Red Ants in Blue Range this weekend

Trinigyal I am not really into fete promotion, but I looked on the other websites that are into that genre and did not see this advertised so I am posting this flyer JUST for you:

Click on it to make it bigger:

Flying High

Ok, I was NOT going to say anything but I am pretty pleased about having my first article published in a regional magazine thus I will gloat a little!

For those of you who do not know I have dabbled in writing in the past; I have written articles that were published in both the Vox (Trinidad express) and the Trinidad Guardian's Magazine and I also pursued English as my major, with written communication being one of my favourite forms of expression, as you can tell by my dedication to this blog.

Still, it did come as a surprise when I was approached to write an article about Trinidad Carnival for the in flight magazine of Caribbean Star Airlines "Altitude". I must also thank triniscene.com for supplying me with the photographs that will accompany the article as well as Alison and Michele for believing I could deliver what they wanted.

Look out for my article which will be published in the December issue of Altitude Magazine.

Bliss in January

It is official my first Carnival fete for 2007 will be Bliss, TRIBE's 2nd annual all-inclusive event which will be held on January 13th 2007.

For 2006 my first Carnival fete was Island People's Amnesia, a fete which I have enjoyed immensely in the past but failed to meet my expectations this year, so I am giving Bliss a try for a new experience.

This year Bliss was held at Jamboree Park in Valsayn (I hope they keep it there again so I can literally walk out my door and be there feteing in 10 minutes tops!) and I heard from friends who went that there was a variety of food to choose from, with a wide array of delicacies from Arabian, Italian and Caribbean Cuisine to a Soup station and even a chocolate fountain which I sampled at Amnesia the following week and it was awesome!

Carnivalscene.com wrote the following review of Bliss:

Yet again fast on the heels of a fabulous event we had the privilege of attending TRIBE’s first All Inclusive BLISS. Well if heaven wasn’t jealous, we certainly were. Check out our review below

VENUE: Jamboree Park, Valsayn

PARKING: Valsayn North,

TRANSPORT: Within walking distance none required.

Our Carnivalscene crew arrived at 3:45pm just before the start of the party. Jamboree park was transformed into a very ethereal venue, well in keeping with the theme of BLISS. Greeted by ‘Moko Jumbies’, patrons (who were there promptly at 4pm) were ushered down a walkway (after using the ecard, first time in a carnival fete in T&T) enclosed by white cloth and filled with a white mist, to be greeted by the lovely Digicel female angels who presented them with a Digicel ‘rag’ as a memento.

Upon entering to our left, we were pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of food provided by the BLISS committee, all very professionally and meticulously laid out. One booth for special mention would be the fruit booth, with its wide assortment of delectable fruity delites; strawberry, watermelons, grapes, pineapple, portugal and many more, great idea for masqueraders watching their weight. All in all though, it has to be said that the variety and amount of food provided was positively heavenly or sinful depending on whether you were already able to fit into your costume or not.

Again we saw the Fresh Zone booths at the entrance to the restroom area. A great hit with the patrons (this reviewer especially enjoyed the hand massager, marvelous..!!). As in previous fetes, the restroom area was kept meticulously clean, this seems to be a trend in the All Inclusives this year, keep up the good work.

I have definitely kept the best for last. Very nice job by the couple playing the harp and the violin over that loud music (and yes they were playing not faking it..!!). An Ice Sculptor made a very exquisite ice glass for the cans of Red Bull to reside in (on speaking with the Red Bull representative, patrons were supposed to be served some concoction from the glass, but it had a hole L). When I thought there would be nothing else I saw the Ice Sculptor on a platform carving an ice angel surrounded by what can only be described as angels (too bad TRIBE isn’t playing ‘Heaven’ cause that costume was very nice). These lovely ‘angels’ were circulating in the party, generally mingling with us lesser mortals J and having a good time.


ENTERTAINMENT:
DJ playhouse started the fete nice and easy, bringing up the pace according to the amount of people in the fete and the amount of alcohol consumed by the patrons. When, the sun set, enter HI Fidelity and Less Than Zero, pressure !! Their specific purpose was to whip the crowd into a frenzy (mission accomplished). Rest, drink, eat…..while Xtatik setup on the stage, Finally, the Prince of Soca, Machel Montano entered the stage and as usual, delivered a very energetic performance, teasing the crowd to ‘heavenly’ heights. During his performance, he actually got assistance from a crowd member willing to demonstrate his latin salsa moves, while Machel sang a tune (completely in Spanish, well done Maestro), great performance from them both. Very soulfully, Machel sang acapella style, ‘We not giving up’, dedicating it to the TRIBE committee for a job well done. After that rendition, Machel proceeded to raise the energy level of the crowd, making them ecstatic with ‘heavenly joy’. Exit Machel, back on with the DJ who mellowed the ‘vibes’ of the fete giving patrons a chance to relax, eat some more food, drink more beverages. All playing while Atlantik setup for Destra. Onto the stage she came, with helium filled ballons being let off into the air (don’t think many people noticed and not very environmentally friendly L). As usual, Destra performed with great style and panache, letting the masqueraders know that she was in fine form for Carnival 2K6. Little hiccup, Destra introduced Maximus, who regrettable was nowhere to be seen. Not skipping a beat, she continued to perform carrying the crowd until 11:30pm.

