RED INK MAGAZINE #49 May 2023

CEO / Publisher:

Edi tor-in-Chie f:

Contributing Edit ors:

Bibi S. Khan (Naz)

Michael Devine

Heidy Ardon

Sheldon Riley (2wist)

Althea

4 4

Graphic Designer:

Art Director:

Photographers:

Bibi S. Kh an (Naz)

Bibi S Khan (Naz)

Wayne Winston

Rob Herbert

Ra ymon d Taylor - 516.375.3 987

Marlon Ajamu-www.ajamuphoto.com

Sa m Davis

8 8

Marketing Team:

Aaliya

Aliza

Mikayla

E MAI L: RED INK MAGAZINE@ YAHOO. COM

INSTAGRAM: Red.Ink.Magazine

TWITTER: @Redgrafix

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/redinkmagazine

WEB: www.redinkmagazine.com

We invite your comments regarding our issues and reserve the right to edit your response for content and space. All responses must be sent with the writers full name, address and contact number. All advertisers assume responsibility for the content of their advertisements. RED INK Magazine assume no responsibilities for any misprint images.

- RED INK Magazine

RED INK 2019-2022. All rights reserved.

1 1 2 2 1 1 4 4

A Short Reflection: * About Us: MISSION STATEMENT

Chief Editor

Like a Phoenix from the ashes, RED INK Magazine has risen. It is here to deliver incredible images and stories of your favorite artists, actors, singers, bands, events, models. designers and lifestyle news from the Caribbean and beyond. RED INK Magazine will always represent the people and culture of the Caribbean and West Indies, but we will not hesitate to include interesting people and culture from the rest of the world.

RED INK Magazine will be one of the trendsetter when it comes to delivering Caribbean entertainment and lifestyle news to the people. We will provide updates on concerts, events and music festivals. There will be introductions of new and upcoming artists from Reggae, Soca, Hip Hop, R&B and other genres. And let’s not forget interviews and bios of all of your favorite performers that you know, love and follow.

We hope you all love the new internet based format; the times have changed and so have we. You can now enjoy short video clips and links within the pages of our publication. Yet, know that even though the magazine is online, it is designed to be read like a traditional magazine, turning pages and enjoying incredible, visually stunning spreads, and let’s not forget about our beautiful centerfold models that will grace the center spread of the magazine each month.

RED INK Magazine is here to stay and we aspire to be “THE” Caribbean Entertainment Magazine providing all of our readers with the stories and interviews they crave, the beautiful imagery they desire, and the design standard that we refuse to compromise.

1 1 8 8

~Michael Devine

JERRY SPRINGER

Legendary talk show host, died at 79

Jerry Springer has been a household name throughout America and much of the world for the last three decades. Even if you are not a fan of Reality TV, talk shows, or daytime trash TV; you probably know the name Jerry Springer. He started out his career in politics and later became one of the most widely watched talk show hosts of all time.

He was born Gerald Norman Springer on February 13, 1944. His birth has a crazy and sad origin story, his family was a group of German Jews fleeing the Nazi’s during World War II and he was actually born in a London subway station that was being used as a bomb shelter during an air raid. At age 5, his parents immigrated to the United States, and he grew up in Queens, NY. He was a lifelong Yankees fan.

Jerry began his political career working as an aide in the Robert F. Kennedy Presidential Campaign that ended in tragedy when RFK was assassinated. He then worked for a law firm in Cincinnati, OH, where he ran for Congress in 1970. Losing that bid opened up a new door where he was elected to Cincinnati’s City Council. His political career almost ended in disgrace when he was forced to resign in 1974 after being caught paying for prostitutes with personal checks, by the local vice squad. However, after owning up to his mistakes, he was forgiven and in 1975 he regained his City Council seat and later in 1977 he was elected as Mayor. In the 1980’s he ran, but failed to win the spot for Governor of Ohio and in 2003 he even considered running for Senate. His World famous talk show and Trash TV originator The Jerry Springer Show was running at the time of the Senate consideration and Jerry was quoted as saying that he was going to run to touch base with and represent the common folk, the “regular

folks ... who weren't born with a silver spoon in your mouth.”

