Power X Four Sneak Peak

Power x Four are having some technical difficulties with their website but I was able to get some photos of what is to come; click on any of the photos for a LARGE view:

FAUNA




SERENITY
(VIP Section comes with
premium package)




RADIANT REEF




HERITAGE




BAJAN PRIDE




SURREAL SUNSET

POWER X FOUR 2008

BARBADOS PRICE LIST

USD$

SECTIONS	NO FOOD PACKAGE	WITH FOOD PACKAGE
SURREAL SUNSET (Orange & Blue)	$216.38	$225.00
FAUNA (Green)	$188.88	$197.50
BAJAN PRIDE (Blue & Gold)	$231.38	$240.00
RADIANT REEF (Purple)	$216.38	$225.00
HERITAGE (Bronze) Lead	$231.38	$240.00
SERENITY (White)	$247.50	$247.50

Heritage & Serenity do not have option of 1 piece costumes!

THE PREMIUM PACKAGE

PREMIUM DRINKS FOR THE ENTIRE DAY
JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL SCOTCH WHISKEY
REMY MARTIN - FINE CHAMPAGNE COGNAC
BAILEYS IRISH CREAM
COCKSPUR VSOR RUM
SMIRNOFF VODKA
WHITE ZINFANDEL WINE
TANQUERAY GIN
ADDITIONAL SURPRISE PREMIUM DRINKS WILL BE SERVED AT SPECIFIC TIMES
DURING THE DAY.

A SEPARATE BAR TRUCK WILL BE PROVIDED.
A light breakfast before going through the stadium

Snacks to be provided at specific times during the day
A hot buffet lunch at the "Party Stand" at the end of the jump in a
totally comfortable atmosphere.

TRIBE Rumor Control

So, I was informed that I should get a copy of the new "SCORCH" Magazine out now, which I did, and was surprised to discover this interview "straight from TRIBE":

click on photo for a large view

The rumours that were addressed are :

*None of the new bands are a breakaway from TRIBE.

*None of the management of TRIBE left.

* Some designers who had private sections in TRIBE left, involuntarily.

*Dean and Monique are still together and Monique is not forming her own band.

*Sandra Hordatt has a section in TRIBE (as if we ALL did not know this was true from since my first post "Birds Migrate" and "Follow the Trail")

*TRIBE is going to be all inclusive

*The band size WILL be reduced to a more "intimate" experience.

*There will not be TWO bands coming from TRIBE next year as their can only be ONE TRIBE...

nuff said!

source: SCORCH Magazine

You can get a free copy of Scorch at 51 Degrees, Bat and Ball, Coco Lounge, Benihana, Paprika, The Lure, Woodford Cafe, Zanzibar, Veni Mange, Trotters, Shakers, Bally's Salon, Hair by Giovanni, Hairlines, Synergy, 96.1WEFM, 96.7 Red FM, Radioshack, Ainsley, Converse, Guess, Havianas, Flam,Mystic Hemp, Genda, New Vintage, Peter Elias, Radical,Just CDs, Kam's,DH Gift, Piarco Duty Free Shops, UWI, Triniscene, Normandie Hotel.. among other places!

Question and Answer With the Band Leader

1.My question is one concerning the whole Monday wear
issue. As a band leader, do you support this? Or would
you rather see your masqueraders wearing their costume
on both days?

I would prefer that the costumes be worn on both days, First, for the obvious reason that the band looks just as pretty on Monday as Tuesday, and secondly it makes it easier for security to identify outsiders. This goes even more for men. I personally hate to see men in my band wearing only the shorts. As much as it bothers me, there is not much that I can do if they are a member of my band.

2.Did someone already ask what's the deal with the
return of the stage? What is your take on that and
what do you know about the current entertainment
complex/facility in the works? Does that comprise of
two questions? Because, if not, I'd like to add who
were these bandleaders who apparently requested the
mass remain in the streets?

This is issue angers me so much you would not believe. As far as I know no band leader nor masquerader that I know of, likes what has happened to the stage or what they are going to do. In all honesty and this is just my personal opinion and nothing more, they are trying to pass this idea of everyone liking the pathetic arrangement around the Savannah, so that when this fancy cultural center is built, we will not be allowed back in.It's all about this idea of making P.O.S. a first world city, whether we like it or not. I hope I am wrong, but i don't think that we will be allowed in the Savannah again.

3. Question: Why is it hard to provide us with our
actual bra sizes? It's always a problem for me when
it's time to pick up the costume(I'm from the US) and
the size L or XL that was ordered is still too small
(I'm 36DD). I ALWAYS end up arguing with an employee
just to get it exchanged (It's so embarrassing, but it
happens to me all the time). I just think that since
we are already paying so much money for the costume
that we should feel somewhat secure/comfortable and
things don't 'pop out' when jumping up in the band.

Thanks!

You are soooo right!! We have the same problem at times. The bras always seem to fit the A cups and B cups but the full C's and up are problems.One reason is that bra companies never standardized their sizes,so that lets say a 32D from one company may differ from that of another.What we have done to try and ease this problem is to have actual samples of the bra we will be using available for a fitting at the mas camp.But this does little good if you want to register over the internet. Try asking the mas camp to reference a company that would correspond to the sizes they use Lets say they said Vitoria Secret then go find out what size you would be and list that as you reference size, but with small medium and large as your only reference it would be hard to get it right, unless you tried it on yourself. Other than that, when you order if you are not sure, always go slightly bigger you can pad the bra if it's too big, but you can do anything if it's too small.

4.as an overseas masquerader it is very hard to pick
out costumes from the Internet. When a costume is
selected the masquerader is hoping that hopefully a
replica of the costume would be a available upon
receiving it. As a band leader what would you do to
ensure that all masqueraders get their moneys worth
out of a costume?

