Latest issue of Caribbean Beat now online!

The latest issue of Caribbean Beat – no. 96, March/April 2009 – is now online! Here's what you'll find inside:

• BROWNMAN BLOWS UP A STORM: This young jazz trumpeter, based in Toronto, leads no fewer than seven bands, and can switch styles as easily as he changes his socks. Donna Yawching caught up with this musical whirlwind
• THE CATERPILLAR: Nicholas Laughlin tells the curious tale of how a middle-aged 17th-century German housewife and mother travelled to the tropics and became known as the mother of entomology
• RIDING THE RIDDIM: Bogle, butterfly, pepperseed, gully creeper, nah linger, passa passa…there’s no end to the amazing variety and gymnastic agility of Jamaican popular dance. Nazma Muller watched in open-mouthed amazement Features
• HAPPENINGS: A round-up of current events on the Caribbean calendar
• PORT OF SPAIN RISES TO THE SUMMIT: Gail Alexander reports on how Trinidad and Tobago’s capital is preparing for the next Summit of the Americas and a very special guest, US President Barack Obama
• SAVING MONEY, SAVING THE EARTH: Tobago is showing hotel owners ways to cut costs – while keeping their island clean and conserving resources. James Fuller learned how from the island’s Travel Foundation
• SUPERFOOD OF ST VINCENT: Often thought of as stodgy and dull, the humble breadfruit has an exciting history that’s part of one of the most famous seafaring stories in the world. Jonathan Ali visited its adopted homeland of St Vincent, where it’s been cherished since 1787
• EVENING IN THE GARDEN: Poet and novelist Ian McDonald shares his memories of a rich and happy life with Nicholas Laughlin
• THE ART OF THE MATTER: A brush with death showed guitarist Theron Shaw what was really important in life. In his latest recordings and performances, he’s focused on reinterpreting Caribbean classics. Vaneisa Baksh listened to the man and his music
• FROM SKA TO SOCA: The half-century career of Byron Lee, Jamaican bandleader and businessman, stretched the length of the region and covered many genres of its music too. David Katz sums up the life of a legend
• GAYLE FORCE WINS: When Caribbean Beat went to press, the West Indies were celebrating a stunning first-Test victory in Jamaica over the touring English team. Nasser Khan profiles the controversial captain who leads the winning side
• BRINGING THE CULTURE HOME: Ray Funk is part Sherlock Holmes and part Santa Claus. An expert on pan and calypso, this Alaskan judge combs the Internet in search of valuable information on West Indian culture. Debbie Jacob spoke to him on one of his flying visits to Trinidad
• GAME, FETE AND MATCH: Somewhere between silly point and cow corner, James Fuller is bowled over by a great West Indian cricketing tradition, the fete match
• STARSHIP ENTERPRISE: South Trinidad’s Space La Nouba nightclub has an intergalactic design that can make patrons feel carried away. Malene Joseph went on a flight of fancy
• DESIGNER WITH DOWN-TO EARTH DREAMS: Ashley Christmas knows where he belongs, and he wants everyone else to feel the same way – thanks to his new line of leisure wear. Helen Shair-Singh signs on as a member of his potentially worldwide following
• REVIEWS: The new music and books that are reflecting the region right now
• EXIT THE DRAGON: Garry Steckles shares his personal memories of the late musical maestro Byron Lee
• THE END OF ERIC: Thirty years ago, Grenada was led by Eric Gairy, champion of the poor, a political despot and a firm believer in UFOs. His extremes and eccentricities provoked the first non-constitutional change of regime in the English-speaking Caribbean. James Ferguson recalls the ‘Revo’
• DAN IS THE MAN: Caribbean Beat cookery writer Franka Philip gets to meet one of her culinary heroes, Dan Lepard of the London Guardian – and even spends a day swapping recipes and cooking up a storm with him
• KEEPING LONDON LOCKED DOWN: Morris Aberdeen is a locktician. That is, he’s a master of the art of making dreadlocks look elegant. Celebrity locks-wearers beat a path to his UK salons, Morris Roots, and Franka Philip followed in their footsteps

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