The Jerry Springer show was the literal first instance of true Trash TV, it was full of gratuitous blurred breasts, fist fights and bleeped obscenities. And the masses loved it, The Jerry Springer Show, ran for nearly thirty years from 1991 to 2018. It was the most shocking TV talk show that ever appeared on any network. At one point the show was reaching nearly 7 million day time viewers and had higher ratings than Oprah. The show was full of controversy, with cheating spouses, parents of bastard children, strip club and redneck and trailer park shenanigans being disputed on the stage in front a national audience every day. It was glorious chaos and the people loved it. It was, as quoted by Jerry Springer, “Escapist Entertainment,” where people could escape the monotony of their daily lives and enjoy the chaos in the lives of others.

Jerry Springer created a new form of entertainment that has been incredibly popular for more than 30 years, and he also starred in the movie Ringmaster, competed on Dancing With the Stars, and even hosted the incredibly popular America’s Got Talent during Seasons 2 and 3. He even had his own Judge show for 3 seasons until 2022, where he utilized his real Law degree and real judgeship.

Jerry died peacefully in his home after a recent diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer. Jerry Springer you will be missed but never forgotten, Your political career was centered around representing the average Joe’s in America and your TV talk show changed the landscape of daytime television and your mark will be there forever in the airwaves and in the hearts of your fans and family. Rest in Peace. By

Michael Devine

HandleBar

SHAKY KNEES

FESTIVAL 2023

May 5-7 2023

Dindie scene to the streets of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. In an era where most festival headlin ers feature a variation of EDM/DJ acts, Shaky Knees lives to show another side of modern day music. With more than 60 bands each year Shaky Knees is a rock-lover’s dream. Since its inception in 2013, Shaky Knees has fea tured a diverse lineup ranging from worldrenowned acts to up-and-com ing artists.

-Friday, May, 5 2023

-Saturday, May 6, 2023

-Sunday May 7, 2023

Venue: Central Park 400 Merritts Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

TONY CHIN

Reggae Veteran Musician from Jamaica

With a music career spanning over 40 years, Tony Chin is a true founding father of reggae music. Born in Kingston and raised in Trenchtown and Greenwich Farm, Tony’s career started in the rocksteady era and progressed into reggae in the 1970s as an original member of Soul Syndicate Band, the prime studio and stage band in the Golden Era of reggae. It is hard to imagine a chart-topping song that Tony Chin didn’t perform on or a producer or artist that didn’t have Tony Chin on board for musical creation and support. Tony worked for producers including Bunny Lee, Niney the Observer, Lee Scratch Perry, Joe Gibbs, Duke Reid, JoJo from Channel One, Randy’s Records, Miss Sonia Pottinger, and others

creating music for Dennis Brown, Burning Spear, The Wailers, Big Youth, Gregory Issacs, Johnny Clarke, Don Carlos, Ken Boothe, Max Romeo, the Melodians, the Mighty Diamonds, Freddie McGregor, Judy Mowatt, and countless others.

Rooted in Kingston 13, Tony Chin alongside George Fully Fullwood, Earl Chinna Smith, and Carlton Santa Davis, known as the Soul Syndicate Band, has created some of the legendary and classic sounds of reggae music that still gets recycled today. One of the most noted is Stalag 17, written by Ansell Collins, and now more commonly referred to as the Bam Bam riddim due to the crossover success of Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam. Also, many people don’t know that Soul Syndicate is the originator of the Taxi Riddim.

Tony Chin was prominent in creating the sound that defined roots reggae and his legacy includes the fact that it was he who developed the ‘flyers” rhythm guitar style that became such a craze in reggae with classic songs such as Dennis Brown’s Cassandra and West Bound Train and Johnny Clarke’s Move Out of Babylon featuring Tony’s work.

Tony Chin has been blessed to travel the world over the years playing reggae music and backing artists such as U Roy, Jimmy Cliff, Big Youth, the Mighty Diamonds, Michael Rose, Andrew Tosh, Mikey Dread, Peter Rowan, and many others. In 1993, Tony joined the California-based reggae band Big Mountain giving the band the authentic reggae sound that made the band strong for many years to come. While helping with some of the musical

arrangements, most notably the Billboard chart-topper Baby I Love Your Way, a Peter Frampton remake, and writing and working on several Big Mountain albums proved successful for Tony. Tony continues to keep busy recording and performing with Fully and Santa on various projects and collaborations with artists such as Sshh and Zak Starkey.