I hear this all the time. Not getting anything that resembles the prototype. There is no excuse for this. From time to time a problem with a supplier arises, or for some reason you can not supply the costume the way it was meant too. In cases such as this, I would normally call everyone in the section and inform them, let them know exactly what the changes are and give them the chance to either stay in the section or move to another.But to deliver a different costume that was promised is dead wrong. Ask for your money back is all I can say. Once again this may not be an option because everyone wants to play mas. But certainly do not play mas with them the following year if they do not give you satisfaction.

5.My question is about embellishing your own costume.
Now I understand that some people like to add a few
tid bits to their costumes to make them stand out a
bit and then there are some (Like my sister) who likes
to add 5 foot pheasant feathers and beads to
everything almost to look better than the frontline,
but how far is too far? Do bandleaders frown upon
these additions or do they hold the thought that "well
the masquerader paid for their costume so now they can
do whatever they want"?

I guess the answer to that question is how serious does your band leader take competition. If the band leader is out to win Band of the Year, he or she will not take kindly to alterations to their costumes. Yes you have paid for the costume but it does not give you the right to ruin the presentation across stage. And I know several designers that don't take kindly to alterations, and have baned people from playing with the band for repeatedly doing just that. I don't care "Have a Ball" part of the fun of carnival is actually being creative yourself. As for what is too much. I guess on average adding more of the same feathers or braid might be alright, but using different feathers or material that is not on the original design might be too much. Besides if you change a costume so much, you won't look like you belong to the band.

Thanks for the chance to answer some of your questions till next week, be good.


p.s. For those of you who submitted questions after the first five, those will be answered next week.

Mas Jumbies "Diabolus Imperium"

press play

Mas Jumbies has launched their 2009 J'ouvert presentation "Diabolus Imperium" The Devil's Realm. The band will comprise of 7 sections, each based on one of the 7 Deadly Sins of LUST,GLUTTONY, PRIDE, ENVY, ANGER, GREED and SLOTH.

Brian, the band leader, promises to launch 1 section a month with the new website launched at months end and has hinted that the costumes will be "ever so close to being a pretty mas band"

For more information on the theme and concept behind Mas Jumbie's presentation, or to view information on the designer and view photographs from this year's j'ouvert visit the website. www.masjumbies.com

Presenting Vailulu

Band: Louis Saldenah Mas K Club
Theme: The Deep
Section Leader: Bryant Sinanan ( KRAZYTRAIN Carnival)
Section: VAILULU ( The UnderWater Volcano)
Colours: Yellow, Orange, Turquoise and Gold

Section Description:
Our section represents the eruption of the the volcano. Blending the colours of Yellow and Orange to depict the flames and fury. And jewels of Turquoise in colour representing the water.

Wings attached with airbrushed Flames rising from beneath.
Coins attaches to the Bra and belt. No meaning just visual effect. Plus it make a nice sound when you "chippin down de road..." lol

About VAILULU:
Vailulu'u is a volcanic seamount, not discovered until 1975, which rises 4200 m from the sea floor to a depth of 590 m about one-third of the way between Ta'u and Rose islands at the eastern end of the American Samoas.

The basaltic seamount, is considered to mark the current location of the Samoan Hotspot. The summit of Vailulu'u contains a 2-km wide, 400-m deep oval-shaped caldera. Two principal rift zones extend east and west from the summit, parallel to the trend of the Samoan hot spot, and a third less prominent rift extends southeast of the summit.

The rift zones and escarpments produced by mass wasting phenomena give the sea mount a star-shaped pattern. On July 10, 1973, explosions from Vailulu'u were recorded by SOFAR (hydrophone records of underwater acoustic signals). An earthquake swarm in 1995 may have been related to an eruption from the sea mount. Turbid water above the summit shows evidence of ongoing hydro-thermal plume activity. Evidence released in 2006 suggest that Vailulu'u may breach the surface of the ocean and officially become an island during this century

Costume Prices & Contact Information:
Costumes Price: $145.00 Female $135.00 Male
Female Options: Bikini Bottoms or Shorts
Include: Costume, Lunch and Non-Alcoholic Drinks ( All day)

Contact Bryant at
Phone: 416 450-0503
Email: scratch2finish@rogers.com

Mas Camp Address:
1530 Birchmount Rd
(Just South of Ellesmere)
Entrance on Burcana Rd.
Scarborough, Ontario
M1P 2G9
Web Site:
Krazytrain
www.saldenahcarnival.com

Monday Question Time

Today is Monday so I am once again taking questions for our band leader. This time, however, I have to limit the questions chosen to 5 (so make them good) as Band Leader did not have the time to answer all your questions at once last week and since we are approaching the start of band launches it is a very busy season, thus I do not want our Band Leader to be overwhelmed and not have the time to properly answer all the questions.

Question and Answer with the Band Leader

These are the answers to the rest of the questions asked that Band Leader did not get to answer on Wednesday. Remember tomorrow I will be taking another rounds of questions, so start thinking about what you would like to know about mas, production of mas or Trinidad Carnival in general.

My question(s):-
1. Every year there is the problem of congestion along
the parade route. This is often compounded by the
disappearance of security personnel (or more
accurately lack of responsiveness of security) after a
particular time. Has there been any thought towards
what can be done to address this?

Okay we have touched on the issue of congestion, (to be revisited I promise) but for now, lets deal with security.

As the the day wears on, especially on Tuesday fatigue sets in. Security has had a full day of confrontation and are tired, also and even though we try our best to ensure that they do not drink alcohol, some do. Add to that the outsiders who are mostly intoxicated by late evening, are now out in their numbers, and constantly testing the perimeters set by the security. This problem is more prevalent on carnival Tuesday. The day is twice as long as Monday and the outsiders are at full strength. What makes this worse is narrow streets, where there is no side walk, so no where to send outsiders. To be honest some security are plain lazy, and will just go along with the flow just to get paid.