Only negative for this fete was, nowhere to sit and eat, venue was a bit too small for that, maybe the TRIBE crew will revisit the use of Jamborree Park next year.

For a first time, this fete gets a ‘heavenly’ 8.0 out of a possible 10 stars

And you can find photos of the event at Carnivalscene.com and triniscene.com.

I have to add that for those considering Amnesia it was a good fete. The space at Pier 1 was maximised to full advantage but in the early evening it seemed that everything was a bit too spread out as people tended to converge in pockets around the venue and you lost that "party" atmosphere. When the performances started however all the action was upfront and the crowds filled the area of Pier 1 where the stage was located. My other criticism would have to be that the food, choices were too limited and for the price I paid, which was $450.00 I expected more to be honest. Other people also had that complaint so I expect for 2007 that issue would be addressed. There was lots to drink, however, including cocktails, Johnny Walker Green (which got me sick) and champagne. I missed out on a massage since I had no idea that patrons were being pampered like this, which goes to show you need to pay attention to all that is being offered at these swanky all-inclusives.

Check out the photos of Amnesia on triniscene.com!

Mas Updates

Island People's in-house costumes are still available in Sahara Jumbie (back line), Nubians (female) , Raiders of the Desert (female ), Cacti and Taureg. That means guys can only get costumes in Sahara Jumbie, Cacti and Taureg and frontlines are available in Taureg, Nubians and Cacti. Interestingly both Island People and TRIBE have just 5 sections left!

D Krewe's website is www.krewecarnival.com and not www.dkrewecarnival.com as I posted before. The error is not mine since the latter website is also posted on the keychains they gave out at the mas camp!The new website is not up as yet, but please update your bookmarks!

Another all-inclusive section from Trini Revellers with a website "coming soon" is D Harvard Section. Hopefully these websites will be up soon seeing as Trini Revellers has not updated their website as yet.

MAS Jumbies

2007 Carnival will see another new band making it's debut, but this time it won't be "pretty mas", but "dutty mas". The J'ouvert band MAS Jumbies will launch on October 29th according to the band leader and designer Brian Wong Won who is also an artist and maintains a very detailed blog about Carnival and his new project for Carnival 2007.

For more information about the j'ouvert band please visit Brian's blog as well as the website Mas Jumbies where you can learn about all that this band has in store. From everything I have read the intention is to bring back the spirit of traditonal old mas and the costumes will be treated as "artwork".

This undertaking sounds very interesting and I am quite curious to see the costumes. From the beautiful artwork displayed on the blog I can only imagine the vibrancy and talent that would be infused into the presentation since the costumes will also be part of his art exhibition which will open on Feburary 6th 2007 at the Horizon Art Gallery in St. James.

Masquerade Photos

Trinicrew.com has photos from Masquerade's media launch last weekend. I believe they compete as a medium band, and their presentation for 2007 is "Golden Heritage - A Tribute to Mas". The offical band launching will be held on November 11th at the Anchorage. From those photos I even see they have an "Indian Mas", which inspite of the headpiece looks pretty good:

5 more sections left in TRIBE

Well another section in TRIBE has sold out, the next one gone is Jab Molassie . It's a nice costume, I even like the tail, but I am not liking the headpiece. If the headpiece was done similar to the frontline' s, a scaled down version maybe, to me it would look more attractive, however it is sold out so I guess lots of people liked it. That leaves 5 more sections open, I am taking bets on when the entire band will sell out.

On another note, I wish Island People would kindly indicate on their website what sections are sold out as well. It would save me from having to harrass them at the mas camp yet again to get an update for those persons who do not reside in Trinidad.

Carnival Time Again

The Trinidad Guardian has a nice encapsulated review of the band launchings which occurred over the weekend:



Statuesque Ria Nelson portrays Back to Africa, a tribute to the late George Bailey.