Tony’s love and passion for reggae music have not diminished at all over the years, and Tony continues to write songs and work in his studio on a regular basis.

In the last year, Tony has released 3 albums, “Unstoppable”, “Jamaican Classics Two” and his latest “All About Love”, as well as 3 singles. Obviously, Tony Chin is not slowing down and will be a force to be reckoned with for hopefully many years to come. Continues...on page 10

Continued...from page 9

Red Ink Magazine had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Jamaica’s Reggae Veteran Tony Chin, this is what this amazing, incredibly talented mucisian had to tell us.

REDINK: Who or what influenced you to get into the music business and when did it all happen?

TC: From the early 60's when I was a youth going to school, we used to listen to the radio a lot and the radio played a lot of foreign music such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Tom Jones, Ben E King, The Drifters, Sam Cooke, Motown and nuff more. We were influenced by a lot of those artists, until rocksteady came around and we started listening to the Melodians, The Paragons, Delroy Wilson, Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, The Heptones, The Gaylads, Slim Smith and nuff more. One of my favorite time periods of music, and shortly after I started to play the guitar and write my own songs and things took off from there. One day my father brought home an old acoustic guitar that only had 2 strings on that he bought from a drunken mon and my best friend Morris Gregory taught me how to play and we sang on the street corner and tings. Nice times!

REDINK: Making music with the great Bob Marley, how was that experience and did it have any impact on you?

TC: The first time we met Bob Marley. my band Soul Syndicate was doing a lot of sessions in the studios around 1970-1971, and Lee Scratch Perry hired us for a session at Randy's Studio. Now we did not know what artist we were to back until we reached there. When we got to the studio, the Wailers were there and we recorded two tracks Mr. Brown and the Sun Is Shining that day which were released on the Upsetters Label. At that time, Bob Marley was not the big international star he became but was big in Jamaica still. Soul Syndicate started to do some shows with the Wailers around Kingston in theatres and clubs and remained in contact over the years with my last time seeing him was in France in 1980 when I was on tour with U Roy and I went and visited him in his hotel room. He was one of my greatest inspirations and influence in songwriting and his songs remain as relevant today as when he wrote them.

REDINK: Being a veteran in the music business, tell us your opinion on music when you started to what it is today.

TC: We (Soul Syndicate) used to do nuff sessions for all these different producers with Bunny Lee being the first producer who carried us into the studio and we enjoyed that golden age of reggae when all the musicians were in the studio at the same time creating the music and magic happened! Sometimes we went into the studio at 10:00 in the morning and recorded all night till the next morning with various artists passing thru. For example, we did a few tracks at Channel One for a producer named Winston Riley and one of the tracks was an instrumental written by Ansel Collins named Stalag and then years down the line the producer put Sister Nancy on the track for her biggest hit Bam Bam. The musicians for this session was Santa on drums, Fully on bass, Ansel on keyboards and Chinna Smith on lead guitar and me on Riddim guitar. Bobby Ellis on trumpet, and Tommy McCook on sax. Those were great times as the musicians created the music altogether, but now things have changed and modern technology has taken away some of that creativity and spontaneity of everyone vibing off each other together in the studio with current trend of everyone working in their individual studios and sharing files although this is convenient and efficient.

REDINK: What advice would you give to someone, entering the music business now.

TC: 4. For reggae music, you must love the music and play from the heart! Learn the history and origins of the music and be respectful of the roots. The business has a lot of ups and downs so don't go into it just for money and always stay humble, practice and learn your craft and the business part as well as there are nuff wolves in sheep's clothing out there!

REDINK: Over the years you have collaborated with many well-known artists, is their someone you would like to work with that you haven't yet?

TC: 5. I have been blessed to work with most of the great veterans in Jamaican reggae as well as some nonJamaicans such as Ringo Starr and his son Zak Starkey as far as future collaborations I and I am always open and admire many of the young reggae artists such as Chronixx and Protoje.

REDINK: Tell us about your new album "Karma".

