Trevor Wallace Mas "FIRE & ICE"

I am so not going to comment on the back pack of Shadows and Light's frontline costume!

Masman The Movie

For those of you who missed "Masman The Movie", a documentary on Peter Minshall directed by Dalton Narine, which was shown at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival that just came to a close, you can now get it on DVD.

If Trinidad and Tobago were one big Carnival production, mas man, Peter Minshall (b. 1941), would be King of the Band. Mas Man is an intimate portrayal of Minshall’s life in art—specifically his counteraction of the conformity and conservatism of Carnival in the 1970s. After studying at the Central School of Art in London, Minshall returned home and began reinventing “mas” as a tool to enlighten spectators about the complexities of life—a bold move that, in time, influenced global awareness of Carnival, Trinidad and Tobago’s principal cultural export.

Similar to a large-scale costume, this documentary is comprised of multiple threads, including Minshall’s 26-year “masography”; his design and stage acumen (documented in the 2006 presentation “The Sacred Heart”); and his contribution to the artistic direction of the opening ceremonies for three Olympic Games. Here, we see the ways in which his set pieces of protest and entertainment provoke parallel emotions in major North American, European, and Asian cities. All of these textures create a story line that captures Minshall’s muse, his flair for costumery, as well as the enigma of a mercurial man whose main job seems to be playing evil against good amid Bacchanalia

Spicy Celebrites Rumored to be Playing Mas in 2010

Gossip is HOT on the two female celebrities rumored to be playing mas for the first time at Trinidad Carnival 2010. News reaching the Sauce is that one band has made a celebrity coup by supposedly having BOTH Rhianna and Lady Gaga as high profile masqueraders come Carnival next year.

Can you guess which band Rhianna and Lady Gaga are allegedly going to be making their foray into Carnival with?

I will make it easy for you, one of the following FIVE bands is the band I have been told will be hosting the fashion forward ladies for Carnival... who is the band being talked about?

Guess the "Celebrity" Band
	TRIBE
	Spice
	Island People
	Harts
	Pulse 8
pollcode.com free polls

Tesoros del Caribe- Wee International

The Carnival 2010 Band Launches do not slow down in October with four scheduled, including the Launch of Wee International's "Tesoros del Caribe (Treasures of the Caribbean)" which takes place on October 11 at Crews Inn; I know for sure I am missing that one as I will not be in the country.

There will be 10 sections, each focusing on what is considered a Caribbean treasure and band leader Ricky Davis has stated that costume prices will be affordable ranging from $2000.00TT to $2800.00 TT; Wee International is an all inclusive band.

Carnival News Update!

Bringing you up to speed on all the gossip, happenings and events in the mas fraternity today.

Genesis Mas launched two Sundays ago and I am yet to see their website updated with any mention of such and apart from two articles in one local newspaper I am yet to see a full gallery of launch photographs anywhere; if you have seen costumes from Genesis "The Desert" please send me the link. Were any media invited to the launch at all apart from Sean Nero?

Dream Team's website is up and ready for registration. All regular female costumes are priced under 3000.00TT and Frontline under 4000.00TT. Costumes are looking ok, I need to view them in person before making an assessment but I give Dream Team kudos for their virtual marketing; I get updates on facebook, their group is active and they updated their website with photo links from their launch to get a preview before the website went live.

I have been reliably informed that one of Spice's sections is getting a revamp, can you guess which one? Hopefully the new design will be revealed soon as I am eager to see this one, the headpiece is a showpiece stunner I have heard. Also, seems like several sections in Spice have reached their allocated quota online, I am still wishing for a sold out sign on which ones which will avoid having to click on every bra and belt size combination to figure out which sections are no longer available.

The unflappable Harts is STILL selling out faster than you can blink! Only 9 more sections remain as Mas Sweet Mas/American Indians and The Unknown/Superstitious are now sold out.

There are TWO new mas bands that I am hearing about but information is pretty scarce on both bands. The first band is Treasures of The Desert by Scorpion Mas, two sections from the presentation pictured below from the Trinidad Express Woman's Magazine:

What is super interesting is that these sections (along with another one not pictured) are the SAME EXACT costumes from the band Carvalho Mas, which was launched last year but never made it on the road for Carnival 2009! Who exactly is Scorpion Mas pray tell?