Photo: Lester Forde



Leggy Tiffany Williams and Terry See Tai portray Viva Zapata from a winning Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars presentation.

Photo: Lester Forde

Carnival 2007 is well on its way, so much so almost all the popular mas bands have launchd their presentations. Among the main players still keeping the public in waiting is Brian MacFarlane with his presentation of India.

Last weekend saw main Band of the Year contenders, defending champion Trini Revellers and Legacy unveil their presentations, as well as Stephen Derek with a media launch at The Mas Camp Pub.

On October 14, Legacy launched Hiawatha at The Anchorage in Chaguaramas, with a huge crowd in attendance and, on Wednesday, Masquerade and Chris Humphrey showcased Golden Heritage—A Tribute to Mas at the Cruise Ship Complex.

Legacy’s Hiawatha is based on a native American Indian theme, Hiawatha being the title of an epic poem written in 1855 about a fictitious American Indian personage of the same name. The band will pay tribute not only to that civilisation but also to our local traditional Red Indian mas form.

The Legacy launch kicked off at the adjacent Tsunami Beach Club with a VIP/media reception. Walking through the entrance, which had been transformed into a wigwam, the specially-invited guests were greeted by a group of masqueraders dressed in authentic Indian costumes and presented with feathered necklaces.

Guests were treated to a complimentary premium bar and hors d’oeuvres in anticipation of the special showing of Legacy’s 2007 costume designs. A total of 22 sections were displayed, bearing catchy names like Apache Fire, Cherokee Trail, Laughing Water, Indian Summer, Seminole Nation and Soca Warriors.

Judging from the enthusiastic response, the audience was well-pleased with Legacy’s offering for 2007. The showing of costumes was repeated at the public event at The Anchorage with a similar show of appreciation from the large audience.

Of special note were the sections Pow Wow and Rainbow Dancers which were displayed by bodybuilders Richard Noel and Gabby Gonsalves and which elicited thunderous applause and screams of delight from patrons.

Legacy road music band Caribbean Traffik Jamm put on a high energy performance showing that they are more than ready for the upcoming Carnival season. During his performance, Iwer George paid tribute to bandleader Mike Antoine and the Legacy team and had patrons following his every direction as they partied into the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Masquerade/Humphrey media launch was also attended by a number of past and present bandleaders, and sponsors, the latter representing corporate citizens like Digicel, National Flour Mills and Ansa McAl Motors.

With special tribute paid to past Masquerade designer/leader Wayne Berkeley, who was in attendance, also at the launch, and receiving tokens for their contribution to mas, were Shane Lee Heung (son of Stephen and Elsie Lee Heung), Raoul Garib, and representatives of Irvin McWilliams, Lionel Jagassar, Stephen Derek, Peter Minshall, George Bailey and Edmond Hart. Other prominent people seen were Michael Headley, Donna Cox, Marita Laurent, Frank Martineau and Lennox Toussaint.

According to Masquerade co-designer Chris Santos: “Golden Heritage—A Tribute to Mas is a tribute to the creative minds and designs of the golden era of Carnivals past as we look back to the many memorable and prize-winning presentations of such greats as George Bailey, Harold Saldenah, Edmond Hart, Stephen Lee Heung, Wayne Berkeley, Irvin McWilliams, Raoul Garib and Peter Minshall, interpreting their creation with a modern twist.” Gregory Medina and Elwin Johnson are the other designers of Golden Heritage.

The Masquerade/Humphrey band will have its public launch on November 11, at The Anchorage.

Legacy’s Mas Camp on Carlos Street, Woodbrook, is open for registration daily from noon to 8 pm. Costume designs and registration information can also be obtained from their web site at http://www.legacycarnival.com

To jog your memories, here are the two sections modeled above from the band Masquerade in drawings:

Back to Africa :


Viva Zapata:

India, The Story of Boyie

Brian Mc Farlane will be launching is 2007 presentation "India..the story of Boyie" on November 30th 2006.

His website has been updated with a new frontpage with this information, and I have to admit I cannot wait for his launch! I am excited already and I have yet to see a costume.

More details to follow soon.

Heineken the Beer of Choice for TRIBE

Beer lovers playing with TRIBE be prepared to have a "premium" beer added to the drinks menu, Heineken has singed a two year contract to be the premium beer of choice at all TRIBE/Red Ants related events for Carnival 2007 and 2008. Check out the advertisement which appeared in yesterday's Express:

Clkick on photo for larger pic:


Now, I was alerted to this new development in TRIBE's sponsorship by email, and the author was concerned that even though she was not a beer drinker when she does drink beer Heineken is not her beer of choice. In addition she sees it as another form of "exclusivity".