TC: 6. Karma is my 8th solo album and I am very proud of it. Every track is an original except Track 2Right Track written by Hopeton Lewis.. Most of the tracks focus on the evil-doers all over the world doing wrong such as Track 12 War Games which is about

Putin starting the war in Ukraine and Track 3 Babylon Pressure which focus on police brutality. racism and the Black Lives Matter movement. Track 9 entitled World Crisis about the pandemic the world just went thru and other songs with social justice themes. This is why I entitled the album Karma as the bad things they do will come back and bite them. Track One Ring a Ling is a more upbeat party song about the dance hall sound systems back in the days and Track 6-Lonely Road is a song I started writing when I was 16-17 that is more of a romantic, fantasy song.

REDINK: What can we expect next from you?

TC: I am always writing new songs and will be writing about current events and inspiration I feel. I will continue to back up artists and will be playing on various shows and festivals coming up. Music is my life and music and me will always be! I am proud of my Jamaican culture and music and will love and support it always.

This concludes our interview with Mr. Tony Chin. What an honor to get to know this amazing, super talented musician who’s been in the music business for decades. Much love and respect u

ATLANTA CARNIVAL

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival undergoes growth and evolution for 2023

Atlanta, GA (Sonique Solutions) – After a successful 2022 edition, the organization team of the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association (ACCBA) is pulling out all of the stops and is already in rollout mode for the evolution of the annual cultural extravaganza which is set for May 26th - 29th, 2023.

Coming off of an action-packed Miami Carnival experience, the Caribbean Diaspora as well as international carnival enthusiasts from various backgrounds are already eagerly anticipating the 36th instalment of what many consider to be North America’s fastest growing Carnival.

The festival which is carded for Memorial Day Weekend (the unofficial US summer event kick-off weekend) made a bold statement in 2022 and underwent noticeable growth in terms of size, patronage, popularity and interest from both traditional and mainstream audiences & stakeholders.

For 2023’s execution, ACCBA has put early planning, confirmations and even some changes in place to ensure that Caribbean culture will be properly on display in a successful and logistically appropriate manor during the annual Georgia state capital affair.

Some of these changes include a new time for the beloved official ACCBA J’ouvert event which will take place at Atlanta’s Silverbacks Stadium Park on Friday May 26th 2023 from 9AM to 3PM (a departure from its previous Friday night into Saturday morning timeslot).

With the ever-increasing interest from participants and spectators for the official downtown Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, the organizers have confirmed a new parade route for 2023 with an all new accompanying post-parade concert venue, which is set to invigorate the Westside Park on May 27th 2023 from 10AM to 11PM.

The organizers have also confirmed the return of the Children’s Carnival festivities (complete with the sounds of steelpan music) which is set for two weeks prior to the major parade on May 13th.

President of ACCBA Patricia Henry shared, “Our team is truly excited for the return of Atlanta Caribbean Carnival. After listening to feedback from our stakeholders, patrons

and the city of Atlanta and considering the appeals from our bandleaders for extra miles on the parade route, we are aspiring to provide that experience once approved by the authorities and we’re happy to deliver more space for our concert events with a new park; our biggest park in Atlanta.”

During the 2023 Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, the musical talent of the Antilles will be front and centre as ACCBA has already confirmed an engaging entertainment line-up which includes T&T’s Farmer Nappy, Barbados’ Lil Rick and DJ Cheem, Antigua’s Burning Flames, USVI’s Pumpa, dancing sensation Squid and St. Lucia’s Motto (who will also serve as the 2023 Parade Grand Marshal and will additionally receive a proclamation from the city of Atlanta).

AURA

Annual Universal Reggae Awards

Welcome to Musical Therapy Entertainment

Limited - the home of high quality indoor and outdoor live music for the discerning fan of Lovers Rock, Reggae and Soul including the Annual Universal Reggae Awards (AURA).

My name is Orlando Gittens and for over 30 years, I have been at the forefront of the urban music industry, bringing exclusive and innovative events to our customers as well as top level customer service in the form of money back guarantees, we were amongst the first to respond to COVID-19 offing money back to our loyal fans.

At MTEL we are passionate about entertainment and the satisfying role music plays in our lives, understanding that our customers value their time and music as an extension of their character heritage and identity.

This means that not only do we promise to bring our customers the best, most enjoyable and innovative talent but we also deliver entertainment as a whole, aiming to bring you everything you need to create the perfect experience sometimes (door-to-door) with our Private Chauffeur Transfer Services. This involves everything from transport to and from an event to the VIP hospitality seat location, as well as other perks such as goody bags.