The other new band is Jhalwa - The Real Fire , this band is being brought by Sangeet Radio 106 FM. With eight sections and costumes designed by Harts the band is due to launch on October 25 at Club Zen. More information to come as soon as it is available.

You may or may not have noticed but Pulse 8 did a price adjustment to their frontline costumes, they are now priced cheaper than my benchmark frontline Mystery of Loulan in TRIBE.

If you are curious to see photos of Trini Revellers Band Launch, The Newsday an nice article written post launch with a few pics. Hey look, another India section! On that note do not forget that Legacy launches "Masala" this coming Saturday October 3 and Evolution should be launching the following day on Sunday October 4. However, eerily similar to the last launch date which was postponed, the Evolution camp is silent on the band launch... even their website is no longer up! Very interesting developments!

DJ Private Ryan Miami Carnival Soca Mix

Miami Carnival is next week and for all those who are coming in town I'm sure you are reaaaaal excited for the last big Carnival before Trinidad next year.

So just like last year here is a mix of some of the popular Trinidad 2009 songs mixed with some new tracks from other islands such as Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenada to get you prepared. It also has alot of the new Trinidad Soca and has an EXCLUSIVE Nadia Batson named Dangerous that hasnt even been released in Trinidad yet.

Directions to download

Go to djprivateryan.libsyn.com

Right click the DIRECT DOWNLOAD link located under the graphic

Select Save Target as, Save As, Save Link As or Download Linked File depending on the browser you are using.

Left Click to stream


PS. YOU CAN CATCH DJ PRIVATE RYAN LIVE AT THE FOLLOWING EVENTS NEXT WEEK.

Thursday 8th October -
TRIBE IGNITE @ Opium Hardrock

Friday 9th October -
BLACK & WHITE Free Drinks @ The South FL Conference Performing Arts Center

Saturday
UWI All Inclusive feat. Bunji & Fay Ann @ The Central Broward Park.
GEN X Cooler Fete @ Rancho Columbia

Sunday -
Live on the Rd with Generation X @ Bicentennial park.
Live @ EDEN @ The Grass Lounge (promo cd available athttp://www.sendspace.com/file/kh6dth


Tracklisting

1. Intro by Devon Mattews
2. Doan Hold me Back
3. Spread Out
4. Ready With The Rags
5. Turn it up – Patrice Roberts
6. Hardest Jam – Nella D
7. Bacchanal – Destra
8. Pon D Floor Soca Mix – Major lazer
9. Wont Stop – Machel Montano
10. Juk Juk Juk – Stabby
11. Gutter – Lavaman
12. Wicked Jab – Talpree
13. D Beast Leggo – Skinny Fabulous
14. Dangerous – Nadia Batson (EXCLUSIVE)
15. Floor On Fire Precision Mix – Machel Montano
16. Wild Antz – Machel Montano
17. Meet Super (Scratchmaster Mix) – Fay Ann Lyons
18. Tusty – Blaxx
19. Middle of the Road – Krosfyah
20. Middle of the Road Rd Mix – Krosfyah
21. Rags Up – Alison Hinds
22. Radica – Kenneth Salick
23. Fly Away – Machel & Collie Budz
24. Wine to the Back – Alison Hinds
25. One Juk – Lil Rick
26. Lights Camera Action – Denise Belfon
27. Standing up – Rupee
28. Real Tight – Peter Ram feat. Chelle
29. Waistline Roll – Patrice Roberts
30. Hold You Down – Zan
31. Backbone – Zan
32. Bumpers – Devon Matthews & Ziggy Ranks
33. Pelt it Back – Dru from Crossovah
34. Slow Wine – Machel Montano
35. Looking to Wine – Farmer Nappy
36. Work it – Patrice Roberts
37. Jep Sting Remix – Kes, Hunter & Friends
38. Fun Fun – Benjai
39. Gimmie A Taste – Tian Winters
40. Murdah – Shurwayne Winchester
41. Sweetness – Shayne Bailey
42. Pure Sweetness – Shayne Bailey
43. Gimmi More – Precious
44. Bump and Grind – Tian Winters & Patrice Roberts
45. More Water – Zoelah
46. Ramajay – Machel Montano
47. All Night (scratchmaster mix) – Statement
48. Thunder – Kes
49. Hold me – Lil Bits
50. Obsessive Winers – Destra, Denise Belfon & Alison Hinds
51. Tell Me – Machel Montano
52. Drunk Again – Benjai
53. Staggerah – Fox
54. Hot Sun & Riddim Rd Mix – TC
55. Lumbah – Wayne Marshall
56. Take it or leave it – Ragga
57. Minis Pumps – Kerwin Dubois
58. Soca Baby – kerwin Dubois & David Rudder
59. Bubbling Gal – Patrice Roberts
60. First In Line – Zan & General Grant
61. Overboard – Jimmy Neutron
62. I In Dat 2010 - Wildfire