Thanks to a diligent beer drinker who called TRIBE on this issue, we now know that STAG and Carib will ALSO be available for masqueraders, giving them even more choice with the addition of a premium beer as well (hence the reason this post is edited at 8:36PM.)

By the way notice they used the Fireman hat in the advertisement!

I have to admit I also do not drink beer on the road (too many trips to the bathroom when I do) I love my Johnny Walker Black and coconut water, so if they replaced Johnny with lets say Dewars I will be quite peeved. However when I am drinking beer it is either STAG or Heineken, I really cannot stomach anything else.

So what do you beer drinkers think, are you happy with these new developments, do you prefer Heineken seeing as it is a "premium" beer and considered superior to STAG or Carib? Or with the money you are paying for your costume do you want the luxury of choice? Do you think exclusive sponsorship also translates to band exclusivity? I would love your comments on this issue.

The Million Dollar Question

My morning was spent trying to find out from the powers that be what plans are in place for masqueraders come Carnival 2007 and I have found out nothing. From all indications it seems as if there are no concrete decisions made as yet on whether there will be a stage constructed at some location or if we will be parading nonstop along a pre-determined route. I was assured however that Carnival will continue as normal for 2007, to which I replied "I know since I have already made a downpayment on my costume".

I guess I have to continue my investigations over the course of the next few months and report any new developments as they arise. Stay tuned for an answer to the million dollar question.

National Carnival and Arts Centre

I was able to get my hands on some of the drawings for the planned Carnival and Arts Centre.
(for much larger views click on the photos)

This is showing the existing facilities at the Savannah and the outline of where the new Carnival Centre will be located in relation to that:


Five levels, including a basement, make up the centre with the third level being the Public Concourse which replaces the Savannah stage. When the centre is completed this is where masqueraders will be parading.Note the seating terraces, food and beverage areas in red and V.I.P. area in blue:



The other levels include a V.I.P. Level above the Public Concourse and a Media Level to the top. Below the Public Concourse is the Undercroft level which houses a Carnival Mueseum as well as offices for NCC, TUCO,NCBA and Pan Trinbago.

And finally, here are some more drawings of the National Carnival & Arts Centre:






View from inside, imagine this is what we masqueraders will be seeing as we cross the stage:


Birdseye view of the roof:


Somehow I think the aesthetic looks incongruous in the Savannah To me the design is ambitious, wonderful to house a museum, concert stage for Diamanche Gras and artistes to perform but I just cannot see myself crossing that stage in an atmosphere that looks so sterile. Hopefully I will be playing mas the year this Centre debuts and will be able to judge for myself then. Here is hoping construction will be on schedule and that the final product does the designs some justice.

Legacy's Prices are up.

I must say the prices are reasonable, ranging from $1500.00 non all-inclusive and $1998.00 to $2700.00 all-inclusive, although if you add in the War Bonnet head piece and bustle the most expensive female "frontline" costume can total $505.00US or $3030.00TT. Males are either $1500.00 non all-inclusive or $1998.00 all-inclusive with long pants and an additonal $300.00 for the large Chief headpiece.


Apache Fire - ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 416
MALE PRICE: US$ 333
FEMALE FRONTLINE:
Large Bonnet Headpiece: US$ 50 extra
Detachable Bustle (at back of belt): US$ 15 extra
Headpiece and Bustle: US$ 55 extra
MALE OPTIONS:
Large Chief Headpiece – US$ 50 extra



Cherokee Trail - ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 400
MALE PRICE: US$ 333
FEMALE FRONTLINE:
Large Bonnet Headpiece: US$ 50 extra
Detachable Bustle (at back of belt): US$ 15 extra
Headpiece and Bustle: US$ 55 extra
MALE OPTIONS:
Large Chief Headpiece – US$ 50 extra


Comanche Warriors -ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 383
MALE PRICE: US$ 333
FEMALE FRONTLINE:
Large Bonnet Headpiece: US$ 50 extra
Detachable Bustle (at back of belt): US$ 15 extra
Headpiece and Bustle: US$ 55 extra
MALE OPTIONS:
Large Chief Headpiece – US$ 50 extra


Gitchee Gu'mee - BIG SEA WATER -ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 383
MALE PRICE: US$ 333


Indian Summer
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 266
MALE PRICE: US$ 250


Laughing Water - ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 383
MALE PRICE: US$ 333


Pawnee Star - ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 350
MALE PRICE: US$ 333