Here is where good leadership comes in. The head of security must always be patrolling the band making sure that security is doing there job and more importantly leading by example. A good tip is, once it starts to get dark, try to position yourself in the center of the road staying away from the sides where most confrontations take place between security and outsiders, it is also harder to be grabbed and dragged between a parked car or of into some alley. If you see something wrong report it to the security, And if security is doing something wrong report that as well. Make it known to the band leader either during or after the carnival season. It would definitely be helpful to photograph the offending security with your cell phone or camera for identification later. Too many times people complain and can offer no description, so at least the following year that security person will not be hired. Please don't worry, Carnival is so much fun!!!! I have been doing this for many years and Carnival is a lot safer now than years gone by, just keep your head on, and stay with friends.

2. Another question: How is quality of costume
production being guaranteed? Masqueraders are being
asked to fork over more and more money almost each
year to play. While most times there is no problem,
sometimes there is. So what will be done to appease
the concerns of those masqueraders who want more than
a simple verbal indication, that yeah costumes will be
produced to a certain standard.

I agree that the quality of costumes should be guaranteed, but as far as enforcing that guarantee, as unfair as it sounds, it is up to you. Scrutinize your costume well on collection and voice any issues immediately before leaving the mascamp.. I am pretty sure, (especially with all the competition there is now ) that most bands would go the extra mile to facilitate repairs and adjustments. If you are not satisfied then ask for your money back. I know this may not be a viable option because everyone wants to play mas, but there is really not much more than that you can do. If you are not happy with your costume and you feel your complaints have fallen on deaf ears, then the following year, play with another band. Exercise your right as a consumer, in fact it's no different than buying any other product. Sorry I wish there was more I could recommend.

3.My question is what are you doing to appease those
masqueraders who are not exactly a size two? As a
voluptuous woman myself it's a bit discouraging and
saddened me when I do not see women who look like me in
the band launchings. We come in all shapes and sizes
and that should be seen within your showcase of
beautiful costumes for the year!

I agree with you 100%. I know I try in my band, to put sections that I feel would appeal to the more voluptuous women. We offer whole piece bath suits in all sections except front line. But women, no matter what their size don't like to think of themselves as being in the fat section. Of course we don't call it that, but women are not idiots, they know the fat section when they see it. So we get some registering but most won't. We have a unique way of helping the more conservative masquerader enjoy any section in our band.

TIP: Take a simple piece of elastic and go to Jimmy Aboud .Find yourself some soft following material, that matches the color of your costume. Cut as many panels or squares as you feel necessary to drape around your waist. Be careful what material you choose, because certain materials when cut, tend to fray. Just ask the staff at Jimmy Aboud they are helpful. Now take the elastic, cut a piece that fits around your hips or waist and tie the ends. Take the material squares that you have cut and hang each buy one corner of the square, so you get a draped diamond effect. Tuck it under the elastic you have around your waist corner after corner, square after square, until you have circled your waist. Of course do this while looking in the mirror. When you are satisfied that you have an even coverage, then mark the elastic where each panel needs to be attached, and tack the squares after with needle and tread. This now can be easily worn under the waist band of your costume, the elastic hidden from view by the waist band itself. and lovely draped material flowing from under any skimpy fall piece. We offer these skirts with every section by request.

4. Is there a way that some POPULAR mas bands can
ensure quick and effective customer service throughout
the year. for instance, queries about things regarding
the band and masqueraders, if the masquerader decides
to e-mail the said band then wait for about a month or
two for feedback or no feedback at all!!!

Normally during the carnival season my website is checked several times a day by personnel taking registration. And I think every carnival band does that, but remember each new registration has to receive a conformation email that has to be done by the same person taking registration. So sometimes, they get a little overwhelmed with all the emails received. Obviously the new registrations will get preference as people send credit card info and will need immediate response. Secondary would be queries, that of course, also need replies,but as carnival draws closer, mascamps get very hectic and staff are overworked. When this happens we tend to focus on only the most immediate tasks. Mind you, this is not an excuse, merely a fact. All aspects of masquerader communications should be maintained, but we are not perfect. I would suggest calling the mas camp, but I also know how difficult it is to get through, phone lines are often tied up. As inconvenient as it sounds, if emails or phone calls don't work, then you, or someone you know, will have to go to the mas camp to have your queries addressed. Sorry, but at least I know that this question will at make me try harder to improve my customer info service.

5. Many women may not exactly feel comfortable playing
in a full blown bikini as not all of can have the
bodies of the models displaying the costumes at the
launches,is there any way that there can be more
options available? one can perhaps use monokinis or
corsets which can bring some comfort to the
masquerader by being covered and sexy at the same
time.
thanks :)

Great idea!
I have several masqueraders, who for whatever reason, like to have a special cut whole piece. Some times to conceal stretch marks or scars from past operations. What I do is ask them to bring in a sample of the bath suit that I can take to the bathing suit factory ,and see if a replica could be made. Some times they will facilitate, but it has to be done early. You see, it is hard to do special design suits if there is not much demand for it. Factories hate to stop the production line to make one or two bath suits, it's just not cost effective, and even if they do it, there is always an additional cost that will; be passed on to you. So I suggest if you want to have this done, register early and ask the mas camp if they could facilitate. If the bath suits are being ordered from China it would be unlikely. So ask which section, if any, are being made here and could it be done.

