Known for his outspoken character on the popular Snake Pit show, Algernon “Serpent” Watts now has a new mission.

But the task is not entirely new for the talk show host and DJ, who was the first manager when Hitz was first launched in 2005.

Serpent has experienced the highlights and the low points of the music station but has a renewed vigour and enthusiasm that the “more music less talk” mantra will prevail.

He said the decision to pursue that agenda is based on the wishes of the people.

“We did a survey prior to the launch and asked folks what they would like to be done differently and it was unanimous; less talk.”

He said while listeners thought there was good music on the radio generally, they were peeved that DJs spoiled the experience for them by over-talking.

“The DJs think they have to talk through or over the song and the folks were fed up with that.”

The mission is also rooted in the history of Hitz FM, which came about at a time when a number of competitors offered music shows that were inundated with talk.

So, for Serpent, it’s not so much a new agenda but reverting to a successful formula.

“It didn’t take long for Hitz to be the most listened to radio station around. It was to a point where we didn’t go to any artist. They were the ones coming to us,” the station manager said.

Carnival soca singles are already being released on Hitz FM. The latest drops from some of the country’s leading artistes can also be heard there and from every corner of Antigua & Barbuda, people are fixing their tuners on 91.9 FM.

Notwithstanding this, Serpent has put listeners on notice that the commercial side of the entity will not be compromised, despite the “more music” mantra.

“We are a commercial station and bills have to be paid, but outside of that, those microphones stay mute,” he declared.

“We did it successfully for four years before the format was changed and it was number one for all these years and it was financially viable too,” he added.

Three weeks ago, a new day was heralded with the “Take Over” of Hitz FM by the Hit Men. The Hit Men are six of the country’s finest DJs and the leader has full confidence in their abilities.

“These are the top club DJs on island,” he proclaimed.

“These aren’t rookies and their names are familiar to the party goers.”

The Hit Men made their first appearance at the big sailing week party known as Splash and have already settled into their position on 91.9.

The launch, however, is just the start “because we have some new features coming.”

But don’t expect the station manager to release any details before time “because the competition is snipping at our door steps.”

He is also aware of the reality that “it is easier to make a name than to reclaim a name.”

Hitz FM, with its solid foundation, promises to take entertainment “completely out of the next stratosphere.”

The Hitz Fm DJs are DJ Illist 8-12 Monday to Friday, Easy P 12-4 PM Monday to Friday. DJ Irish 4-8 Monday to Friday. DJ JR 8 to 12 Monday to Wednesday. DJ Biggie comes in from 8-12 on Thursday and DJ PC from 8-12 on Friday. DJ’s are rotated on Saturdays. DJ JR is the Sunday Hit man coming in from 8AM.

Hitz FM DJs can also be found on Facebook by searching “Hitz FM Antigua.”

(L-R) Ricardo Drue, Tizzy, Claudette Peters and Tian Winter. (Photo courtesy the Marketing Machine)

The second dose of “soca therapy” – Lots of Liquor (LOL) is set for June 29. That’s the word from The Marketing Machine and The Source collaboration.

And the organisers have announced the entertainment line-up for the night, which includes the power houses of, Claudette Peters & Taxik, Tizzy & El A Kru, Ricardo Drue, Dominica’s Benjie, The ladies man Tian Winter and iConic and Burning Flames. Between band changes the dynamic duo of IBIS and DJ JIME are to entertain, along with Dj Wooden Foot.

The Marketing Machine announced that LOL would once again be hosted at Splash Antigua, located right next to Millers by The Sea.

While addressing the media at a gathering on Wednesday, Rose said, “We have once again stepped up the game with the entire experience, bringing better value to all our patrons this year. We are committed to pushing the limits on the Carnival fete experience in Antigua and LOL is testament to this promise.”

He added, “We are mindful of the driving concept behind this event. We have committed to ensure that our fete is safe from incident, not only during, but also after. In support of this pledge, we have developed our own code of social responsibility, as we will launch our social responsibility campaign to ensure that everyone drinks responsibly and arrives home safely.”