Pow Wow - ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 450
MALE PRICE: US$ 333
FEMALE FRONTLINE:
Large Bonnet Headpiece: US$ 50 extra
Detachable Bustle (at back of belt): US$ 15 extra
Headpiece and Bustle: US$ 55 extra
MALE OPTIONS:
Large Chief Headpiece – US$ 50 extra


Prairie Town - ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 366
MALE PRICE: US$ 333


Shaman Dream
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 266
MALE PRICE: US$ 250


Rainbow Dancers - Strong Men & Rude Girls - ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 433
MALE PRICE: US$ 333
FEMALE FRONTLINE:
Large Bonnet Headpiece: US$ 50 extra
MALE OPTION:
Large Chief Headpiece: US$ 50 extra


Sioux Ghost Dancers -ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 416
MALE PRICE: US$ 333
FEMALE FRONTLINE:
Large Bonnet Headpiece: US$ 50 extra
Detachable Bustle (at back of belt): US$ 15 extra
Headpiece and Bustle: US$ 55 extra


Soca Warriors -ALL-INCLUSIVE SECTION
FEMALE PRICE: US$ 333
MALE PRICE: US$ 333
FEMALE FRONTLINE:
Large Bonnet Headpiece: US$ 50 extra
MALE OPTIONS:
Large Chief Headpiece – US$ 50 extra


FEMALE SPECIAL OPTIONS:
Whole-Piece Available: US$ 10 extra
Tankini Available: US$ 8 extra
Pom Pom or Boy Shorts Available: US$ 8 extra

MALE OPTIONS:
Short Pants Available – no extra charge

REGISTRATION DEPOSIT: minimum US$134

Trini Revellers goes French for Carnival 2007

There was an article in Friday's Trinidad Express where the author reviewed Trini Reveller's launch from the perspective of a delegation of French nationals from the French Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago. The general concencus among those folk were that the costumes were "magnfique!". Trying to find that article online has proved futile, but suffice it to say the French were impressed!

The Newsday also had an interesting write up on Trini Reveller's launch:

It is going to be another epic of the grandest proportions to be presented by the Trini Revellers team.

Come Carnival Monday and Tuesday next year, Port-of-Spain will be flooded by 26 sections depicting various aspects of “The French Revolution,” that will surely captivate the attention of all witnessing the presentation, given the spectacle they created at the band launch at Pier 1 in Chaguaramas on Sunday.

Known for their winning presentations such as “Shanghai” and “The Gathering of the Tribes” before venturing in the big band category, Trini Revellers will be coming in full force to retain their title as Champion Band of the Year for a fourth consecutive year, having previously won the title with their 2004 to 2006 presentations “The Arabian Nights,” “Conquest of Indies” and “Rome - The Empire” respectively.

Indeed, “Le Roi Louis XVI” and “La Reine Marie Antoinette” will be coming to conquer the streets of Port- of-Spain with other sections portraying the “Royal Court,” “the Nobility,” the “Paysans,” the “Monarchy,” ‘the “Aristocrats,” “La Bastille,” the “French Soldiers,” the “Austrian Soldiers,” the “firing of the cannons, “Paris brule,” “September Massacres,” “Riots, the Reign of Terror,” the “Call to Battle,” and “Declaration of the Rights of Man.”

Fashion and culture of the Aristocracy will be felt in “The Masquerade Ball,” “Haute Couture,” “Les fêtes gallants de Versailles,” “ La vie de Marie An-toinette,” “Passion for Fashion” and “Liberté.” Even the Caribbean will be represented in “Les Antilles” and Trinité et Tobago.” It is a French band and the story will be told in French and English. The Tricolor will be flying high via Fraternité et Egalité and will end with “Vive La France.” It promises to be an experience to astonish the Trinidadian public.

Enrico Rajah, Public Relations Officer, is very ecstatic about the new presentation for Carnival 2007. Famous for their historical presentations, and with colourful designs by Geraldo Vieira Jr and Aaron Schneider, and led by two Kings of Carnival, Trini Revellers will unleash another historical spectacle on the streets of Port-of-Spain.

To achieve this remarkable presentation, Vieira Jr and Schneider are the main designers for 2007. Top Section Leaders include Deborah Bath-Gift, Wayne Newallo, Annie Jacques, Christine John, Tony Stanford, Gerald Moore and Gavin Alamani of D’Harvard Boys, Young Harvards with Stefan Stanford and Miguel Marquez, Dave Maharaj, Evelyn Herbert, Mike Johnson, Dexter Hosein/Ronald Clarke, Brennan King, Arlington Stewart, Curtis Atchinson, Joan Wilson, Roland St George and Richard Abraham, and Rabs Immortelle.