6.I have only one question. Why is it that the
bandleaders only cater to the very, very slim ladies,
I know that they are many ladies that are not slim,
and love to play mas in Trinidad carnival, not all of
us can play in a bikinis, some would love to play in a
tankini or corset. One thing I mas say, I congrat the
band D'Krew for having a plus size model in their band
launching 2K8. Is is true that some band leaders dont
like making costumes for the plus size ladies due to
the extra beads, and braids etc.

Can you please ask the band leader this very important
question for me.

I know it's frustrating, Yes it cost a little more, but not that much more. Most women would gladly pay a little more to get a costume that they are comfortable with. You see the trouble is, most bands tend to cater to the masses. Meaning that if the bulk of your masqueraders are small to medium, and that is what sells, you tend to cater to these sizes primarily. I know, because I am guilty of this as well. The difference is, I offer additions like whole piece in any section, extra beads, and soft material skirts (that cover all the way around, or gathered only in the front and back) that are done on an elastic belt, and worn under any skimpy fall piece. This I find works better, because it means that you can play in practically any section, without being limited to just 2 or 3 sections designed for heavier women. Recommend this to your favorite band, it really works well!

7.Why is it that they are going all the way to China to
produce the costumes. Are they selling out for the
sake of a profit. I know that these costumes at least
$100.00US to produce. Is it the art to making costume
is being lost for the sake of making a profit. What is
shame.

Another change is coming to carnival that is hard to accept. I do not worry to much about the China issue, this because everything we use to make costumes, comes from other countries.The only thing we do is manufacture them here. Once we continue to do our job well, and manufacture with good quality and at affordable prices, most of our costumes will continue to be made here. Competition always favours the consumer, a better made costume for a better price. Please don't make bandleaders out to be money hungry. We are well aware of the traditions of carnival but unfortunately, when you have to report to the bank to renew your over draft EVERY YEAR, you can't say, I am sorry the reason we did not do well this year is because I want to support the local labour industry. What do you think they will say?

Carnival has become very competitive as you well know, and bandleaders take great financial risk every year in a highly volatile commercial climate to produce a band. Yes you get deposits, but the cost to produce is in the millions, and if something goes wrong,(and lots of things can) you have lost your investment, and also have to return all deposits you received if you can't deliver. We make a living I won't lie, but we are no less deserving than any other business to turn a profit. We take the same risk and deserve the same rewards. Competition will control prices and quality, as in all free markets.What is most important, is that we constantly strive to offer the masquerader top quality for their dollar. I hope you understand.

Spice Band Launch ...

Date: Saturday 19th July, 2008.

Venue: Club Zen.

Time: PRESENTATION BEGINS PROMPTLY @ 11PM!!!

The OFFICIAL Launch of Spice Carnival's 2009 Presentation "The Missing Ingredients..."

We may just change the way you SEE Carnival....

At Spice, WE DON'T JUST JUMP BY DAY, WE COME ALIVE... AT NIGHT!!!

Spice... The Best Recipe for Carnival.

Not feeling the venue, Zen is the WORST place to hold a band launch as the "run way" is too short, the models even walk on and around the bar. The space is too cramped to get great photo as well,. However, I am looking forward to seeing the costumes though!

More Bands.... More Problems?

Interesting article in today's Trinidad Express, Meg Cheekes of Pulse 8 talks about their Carnival 2008 presentation "Hot, Hot, Hot" and laments on the number of new bands entering the Carnival arena for 2009:

Cheekes believes that there are too many mas bands springing up and that this will only add to the already terrible congestion on the streets of Port of Spain on Carnival Monday and Tuesday and therefore multiply the frustrations experienced by masqueraders who sometimes have to stand in place for hours to get across some judging points.

"I think that we have too many bands coming on the market and these are going to cause ten more problems to what we have already. For the last two years we did not make it to all the competition points. Why? Because there is too much congestion and I'm not going to sacrifice the safety of my masqueraders at no point in time because they have to get to a competition point. So once it gets dark we are out of it, we head back up the road to enjoy ourselves, I am not competing under those conditions."

"You look back two years when we had the normal route and we did not make it to competition, you now have next year with five new bands on the horizon, where are we gonna go? There're (sic) no roads. We're going to have more trucks, we're gonna have everything else, but to me there is nobody in the Carnival sector or Tourism sector who will come forward and say there needs to be a criteria for how many bands you can accommodate on the road or whether we're going to open the Foreshore, Wrightson Road, which are all blocked off. So where are we going to be judged? Where are we going to jump? We are all frustrating masqueraders," Cheekes said.........



Cheekes said that being a mas band leader is more than making and distributing some costumes to people and getting a music truck for them to jump behind on Monday and Tuesday.

"You can't wake up tomorrow morning and say you want to bring a band and that's what everybody's doing. What craziness is that? What are the criteria? Have you got any experience, where you came from? The authorities have to look at how many bands there are and see whatever quota we have in the Large category (for example). Ok, we have reached our quota and you'll have to wait until two have exited and then you can replace that. We must have a certain amount of bands that you can accommodate on the road for Carnival," Cheekes said.

The full article can be found here.

Hmm, two years ago Pulse 8 was a new band t0o right? From my laymans view I believe most of the new bands have had some involvement in mas at one point or the other. For instance Evolution is from Curtis Eustace who has played and won King of Carnival in Trinidad for several years, he is also part of the Toronto based Caribana band Carnival Nationz. Ronnie and Caro split from Legacy, Spice has Rocky who used to bring a section in the now defunct Poison as well as Kaotic with Ricardo Gomez and Elements has Douglas John and Charlene Lum Wai who were with TRIBE.

Now I understand Meg saying that not everyone can run a successful band and that more bands will indeed cause more logistical problems in getting to the Savannah but I am amused that she is pointing out these issues when Poison, of which she was part of, was the biggest band in Trinidad at the height of it's popularity and was responsible for many a "band jam" in getting to the Savannah. And I think that all the new bands combined cannot match the total number of masqueraders in Poison (remember when they had to split into two large bands? ) with the seemingly endless sections and over 10,000 masqueraders!!!