When UNESCO announced that “The Reggae Music of Jamaica” had been added to its list of cultural products considered worthy of recognition, it was a reflection on the fact that reggae, which grew from its roots in the backstreets and dance halls of Jamaica, is more than just popular music, but an important social and political phenomenon.

The AURA will therefore pay homage to the many talented people & organisations that populate Reggae-verse by giving them the flowers they so richly deserve.

On the night Reggae Artists from far and wide will be making the pilgrimage to London for the Inaugural AURA Ceremony. Amongst those appearing, performing live and receiving accolades at this gala spectacular will be:-

Koffee -Jamaican singer, rapper, songwriter, musician and Grammy award winner scoring 5 AURA Nominations for Best

Contemporary Reggae Album, Best International Female Artist, Best International Dancehall Single, Best International Dancehall Artist, Best Reggae Video.

Beenie Man - All hail the King of Dancehall. This Kingstonian deejay, singer, producer & actor has bagged 2 Nominations for Best International Male Dancehall Artist & Best International Dancehall Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sean Paul - Scorcha by name, scorcha by nature this singer and dancehall rapper has been shortlisted for 4 AURA Nominations for Best Contemporary Reggae Single, Best International Dancehall Album, Best International Male Dancehall Artist & Best Reggae Video.

Stefflon Don -Mobo and NME award winner, this UK singerrapper is the Real Ting and is up for AURA Best UK Dancehall Female Artist.

Shaggy -This Boombastic Jamaican- American singer, rapper and songwriter has snared 2 Nominations for Best Contemporary Reggae Album & Best International Male Dancehall Artist.

Protoje -Enticing us with his true Rasta vibes is a Grammynominated musician, songwriter singer & deejay. Up for two AURA Nominations. Best Contemporary Reggae Album & Best Reggae Roots Single.

Beres Hammond -The man, the voice, the legend and Grammy nominee has a sound like no other and has clocked up 2 Nominations for Best Contemporary Reggae Single & Best International Male Contemporary Artist.

Etana -The Strong One multi Grammy nominee enters the AURA nomination stage for Best International Female Reggae Singer.

Mykal Rose The voice of Black Uhuru, winners of the first Reggae Grammy & one of the most influential Reggae singers alive is nominated for Male Reggae Singer Lifetime achievement award.

Janet Kay MBE - Queen of Lovers Rock nominated for UK Female lifetime achievement award.

In summary, you are invited to attend a prestigious, Red Carpet, Black Tie event with celebrity hosts, comedic intervals, silver service Caribbean Cuisine and the very best reggae artistes the world has to offer.

M M I I S S S S M M A A Y Y 2 2 0 0 2 2 3 3

Photography by David McIntosh

Mary Coffie, Assistant Stylist

BeeJay Johnson, MUA

Nikki Jordan, Hair Stylist

Swim-wear design by Bathhouse Swimwear by Bernard Moore

Model: Ashley Roman

CRAIG O WILLIAMS

Fashion Designer for Cardicci Couture

- Get the scoop on fashion, Get the scoop on fashion, see what’s in & what’s not. see what’ s in & what’s not. Are you in? Are you in?

F F A A S S H H I I O O N N C C O O R R N N E E R R S EE WH AT’S IN

nternational Fashion Designer/ Businessman Craig O “Cardicci” Williams was Born in 1965 in the sunny tropical Caribbean country of Kingston, Jamaica as the first child of Cuban and Sicilian parents. Craig was exposed to sewing machines and other equipment at an early age. His Grandmother Drucella from Costa Rico, ran a sewing factory in Havana, Cuba. During the early 1950s and 60s, it was known as a family business that constructed and made uniforms for the arm-forces and schools on the island.

In the late 60s, the family got separated by political revolution frictions on the island of Cuba, which resulted in a portion of the family losing their lives and some moving to Miami, Jamaica, and other neighboring Caribbean Islands. His mother, Ulahlee, who is currently still a dressmaker, made sure that he paid attention, helped to hem dresses and shirt tails, sewed buttons, and inspected finished garments.