Hope you enjoy!!!!!!!

Aftermath of Ressurection The Mas

The usual metaphors and adjectives normally bandied about to describe Carnival band launches and their subsequent showing of skimpy, pretty mas is somehow incongruous at this stage to put into the words the showing of Brian Mc Farlane’s Carnival 2010 presentation “Resurrection The Mas”. Nothing can prepare you for the surreal image of a tiny spit of sand, in the middle of crystal clear aqua tinged seas, the stage for a showcase of ghostly looking images of a Carnival past, costumed characters invoking images of an 1800’s portrayal. Couple that visual stimulation with the drumming and percussion of a steady rhythm section punctuating the air and you have the most unique and enthralling band launch I have ever had the pleasure to attend.

There is nothing pretty about Brian Mc Farlane’s authentic interpretation of 1800’s traditional mas. The costumes represent some long forgotten and rarely seen traditional portrayals such as the “Suck Meh Nose Sailors”, “Soumayre”, and “Minstrels” along with more familiar “Black Indians”, “Clowns”, “Dame Lorraine”, “Fireman”, “Jab Jab”, “Jab Molassie”, “Cow Mas”, “Stickfighters”, “Burrokeet”, “Red Indians”, “Paywoo (Pierrot Grenade), “Baby Doll” and a glittering gold “Dragon”. The traditional colours associated with these iconic costumes have been swept by bronze and gold however the architectural elements of the costumes are authentic according to Mc Farlane.

The symbolism of using the Bucco Reef for the staging of Resurrection The Mas was significant as Mc Farlane intimated that the destruction and consequential resurrection of the reef is much akin to the destruction of mas “in it’s pure form” which has now led to this Resurrection of traditional mas which will take to the streets of Port of Spain in numbers; the band is catering to 1500 masqueraders. It is important to note that Brian Mc Farlane has made public his disapproval of what is now the Savannah "stage" during an interview by one of the media houses yesterday. Mc Farlane said that what masqueraders now have to use as a "stage" is insulting to the mas as our full grandeur and splendor is lost to the world and he plans to boycott the Savannah "stage" until a proper stage is constructed!

Our journey began at 6:30 yesterday morning with arrivals at the Piarco airport to board the flight that would transport a plethora of journalists from both local and international media to the event hosted on our sister island. The tight schedule left no room for delays which meant the hard working staff of Mango Media had their work cut out to ensure that everything went as planned. After arriving in beautiful, sunny Tobago waiting coaches whisked us to Pigeon Point where refreshments awaited. Following a brief speech by the Bucco Reef Trust on the historical nature of the Reef ,as well as Pigeon Point , the send off to our destination was to drummers and a performance by beautifully costumed bele dancers:

Boarding one of four boats to take us to the Bucco Reef anticipation of what to expect of the actual launch was hinted at on approach to the sandbar. Flashes of glittering gold ( what we later learned was the sequined scales of the Dragon) beckoned us forward. On approach to the sandbar the drums rang out, the characters came to life, rising from the sea and sand where before they lay motionless, and we could even hear the cracking of the jab jab's whips! From my vantage point atop one of the boats I could clearly see Sailors, Bats, Baby Dolls and the man himself Brian Mc Farlane performing along with his artistes as the Midnight Robber! This is the first launch that I have attended where actual costumes from the presentation have ever been shown (I do believe however that Mc Farlane's premiere band launch also showed costumes.)

