Machel helps show go on at Kaiso Blues

The action was at a peak as the children of soca/jamoo creator Ras Shorty I were performing in the concert, The Blackman Legacy.

At about 11 pm, owner Carl Jacobs told the MC the concert had to stop, an announcement which received a cold reaction from the audience as they were awaiting three of the top singers, Marge, Isaac and Nailah Blackman. The DJ played music while many patrons walked out of the cafe, while others stayed back wondering what was taking place. Outside, Jacobs was told by two police officers that his neighbours, Randy Ahing and Donna Sandring, complained about the noise level at the entertainment spot. Upon inspection, the officers felt the noise level was acceptable but as they were about to leave, Ahing and Sandring claimed Kaiso Blues Cafe was operating without a licence. Montano came outside and when he was told what had happened, went to speak with the complainants, and it turned out he knew Ahing. After a discussion, Ahing and Sandring agreed the show could continue but not as loud as before.

The show resumed with Marge, Isaac and Nailah’s performances to the delight of the patrons who stayed and the show ended with the Blackman clan singing Ras Shorty I’s iconic hit, Watch out my Children. Last year, a noise pollution complaint against Kaiso Blues Cafe ended in court. There was an agreement where live performances and music must be stop by 11 pm during the week and by 1 am on weekends, pending a final court decision.

Montano told Sunday Newsday he had been planning to visit Kaiso Blues Cafe for nearly a year and finally got a chance on Friday night. He was pleased to be help as he felt the music was “really happening”.

After the show, Montano suggested to Jacobs that he should find a new venue.

“It makes no sense to fight this, the time has come for you to move out and get somewhere new. You have out grown this space,” Montano said.