Throughout growing up on the island, he became more and more interested. He gained a passion for directing family and friends on how to dress and what colors they should wear. He would work as an apprentice with anyone that allowed him to do so. He would start by cleaning the shop every evening after school. Today, Craig works closely with thousands of clients in New England and worldwide in Interior Decorating, Fashion Designing, Television & Stage production, Weddings, and making

red carpet gowns and elaborate suits. Craig continues to use the old-school design approach, but adding a modern touch has become his passion. He strives to continue creating his signature silhouettes with the most grace and elegance. His work ethic allows him to seek to execute this every time he designs and manages a project or production. Craig’s passion for fashion and his blend of mixing the old with the new resulted in the creation of his dream Cardicci Couture in 1996 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Continues...on page 20

Continued...from page 22

RED INK Magazine had the pleasure of interviewing Craig “Cardicci.” This is what he told us.

REDINK: Who or what influenced you to become a designer and when did it all happen?

CC: Seeing my mother Ulahlee Gordon making school uniform and sewing various types of clothing for folks in and around the neighborhood, I was greatly influenced by her and my Grandma Drucella Butter as sewing was their family bread and butter, I believed it was about age 7 or 8 that I began to take interest in first encounter in sewing my first shit by hand.

REDINK:Do you have a favorite collection or show you’re most proud of?

CC: My 2022/2023 YOFW Yonkers fashion week men's/women's winter/ spring collection was my first big Major arena to introduce my brand Cardicci Couture to the World it was well in attendance by dozens of social media influencers, Photographers, merchandiser /buyers from Major department stores, boutique's owners and hundreds of supporters from all walks of life thanks to all the CEO'S and Directors of the YOFW committee and the Entourage on talented super model included Mr Sergio Delavicci Actor/Super Model who had grace the runways in what I would called a Cardicci masterpiece, collections from these major showings have landed my designs to grace the covers of major magazines ,newspapers, tons of other publications including podcast and television show interviews which have created an humbling awareness now my phone cannot stop ringing God be the glory.

REDINK: Tell us some pros and cons you have encountered in the industry

CC:For me fashion has always been a positive influence. I had served in quite a few different professional and I’ve always gone back to fashion it's basically the only thing that kept me going However I believe that there's not enough door's or opportunity opening for minority designer's like my self,so if you don't have the full support of sponsors/ banker's then I think it's going to takes a much longer time for one to succeed in reaching there intentional goals and aspirational goals.

REDINK: What advice would you give to a young designer starting up in today's market?

CC: Based on my personal experiences my number one advice for any up-coming designer's is not to give up very hard in the fashion industry but don't give up believe me if I made it to becoming one of the world best top Fashion designer you can too no one has the tell me God almighty the greatest king of men which am his servant who is ordered to do great things shall be a great designer, take all the opportunities to display, showcase and attend every possible runways shows you can in other words -you just don't know when someone might be looking at your Life's work.

REDINK: If you could design something for a celebrity that you haven’t worked with before, who would it be and why?

CC: I would love opportunity to contribute to Mrs Beyoncé Giselle Knowles wardrobe to enhance her outfits with a touch of

my inspiration creations from luxurious, beaded embroidery fabrics and extraordinary antiques applique lace's imported from Italian mill house,Istanbul ,Morocco and other Exotic countries in the mother land, These couture extravaganza distinctive's hand crafted infinite stylings variations involving hundreds of different techniques & crafts that have handed down to the Haute Cardicci couture throughout the centuries which exemplifies the couture look,this is a truly remarkable chemistry of top class craftsmanship almost like nothing anyone have ever seen, although I have thousands of clients all over the world last but not least would be Mr Tyler Perry and Mr Shaquille O'Neal just to name a few is would be an challenge honor after all these people are some of my most inspirational inspired.

REDINK: What are you working on now?

CC: Presently am working on my 2023/2024 men's/ women's Fall/Winter collection it's called simply (polo white) will be on 04/6/ 2023 in the west Indian Social Society Banquet Hall Ballroom in Hartford

Connecticut also the Urban League of Springfield

Massachusetts will be hosting the Couture Brand for a showing at their annual gala to be followed by a Connecticut Breast cancer foundation conference awareness/Fashion Show in addition to what been said I am working on seeing more linen materials clothing on the runways so am going all out reintroduce this idea for fall colorful and versatile.

REDINK: What can we expect from you next?