Dave Cameron and Jeff Gillette, the band producers are putting together the 2007 presentation with individuals such as Georgie Wilcox, Rudi Granger and Richard Commissiong, Jungle Fever, Friendz - Toronto, Raj/Ann Maharaj, Halcyann Prescott, Kyle Matas, Christine Sadler and Jason Jeremie who are joining the Revellers for the first time.

I did not add to my list of favourites the Royalty section by D Krewe, since I had said earlier that I really like their costumes. However, I think I should mention again that this is one of my favourites, and I was doubly pleased to see that they also included a full figured model wearing another version of the costume at the launch. Now this is a trend more band leaders should adopt in MY opinion, the young lady looks quite nice in her costume and masqueraders get to see what the whole suit/tankini option of the costume looks like on a realistic model:



Close up of the beautiful bra and headpiece:

No Savannah Stage for 2007

Rumors were swirling around that construction of the new Carnival Entertainment Centre at the Queen's Park Savannah will not begin until after 2007 Carnival, giving masqueraders a lagniappe and renewing hopes that 2007 will indeed see us crossing the Savannah stage.

Taking the bull by the horns I asked one of the Directors involved in the project if there will be stage for us masqueraders at the Savannah seeing as construction has yet to begin. He replied convincingly that they were awaiting bids for new contractors and as soon as that was in place construction will begin and there will be no stage for Carnival 2007. I read today that it is true; the Newsday has reported that the Minister of Culture, Joan Yuille Williams has indicated that construction of the Carnival Entertainment Centre will begin before year's end:

Carnival Centre coming

Clint Chan Tack Friday, October 20 2006

CULTURE and Community Development Minister Joan Yuille-Williams yesterday announced that construction of the new $450 million National Carnival Entertainment Centre, at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, will begin before year’s end.

Speaking in the Senate Budget debate, Yuille-Williams said Opposition Senator Wade Mark was incorrect to say the centre will cost $700 million.

To those claiming the design of the new centre was flawed and had no local input, Yuille-Williams said this was not the case and the design has been deemed by a panel of international judges as the best in the Caribbean.

She dismissed Opposition claims of no funding for two academies of the performing arts that are to be built at the Princes Building Grounds in Port-of-Spain and Naparima Bowl, San Fernando. Stating that the former costs US$60 million (TT$378 million) and the latter costs US$40 million (TT$252 million), Yuille-Williams said Government has already worked out a loan arrangement with China to build these academies.

“So don’t complain about funds,” Yuille-Williams chided Mark.

She said funding for Pan Trinbago’s unfinished headquarters at Trincity was included in the last budget and the current one as well. The Minister explained that because the matter is in court, no work could proceed on it. However, she said the relevant papers have been sent to Attorney General John Jeremie and once she receives the green light from him, work will resume on that building. Yuille-Williams also denied reports that she told members of the Chutney Foundation to speak to Prime Minister Patrick Manning about funding and said the ministry does its best to address the concerns of all groups that approach it. Commenting on the contributions of Opposition senators Ato Boldon and Raziah Ahmed during the debate on Wednesday, Yuille-Williams assured them that no group is being marginalised. She also explained that it takes a multitude of interventions to address the concerns of many vulnerable groups.

Yuille-Williams defended the construction of the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, saying that the country has been crying out for sporting facilities and now that Government has the resources at its disposal it would address this matter. She reminded Boldon that the stadium is only a small part of what will be a massive sport and education complex which could be used by locals as well as foreigners. Recalling the numerous visits he made to schools as part of a joint initiative of the Ministries of Education and Sport, Yuille-Williams urged Boldon to continue to be “part of the solution.”

Now I have seen the designs for this Carnival Centre, and while ambitious in it's concept I don't have much faith that the end product will be the same as what is on paper, just take look at the airport to see what I mean. For all the grand plans that were touted, the airport looks like a big warehouse. Apart from the futuristic design with retractable domed roof, ramped entry to the grand stage, enclosed seating for patrons and plans to house a Carnival library and archives I agree with the critics that there has been little thought of the practically of the Carnival Centre for it's intended use.

I doubt if anyone of those designers and architects have played mas religiously on the old, wooden Savannah stage to know that we masqueraders do not want the stadium atmosphere and artificial, sanitary feeling of being herded into an enclosed venue to experience our climatic release of energy and euphoria. I for one love the sun beating down on my body as I wait to cross the stage; I love the heat, the dust, seeing the spectators lining the route in the Savannah, being able to buy one more drink before crossing the stage because the drinks truck has disappeared. What will happen to the vendors, to the children that line the stage exit to beg for your costume? To me the Carnival Centre just makes everything very "proper" and "contained" which is the very thing Carnival is not.

