Simpson Bay, St. Maarten – These young energetic musicians are no strangers to the island, they actually made their debut on this same stage in 2010 for St. Maarten’s ChildFest. Their funky mix of music seemed an obvious choice to bring back to the island for the 2012 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

NexCyx began in 2004 as a musical experiment on the University of West Indies campus in Barbados. Since then, it has evolved into a celebrated entertainment outfit, with a repertoire of original hit music, and a solid—and growing—fan base.

The Barbadian pop band is an artistic mishmash of a self-taught pianist turned producer (André), a drumming prodigy (Chad), an accidental bass guitarist (Kris), a one-woman dancer-singer-rapper (Mahalia) and a hardcore rocker (Russell).

NexCyx exudes an unmistakable energy—it’s fresh, upbeat, bold and unmistakable.

In 2010, when they welcomed Chad, the drumming wonderchild, to their lineup, they dished out an extra serving of youthful swagger. Together, they’re just what the music industry ordered, it seems. And the fans are eating the group up!!

In under a decade, NexCyx has played at a range of venues throughout North America and the Caribbean region, while holding down a demanding gig schedule in Barbados, where their singles are in heavy rotation at local stations.

“Gossip Girl,” released in 2009, became the band’s breakout single and instantly landed as a fan favorite. Hits like “Queen,” “OnThe Floor” and the socially conscious “Take A Minute,” also followed, etching a place for NexCyx on the international music stage—and ushering in a new era of fandom.

The Band’s favorite memories are: A high school auditorium filled with screaming students belting out the band’s hits word for word tops the cake for Russ, opening for Erykah Badu and Angie Stone to wild applause, hopping on to the SXSW stage two years in a row, and performing to rave reviews at a concert headlined by Jamaican musical duo, Brick and Lace are some other great memories..

NexCyx defines their music as follows:” if it were an icecream, it would be loaded with nuts (lots of them), chocolate, gummi worms and tequila—with a cherry on top.”

That said, there is a distinctive camaraderie that the band shares, which musical groups the world over struggle to achieve.

That NexCyx is on the right track is obvious. There’s an MTV Artist of the Week accolade in their history already—and an Artist of the Month title from Rockwired.com. And now they can add performing at the prestigious St. Maarten Heineken Regatta to their resume.

Be there, Thursday March 1st to experience Nexcyx kick of the 32nd edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

All the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta parties are free and open to the public. Food and drinks are available each night. Parking at Port de Plaisance is easy, safe and free.

For full information on the 2012 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, including entry information, the Notice of Race, photos, videos, party and band information, and much, much more, visit www.heinekenregatta.com

Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to promote horticulture as part of its Green Hong Kong Campaign, the festival runs from March 16th to 25th 2012 and will feature the hyacinth as its theme flower this year.

Potted plants, floral arrangements and landscape displays are being created by exhibitors from around the world for the show, while stalls will be selling flowers and other horticultural products.

A wide variety of educational and leisure activities will also be on offer, ranging from student drawing and photo competitions to floral art exhibits, cookery demonstrations, music shows and cultural performances.

Events will run on each of the ten days from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, with regular tickets costing HK$14 (GBP1.20).

Free entry is available to children, students, senior citizens and people with disabilities during weekdays, though tickets will cost HK$7 for these groups on weekends.

Lovers of plant life can browse a generous selection of Hong Kong hotels at AsiaRooms.com, such as the Kings De Nathan.

Full details about the festival can be found at http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/green/hkfs/2012/en/index.php

AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND — Thailand visitors will be able to celebrate one of the world’s most renowned combat disciplines at the upcoming World Thai Martial Arts Festival and Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony.

To be held at the Nai Khanom Tom Monument at the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Stadium from March 15th to 17th, the event will see more than 300 boxers from 30 nations participating.

It features a martial arts tournament, in which fighters from the UK, Canada, Russia, Korea and other parts of the world compete in various weight categories for cash prizes, while exhibitions and educational sessions will also be held.

Of particular significance is the Wai Khru ritual, an integral element of Muay Thai training that involves the assembled fighters paying respect to their masters and taking part in initiation rites in order to prove themselves as true Muay Thai fighters.

The event is held in honour of Nai Khanom Tom, a legendary Thai warrior from the 1700s, who Muay Thai practitioners venerate to this day.

Combined with opportunities to purchase traditional handicrafts and sample Thai cuisine, the festival is set to offer a fascinating cultural experience for all.

Find out more about the event at http://www.tatnews.org

The fun-filled signature events will feature more than 250 wines from across the West Coast. Regularly priced at $235, guests who book in advance can lock in the discounted ticket price of $199 for all three events.

Each event can also be purchased separately for full price the day of the event.