LOL stepped out on the events scene two years ago and was well received among party people. The cooler fete, as the name suggests, will see groups of people walking with their choice of drinks into the event in coolers.  Organisers said it provides a great opportunity for camaraderie and fun while enjoying sweet soca sounds by an excellent collection of music from Antigua & Barbuda and the Caribbean.

For security reasons, no ice or glass bottles are allowed inside the coolers.

“The ‘no ice’ policy will allow us to check coolers to ensure no weapons or glass bottles are inside the coolers,” Rose said. “We want to keep everyone safe and ensure that we can all fete and have a good time without incidents.”

They further advised that ice would be on sale once patrons enter the venue.

Tickets for the fete can be obtained at The Source clothing store on Redcliffe Street for $35.

The band, headed by renowned fashion designer Calvin Southwell, is to unveil its costume designs on Friday May 24, in stead of this Saturday, a release said.

The event, themed “Le Monde du Papillion” – The World of Butterflies – is slated 8:30 pm for the home of Beautiful People.

“The venue will be transformed into an exotic garden fitting for the theme,” the release read. “Come expecting not only a display of beautifully crafted costumes but a production that will be talked about for a long time.”

The fashion designer expressed appreciation to fans and supporters who have played a part to boosting him to where he is now.

“You have been so gracious with your support of me and my work over the years and for this I am truly honoured,” Southwell stated in the communiqué.  “This year promises to be a great one for Beautiful People Mas and Calvin S Designs.”

He said July 30 would be a very special date for him and his band. It’s when a full-length documentary of Calvin South well’s work for the last 25 years is to be aired at Caribbean Cinema, directed by Hollywood Director and Film Maker, D Channsin Berry, who, along with other celebrities, are to be a part of Beautiful People Mas 2013.

“Presently, I am one of the featured artistes in Zing, the Inflight Magazine of LIAT, with a six-page layout giving exposure to the band and Antigua & Barbuda,” Southwell said.

“I have always set high standards for my work and this launch will be no less,” he added.

Footage from the launch is to be incorporated in the documentary, so the fashion designer said attendance and support would be greatly appreciated.

Madtguans get ready to ‘blow the scene’ with their new album ‘Fullforce.’ (Photo Courtesy/The Corner Store)

You first knew them as members of the “Juggle for Life” crew, when the nation began noticing them on the musical scene in 2010 and subsequently the Carnival stage.

From their songs Movie and KFC, they sure left a savory taste with fans.

Well the Mad-T-Guans, as they are now called, are back, and back with a vengeance promising Carnival lovers and fans a taste of their “rebirth.”

The group is stepping it up a notch this year with a pre-release of its debut album titled Full Force.

According to Manager Kem Hodge, the double album, which is still in the making, is a combination of groovy and jumpy tunes.

“The album has about 12 songs groovy and will have the same amount of jumpy songs,” Hodge said.

He explained the tunes, which have been in rotation on the airwaves since April, showcase the group’s versatility and growth as artistes.

Hodge said fans would definitely be in for a treat when the entire album is released in the summer.

The preview includes new and exclusive tracks such as Bacchanal Addiction, Party Hard, Island Girl; Smile a Lot, Waiting for You and Punchinella.

“It’s a rebirth of the guys – an improvement of what they brought to the table in 2012,” Hodge said. “In previous years the songs were out there but they did not have the same effect.”

He added,”We basically rebranded everything, went back the drawing board. We have better sounding and more mature music.”

Members of the group – former Soca King Joel “Hard Knaxx” Lewis, Dorian “Twenty-Two” Sampson, Seth “Set-On” Alexander, Raffique “Lyrical Reds” Edwards, Juney “Jukey Dan” James – are in high spirits about this year’s offering.

The Mad-T-Guans are known for their ability to perform and are also versed in the dancehall genre of music.

Fans yearning for a taste of the group’s 2013 tunes can get one via YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/madtguans) and their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/madtguans.

