Trinidad Carnival Diary
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to influence anyone to play with any one Carnival band over the other. Even though I may be privy to information from many sources this does not influence my views and opinions;the views expressed are solely mine.This is a place to come and get a little carnival info (how ah buy it is how ah selling it), look at some costume pics, "listen" to me talk about mas and occasionally vent or speak my mind.Use with caution!
CONTACT US: trinidadcarnivaldiary@gmail.com Switch to mobile site HERE
With so many Carnival themes originating from the Asian continent for 2010 I am sure many masqueraders have already booked their mehindi appointment, but if you want something beyond basic Glitz Tat2 provides the mehindi designs done in glitter, in addition to many other temporary tattoos in glitter as well; from the owner of Glitz Tat2:
GLITZ TAT2 to you.
We provide Temporary Tattoos & Body Art Services. We have over 20 Tatists (temporary tattoo artists) within our group.
Our product is available in 2 finishes (soon to be 3) and over 24 colours to choose from, so we can match any costume. Our stuff is completely water and sweat proof. Meaning it will last right thru the weekend with bathing etc (even in salt water) with no touch ups. It can last a max of 4-10 days depending on where it is placed on the body. Our prices are extremely reasonable we start at $20 and will be having "special packages" for Carnival.
We use a special highly reflective ultra thin cosmetic grade glitter, so our stuff looks amazinnnnggg under the sun or stage lights and is not itchy; it is total comfortable on your skin.
For any further info.....728-0460 of the Facebook Group.
Amid reports that the "Wee Wee Truck Ban" is still in contention among members of the Port of Spain Corporation, prime reason being that the premature announcement having been made without contingency plans, is news that the Mas Bands are also not happy about these new developments. The first band to officially address the issue is Spice:
Hey Spice Masqueraders,
On the issue of the ban of toilet trucks (popularly known as “wee-wee trucks”) by the Port of Spain Corporation, Spice Carnival would like to inform you that we had no prior knowledge of this development as we were not consulted on matter by the Port of Spain Corporation nor the National Carnival Bandleaders Association, of which Spice Carnival is a member.
We at Spice believe that these mobile restroom facilities are not just a convenience to our masqueraders but a necessity to ensure the comfort and security of all individuals in our band.
However Spice Carnival has an utmost respect for the laws of land by which we abide at all times.
We would like to assure you that we intend to actively engage in discussions with the National Carnival Bandleaders Association and its membership to find an appropriate alternative and/or resolution to this issue, that will not compromise the safety or convenience of our masqueraders.
We would also stress to the Port of Spain Corporation how essential this basic service is to both locals and foreigners playing mas in Port of Spain.
On the issue food preparation, Spice would like to lend its support to the Port of Spain Corporation in this regard.
All food catered for Spice masqueraders is prepared fresh in keeping with the highest standards and transported to our rest stops well within the stipulated four-hour period.
We will keep you informed of any developments on this issue as they happen.
Regards,
The Spice Team.
I am wondering if the alternative/compromise will be to have restroom stations along the route in Car Parks (for instance) with CLEAN, flushing toilets, running water, hand sanitizer, tissue, security and attendants that can only be accessed by showing your band I.D.? Each participating band can be responsible for the rest room set up at certain points along the parade route but they will be accessed ONLY by the masqueraders whose bands are responsible for staffing and setting up the stations.
So, lets say Harts, D Krewe, TRIBE, Spice and Island People etc. come together to set up rest room stations, then only masqueraders of THOSE bands will be able to use the facilities by showing their ID band to enter. Let the other bands against the wee wee trucks find some where else to do their business, because you know this whole thing was trumped up by some band making unnecessary and unfounded complaints against the trucks and the "exclusive all inclusive" bands.
Would you be in favor of this suggestion or have an alternative? Thoughts?
By the way, I found a product called the Travel John that might be of interest to you ladies who want to take this matter into your own hands!
So first of all I would like to thank the blogger who sent me these photos from Legacy's launch of Masala,which took place on Saturday night. The young lady who got these shots said she had to "fight the paparazzi" for photos and apologised for the quality. I think grainy shots or not it is more than enough for me to ask where is the Masala?
From the photos I swear these are the most generic looking costumes Legacy has ever produced, at least with this year's presentation they threw in some Chinese umbrellas and fans. Lets hope the rest of the costumes attempt to convey something akin to what has been described on their Facebook Group Page:
MASALA - LEGACY 2010 CARNIVAL PRESENTATION
Eye-catching!
Designers worked at making their mark on MASALA’S multi-plane visual effects, seamlessly integrating culture with photographic imagery; supporting the overall message of this miraculously, exciting presentation.
This edition is seen to be substantially dissimilar but yet in line with Legacy’s vast creative molds with the main focus being “visual enjoyment”. the perception and physical traits of Legacy’s head Big Mike.
Pleasing, beautiful, sexual attractive, emotional symmetry, cute, are just some of the individual statements used to describe “MASALA”.
Having never used the mobile restrooms provided by all inclusive bands this "ban" on the wee wee trucks by the Port of Spain City Corporation will strike a nerve among other masqueraders I am sure. As reported by the Trinidad Express, next year Carnival Bands will see two new rules enforced :
"The Port of Spain Corporation has given notice of two big changes for next year's Parade of the Bands-the first being that truck-borne portable toilets will no longer be allowed along the route and the other, that food provided by bands for masqueraders must be consumed within four hours of preparation."....."The present system employed by some bandleaders poses a health hazard and as such the practice of 'wee-wee trucks' should be discontinued. The alternatives for accommodation for masqueraders on Carnival days are the use of sites, to be determined by the Association in collaboration with the Local Health Authority (PoS Corporation), where 'portable toilets' can be situated."