The festival kicks off on April 13 with a poolside champagne and wine reception from 8 to 10 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with winemakers, owners and fellow wine enthusiasts while listening to smooth jazz at the property’s pool and shark aquarium, The Tank. Tickets to this event can be purchased individually for $35.

The Grand Tasting starts April 14, where enthusiasts can sample over 200 wine selections from 60 of California, Oregon and Washington’s most prestigious wineries.

The event will be held in The Grand events center from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and feature library selections, current vintage releases, live jazz and food from the Golden Nugget’s award-winning chefs. Tickets to this event can be purchased individually for $100.

April 15 is the Champagne and Jazz Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the property’s event center, The Grand. Guests will enjoy live jazz while brunch offerings are paired with sparkling wines from Domaine Chandon and Domaine Carneros. Brunch will be followed by a live auction featuring wine lots, large format collector’s bottles and more. Tickets to the brunch and auction can be purchased individually for $100.

The Conch Shell Blowing Contest begins at noon Saturday, March 3, in the tropical garden of Key West’s Oldest House, 322 Duval St. Nicknamed the Conch Honk, the lighthearted competition salutes Key West’s seafaring heritage and is presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation.

The tradition of blowing a conch shell in the Florida Keys began centuries ago. In the 1800s, when the local economy was largely based on salvaging cargoes from ships wrecked on the nearby reef, sailors attracted attention by blowing piercing blasts on the shell.

“There wasn’t a ship that went out that didn’t have at least one conch shell on it for communications,” said veteran contest winner Clinton Curry.

The Keys’ connection with conch goes far beyond instrumental and communications applications.

The slightly tough meat of the hardy mollusk is the prime ingredient in conch chowder and conch fritters, two of the island chain’s signature dishes. Keys natives proudly proclaim their own tough, hardy nature by calling themselves “conchs” and their home the Conch Republic.

Several dozen kids and adults are expected to compete in the March 3 “conch honk,” showcasing their pucker power and honoring an important Keys tradition. Spectators can expect more laughs than musical inspiration and a surprise visit from some characters from Key West’s seafaring history.

While most entrants only manage blasts or squawks, each year a few produce complex melodies that impress judges and audiences alike.

Winners are chosen for the quality, duration, loudness and novelty of the sounds they make, with trophies awarded in multiple age categories.

The festivities typically include performances by talented “pucker pros.”

The 2012 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is free to enter and watch. Contestants can register at the Oldest House from 10:30 a.m. to noon March 3, or at the event itself if space is still available.

Those lacking “instruments” can purchase conch shells on site.

Event information: www.oirf.org or 305-294-9501
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest  or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

The state of New Mexico, America’s 47th state, celebrates 100 years of statehood in 2012 with events and festivals all year long.

In Albuquerque, a variety of events and festivals will honor the state’s landmark occasion. Albuquerque’s largest Centennial event is the Centennial Summerfest on Saturday, June 16th with themed music, performances and themed food stations throughout the downtown area.

In addition to events, stay tuned for details on Albuquerque’s themed Centennial Weekend celebrations throughout the year. www.abqcentennial.com/

Spaceport Tours

Albuquerque-based Follow the Sun Tours is now offering weekend tours of Spaceport America. The Spaceport is located two and a half hours south of Albuquerque near Truth or Consequences (T or C), New Mexico. The current preview tour is available on weekends and will expand to a daily offering in March when the Pre-Operational Tour begins.

We will share more details as we receive them. The preview tour is an excellent opportunity to take a peak into what space tourism is going to be when flights begin, which is expected for early 2013. www.ftstours.com/spaceport.htm

Albuquerque’s theater scene

According to the Albuquerque Theatre Guild, more theatrical performances take place each weekend in Albuquerque than in any other U.S. city of its size. One of Albuquerque’s busiest times for theater is late winter and early spring. Learn more: www.ItsATrip.org/onstage.

Albuquerque Kudos

Los Poblanos Inn receives international recognition from Fodor’s

Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm has been named one of “Fodor’s Top 100 Hotels” for 2011, a designation given to the top 100 “best in category” hotels in the world. Privately owned by the Rembe family, the 25-acre inn and organic farm has a cultural center and conference facilities that marry state-of-the art technology with historic architecture, antiques and exquisite examples of colonial and legendary New Mexico craftsmanship. View details.

Gruet Winery recognized

New Mexico’s Gruet Winery was recognized as one of the Top 100 Wines of 2011 at a prestigious No. 43. Their Blanc de Noirs NV was given a rating of 90 points earlier in the year and is now recognized as one of the best wines in the world.

Kicking off the New Year, Gruet’s Grand Rosé was also recognized as one of Oprah.com’s “Best Drinks for Dieters.

Vernon’s named one of America’s most hidden restaurants
“Whether it’s a gimmick or indifference, the secrecy of a restaurant only makes a reservation there that much more desirable,” says http://www.thedailymeal.com/. The website recognized Albuquerque’s Vernon’s Hidden Valley Steakhouse among the most hidden restaurants in the country. Read the complete story.

