In April I was in the throes of indecision on whether or not I would actually be participating in Carnival 2011 as a masquerader, remember my post then? Almost 4 months later and to tell you the truth I am still wavering on that decision. My quandary at that time, to sum it up, was this “Will there be a costume to excite me enough to warrant facing another TRIBE jam session or will another band beckon?” The irony is that today I face that exact same scenario!
When I first heard the news that TRIBE would be giving masqueraders the “intimate” experience in Bliss I was excited, here was the chance to have everything I was wishing for; a smaller band, same TRIBE experience and service translated into Bliss. In theory the idea worked beautifully and I was convinced that I would not care what the costumes looked like in TRIBE smaller band trumps that any day or so I thought. However the caveat came when TRIBE also announced that they too would be offering a “smaller” Ultimate Experience catering to 4000 masqueraders, approximately 2000 less than was the jam session this year, so that means TWO smaller bands to choose from, right?
Fast forward to band launch and what do you know the costume I absolutely LOVE is in TRIBE. There is no other costume, I believe, that I would choose over that costume just to play in Bliss for the intimate experience. The headache I am now experiencing is do I trust that TRIBE will indeed stick to the 4000 figure they are aiming for, what is to stop them from adding on an extra 1000 masqueraders, they after all running a business first and foremost? And why should they care that we, who wanted the smaller band, are complaining about how many people are in TRIBE when Bliss is an option? Am I really going to have to be forced to choose “intimate” over costume love? The IDEAL situation for me is to be able to play in Bliss wearing the TRIBE costume I love.. .maybe they can switch sections and even the playing field, because lets face it, TRIBE does have the stronger female AND male costumes! Not to mention that I am being teased and tantalized by YUMA and TRIBE has delayed their mas camp opening until Monday which gives me even more time to think about playing with another band; could I, would I even explore that possibility?
Why YUMA? Well of all the new bands that have arisen so far I have the most faith in this one that they can probably deliver on what they advertise if only because of the persons involved that bring a history and experience (Crystal Amming, Sean Burkett), designers who I know can do "pretty" pretty well (Richard and Anthony) and of course they do have the financial backing to make sure that things run smoothly. My fears in trying a new band are the same as always, worries of being enticed by pretty promises and disappointed with the final product. If the costume and smaller band is what would draw me to YUMA my costume better had look exactly like the prototype (shudders at the the thought of Spice's costumes that made it on the road) and the service/experience must be stellar or I would rue the day I left the Devil I knew for something unknown (flash back to the first year I left Harts for Poison!). I mean really my ONLY major complaint with TRIBE is size, so if I am leaving for something else that something else HAS to offer me something greater. In this case I am thinking YUMA might just marry the pretty costumes with the smaller band that I am looking for …..but, lots or “ifs” still left out there; they may have all the elements working in their favour on paper but the proof is in the pudding.
At the end of the day it is my money spending (lots of it) and as I said before I do want to have the BEST experience, one that I think is worth what I am paying for. The year 2010 left me unsatisfied and jaded, I would hate to have to eat my words and come grumbling in 2011 that things have not changed for the better if I do end up playing in TRIBE. So, where does that leave me? Bliss where I would have to “settle” for a costume that is my 3rd choice just to have enough room on the road to parade in said costume, into the unknown with YUMA or in the costume that I LOVE along with 4000 other masqueraders in TRIBE? Sigh, I have no idea!
11 comments:
You raise a really valid point there, re: TRIBE. Can they be trusted? I mean, they've been promising to sort out the size of the band for a couple years now, and save for a few hundred (if that many), the band hasn't really gotten smaller. And now that they've developed Bliss to appease those of us who've been begging for a smaller band, who's to say they wouldn't keep their numbers for TRIBE?
And the costumes being different for each band does offer a genuine conundrum.
The sad thing is that for every loyal masquerader who is fed-up of the size of the band, there are five newbies waiting in line behind you. So there is never really any impact felt by people voting with their feet and choosing to play with another band.
Unless TRIBE has a catastrophic year like IP did in 2009, it will continue to sell out in hours. And like you said Sauce, it's always better the devil you know. But at some point, enough has to be enough.
My breaking point with TRIBE would be if I played next year with them, and the band was nowhere near as small as they'd promised. As much as I love TRIBE, I would take that as a sign that they really don't care about the masqueraders; only their bottom line. I think that would be the point where I'd say "yeah, I done!" and mosey on over to R&C or McF or something.