CC: I have created hundreds if not thousands of beautiful wedding gowns and tuxedo throughout my over 4 decades being a fashion designer I am embarking on the idea to start designing an affordable high end bridal collection and would love to bring all my past work want I want to called Cardicci bridal world & show museum, however my brain is always on the run looking for new ideas and inspiration's in my surroundings am in the phase of getting the Cardicci Couture Brand into Major department stores and my dream end goal is to Cardicci Flagship store in every major city, state and every country on planet earth starting in my hometowns Springfield Massachusetts & Hartford Connecticut . This concludes our interview with Craig “Cardicci”. Support this talanted & exceptional Designer. Check out his social media websites.

IG @cardicci.couture

https://www.facebook.com/craigo.cardicci

Photos provided by Photographer Wayne Winston

IG: @FacesOfBeautyModelTeam

Lamesha @naturally.mesha, Alexandra Lakewood @alex_fer33, Clarissa Benitez @lovinmoalways, Yanira Bowens @arinay_d82, Georgie @_.georgiee, Chastity Aniece @chasityaniece, Prisca @Priscaaaaaa, Veronica Wilson @vveronicawilson, @vibrantsouls, , Emmy Lugo @emmylugo_ , Mark Adams @madams2887 , Rashana Miller @rmillertime

SHAGGY

In the “Mood” For Carnival

GRAMMY-award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Shaggy’s soca-inspired EP In the Mood is set to be released on May 12. The seven-track project kicks off a new partnership with Shaggy’s label, Ranch Entertainment and VP Records.

For In the Mood, Shaggy drew inspiration from the vibrancy of Caribbean Carnival celebrations and blended the fast-paced exuberance of Trinidad and Tobago’s soca music with modern dancehall and EDM. Led by the revelrous singles “Mood” featuring Trinidadian star Kes and “Don’t Run” with Vincentian singer Skinny Fabulous, the project is set to fuel parties and parades from Port of Spain to Notting Hill.

In anticipation of the EP’s release, Shaggy has today unveiled a music video for “Mood,” directed by Maya Cozier. It features Shaggy and Kes playing fun-seeking mechanics, people feteing in the streets, and the two artists performing at Kes’s IzWe Festival in Trinidad.

In the Mood finds Shaggy enlisting talent from across the Caribbean and its diaspora to add to the magic; fellow Jamaicans Konshens, Future Fambo, and Noah Powa offer some dancehall edge, while Trinidadian sensations Bunji Garlin, Kes, and Patrice Roberts, as well as Skinny Fabulous, help drive the project into pure soca splendor.

Though Trinidad & Tobago Carnival has ended, Shaggy, managed by Martin Kierszenbaum/Cherrytree Music Company, envisions his latest project will keep the party going year-round: “From the start, I wanted to capture the Carnival experience in these seven songs, and while soca has historically been more seasonal, In the Mood won’t be limited to any one season. Its hybrid sound can be played anywhere and anytime people want to enjoy themselves.”

In the Mood will be available on all streaming platforms on May 12 via Ranch Entertainment / VP Records. By VP Records

West Coast Rapper Snoop Dogg has released a strawberry-infused GIN called INDOGGO

Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus, simply put, is an icon and legend of Hip Hop. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has released hit after hit, and is an ever-constant presence in pop culture. Snoop has stayed extremely relevant and, now more than ever, has built a significant multi-cultural and cross-generational following.

In 1994 he wrote "Gin & Juice:” it was about good feelings and real experiences; it just naturally became a global anthem. Snoop has always wanted to create his own spirits brand, so it was only fitting that he created the world’s best tasting gin. In his quest for flava, he remixed seven botanicals, and infused natural fruit flavors, thus creating his masterpiece.

This juicy gin, with its laidback California style, is like no other gin in the world. It’s gluten free, low calorie with no sugar, and will leave you wanting more. Easy to mix, easy to drink, hard to forget.

INDOGGO™ Gin is the ultimate remix of seven premium botanicals infused with all-natural ingredients including strawberry, no sugar with a slightly sweet and fruity finish. Bottle Size: 750ml

COCKTAIL RECIPE THE REMIX INGREDIENTS

2 oz. INDOGGO™ Gin

3Muddled Strawberries

3/4 oz. Lemon

1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

Top with Crushed Ice Strawberry slice.

