Quickies: Regal welcome back party for Beenie

After not having one since 2010, last week Beenie Man received a visa to travel to the US, and promoters Irish and Chin are throwing him a celebration fit for a king - a Dancehall king that is! Set for Saturday, August, 20, at Amazura, Irish and Chin's spectacular fete for Beenie Man will serve as a welcome back and earthstrong celebration wrapped up in one. Moreover, it's a way for dancehall's top promotions team to formally say thank you to the 'King of the Dancehall' for his hard work in the industry and reliable support of the Irish and Chin brand over the years.

Guaranteed to be a star-studded affair that lives up to the Irish and Chin standard, Beenie Man Birthday Bash will be filled with great music, excitement and a slew of celebrity guests. In addition to extending an invitation to the entertainer's scores of die-hard fans in the New York tri-state area, Irish and Chin have confirmed the attendance of some of Beenie's closest friends, industry players and others who have played a role in his US career. This birthday bash will not feature a performance by Beenie Man, as he has not yet received a work visa; nevertheless, patrons should anticipate thrilling performances from special guests.

"Beenie Man is one of the few artistes who have supported us through the ups and downs of the dancehall entertainment industry," Garfield 'Chin' Bourne of Irish and Chin said. "Whether it's an event in New York or one in Japan, the ace DJ has always been ready to go ... . This gathering will serve as a token of my appreciation for Beenie's support."

"Since we announced the 'Beenie Man Birthday Bash' this weekend, the level of excitement has been overwhelming. People in New York really miss him, so the anticipation for this event is high," said Ronald Fraser, events Manager for Irish and Chin.

Yaadcore delivers 'This is Protoje'

More than half a year has gone by since Protoje dropped his album sampler on the streets, physically and virtually. For many of his supporters, it was their first interaction with the work of Yaadcore, the selector whose services were enlisted to mix the five already popular songs with intertwined flashes of the singer's commentary about each of them. Afterwards, The Seven Year Itch album, produced by Don Corleon, dropped to much fanfare and Protoje has since done quite a bit of globetrotting, making appearances in at least five European nations and French Guiana on the South American continent.

Only a few days after his second consecutive Sumfest appearance on Saturday, July 23, the dub rock artiste teamed up with Yaadcore once again to create another musical gem, This is Protoje. This time, listeners are treated to a barrage of tracks from Protoje's catalogue, with limited talking. In addition to tracks from The Seven Year Itch, there is Take Control and collaborations with Ky-Mani Marley (Rub-A-Dub Soldier), Don Corleon (Our Time Come) and Keida (All Again).

The project is the creation of  Yaadcore (who recently altered his artistic name by eliminating the 'Rory') who had a specific vision. One of the few tunes accompanied by narration is Wrong Side of the Law, which illustrates the general approach.

"With Wrong Side of the Law, for example, I basically employed a reasoning method," said Yaadcore. "I just pressed record and we just started reasoning and that way Diggy talk 'bout the true story behind the tune." It was during such a recording that a young lady called Yaadcore's phone. He intuitively put her on speakerphone and she was surprised to speak to Protoje personally. It was an invaluable happenstance that ended up being included on This is Protoje.

This is Protoje is a free mixtape, available for download at Protoje's official website,www.protoje.com.

UWI alumni go 'Through the Decades'

The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, will host its grand Alumni Reunion, from August 10-14. Dubbed 'Through the Decades'. Reunion Week, an initiative of Mona graduates, is geared at rekindling and strengthening connections among alumni and between the alumni community and the UWI.

All proceeds from the week's activities will go directly towards funding scholarships, bursaries and meal vouchers for students.

Alumni Reunion 2011 - Organised by Alumni, Supported by UWI is the first of its kind. The week begins on Wednesday, August 10, with an Opening Ceremony and Cocktail Reception at the Olde Still House Ruins, with entertainment by some exceptional student talents, supported by the University Singers, and a special performance by Joan Andrea Hutchinson. The UWI will acknowledge the very first person to receive a certificate from the then University College of the West Indies, Roy Bailey, while the UWI Alumni Association will present its Prestigious Pelican award to Professor of Child Health, Maureen Samms-Vaughan.

On Thursday, August 11, UWI opens its doors for Campus Expo and Tours and will also feature Blast from the Past, a cultural entertainment package at the Students' Union.

The Grand Reunion Dinner and Show, to be held on Friday, August 12, is titled 'Under the Stars', and promises to be a scintillating affair on the green carpet of Graduation Lawn. With persons like Leighton McKnight, Dionne Jackson-Miller and Michael McNaughton, among others, doing reflections from the various halls of residence and Minna Israel bringing balance and perspective, it promises to be a night of belly-busting laughs, while being contemplative. Attendees will also enjoy performances from Tanya Stephens, Freddie McGregor, Ernie Smith and LUST.

On Saturday, August 13, the Show Yuh Colours Sports Day will be hosted by Ambassador Courtney Walsh at the UWI Bowl. Later that evening, the Final Fete hosted on Taylor Hall, a long tradition of the UWI Student body, gets under way.

The week of activities culminates on Sunday, August 14, at The Organ Recital at the University Chapel, to be led by Dr Kola Owalabi, Assistant Professor of Music and University Organist at Syracuse University.

A number of hall-specific activities will enliven the week, these include beach lymes, drink-ups, hikes and hall outreach/ beautification projects, planned by respective hall alumni groups.

Honorary Oscar for Oprah

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that chat show host Oprah Winfrey - who received an honorary degree in June from the University of the Free State in South Africa - will be awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in recognition of her extensive charity work.

The 57-year-old American who supports a number of good causes, including the Academy for Girls in South Africa, as well as her namesake foundations, will be presented with the accolade on November 12, at the third annual Governors Awards dinner and ceremony at the Hollywood & Highland Center.

Oprah was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple, in which she made her film debut in 1985, and she now runs her own TV network after 25 years of presenting her self-titled US talk show, which came to an end in May.

Actor James Earl Jones, who has appeared in more than 50 movies, including providing the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars as well as starring in Scary Movie 4 and Patriot Games, and make-up artist Dick Smith, NBC's first make-up artist, when he began his career in 1945, will also be awarded with honorary Oscars for their outstanding careers.

'Glee' obsession with Gwyneth Paltrow

Lea Michele is "obsessed" with Gwyneth Paltrow. The Glee actress struck up a friendship with the blonde beauty when she was a guest on the musical TV drama series and always turns to her when she needs advice. She said: "I am obsessed with Gwyneth Paltrow."

Recalling the day they met, when Lea had to rehearse a Chicago dance routine, she said "I was nervous and said, 'I don't think I can do that dance move.' She said, 'You can do it.' She wasn't afraid of anything."

"I love talking with Gwyneth. She just gives good advice. She said, 'Don't ever read anything about you.' "

Though Lea will leave Glee when her character Rachel Berry graduates at the end of the third season, she insists it won't mean an end to her career and she is keen to return to theatre acting, as well as appearing in films and recording an album.

She told America's Harper's Bazaar magazine: "I don't stop. It's my nature. People have to tell me to slow down. I plan on playing every role on Broadway. I want to do Evita. I want to do Sweeney Todd with (Glee co-star) Chris Colfer. We want to do Wicked. I'll be Elphaba and he wants to play 'Guy-linda.' I want to do movies, make music. Glee is only the beginning."

When she isn't working, Lea enjoys a quiet life with her boyfriend, stage actor Theo Stockman.