All that was needed, in my humble opinion was a better, bigger stage , proper stands since the North stand was always in fear of falling to the ground come Panorama semi-finals and a modified access route to the Savannah so bands will not have to endure a lengthy wait to cross the stage. I guess now panorama semi-finals will never be what it was in that rickety North stand, with rhythm sections blazing and rum flowing like water.

So that brings me to the question of where will be crossing the stage for 2007? Will it be at the Stadium? Will we be constantly on the move with several judging points along the route? After the dust has settled on all the band launchings and costume choices this is the most important question of the day and I have read or heard nothing on the subject.

Come Monday be sure I will be calling up a few people who might be able to give me answers to this burning question. Investigative reporter Saucy will report the findings to all those who want the same question answered as well. Until then I can only speculate on what will become of the Carnival parade as I have known it all these years......

p.s. Thanks to Carnival Jumbie for the pic of the Carnival Centre.

Another Look at Saphyre

It was only last week that I wrote about the launch of Saphyre, and I was left wanting for some more information about the band itself. Well the fact is that Saphyre has been around offically since 2001, prior to that they were known as Showcase Associates which was founded in 1977 and has produced a band every year since then. To get some history behind the band Saphyre, have a read of the National Carnival Band Association band profile here.

Apart from that informationI also receieved the following email from the events co-ordinator for Saphyre:

"Our band is comprised of 9 youths (ranging between the ages of
17 to 25 years) and 8 senior members. We once were known as Showcase and
Associates some years ago however, times have changed and the senior
members decided it was time to pass on reigns to a younger more vibrant group of
individuals. We thus changed the name to Saphyre as Showcase is or was
a band of the past and we the youths are now in control with the senior
members guiding us.

Our camp is located at 118 Oxford Street Port of Spain (Between
Frederick and Pembroke Streets upper Port of Spain) and we are opened between the hours of 9am to 10pm Monday to Saturday.

Contact Carlene Greaves 678-7349,Colin Greaves 779-7075 or Aleema Ranjisingh at 732-7825 for more information."

Personally, I think it is refreshing to learn that the band has youths at the helm, with the elders passing the baton.Competing as medium band now, I wish them all the success for 2007. If you want to see more photos from their launch, there is a gallery of photos at Trinicrew.com.

More Legacy Photos

Triniscene.com , Trinicrew.com and Islandevents.com have galleries of Legacy launch photos and I have found some "lost" costumes which are missing from the website, like these:

Jean bites the dust

According to TRIBE's website the section Jean and Dinah is "SOLD OUT", however they also have this posted "The DINAH option of Jean & Dinah is STILL AVAILABLE". Like they cannot make up their minds if the section is sold out or not.

Anyways, I am going with Jean and the male costumes are gone, but you can still register for Dinah, which is no surprise since I never liked "Dinah":



It still amazes me that Bat Frontline and Pierrot are still not sold out!!!I guess the issue with Bat is that the backline is overpiced at $3185.00 while the frontline is only $210.00 more at $3395.00, the obvious choice would be the frontline over the backline since the backline has that inspid headpiece. And I so thought that at $2595.00, the cheapest section in TRIBE , Pierrot Grenade, would have been sold out as well. Maybe to some people the cheap price also reflects a cheap costume.

Oh, and both Dragon and Jab Jab frontlines are still available "surprise, surprise" though to it's credit when I saw Jab Jab frontline in person the costume looked really pretty. Honestly, to me the price for both costumes is not worth a revamped version of the backline with a bigger headpiece, they should have added a really elaborate back pack to justify the price and make the costumes worthy of being called a frontline.

Les Aristocrates

Many thanks to TrinidadJunction.com for the following photos and email from KOZKELLE, the leaders of the section "Les Aristocrates" in the band Trini Revellers for 2007. This costume is one of my favourites from the band The French Revolution, as I posted yesterday, so I was quite pleased to get some more details to pass along.



Unfortunately there will be no website for this section, but for those interested here is some more information:

Hello folks,

Here’s a preview of KOZKELLE’S costume LES ARISTOCRATES, in Trini Revellers ‘07 presentation, The French Revolution.

As you can see we have several variations to the costume, designed to suit all moods.

We will be at our own mas camp at 177 Tragerete Rd, corner of Pole Carew St, just before Roxy, from November 3rd.

To our foreign supporters, please feel free to email me with any questions that you may have.

To our locals, you can email or call me at the #s below

As always , see you on on the road and thanks for supporting us.