It was this Midnight Robber that greeted us, solemn in concentrated dance, as the journey led from the sea to land, at an impressive Villa nestled in the Grafton Sanctuary. There artistic renderings of the costumes , the familiar Mc Farlane sketches, were displayed by the bele dancers who held those portraits for viewing all afternoon. I must say my favorite costumes are both the Red and Black Indian as well as the Pierrot Grenade , Baby Doll and Sailors.

Here is Brian Mc Farlane brieifing the media on Resurrection The Mas:

All too soon this spectacular day in Tobago was over and we were headed to the airport in a frenzy to catch the flight back to Trinidad after what can only be described as a most fanatastic day; lets see how he tops this band launch in 2011!

Brian Mc Farlane's mas camp opens on October 6, mark the date!

Videos of Resurrection The Mas

There was so much of Brian Mc Farlane's band launch to capture that it is broken up into seven parts, enjoy!

Brian Mc Farlane Band Launch Trinidad Carnival 2010 - part 1

Brian Mc Farlane Band Launch Trinidad Carnival 2010 - part 2

Brian Mc Farlane Band Launch Trinidad Carnival 2010 - part 3

Brian Mc Farlane Band Launch Trinidad Carnival 2010 - part 4

Brian Mc Farlane Band Launch Trinidad Carnival 2010 - part 5

Brian Mc Farlane Band Launch Trinidad Carnival 2010 - part 6

Brian Mc Farlane Band Launch Trinidad Carnival 2010 - part 7

Brian Mc Farlane's Resurrection The Mas In Photos

Brian Mc Farlane's media launch of his 2010 Carnival presentation, "Resurrection The Mas" in photos (review to come later). We journeyed from Trinidad to Tobago, had breakfast at Pigeon Point then out to the Buccoo Reef for the costume presentation, followed by a sojourn to a gorgeous villa for refreshments and a word from the band leader.

More photos of the day can be found at my photobucket album HERE.

Update From Tobago

Brian Mc Farlane just unveiled his Carnival 2010 presentation, Resurrection The Mas which features traditional mas such as bat,sailor,baby doll and midnight robber all in earth tones of gold,bronze, brown and cream.

As a surprise there were actual costumes instead of sketches and a rousing Carnival presentation on the sand spit in the middle of the Bucco Reef.

It was awesome! Photos and video to come later, we are now going back to the reef,and then to a villa for a media briefing and closer look at the costumes.

Off to Tobago for Brian Mc Farlane's Band Launch

It's an early start to an exciting day as I am getting ready to head to the airport where the first leg of the journey to Tobago for Brian Mc Farlane's Carnival 2010 launch begins. Mc Farlane is graciously flying a plane load of journalists and events specialists to Tobago for the launch of his traditional mas portrayal, the name of which is yet to be revealed, at the Bucco Reef.

Having been to Mc Farlane's band launches over the past couple years and seeing the packed itinerary of the day ahead I can tell you it is going to be the most interesting and unique band launch I have had the pleasure of attending.

Rumour has it that the Tobago setting is not the only surprise that we have to look forward to, but I have been sworn to secrecy on the hints of what to expect today. I will say however that this is going to be traditional mas with a twist!

Get updates from Saucy in Tobago, follow me on twitter.

Trinidad Hotel List

Ambassador Hotel -http://www.ambassadortt.com
Carnetta's Inn- http://www.carnettas.com
Chaconia Hotel- http://www.chaconiahotel.com
Crews Inn Hote-l http://www.crewsinn.com/
Crowne Plaza Hotel -http://www.crowneplaza.com
Hilton Trinidad -http://www.hilton.com
Kapok Hotel- http://www.kapok.co.tt
Carlton Savannah- http://www.thecarltonsavannah.com/
Hyatt Regency Trinidad- http://trinidad.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null
Courtyard By Mariott Trinidad- http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/poscy-courtyard-port-of-spain/
The Chancellor Hotel- http://www.thechancellorhotel.com/
Normandie Hotel - http://www.normandiett.com/
Coblentz Inn - http://www.coblentzinn.com/

Individuality En Masse

With 4 months and 19 days left before Carnival I know that the die hard Carnival stalwarts already have their airline ticket, hotel accommodation booked and, most importantly, THE costume in your band of choice secured.

