Rocking the Mayor's Parlour

DESMOND McKENZIE has become known for his in-your-face approach since he became mayor of Kingston in early 2003. But, two weeks ago he began making a much more joyful noise on the Nationwide News Network radio station.

McKenzie hosts 'Inside The Mayor's Parlour' on Sundays. He plays music from as way back as the 1930s during the three-hour show which, he says, helps ease the pressures of his day job.

"This has given me a chance to do something I have always wanted to do on a full-time basis," McKenzie told The Gleaner.

McKenzie said he and Nationwide boss Cliff Hughes had been discussing a 'vintage' programme for some time. They agreed it would have to be different than the other oldies shows on Sunday radio.

"We do a little soul, some spiritual music, roots-reggae. Our cut-off year for music is 1976, so you can see what we're getting at," McKenzie said.

McKenzie got into the music business in 1969 when he started the Exuma sound system.

Dexter says cheers with Red Stripe

WHOEVER thought a serial killer would be drinking Red Stripe beer on television. Well, that is exactly what happens in the new season of Dexter, the hit Showtime series.

Dexter (a serial killer played by Mchael C Hall) guzzles the famous Jamaican brew in a recent episode, its trademark seal there for all to see.

Last year, Diageo, owners of Red Stripe, said it planned to beef up the beer's presence in North America with a massive advertising blitz.

Red Stripe was featured in the Oscar-winning movie, A Few Good Men, which starred Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.

Shaggy goes Down Under

Shaggy

SHAGGY will kick off his Ragamuffin 2009 world tour with eight dates Down Under. The first is billed for the Supreme Court Gardens/Freemantle Oval in Western Australia on January 24.

The deejay is scheduled to do six shows in Australia before moving on to New Zealand where he closes on February 5 at the Rotura International Stadium.

Shaggy is promoting his Intoxication album.