The group will also be having a band launch entitled Madtguan Machine on May 26 in the park opposite the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank.

Reigning Queen of Carnival Ranee Laronde.

Six ladies have been selected from a group of 13 to contest this year’s “Queen of Carnival” competition. They are Raynel Carroll, Leanne Murrain, Josephine Samuel, Arlette Chastanet, Tenice Grigg and Annjoulie Black.

The contestants underwent screening by a panel of five judges in three segments including Interview, Performing Talent and Swimwear. They were also judged on how they presented themselves for the screening process.

Chairperson of the Queen of Carnival sub-committee Samoya Kirby said, “This is an exceptional group of young ladies with huge potential. It’s now up to them to improve on their weaknesses and put on a great show.”

Kirby is urging the business community to come on board “to create synergy with culture and carnival and help boost economic activity.”

She continued, “It’s up to the businesses to remember the queens are ambassadors for the year and utilise them to their advantage.”

Members of the Carnival Development Committee’s (CDC) Queens sub-committee and the events management team of the National Festivals Office (NFO) also participated in the screening.

The process was hosted by the CDC last Saturday at Villas at Sunset Lane located in McKinnon’s.

Reigning Carnival Queen is Renee Laronde.

Professor Irish

DJ PC

DJ Biggi

continued from last week…

Professor Irish

This DJ of 15 years recently changed his name from DJ Irish to Professor Irish. A resident of Cassada Gardens, Irish said the name change was not arbitrary but a realisation that he had in fact matured sufficiently as an entertainer.

Born, Renford Irish, he first cemented his interest in playing music when he acquired a small sound system known as “Renegade Sound.”

The sound system is still alive today providing music for different functions.

Professor Irish, then DJ Irish, was one of the first ever DJs on HITZ 91.9 FM and he’s back. He will be one of the six “Hit Men” promoting the “more music less talk” image.

Irish said he takes his job seriously and insists that a good DJ “has to know the structure of music.”

“You can’t expect to play the top 20 songs in the first hour of your gig,” he said.

Professor Irish can be heard on HITZ 91.9 every day expect Saturdays. He is also inviting fans to follow the Hit Men on Facebook by searching for “Hitz FM Antigua.”

PC

How this DJ got his name is a mystery but it has something to do with being in church. It was also in church that DJ PC acquired his love for music.

“I was a tenor in the Cathedral Youth Choir,” the 25-year-old explained.

DJ PC, whose real name is Robin Charles, said it was easy for him to make the switch from singing in a choir to entertaining the masses with the songs of others.

In 2005, he joined the HITZ 91.9 FM family, starting off first as a production assistant, then graduating into a full time disk jockey.

“I have a passion for DJ-ing,” PC said during a telephone interview, adding that he learnt under DJ’s Nez, Irish and Easy P.

PC thinks there is too much talk on radio and has expressed confidence that HITZ 91.9, which has now begun specialising in music, can regain its number one position as the leading entertainment radio station in the country.

He plays all genres of music and although soft-spoken, PC says the music speaks for him.

DJ Biggi

Biggi describes himself as “shy” and is in fact a man of few words.

“I just make the music speak for me,” he said.

Norrid Henry, 34, a married father of two children, started his DJ career by playing at school dances.

“I remember playing at Sports Day and when we had dances at school, that’s when I really started playing,” Biggi said.

“It’s something I took an early interest in and I spent many hours observing other DJs,” he added.

Before spinning his first record, Biggi was always on hand to assist in the technical areas like setting up speakers.

“I started in schools, then moved up to parties then clubs,” he revealed.

Originally from Potters Village, he now resides in Light Foot. This HITZ 91.1 FM DJ is celebrating 15 years in the business this year.

The corner is about to be turned in 2013 for the young Antiguan vocalist, who has made exceptional strides in establishing herself as one of the top female soca artistes in Antigua.

But this year, she has received a boost of confidence as a result of the new music to her name, produced by the ever consistent Dalton ‘Pickyhead’ Dyer.

