboards), and pleased his fans bringing hit after hit.  For anyone unfamiliar with the music from the band (formerly Burning Flames), you would have been in for a treat, as a good variety of songs from the band’s discography were played.  The other lead vocalist in the band is Esther Dyer, a native Trinidadian, who took the place of the late Onika Bostic.  She has a good voice, but I found her performance average at best.  Perhaps that was due to the hot temperature in the venue.  The band also treated the fans to a sneak peek of a new song and dance called the quad.  It looks as if you are riding an all-terrain vehicle, body squatting, and arms out like you’re holding handles.  I can’t wait to hear the finished product.   I came home with my jeans soaked as if I’d never run them through a dryer.  I didn’t mind though, I had a great time. 

On Saturday I went to the Omega Center to see St. Kitts’ “Sugar Band,” or better known as the Nu-Vybes band. Their performance was rather disappointing, and not like the high energy vibe that Flames gave.  I heard a plethora of tunes, many of which I know, but had never heard live.  The band asked that the lights on stage be turned off, and the show went on.  While I do enjoy the music from the band, I was expecting a far better show.  In the past, I’ve  seen the Small Axe Band, also from St. Kitts, and must say their performance was far better.  Nevertheless, the crowd seemed to enjoy themselves, and maybe I wasn’t impressed given the fetes I’ve become accustomed to. I was impressed with Kittitian DJ, Kevy Kev with his play list of soca and reggae.  He got the crowd moving before the band started, and I enjoyed the selection of music, to include some remixes of his own.  

So on to the weekend events…Sole is this Saturday at Solo on the Bay (10880 Collins Ave, North Miami Beach).  The last event was a lot of fun, so I’ll be celebrating the long weekend there.   Don’t forget, Alison Hinds and Rupee will be performing at the Tropical Magic Nightclub in Orlando on May 5.  Also keep checking De Soca Train for updates on the happenings for Orlando Carnival, as it’s just around the corner.  So to all my readers, have a great and safe holiday weekend.