DonMarie

868-667-5128

868-766-6336

donmarierev@hotmail.com

As usual you can click on these photographs to get a larger view of the costumes:

Trini Revellers Photos are up!

Carnivalscene.com has come through with launch photos from both TriniRevellers and Legacy, FINALLY!!

The costumes from Trini Revellers are surely representative of the French Revolution, complete with wigs, pantaloons and corsettes and so much so that the few costumes that are "bikini and beads" (to the critics) look out of place. At first look the costumes look very elaborate and overdone, but my girl friend and I took a good look at them and we both agreed that most of them are nice and will attract a strong following from people who want costumes that depict a theme and tell a story more than being sexy and glamourous. The male costumes are really fabulous in my opinion, I can see the older gents really rocking those berets!

These are some of my favourites from the band lauch photos:

What a read .............

Ironically I did a nice write up on Royal Court, a "clothed" section in Trini Revellers, today and that section is being produced by a brother and sister team who are under 30, which I consider to be young. So, when I read this article (from bagogyul's blog no less) it amused me somewhat since the author is berating the "young" mas makers for slaving to the bikini and beads phenomna and here we have Royal Court which is the opposite. Cordelle darling, take a look at Trini Revllers, they have the cure for your malise.

Here is the article taken from today's Trinidad Guardian:

Carnival costumes need a new look

BY CORDIELLE STREET

I have been patient with mas in T&T as few people have, but after waiting out approximately five band launches in a handful of weeks there is nothing left to do but sigh.

Having given up on masquerading quite some years ago, and I fully confess this mainly as a disclaimer for the ranting which will come, how impressionable and hopeful I remain still shocks this cynical heart.

I also find it necessary, unlike most women, to willingly put a figure to my age (but with a dash of reserve) only to emphasis the point that I am not a doddering masquerader unable to keep pace with the younguns.

With my twenty-something eyes and apparently aged spirit I perused the pre-offerings of Carnival 2007 and ask—Mas where have you gone?

For many beads and bikinis as most costumes are nowadays referred are the height of mockery for a festival that began itself as a mocking rebellion to our colonial rulers.

Yet, I have always given ear to the argument laid by staunch defenders of new bandleaders that they are giving the masses what they want.

Young women who fanatically diet and cram exercise bouts around district savannahs and exercise gyms into the two-month race to Carnival, do not plan on burying their sexy bodies under yards of cloth and pantaloons.

Fine, but what does that have to do with creativity?

And here comes the rant. What many young bandleaders today have not practised, and older bandleaders of yesteryear clearly have failed to pass on, is the absolute notion that Carnival is the pinnacle of creativity.

And all who have become legion to the festival must be worshippers at its altar.

Knock me if you like but it’s a criticism that I extend to all sectors that culminate at Carnival—so Pan Trinbago; Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation (Tuco); National Soca Monarch competitors; National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA); National Carnival Development Fund (NCDF); and, National Carnival Commission (NCC), please take your share of the licks.

But, as I begin with mas I will stick with mas and forward the argument that the most devastating virtue we have imported from Brazil is not the skimpy bras, lowering brocade lines on bottom pieces or the staple thong costume that proves a constant problem for full-figured women.

We have taken to heart the redundancy of a festival meant to showcase Latin dancers and their dance schools and introduced it into a festival borne out of the blood, sweat and tears of freed slaves and the utter disdain of nonconformists.

What has mas become? Where are the portrayals? Where is the tongue in cheek mimicry of our hypocritical society? Where is the ingenuous play on fantasy worlds, fallen empires and such?

Where are the mas-queraders?

Now I’m not picking on the Tribes, the Island Peoples, the Pulse8s, Dream Teams, the Legacies and their ilk, fortunately for them I’ll not make a dent in their registrations as the masses continue to flock, fight and cry to get into their bands.

But, other long time mas men aren’t, doing much better by avoiding the beads and bikinis, just to fall into the trap of recycling past and often outdated ideas.

Neither am I being paid by traditionalists to tout the purity of ole time mas.

All I am crying for is a ceasing of the bastardisation of mas with portrayals of bikini-clad pierrot grenades, aimless but sexy wild Indians, token head pieces of feathers and shimmering cloth supposedly to represent Bedouin tribes in the Sahara and cocktail girls to serve who exactly?

Or we can continue with the “tiefing of meh costume from last year.”

Let’s start with a fresh idea in an ageless festival in the spirit of rebellion and I’m sure even beads and bikinis can be fashioned into an expression of creativity.

Is that just too much to ask? Somehow I believe it is.