D.C. Carnival.. MUD!!!

Battle of the Bands...

TRIBE Cowboys vs Elements Apaches vs Island People's Spartans vs Kaotic's Trojans .. this one should be good!

click for large view

VICTORY

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

14 exciting teams will be participating in a day of fun sports and novelty

games for 14 charities!

All competing for one grand $25000.00 which will be donated to the charity

for which the team is competing for.

THE WARRIORS WILL BE COMPETING IN THE GAUNTLET!


VICTORY- THE BATTLE BEGINS

THE TEAMS HAVE DRAWN FOR THEIR CHARITY, THEIR TEAM COLOUR AND THEIR TEAM

NAME.


Island People SPARTANS - Trinidad & Tobago Innovative Parenting
COLOUR: TEAL

Black Velvet VIKINGS - The Pointe a Pierre Wild Fowl Trust
COLOUR: PURPLE

Julius Ceasar NINJAS - The Cancer Society of Trinidad & Tobago
COLOUR: RED

Tribe COWBOYS - Adult Literacy Tutors' Association
COLOUR: BURGUNDY

Red 96.7 CARIBS - Trinidad & Tobago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty

to Animals.
COLOUR: LIME GREEN

B.A.R.S. COMMANDOES - Rainbow Rescue
COLOUR: FOREST GREEN

KAOTIC TROJANS - Families in Action
COLOUR: KELLY GREEN.

SCORCH PIRATES - Rebirth House
COLOUR: NAVY BLUE

Unilever KNIGHTS - THE ASSOCIATION IN AID OF THE DEAF
COLOUR: GREY

Elements APACHES - The Caribbean Electronic Law Network
COLOUR: YELLOW

Flow JEDIS - Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge
COLOUR: BABY BLUE

Mc Cann Erickson GLADIATORS - The John Hayes Memorial Kidney Foundation
COLOUR: WHITE

Synergy SAMURAIS - Living Water Community
COLOUR: ROYAL BLUE

Parliamentarian TITANS - CYRIL ROSS
COLOUR: Orange

WEAR YOUR RESPECTIVE COLOURS AND COME OUT TO THE WOODBROOK YOUTH FACILITY

FROM 11AM.
ADMISSION IS FREE SO BRING YOUR WHOLE CREW AND FAMILY!
KID ZONE INCLUSIVE!

For more information check www.triniscene.com

D.C. Carnival Photos...

As those in D.C. and heading to D.C. gear up for a weekend of Taboo, mud and mas here are some photos of two of the popular fetes that have gone so far:

Island in the Sun
























TRIBE Ignite

I cannot tell you the WEEKS of planning for fetes and mud mas I had to endure, have fun all the bloggers and everyone else who will be in D.C. this weekend . Enjoy TABOO tonight and take LOTS of pics!

Many thanks to "J.J." and "Kermit"(Wynah Krew 2008) for the photos.

D Krewe Launches August 16th

Dear D Krewe Masquerader,

We will be launching our 2009 presentation "IERE virgin paradise" on the 16th August 20008 at St. John’s Hall, Fitzblackman Drive, Woodbrook (next to the Jean Pierre Complex). Further details for the launch will be sent by email to those on our email list, as well as by all-media advertising.

Our main showroom at D Krewe Carnival Studio will be open from 18th August 2008 for registration. Opening hours will be:

*Monday – Thursday
12 noon to 8pm
*Friday – Saturday
2pm to 10pm


Registration will also be available via our website www.dkrewecarnival.com from 18th August 2008.

Distribution will begin on the 9th February 2009 as follows:

*9th February to 16th February 2009
strictly by section
*17th February to 20th February
all sections
*Saturday 21st February
late arriving overseas
masqueraders only

Unclaimed costumes (except for where paid-in-full) will be sold on Sunday 22nd February.

If you are not already on our email list and would like to be, please send us an email at info@dkrewecarnival.com with the subject “new email address”. Joining our email list means that you can be kept up to date on all our happenings without having to depend on the postal service.

Yours sincerely

Roland St. George

I am amazed that D Krewe plans on starting registration the Monday following their Saturday band launch as well as, they already have the distribution dates for costumes!! Iere seems to be a popular theme as it is also a section in Island People's "Heaven on Earth".

Other band launching dates and band presentations are:

July 4th - Evolution - Temptations

July 13th - Kaotic - Life Unleashed

July 19th - Spice - The Missing Ingredient

July 26th - TRIBE - Birds of a Feather

August 1st - Ronnie &Caro - Bakanal

August 16th - Harts - To Be Announced

August 16th - D Krewe- IERE Virgin Paradise

September 7th - Pulse 8 - Hot, Hot, Hot

September 21st - Genesis- To Be Announced

September 24th - Trini Revellers - A Tribute to Trinidad and Tobago

DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

July - Elements- Casino Royale

August - Island People - Heaven on Earth

August - Wee International - Candy Shop

Brian Mc Farlane - Africa

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.