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing the sections from Pulse 8; Timbouctou, Caliente, Spicy Wasabi, Sexy Samba, Pepperpot, Bush Fire, Flaming Sambuca and Explosive Ember.. I wonder which one is designed by Peter Elias?

SOURCE: Trinidad Express

Question and Answer with the Band Leader

The Band Leader has responded to your comments:

Dear Saucy,
Before I move on to the other questions I'd like to reply to the comments made about the no downtown issue.

Dear all
Thanks for your comments. And after reading them you have changed my mind. I guess having the downtown venue kept as an alternative but not compulsive competition seems harmless. Now remember my suggested route was based on the logistics of moving large numbers of people as easily as possible, with safety and the minimization of congestion my main issue. I am still of the opinion that carnival has outgrown downtown, and maybe it should be left to the individual band leaders to make there decision based on the consensus of their masqueraders.

I am proud of our carnival history, and over the years I have seen first hand the changes in carnival . As I got older I found it harder to accept these changes, but whether I liked it or not change came. You see Carnival is a living spectacle, and like all living things it will grow, move and change. It is good to remember our history, to tell the stories of carnival years gone by, and try our best to hold on to it. But this must be done via incentive (ie: better prize money for vintage mas and performances) we can not force people to play mas the way we want.

Downtown, like I said before is a logistical problem, and no amount of tradition, nor good sentiment will solve it. Unless the government is willing to widen downtown streets, or allow bands to access the highway(both of which are highly unlikely) our downtown venue so steeped in history, will someday soon, be marginalized.

I am sorry that some of you think that I have not answered the question of left over costumes appropriately. I think I may need further explanation of what exactly what the issue is. It is not my intention to avoid any topic, and as soon as one of you good people explain it, I'll be more than glad to answer again.

The answers to the rest of your questions are coming soon, I just wanted to let you guys read this response before posting the rest!

Rascalz Medics for DC Carnival

RASCALZ!!! The ONLY paint band in Washington, DC Caribbean Carnival presents "Medics" for DC Carnival 2008. De Rascalz nurses will tend tuh yuh every need; doctors allyuh could get Dis-Orderly in yuh scrubs with de nurses.

DC Carnival is June 28, 2008!!!

Sections
Female Costumes

Head Nurse

Head Nurse- of course de woman in charge

* White Rascalz signature tank top, red shorts and nurse hat

Trauma Nurse- for de intoxicated

* White Rascalz signature tank top, red shortie and nurse hat

Rescue Squad- to resuscitate yuh
* White Rascalz signature tank top, light blue/aqua shortie and stethoscope

Night Nurse- just what you need to complete your Carnival experience

* White Rascalz signature tank top, royal blue shorts and stethoscope

Male Costume

Dis-Orderly-

* Blue scrubs (shirt and pants), stethoscope and bandage

All masqueraders will receive a Rascalz goddie bag (which includes a Rascalz souvenir cup and first-aid supplies) and drinks (non-alcoholic) on de road.


Costumes are almost sold out. Register today www.rascalzmas.com

The following sections are sold out:

Head Nurse (size large)

Trauma Nurse (all)

Night Nurse (size large)

This year there will be prizes (monetary) for the best dressed nurse in each section.

There will be a surprise giveaway on de road. The only way to find out and be included is to be there with a Rascalz costume and armband and be on the look-out for Rascalz Committee members.

Blu Carnival Packages...

We would like to share with the public Basement Knokers Entertainment, Damage Control, Mas 4 All Seasons costume options, as well as costume/event packages.

Basement Knokers Entertainment in collaboration with Gersham Entertainment offer you BluCarnival.

Events are as follows;

Basement Knokers in collaboration with TRIBE, Ignite June 26th 2008

Gresham Entertainment, Taboo June 27th 2008

Parade, Mas 4 All Seasons-Blu Carnival Pretty and Paint (body art)

Knockboyz, Supernova June 28th 2008

Gresham Entertainment, Indigo June 29th 2008

For more Mas for All Season Costume photos,
click on the logo below:

Packages

Weekend Package - Gold
• One (1) costume (any option),
• One (1) ticket to Ignite, DC Carnival Thursday (Tribe and Basement Knok’ers Entertainment),
• One (1) ticket to Taboo, DC Carnival Friday all-inclusive (Gresham Entertainment),
• One (1) ticket to Gresham Entertainment’s Breakfast Party, DC Carnival Sunday (Gresham Entertainment),
• Free drinks for the entire length of the parade,
• Lunch at the end of the parade.

Weekend Package - Silver
• One (1) costume (any option),
• One (1) ticket to Ignite, DC Carnival Thursday (Tribe and Basement Knok’ers Entertainment),
• One (1) ticket to Taboo, DC Carnival Friday all-inclusive (Gresham Entertainment),
• Free drinks for the entire length of the parade,
• Lunch at the end of the parade.

Costume Package
• One (1) costume (any option),
• Free drinks for the entire length of the parade,
• Lunch at the end of the parade.

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required for registration.

Group discounts on costumes for six (6) or more masqueraders registering at the same time under the same name are available. Costume viewing is also available daily. Please contact Denis 240-413-7553 or Shari 240-731-6853 or email us @ register@damagecontrolcarnival.com for further information or to make an appointment.

Question and Answer with the Band Leader...

It's Wednesday and that means answer time for the questions submitted on Monday! Now, first thing is that you guys had 15 questions for our Band Leader and the good news is that it was possible able to answer about half of them. The remaining questions will be answered in due course and will be posted as soon as I get a response. We are in the middle of the crunch time before band launching starts and Band Leader is busy working on prototypes so you can imagine that band leader is a bit busy,however have no fear the rest of your questions will be answered!