RECIPE

1. Muddle strawberries in a cocktail shaker.

2. Add INDOGGO™ Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and ice cubes.

3. Shake, then strain into a rocks glass. Serve with crushed ice.

4. Garnish with strawberry slice.

Healthy Eating AT THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Hello again RED INK foodies! In this issue we hope you enjoy our wonderful recipe selection for this month. We are always happy to share with our readers a fun recipe for you to try. Enjoy!

Instructions:

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, for about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3

Season with the salt, garlic powder, and onion powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Stir in the beef broth, pasta shells, and tomato sauce.

Step 5

Cover and cook until the shells are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, for about 8-10 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 7

Add the cheddar cheese and the heavy cream and stir until the cheese has melted.

Step 8

Serve hot!

Enjoy!

*Disclaimer: I am not a physician or medical professional. If you have any medical issues or concerns, please always consult your doctor before committing to a challenge. The challenges are intended for introducing small lifestyle changes in a fun and easy format.

RECIPE:

Easy Beef and Shells

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 2 cups beef broth

• 8 ounces dried pasta shells

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

F F oorr Y Yoouurr P P lleeaassuurree

Aries

(Mar 21 - April 19)

Taurus

(April 20 - May 20)

Gemini

(May 21 - June 21)

Cancer

(June 22 - July 22)

Leo

(July 23 - Aug 22)

Virgo

(Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Aquarius

(Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Pisces

(Feb 19 - Mar 20)

In May, the desire to meet new people will awaken in Aries. Therefore, the work commitment will rather step aside, and you will set out for new experiences. You can look forward to meeting a lot of new people from different cultures who will bring a lot of excitement and a new worldview to your life. As they say, the best things are the unplanned ones, and this period directly encourages spontaneous decisions.

May awakens in Taurus an immense desire for love and physical contact. At the same time, this month, you may face an exaggerated need to control and appropriate your partner, which is definitely not desirable and, on the contrary, could lead to disappointment. Therefore, get rid of your possessive tendencies, give your partner space and enjoy the moments spent together.

May will be focused mainly on relationships. You will finally find harmony, and your emotions will stabilise. Gradually, the ability to empathise with others and adapt communication to others’ feelings will be strengthened. That is why you will be able to get back to your side those who have distanced themselves from you for some time, and you will find common ground.

In May, Cancer will face relationship problems that have been building up for a long time. The small hints that you have been overlooking will come to the surface and turn into more serious problems and need to be sorted out. However, during this time, these things will make you tired, and you will be reluctant.

In May, Leo will start thinking about family. This will be accompanied by a desire to deepen the relationship with your partner and your children. Everything else in this period will step aside, and you will focus only on your family and their happiness. This will make you the perfect partner and parent.

May will be a challenging month for Virgo. Especially in the field of career, there are many obstacles that you will have to overcome. It won't be easy, but you will handle it. With your patience, which you will definitely not lack this month, you can do a lot and, in addition, you will gain valuable experience that you can use later at work.

May will bring Libra love and passion into their lives. Those of you who are in a relationship can look forward to finding the spark again. You will feel like you are newly in love, and you will long for each other again. Let this great energy flow and go for it.

May will be a time of love and love relationships. Scorpios might use this lovely time to take your beloved ones on a holiday because it is a unique opportunity to spend some beautiful moments together. Those who do not have a partner will have a big chance to meet the right one for them this month.

May will be a month of personal development for you. Sagittarians will sharpen all their senses which will help them to orientate in all aspects of their lives, especially in their relationships. You will be open to new information and experiences.

May will bring out self-esteem and strong ambitions in Capricorns. You will manage to do everything you set as your goal, and nothing will put you off. You will enjoy being the centre of attention of others; you will not care about whether people talk about you nicely or not; you will just want to be the topic of their conversations.

May will evoke some contradictory feelings in Aquarians. You will get to a crossroads in your private life, and you will not know which way to go. Your love life will trouble you the most. You will start questioning whether your partner is the right one, and memories of your old love will start popping up, and you will start comparing the two of them.

In this time period, you will feel so much love inside of you. It is because May will bring out a lot of tenderness and affection, which they will spread around. This month is ideal for meeting new people and strengthening your current relationships. Thanks to your natural charm you will attract other people's attention who will feel safe with you.