TKO’s music is pounding and unrelenting, song after song infused with the unmistakable and driving beats of Dyer and melody lines and arrangements that give each tune a distinctive flavour.

From his Trouble studios, located in Potters Village, Dyer has produced a collection of 11 songs – all of them written and produced by the Antiguan musician, save for Love, written by Laurena, and Feeling Nice, which is the product of a collaborative effort between Dyer, who did the music, and written by Carlos Turner and additional vocals by Hamsta.

Love and Feeling Nice are only two slices of a set of tunes that are meant to set the mood for a night of slow groove. Doo Doo, sung by Dyer, is already a favourite for listeners to local radio stations, already benefitting from TKO’s usually early releases.

There’s something for everyone in this year’s recordings. Mad, the title track of the 2013 album, is a song that will more than likely be used this year by TK0 for Laurena’s participation in the Jumpy segment of the Party Monarch Competition.

On the groovy side, Dyer’s Mas is destined to be an on air favourite once released this week.

Tigerbone and State of Emergency, both sung by Dyer, capture the spirit of Antigua’s jumping and jamming Carnival with upbeat rhythms that are sure to keep TKO on the lips of soca fans in every fete this year.

“(We’re) putting in the hours and hard work,” the usually soft-spoken Dyer commented, with a look of complete satisfaction as he reflected on this year’s offerings. “Honestly, this is probably one of the best set of songs I have ever produced.”

“The future looks extremely bright right now. I’m extremely happy with the music and very humbled by the kind comments we have received so far. The thing is, the best is yet to come,” Laurena said with a bright smile.

“The band has been extremely focused and committed over the past months. We have put in the hard work. Now it’s time to deliver.”

TKO is now under the management of Epoch Media Group and Signature Entertainment Agency, both of which will be at the forefront of the new direction that TKO has taken in moving the band to exciting new levels.

Several engagements are already in store for Carnival fans to get up close with the band’s music and these are to be announced shortly.

Lawyer Howard Weitzman speaks to the media outside of Superior Court in Los Angeles July 6, 2009. (Reuters photo)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The attorney for Michael Jackson’s estate on Wednesday described as “outrageous and pathetic” a fresh claim of child molestation against the dead pop star, made by one of his close friends.

Choreographer Wade Robson, who testified in defense of the Thriller singer in a 2005 child sex abuse trial, filed a creditor’s claim against Jackson’s estate last week, alleging he had been abused by the singer when he was a minor, according to sealed legal documents seen by celebrity website TMZ.com.

“Mr Robson’s claim is outrageous and pathetic,” Howard Weitzman, the attorney for Jackson’s estate, said in a statement.

Robson, 30, developed a friendship with Jackson as a child and slept over at the singer’s Neverland Ranch home in Southern California on several occasions when he was a minor.

He made his claim for damages against the singer’s estate almost four years after Jackson’s June 2009 death. Details of his allegations were not publicly available.

Robson’s attorney, Henry Gradstein, accused Jackson of brainwashing and intimidating Robson to keep him from coming forward.

“Last year, on a career trajectory that was off the charts, he (Robson) collapsed under the stress and sexual trauma of what had happened to him for seven years as a child,” Gradstein said in a statement on Wednesday.

He added that Robson had no financial motive and did not request a specific amount of damages in his claim.

Jackson was tried and acquitted in 2005 on molestation charges involving another minor. Robson testified at that trial in defense of the singer.

“This is a young man who has testified at least twice under oath over the past 20 years and said in numerous interviews that Michael Jackson never did anything inappropriate to him or with him,” Weitzman said.

Robson, an Australian, worked as a choreographer for pop singer Britney Spears and former boy band ‘N Sync in the late 1990s and appeared as a judge on the US TV dance competition So You Think You Can Dance.

He also appeared as a dancer in Jackson’s 1991 music video for the single, Black or White.

Jackson’s estate is in the process of settling dozens of claims from creditors and others who had dealings with the King of Pop during his long career.

An unrelated wrongful death suit, brought by Jackson’s family against concert promoter AEG Live, is in its second week of trial in Los Angeles.