Now , it is time to decide on Monday wear outfits, get your footwear sorted out and plan accessories. I have lots of people emailing asking for advice on boots, makeup and even spray on tans so I know you ladies are not sleeping on getting organized for Carnival 2010.

What I am getting from speaking with masqueraders who are in the throes of planning is that everyone wants to do something a little different, a little unique and with a little bit of personalization when it comes to their overall looks for Carnival. There are those who want to cross the "stage" in heels, switching footwear along the route, some who plan on doing special bras or corsets and others are planning on adding more to their costume; more beads, more feathers, more bling! The trend of individuality is ripe for 2010.

I have to confess that I too will be doing something a little extra special with my costume, nothing too elaborate but just something additional that I have been working on, with the guidance of a certain costume designer friend. And, surprise surprise, most of my friends and section mates are doing the SAME thing as well! Each diva is doing something "different" to their costume.

So, for those of you thinking of sprucing up your costume or just making changes to suit you I have a little bit of advice on how to do so:

*If you want to do elaborate changes to the costume, how about letting the section or band leader know that you have certain ideas in mind. This is not really necessary as it is YOUR costume after all (once paid for in full) and you can add or remove decoration on the costume as you see fit, however most section leaders are willing to work on amendments to your costume once it can be done within a certain time frame. Remember getting your costume on time is also important. They can also suggest persons who can provide the assistance you are looking for.

*Customizing changes to your costume is relatively easy if you are a crafty person or have an eye for design but getting a sample of a feather, appliqué or bead can also help in matching items to your costume. Again, it does not hurt to ask the band or section leader for a sample to guide you in choosing the right colours.

*Remember to do changes tastefully and in moderation, as much as you want to stand out let it not be for the person who added green feathers to a bronze costume! The divas below added a collar to Caged Canary and extra contrasting plumes to Kiskadee, outstanding but also complements the costume!

*Tailoring a costume to give you a better fit or getting rid of elements you do not like is also a way to set yourself apart. For instance, the back of Charmeuse has no beads or fabric, you can add fabric to the back of the costume for more coverage by either reusing some of the fabric to the front (shortening it) or buying matching fabric to add to the back. If you have a small headpiece option that comes without the fabric you can also add fabric to that headpiece and get the same effect as having the large headpiece. Similarly, you can remove the tassels from Habotai and add beads instead. And if you do not like the underwear that comes with your costume you can always get more comfortable fitting ones, to tell you the truth those spandex bikinis are so tight they squeeze the muffintop out of even the slender of hips! I know someone who had underwear made to match her costume this year! And of course if you prefer a corset over a tankini or would like to submit your own bra for decoration contact the section or band leader ASAP.

*Finally, sometimes you do not need huge changes to make a big impact. It can be as simple as having the right footwear, decorated to match, or changing accessories that come with your costume or having the BODY to go with the costume as well. All kudos to the gym bunnies working hard to put the best body on the road for Carnival, that is also an accessory that can make any costume look good!

Happy Carnival planning, the countdown is on!

Carlton Savannah Hotel

Reading the newspaper headlines today stating that Queen Elizabeth II and her entourage is allegedly staying at the new Carlton Savannah Hotel in Cascade I realize my review of the hotel was never done, as promised, so let me rectify that now.

I stayed at the Carlton Savannah a couple months ago and the most outstanding thing about the hotel apart from the chic decor and huge rooms is the service. It is really a very pleasant and welcoming surprise to have such great service which is not always the case in customer oriented business in Trinidad,unfortunately.