I hope you make a decision you can live with!
Tough decisions to make! But I say in this case, stick to what you know, and give Tribe one more chance.
Based on what you've stated, firstly you said you absolutely LOVE your Tribe costume choice, and that's worth every penny you spend on it.
Secondly, I have this feeling, based on my Tribe carnival experiences from its inception, that 2K11 will be sweetness on the road. For me, the odd year carnivals rule for some strange reason..."2K5, 2K7, and 2K9"..the band size grew but the road manageability was exceptional in those years. Look at the differences - in 2K8 it was pure jam session on the road, yuh couldnt move, but then in 2K9 somehow as crowded as it was, there was not much jam session and yuh could move easily... I dunno, maybe their were less people in 2K9than in 2K8.
Thirdly, you can jump ship and give Bliss a chance as well, since you know for SURE that it will be smaller, but I just wish I could hear more about it to feel that enticement to tell yuh be adventurous and go, I'm not hearing anything at alllllll....
Hmm....perhaps...get two backline costumes and play in each band? Play with Bliss on Monday and Tribe Tuesday?
All I have to say is good luck with your decision making. TRIBE masqueraders have been asking for a smaller band size for years now and honestly I think business will come first and foremost and I see a repeat of the same size of the band in 2011 as 2010. Hopefully YUMA truly does have a costume for you that will truly entice and persuade you to it's intimate expereince because I don't believe TRIBE will keep its word on cutting the band size.
I am in agreement with babydoll, TRIBE is a business. Why sell 9 eggs when I can sell a dozen! At the end of the day are we willing to be brave enough to venue into unknown territory? Tribe has built their assets of entertainment over the years it in a culmination of big sponsors and spenders. When you add this to the EXPERIENCE their staff have attained, you get an experience like none other. Last year was the worst, the long waiting and huge sections, not as controlled as before. I was blaming it on TRIBE management for pre-registering so many newbies, but it is these newbies who is keeping the spirit of TRIBE alive. Hands down, the designs this year is some of the best I have seen put out. Well there are three to four sections less, so is there is higher concentration of good looking costumes versus ugly... less sections will mean less music tricks and less service trucks... faster movements. This is a key factor in TRIBE. One cannot expect TRIBE to have a ratio of masqueraders versus service vehicles for this experience they offer.
When I saw only this number of sections I knew it will be a smaller band. Same number of persons per section as last year. This year I even foresee it difficult to land in a section desirable to one unless you and the section leader is buddies. I also foresee TRIBE selling out to only pre-registration and TLC holders this year. Bliss is for the late comers.
ALL of the stated concerns in the post are the ones that I have. I am liking the TRIBE selections more than the Bliss options and it seems most of the crew is not being swayed away from TRIBE to Bliss so it seems my decision is made for me...going w the crew.
Its truly a predicament. For me - I've set my mind on one costume. I'm honestly not feeling to stress myself out for anything but one costume in Tribe.
As for YUMA, I'm willing to see what they have and potentially give them a try - but if the costumes are on fire as they supposedly are.
I left Poison for Tribe when they had their first year as a band. I gave the newbie band a chance. There were a few problems - like crossing the stage really late at night, but it wasn't Tribe's fault adn the band was fun. I think with the right team, a new band could really do well, just like Tribe did.
hmmm many many 'ifs' there Sauce. I would say go with the costume that you LOVE, if only because even if the experience isn't the most fantabulous at least you were in love with the costume. On the other hand, if the size of the band is enough an an issue for you then go with your 3rd pick costume in BLISS.
I am with you on awaiting YUMA's launch to see their presentation, but I am most likely will be sticking with TRIBE for 2011.
C'mon Sauce. You should not be so hesitant to TRY something new. Try Ronnie&Caro it is a GREAT band and experience !!!! You get your money werth and you can even ask Afro Chic.. TRY TRY TRY something new. You neva know maybe you fall in LOVE with Ronnie&Caro .... They are ONE of the BEST medium bands and it is FACT. Tribe will always be there so if one band fail run back into the arm of another !! With love
Wow Shells you just helped me make up my mind, I LOVED my costume this year and had the worst experience ever in my 6 years of TRIBE.... definitely a new band for Carnival 2011!
Excellent suggestion Shells! However I don't see Sauce jumping ship anywhere! Sorry Sauce!Most people are very hesitant when it comes to change but change can sometimes be very good...especially in this instance.
You are most welcome Sauce....sooo yuh going individual too?
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