Dockyard Day drew a massive crowd

The band 1761 brought the curtains down on the Antigua Sailing Week last Friday. (Photos by Eustace Samuel)

Yet another edition of Antigua Sailing Week has been logged in the books.

The thrill and excitement of competitive racing will certainly be framed into fun memories as much as the camaraderie and friendships that were fostered when the sunset and the landside fun kicked in.

The English Harbour nightlife provided an entertaining blend of activities for sailors who never had to travel too far to unwind after competition on the seas.

Prize-giving night gave the deserving sailors their shining moment after glorious achievements in negotiating courses and coming out ahead of very stiff competition.

In true Antigua Sailing Week style, a grand send-off was arranged for sailors and volunteers attended by top local government officials, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Governor General Dame Louise Lake Tack, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation John Maginley and Minister Eleston Adams, Minister of Culture and MP for St Paul’s.

With the formalities of handing out trophies and awards over, the stage was left open for the night’s entertainment to bring the curtains down on the 46th installation of Antigua Sailing Week.

The evening was already festive, as the sailors began pouring onto dockside of the Nelson’s Dockyard to be met with delightfully tasting dishes made possible by the usual Friday night experience of the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel’s Seafood Friday.

Captains and their crews spread across the lawn seated around tables sharing in the good time and soaking up every bit of the fun memories that were once again offered up on this last stop of a busy calendar for the yachting season.

DJ Nez played some hits earlier and then the band, 1761, named after the nautical coordinates of Antigua, set a course for a fun trip musically for the rest of the night.

Committee members and volunteers for the first time in weeks were able to relax and let loose following many hours of preparation in making sure that Antigua Sailing Week goes by without hitch.

Alison Sly Adams, who heads the marketing, shoreside organisation and sponsorship team, was in full praise of team members, support agencies, sponsors and volunteers for bringing positive energy to the event.

“A huge thank you to Tracy Guerrero of Indigo Event Services for the coordination of the week long Antigua Sailing Week events,” she said. “It involves a huge cast of people, many in the background who work tirelessly throughout the week to ensure our visitors’ experience is as good off the water as on.”

She went on to say, “During the evening and on Saturday morning, we received feedback from many boats that the Final Awards Party was the best they had ever attended, not just at Antigua Sailing Week, but anywhere in the Caribbean.”

While some sailors headed off for a deserved rest, the night was just beginning for others. By this time the English Harbour strip was incredibly busy. The Wadadli Grill, a mix of local food vendors, was a must stop for a late night bite before the next big stop on this last night of Antigua Sailing Week.

Hundreds poured into Abracadabra, the popular English Harbour Nightclub, for the official after party called Nautical. The dancing never stopped until well into the morning.

Dockyard Day, a festive and cultural activity, hosted by the National Parks Authority to bring the yachting season to its close was held on Saturday, climaxed by a live performance by Laurena Davis and the TKO Band.

Another busy night in the Dockyard and a resounding end to Antigua Sailing Week 2013.

US rapper Ja Rule is best known for his collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny,” which both topped the US Billboard song chart in 2001.

LOS ANGELES  (Reuters) – US rapper Ja Rule was released from prison on Tuesday after serving about two years on gun and tax evasion charges, a spokesman for the US Federal Bureau of Prisons said.

Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, was released from federal prison in Ray Brook, New York, and will be under house arrest until July 28, a spokesman for the “Always on Time” rapper said.

Ja Rule, 37, pleaded guilty in 2011 to failing to file tax returns over a five-year period and attempted criminal possession of a weapon in 2010.

He was sentenced to 28 months in prison after failing to pay $1.1 million in taxes between 2004 and 2008, prosecutors said.

The rapper was also sentenced to two years in prison for possessing a semi-automatic handgun, which police found hidden in his car following a 2007 concert in New York.

He was able serve both sentences concurrently.

Ja Rule scored No 1 albums with 2000′s “Rule 3:36″ and 2001′s “Pain Is Love,” which also garnered a Grammy nomination.