Location wise the Carlton Savannah is ideal for those coming for Carnival as it is very close to the Queen's Park Savannah. The spot it is on used to be the location of the infamous Pelican Inn , a favourite watering hole of mine back in the day. The car park for the hotel is located across the street, which is the only caveat, but space is limited so I guess they retained the original car park set up from the Pelican era. There is valet parking however, so you do not even need to park your car yourself.

car park

The rooms are nice and spacious, if you are into the whole boutique vibe you get that aplenty at the Carlton with it's contemporary furnishings, like a platform bed, and totally gorgeous modern bathroom! Trust me, when you see the bathroom you will know exactly what I mean by gorgeous.

room

There are two restaurants and also a bar at the hotel, one restaurant is casual while the other is fine dining. A narrow pool is available for guests, complete with lounging areas and poolside service if you desire.

pool

Overall a fantastic stay was had at the Carlton, they do have Carnival rates and packages so if you are still looking for a hotel you can give them a call or email, contact information can be found on their website. Rates are on par with the other hotels in it's class, read not CHEAP, but hey if it is fit enough for a Queen you know it is worth it!

TRIBE Ignite Tickets Go On Sale Today

My tickets for DV 8 have been reserved (runour is the location is in Homestead), Black and White ticket has been purchased online and I will be picking up my TRIBE Ignite tickets at TRIBE's mas camp as they go on sale from today, Friday September 25.

The details are as follows:

TRIBE's chic & sexy party meets Hollywood's most sophisticated, upscale, and stunning venue. Ignite the Opium and take your Miami Carnival experience to the next level.

Thursday Oct 8th, 11pm - 6am

TRIBE brings the best DJ's in each city to IGNITE Miami:
Private Ryan (Miami)
Back 2 Basics (NYC)
D'Bandit (Toronto)
Hypa Hoppa (Trinidad)
RED 96.7fm's best (Trinidad)
and more...

Ltd Adv Ladies US$20 | Ltd Adv US$25

Tickets available from Fri Sept 25th through Committee & Online.

All TRIBE crew flying up from Trinidad, tickets will be made available for you at TRIBE Mas Camp (Rosalino St., Woodbrook | 625-6800)

Harts Sold Out Costume Update

Three more sections are closed in Harts, people!

Butterflies and Moths/Time for a Tale

Anthony& Cleopatra/The Strip

Tribes/Wild Things

That leaves 12 more sections and almost half the band SOLD OUT!

Glenn Carvalho's Aloha!

So, I see that Glenn Carvalho has updated his website, there is now a FAQ section where you can get more information about playing with the band as well as a notice that the band launch takes place in October. But, most importantly, "recession prices" are already posted for the thirteen sections with a 50% discount until December 20th.

click to enlarge

That means costumes will be priced at $1375.00TT/230.00US and $1475.00TT/246.00US, Monday wear included; the website fails to mention if these prices are ALL INCLUSIVE, however!

I tell you, I cannot WAIT to see these costumes, bring on the Aloha (too) band launch!

Socacize for Miami Carnival

**NEW**

Socacize™ - is coming to

Fort Lauderdale for Miami Carnival!

After taking Toronto and New York carnivals by storm

Socacize attracted over 100 participants in Toronto & New York!

Designed for masqueraders, revelers and everyone else

A vigorous & exciting workout

Rhythms to make you dance,

Exercises to build stamina, tone muscle, lose inches, boost confidence!

SOCACIZE ™ Is a creative blend of high/low African and Caribbean dance movements performed to calypso, soca, zouk, reggae, dancehall music and on occasion to drum music. The exhilarating mode of the workout focuses on cardio, weight and strength training targeting all age groups.

Introductory Special

2 days only

Miami Carnival Schedule

Fort Lauderdale

Curves

1425 South Andrews Ave., #150 (South Andrews & 15th ave.)

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Wednesday & Thursday 7:30-8:30pm

October 7 & 8

$10.00 per session; Drop-in $15.00

Prices displayed in USD

**Special Promotions**

Early Bird Miami Carnival Special

Register by September 28th -Save $5!

Valued Member - Special

Register friends or family members

To receive 2 FREE sessions

Registration

Ayanna Lee-Rivears

Cell: 416-728-5545

ayanna@socacize.com

www.socacize.com