In spite of being very busy Band Leader did a good job in tackling your questions I must say and I would like to say thanks! Hopefully there will always be questions and Band Leader will always have time to keep this little project going.

Now unto the Q &A! Here are the unedited answers, straight from "the horses mouth":

My question is this, modern mas bands have several designers, is there a process of selection or rejection of designs that designers put forward towards a given presentation, based on the theme, or are there rough guidelines that the contributing designers are given and have to follow?

Well here we go.

1/ There are always guidelines that must be followed, such as the sections chosen to be done by different designers must all represent the overall theme. Names , concepts and color are discussed before hand with the individual designers, to prevent repetition. (ie: two designers doing similar designs or the same portrayal.) Usually there is a central committee that decides what designs are kept, which need revising and which will be rejected. That is the tricky part, designers tend to be very sensitive about their creations and a good committee needs to be firm and diplomatic in handling this process.Bruised egos can bring bitterness to this process.You definitely don't want that to happen.

What is the average % mark up on costumes.....i.e. the costume cost YOU the band leader x and your charge US-the masquerader is say I don't know....3x???? Thanks for your response.

2/ good question, and one that I am often asked. The honest truth is it varies greatly depending on the what the costume cost to produce versus what the market will pay. With most bands, the producers know what their masqueraders on average would be willing to pay. Of course the fancier the costume the more the costume will cost to produce, therefore more expensive to you the masquerader. But usually you will make less profit on more expensive or elaborate costumes. This is because they cost so much to make that if you were to use your standard mark up, you may price yourself out of the market with only a few being able to afford it. More often than not, cheaper costumes make better profit, with more mark up, and because of the affordability, more will be sold. Mark up ranges from 50 -100 %

My question is, what percentage of costumes are made in China? And do the bandleaders make trips to China during the course of the production period to ensure that the costumes are up to standard?

3/ Well right now I think the percentage would probably be in the 15 to 20% range.With the very real possibility of it rising sharply in the years to come. In many ways we are still testing the waters with Chinese imports, and for the very same reason you mentioned. No one I know buys these costumes straight from China or India, but rather through a third party or an agent out of New York or Miami. So you don't get to see the finished product till it arrives.Which can be a bit worry some.Certainly I would not place my trust in an agent that I have not used before or had a history with. Even if I have a history, it would not be smart to have all my costumes imported because failure to deliver would mean a financial and public relations disaster.

My question: why do bands sell "leftover" costumes to other islands for their carnival? This is a very disturbing trend and I as a masquerader am annoyed that I payed so much money to play in Trinidad only to find my costume being sold at a cheaper price and is not very creative on the part of the other bands that are buying these leftovers either!

4/ Please do not be angry. You see bands can sell these costumes cheaper because in this instance there is no band fee attached to price of the costume. A costume purchased in Trinidad carries with it a band fee; that is the cost of music, trucks, bar, security.year round rental or mortgage and running cost for the mascamp as well as Vat charges.The combined cost of these charges are passed on to the masquerader , in addition there is the cost of material and labour to manufacture the costume, before any mark up is added. In export there is only material and labour , as none of the above is being supplied by the producers. Also when you export there is no vat. charge. I hope this explains it.

I would like to know, as a virgin masquerader (2009 ftw!) why I keep hearing about bras etc just falling apart on the road. i'm worried, i don't understand why i'm expected to shell out $400-$600 US dollars for something that might fall off my body before the end of day two.

5/Lets see... how can I explain this.Costumes as much as we aspire to make them as well as we possibly can, are fragile by nature. Beads burst and components that are for the most part glued on, can only take so much roughing up. When you "wine" on each other this friction as well as contact with sweat and entanglement with beads or braid from another costume will cause damage. But of course sometimes unfortunately you may get a lemon, so it is important to check your costume for problems when you collect. The answer is if you treat your costume well, more than likely it will stay intact. But then again, how much fun is there in that?

If you are not one of the known designers for carnival
in Trinidad, is there a way to submit some sketches of
ideas that you may have for costumes to a band?

6/ You know , I wish we were more open to young designers, there is so much talent out there. But that being said it is not easy to get your work recognized, it's the same as being the proverbial struggling artist. I always welcome looking at the work of new designers, so it never hurts to literally pick up your work and go knock on some mascamp doors. Actually the timing might be good around this time of year, because it's when most bands are preparing their designs and prototypes. Which brings me to another important tip. Most bands with the exception of maybe Mc farlane, don't use sketches anymore. Instead we use photos of prototypes as well as having the actual prototypes on display at the mascamp. So sketches are fine but it would be better to prepare your own prototypes so you can display your ability to produce, as well as remove any ambiguity as to the interpretation of your sketches.

The problem of heavy congestion along the parade route
has plagued our celebrations for many years. What are
your views regarding the best way(s) to reduce or
eliminate this problem?

7/ Now we get to the meat of the carnival distress. There is no way that we will be able to eliminate the waiting that comes with crossing stage. But here is my proposed route and changes that need to be made to at least make it easier on the masquerader.First off NO DOWNTOWN! Unfortunately carnival has outgrown the narrow streets with tall buildings on either side that make waiting in the hot sun along the length of Downtown Streets unbearable.The tall builds rob you of cool breeze and the narrow streets rob you of space.Also God forbid, there is a riot for some reason, your chance of escape is hindered tremendously by the crowd congestion due to the limited space.