Fusion Theatre Company recognized nationally
The 11-year-old Fusion Theatre Co. was recently one of 10 U.S. theater companies to be awarded by the national American Theater Wing. View the story.

Upcoming Events

“100 Years of State & Federal Policy: The Impact on Pueblo Nations” – exhibit and programming at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
February 4 – December 2012

Savor Albuquerque Festival & Centennial Summerfest – 10-day festival focused on arts, culture and cuisine
June 7-16, 2012
http://www.abqcentennial.com/

25th Anniversary of the Festival Flamenco de Alburquerque – the most important flamenco festival outside of Spain
June 8-16, 2012
http://ffinm.org/

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – the world’s largest ballooning festival
October 6-14, 2012
http://www.balloonfiesta.com/

Theatre for the Performing Arts

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Tickets On Sale This Saturday 10am

The Mother ship returns to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Theatre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, March 24th for four hours of non-stop FUNK! Funk-A-Palooza featuring George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic with specials guests Con Funk Shun, Lakeside and S.O.S Band. Tickets On Sale This Saturday, February 4th at 10am.

Tickets priced at $39.00, $59.00, $79.00 & $99.00 will be available at livenation.com, the Planet Hollywood Box Office and all ticketmaster Locations. To charge by phone call 1.800.745.3000. All prices are subject to live entertainment tax and facility fees.

George Clinton / Parliament / Funkadelic

George Clinton founder of The Parliaments, a barbershop doo-wop ensemble, which scored a major hit with “I Wanna Testify” in 1967. Clinton then began experimenting with harmonies, melody and rhythm and taking cues from the psychedelic movement, forever setting himself apart from the Motown era.

Parliament & Funkadelic dominated and revolutionized the music scene in the 1970′s, capturing 40 R&B hit singles and racking up four #1 hits: “Flashlight,” “One Nation Under a Groove,” “Aqua Boogie” and “(Not Just) Knee Deep.” Clinton’s collaborators included master keyboardist Bernie Worrel, guitarist Eddie Hazel, bassist Bootsy Collins, saxophonist Maceo Parker, and trombonist Fred Wesley. On stage, spectacle ruled the day, with an enormous mother ship, outrageous costumes, and marathon performances.

Con Funk Shun:

This band was formed by a pair of High School students from Vallejo, California. Louis McCall and Michael Cooper were the original band members that got their start as a back up group for the Soul Children under the name Project Soul.

They scored a string of top ten hits on the Billboard black singles chart, including 1977′s “Ffun”, 1978′s “Shake and Dance with Me”, 1979′s “Chase Me”, 1980s “Got to Be Enough” & “Too Tight”.

Con Funk Shun continues to receive airplay on US soul radio stations that play music of the 1970s and ’80s. Additionally, their back-beats have been repeatedly sampled by later artists in Hip Hop, R&B, and rap. Most recently, “Honey Wild”, from their 1980 Spirit of Love album was sampled by Lil Wayne for his CD Tha Carter III – Deluxe Edition. In 1996, Dru Hill featuring Keith Sweat covered the song on their self-titled début album.

Lakeside

Best known for their 1980 number one R&B hit, “Fantastic Voyage”, The group features Mark Woods Jr-Lead Vocals, Steve shockley-Guitar, Fred alexander-Drums, fred lewis – Percussion/ Bass synth, Donald Tavie’-(Lead vocals keyboards), Marvin Craig-Bass guitar , johnny Rodgers-Keyboards and William Shelby-Back grounds vocals.

S.O.S Band

S.O.S – The Sounds of Success Band – exploded on the scene in 1980 with their first mega hit platinum single “Take Your Time” which climbed to the number one position on Top of The Pops, Billboard, Soul and Disco charts.

HONG KONG– The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), one of the biggest annual events of its kind in Asia, is set to return to the city towards the end of March.

Movie fans, filmmakers and other industry figures are expected to attend the 36th HKIFF, which will take place at venues across Hong Kong from March 21st to April 5th 2012.

More than 330 movies from over 50 countries will be screened during the event, which reaches an audience of greater than 600,000 people.

“As a lifestyle event, festival-goers can enjoy world-class films, attend seminars hosted by leading filmmakers from around the world, visit film exhibitions, join celebration parties and more,” the organisers explained in a statement.

Several acclaimed filmmakers will have their work showcased at this year’s event, including Hong Kong director Peter Ho-Sun Chan, who will have 12 films screened during the festival.

Meanwhile, films on the HKIFF bill last year included award-winning works such as Little Children, Peace, The Sun Beaten Path and Winter’s Bone.

For more information on the festival, visit http://www.hkiff.org.hk