It had been many years since I last partied at the Anchorage, and knowing it was under construction I was baffled as to why Legacy chose to have their band launch there; maybe it was nostalgia as they have always launched at this venue over the years. However, although the construction did not hamper the party goers, it did make for some interesting challenges in navigating the venue, for instance, to go to the bar one had to step down makeshift planks and I wonder how many people actually fell down drunk after missing a step. In spite of the obvious signs of construction, Legacy did an ok job trying to mask gravel pits and unfinished walls using fabric and positioning the stage in a certain way; of course I am sure all the people who turned out to the launch were not bothered in the least.
Knowing that Legacy is probably the only large band to launch in October I should not have been surprised at the huge turnout, when I arrived there were lots of people already there and even more came as the night progressed; saying the venue was packed is an understatement! At first the crowd of people were mostly “liming” then the atmosphere changed as the D.J. tried endlessly to rouse them and a few persons started dancing. It was well after 12 and people were anxious about when the presentation of costumes would actually start. It was quite amusing when I asked one of the ladies decked out in African garb, a committee member I suppose, when the show would begin and she stated that they would NOT be showing costumes as there was a media launch held earlier. Well I was quite confused by her statement and asked her to enquire from someone else if this was true, as I was ready to get out of there if it was, when she came back to say that the showing of costumes would begin soon.
After suffering ear splitting noise from one of the D.J.s of a popular Soca Station screaming on the microphone trying to build hype for the start of the show, finally the crowd was ready to party waving rags in the air:
Knowing that Legacy is probably the only large band to launch in October I should not have been surprised at the huge turnout, when I arrived there were lots of people already there and even more came as the night progressed; saying the venue was packed is an understatement! At first the crowd of people were mostly “liming” then the atmosphere changed as the D.J. tried endlessly to rouse them and a few persons started dancing. It was well after 12 and people were anxious about when the presentation of costumes would actually start. It was quite amusing when I asked one of the ladies decked out in African garb, a committee member I suppose, when the show would begin and she stated that they would NOT be showing costumes as there was a media launch held earlier. Well I was quite confused by her statement and asked her to enquire from someone else if this was true, as I was ready to get out of there if it was, when she came back to say that the showing of costumes would begin soon.
After suffering ear splitting noise from one of the D.J.s of a popular Soca Station screaming on the microphone trying to build hype for the start of the show, finally the crowd was ready to party waving rags in the air:
Soon after drummers came into position on stage and the show began with an African dance routine.
Although there were 19 sections on show, thankfully it was not long and drawn out. Each model came out and DANCED in costume, really looking as if they were having fun! This made for some difficulty in taking photographs as they did not pose at all, but it was great to see such energy. For those who pay attention to those sorts of things, there was a good diversity in the models, albeit they were all very slender, and I especially liked the two models that were sporting a Jill Scott-esque Afro!
My one critique would be that there were only two male costumes shown, demonstrating once again the males are just an afterthought when it comes to showing costumes! The finale had the last model wearing a snake around her neck, I guess that represents some sort of Tribal element, anyway she also did a quick change and slipped on a back pack doubling as the model for the frontline option as well. Although the costumes looked much better than Legacy’s presentations of the past, and finally we have proper beads used on the entire belt and not just the front, take away the headpieces and the beaded bikini can blend into any other “bikini band” for Carnival 2008 with few exceptions. Personally I was not expecting costumes of George Bailey’s caliber (google him under “African Mas Trinidad) but it would have been nice to see the use of more authentic materials such as Mud or Kente cloth, masks, spears, cowrie shells and ethnic beads.
It turned out that I enjoyed the launch much more than I expected I would since the start was slow, however after the show I left many of Legacy's supporters and potential masqueraders having a really good time partying until early morning! The initial pricing for the few sections that were distributing flyers at the launch has costume prices well under $2500.00, all inclusive, which bodes well for those still looking for afforable, attractive costumes. I would have really liked to have gotten some sort of literature with the section names, but this just means waiting until the website is launched to get more information. The mas camp opens it's doors for registration today.
For photos of the launch:
Photobucket - Legacy 2008
For photos of the launch:
Photobucket - Legacy 2008
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