I propose two Venues only, both of equal importance and both with proper stages built in the fashion of the old Savanna stage (masqueraders love it) Queens Park Savannah and the National Stadium will be the two venues. Bands head to the Savannah along either Tragarete Road or St. Clair Ave. and proceed clockwise around the Savannah and enter the Savannah at either Belmont or Memorial Park entrance (traffic from Lady Chancellor goes over Terricita Drive into St Anns, and St Anns into Belmont Circular Road via the short merge road near the Belmont Police station.) Waiting to cross stage around the Savannah will be much easier with wider streets and lots of fresh air without congestion. Bands exit the Savannah at the top of Victoria Ave. and proceed to the Stadium via Ariapita Ave. There is much more detail to this plan than I can explain here but hopefully you get the idea.

Why does it seem as though certain POPULAR mas bands
help widen the racial divide in society?

8/ I am not sure quite what you mean by this, but whatever race may for whatever reason gravitate to certain bands, it certainly does not mean that there is any discrimination taking place. Today I hear talk of Blacks, Indians, High Brown and Whites, and which bands they prefer to play with. Truth is you play mas where you are comfortable. A band leader cannot turn away clients by saying "sorry we have filled our quota of Indians. We are only taking Blacks, High Browns and Whites now." I mean, we the bandleaders are in the business of selling costumes and if my band has more blacks than any other race, so be it. Once we have not turned away anyone based on their race, then we are not racist. If you know of anyone that is doing this, please tell Saucy and hopefully she'll tell me. And the best way to handle discrimination is make it public, and point an accusing finger at the racist. But first, we must be sure of the facts.

D.C. Carnival Roll Call

This one is shaping up to be a big lime. Iif you are heading to D.C. Carnival feel free to add your name to the roll call via leaving a comment and I will add you to the list.

-:¦:-•* cb *•-:¦:-
Kuntreegal
Kaya Kitty
Wajang
Darkie Ann
Seana
Dougla_1
Tacariguagyal
Trini Orisha Gyal
FD
Nikki Ann Chunks
Ski
Trini Princess
JJ
LB
HQ
JV
Tru
DC Trini
Kaya Kitty
waspwidfirecracker
Ms. Sexy and the Carnival Divaz
Caisoqueen
Brownin
carnivalbaby

The bloggers will be at TRIBE Ignite, TABOO, Islands in the Sun and Mud Mas (look out for the orange blogger bands!!).

DC has gone Blu

Blu Carnival is a concept created to bring all the hottest events of D.C. Carnival under one banner, making it easy to register for costumes and purchase party tickets online; from their website:

DC will be painted Blu for Carnival 2008.

Gresham (creators of Taboo, DV8 T&T, DV8 Miami, DV8 Atlanta ) has teamed up with Tribe, Knockboyz and Damage Control to paint the city Blu.

This June, lose yourself in the DC Carnival Experience and find the Blu.

Blu Carnival embodies all the revelry, passion, and vibe of Carnivals across the Caribbean and around the World. This expression of celebratory spirit will uniquely showcase the diverse flavors of the Caribbean entertainment experience.

Blu is...fun
Blu is...eclectic
Blu is...sexy
Blu is...risqué
Blu is...wild

Blu...is it in you?

Blu Events

Indulgence Mas - "Paint "


To purchase tickets, register for costumes online or to just experience what Blu is all about visit their website for more information at www.blucarnival.com

Red Warriors for Labor Day 2008

The Warriors are back again ..

Greetings Warriors,

It is you, the masqueraders who encouraged us, the Red Warriors, to go out on "de road again" and give you a taste of our Trinidad carnival experience: as a result: Red Warriors Carnival 2K8 presents "The Warriors!".

In order to streamline our process, early registration is immediately available to you. Log on to www.warriorscarnival.com today. (Please note that if you have a custom bra size, please let us know straight away).

This years presentation consists of four sections, 3 female and 1 male roaming section. As always we are an (AIB), all inclusive band, our package will include: food, drinks (non-alcoholic per NYC law), mobile restrooms, tight security, DJ and refreshment trucks, and of course wicked costumes.

Let's get the "jamishness in mind and enjoy the carnival 2K8 season!"

See you "on de road".

Red Warriors!

"We Play Mas! We Ent' 'Fraid Mas"

Iceni Warrior

Chinese Warrior

Amazonian Warrior

Roman Warrior

Question and Answer Session!

Recently I got a very unexpected email in my inbox:

Dear Saucy Diva,

First off, I am a bandleader of one the large bands. (That should narrow it down enough for you.) And I want to congratulate you on a job well done. Your criticisms are for the most part fair, even though my band has sometimes been on the receiving end . Like myself you seem to have a genuine love for carnival, and a desire to give the masquerader the best experience for their dollar.Which is what all band leaders should aspire to do for their loyal patrons.

So, with that being said, I would like to offer my assistance, whenever you wish, to answer any questions you or your readers may have, about the process of making costumes, and the parading of bands on the road.I do this not to promote any personal agenda or to advertise my band, (that is why I prefer to be anonymous ) but to give an impartial perspective of carnival though the eyes of the Band Leader. If you like my answers I'll be glad to do this on an on going basis. I promise to be fair and bias to no one.

I hope by doing this that both masqueraders and band leaders will have a better understanding of each other, and that this will help all of us in the carnival production fraternity, to produce a better product, that will in turn give the masquerader a more enjoyable carnival experience.
B.L.

Naturally, my first response was astonishment at the fact that one of the band leaders was (admittedly) a reader of my blog this was followed by a bout of skepticism thinking that this person may not be who they claim to be. Thus, what followed was me trying to validate this Band Leader's identity and subsequently I am happy to report that I was able to do so.

I cannot reveal the identity of the Band Leader but after speaking with the person for a lengthy period during which we had a great discussion about mas, I can indeed vouch that Band leader is indeed genuine. In fact I am quite flattered that said Band Leader is taking the time from their VERY busy schedule to answer questions from bloggers about what goes on behind the mas that we masqueraders are never privy to. This Band Leader has a very solid history in producing mas, costumes that received international acclaim and a wealth of experience that has stood the test of time, even in the face of newer bands rising to the fore every year.

Each Monday will be the "Question" part of the "Question and Answer Session", where I will open the floor to blog readers to ask of Band Leader anything they ever wanted to know about making of costumes and the running of a successful, popular Carnival band. Then on Wednesdays I shall post Band Leader's response to your questions. So, starting from today, the first of what I hope will be many informative and thought provoking question sessions, please feel to leave your questions for Band Leader in the comment section.

And remember to look out for Band Leaders response on Wednesday!

Say What????

So, from the band launching calender thus far several of the bands, including two of the new ones for 2009, are all poised to launch before TRIBE on July 26th. It is really a sign of the times when Harts, who were the leaders in launching first years ago, are now slated to launch FIFTH. Seems like everyone wants to launch BEFORE TRIBE this year, well "everyone" meaning those "new" bands. I guess they also want to start registration before TRIBE as well.

Anyway I was MOST surprised to learn that one of the newbies is planning on launching on the SAME DATE as TRIBE and in the same area as well!! Sources have informed me that the new band is building a huge set to replicate a Vegas Casino! Hmmmm, I personally do not know what said band is thinking, if this is true, but hopefully they would see that launching on the same date as a big band is going to be band suicide!! I mean, really, apart from the massive traffic jam I can foresee in getting to the West, my bet is on TRIBE for pulling the crowd.

As well, I would love to be able to go to as many band launches as humanly possible this year and having two launches on the same night makes no sense; it is obvious which one I, and many other people, would go to! Is this band even thinking of the fact that there would be very little press coverage given to them launching in the wake of the expectation and anticipation of a hugely popular band??

I guess the "war" is still brewing from newbie's side and I wish them all the luck in thinking that this tactic is positioning them as the HOTT band to watch. They should know by now that riding a former band's coat tails (name dropping much) is not going to set you apart from all the other new bands, who by the way are going about their business actually SHOWING costumes instead of showing a bunch of drunk girls on a bus. I mean if using the name of the band you parted ways with does not get you a discount from costume suppliers (cheeky move I must say!) who says it is going to draw potential masqueraders over???

Listen new band, and you know exactly who you are, it is time to forge an identification unique to what your band stands for and forget the petty competition. This is your first year, and there are other new bands who are impressing potential masqueraders with their costume designs and apparent organization at this stage. Take my silly advice and change your band launching date if all the rumours are true that you plan on launching on July 26th as well! I would go as far as saying think about launching the day before or after as many people are flying in from overseas for TRIBE's launch and you can take advantage of the fact that these persons will also be possibly interested in checking out another band launch as well.. kill two birds with one stone! And that is my good deed of the day, I wish you luck!

More Spicy Names....

So, the tentative date for the band launch of Spice is July 19th and I have been informed that costumes have already been designed and are up for screening soon by the committee. In addition to section names that have been revealed previously; Paprika, Ocean Salt, Nutmeg, Brown Sugar,Garden of Sage,Mediterranean Borage, Chili Pepper and Cinnamon add to that Peppercorns, Golden Basil and Scotch Bonnet!

I am guessing Peppercorns is a black costume and Golden Basil, well gold! Sources say that the costumes are very sexy as Spice is willing to embrace new ideas and concepts for costume design unlike some other bands.. hmm.. interesting!

Now that they have their costumes designed here is hoping that road management and all the other factors that play a part in the smooth running of a Carnival band is being worked on as diligently.

Kaotic Model Search

There will be a model search on Saturday June 14th 2008 @ 4pm.

The venue is #13 Ana St. Woodbrook at the Martin's Learning Center.

All female models are required to walk with a pair of high heel shoes and two piece swimsuit. All male model should wear shorts and they will be required to take off their t-shirts.

The model search is for the new All Inclusive band KAOTIC! Also Synergy TV is going to be there with a camera crew so it's going to be great!

A team from Lonsdale Saatchi & Saatchi will also be present to recruit for their model database.

Want to be the face of TRIBE?

Carnival 2009 marks 5 years of TRIBE being a band after parting ways with the now defunct Poison .To celebrate masqueraders can look forward to lots of surprises I have been told, especially those "loyal" ones who have played with the band every year from inception! TRIBE is also holding a screening for models on June 22nd :

Tribe is celebrating its fifth anniversary with many value-added attractions, including a $20,000 Face of Tribe modeling package. Young women who think they have the complete package to be a Face of Tribe model should come down to the Cascadia Hotel on June 22, from 11am - 5pm, for a special casting opportunity. All you need to do is to walk with your heels and swimsuit.

For more information, e-mail info@carnivaltribe.com or call 625-6800.

SOURCE:PULSE

Harts Launch!

Harts Carnival 2009 presentation

August 16th

Country Club

Theme.. to be revealed !

More Crop Over Costumes...

I don't think I have to repeat myself again on this topic, just let the photographs speak for themselves:

Genesis 2008- Phantom of the Opera


Fantasy 2008- Mystical Forest


Pulse 8 2008- Ras al Hahout


Blaze 2008- Heat


Pulse 8 2008- Henna Painters


Blaze 2008- Glow

Genesis, Pulse 8, Ronnie& Caro, Wee International and Island People... which band is next?

In other Crop Over news Power X Four will be launching on June 21st , but their websites is expected to be updated with photographs and prices soon.

U.K. masqueraders wishing to register with Power X Four, will be able do so via email and/ or the Trinidadfetetickets website.

More details on the featured Crop Over bands "Fantasy" and "Blaze" can be found at kadooment.com