Click HERE for the full article on the new changes.
What I find SO ironic is the fact that the complaints being made about the Wee Wee trucks, which from all reports are kept very clean, are that they are unhealthy and foul for two days when the alternative which they are proposing, portable public toilets, are totally gross as they are NOT cleaned for the length of time they are set up for Carnival along the parade route (think about the units at Memorial Park and at the Savannah)! One year the stench was horrible as the portable toilets were left in Memorial Park for days after Carnival, marinating in the heat and rendering you breathless if you came within a few feet of the area!
I welcome the regulations concerning the food, too many masqueraders have complained about getting inedible meals from bands , however passing the regulation is one thing, enforcing it another. So, what do you think? Will you miss the Wee Wee Trucks or not? And what do you think about the food stipulations, will this affect your all inclusive experience or not?
Today I have a guest post on hair from the self proclaimed weave and wig expert Mojito P, who has so graciously shared her tips on hair extensions for those divas that want extra length or easy and manageable hair options for Carnival. It can be a chore dealing with styling your hair during Carnival (no wonder so many ladies prefer braids) especially when you have a whirlwind schedule that includes night after night of fetes. So, if you are considering wearing OPH (other people's hair) take note!
Hola chicas!
It’s Mojito P! Today topic is Carnival hair. In my own mind I’m not a hair guru but I have A LOT of experience with wearing OPH (other people hair) and just wanted to share some carnival hair experiences and advice.
First off I’m natural. I haven’t permed (relaxed) my hair in over ten years so my opinions would cater to women taking the extra step to change her look.
I’ll start with the do’s and don’ts
DO,
Take your hair style for a test drive before Carnival. Many women like getting their hair done the day before they get on the plane and you do not want to figure out how to handle the hair while overseas. If you never wore the hair before that means that means you don’t know the shelf-life* of the hair, you don’t know the tools to maintain it, how to sleep in it, what products you’ll need, etc.
DO,
Adjust your outfits to suit your hair length/type. I’m not saying to wear Chinese slippers just because you’re wearing a straight bang. What I’m saying is if you choose to wear 26 inches of European rampachaad straight hair then you need to wear fabrics that will not cause friction along the length of the back. I watch my co-workers battle it out in the restroom with their European straight/dreadlocks and all I can do is shake my head and sigh. They say they got a bad pack* when in reality it’s just that they are wearing wool sweaters and cashmere stoles which are drying out the hair and cause it to tangle. You want hair that doesn’t need combing? Stick to satin/silky fabric tops or halters.
DO,
Consider your lifestyle over your hair desires. Do yourself a favor- if you can’t commit to what your hair needs then leave it in the store and stick with what you know. You want 18 inch romance curl/silky twists? Then you can’t come home from feteing every night too tired or drunk to comb out and pin curl/roller set and satin bonnet your luxurious mane. You WILL look like shiddy version of the airport diva after week one.
DO,
Understand the outcome of using consistent heat on your hair in a hot environment like Trinidad. Yes the flat iron is the emancipation of "nappy hair", but if you are not washing your cooked strands daily, the sweat and dirt being pressed will kick up a cloud of woosh* when you start to dance. You don’t want your head smelling like the feet of the man wining behind you. And if you’re sharing a bed when you reach home you don’t want your room mate to think they are sharing a pillow/ spooning with the devil.
DO,
Choose an all-weather hairstyle. You go to carnival to enjoy and free up yourself. You need to fete and get wet yet still look great in your costume when the feteing is done. Don’t listen to anyone that says wet-n-wavy is your only option. Do your research.
Despite everything that can go wrong there is only one don’t.
DON’T,
Take hair advice from someone that has no knowledge on the hair/product/lifestyle that you have questions on. Everyone has an opinion- only the educated ones matter. When seeking a new hairdresser I walked in the shop with three packs of romance curl and a request for a hairline out, center part, side part and back out for ponytail option. (yeah I go IN with the weaves) I took off my hood and the sight of my afro made that woman try to slap me with a rat tail comb with relaxer. I had to walk her through it step by step. At the end every woman in the shop wanted to go natural so they could grow back their edges*
I lied. One more DON’T
Don’t wear second time around hair for carnival (unless it’s braiding hair). I don’t care where you bought it from.
Types of Hair Extensions and Pieces:
I’m not going into braids. We all know about them. And we pretty much covered weaves so onto my favorite topic WIGS! Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
I wear wigs all the time. I’ve worn them with my costumes, I wear them to work, I work out in them, I sleep in them, I have….well, you get where I’m going with this;with wigs the only limitation is your imagination.
Half wig/ ¾ Wigs.
These are wonderful for those that have thick enough hair to cover it. I usually braid half of my hair going backwards then try on the wig to see where I want it to be anchored. Then make two additional horizontal cornrows for the anchor combs that are sewn into the wig. There are normally two combs in the front and one at the nape. Even through my whole head is not covered I still like to use a stocking cap under the covered area. I wore this with my costume once and it was too much responsibility for me. My hair sweated out the press and I had to brush it all back and wear it in a half ponytail half down hairstyle at the end of the day.
Full head wigs.
Placed over a fully corn rowed base and bobby pined for security, the best mas experience was in a full head wig- curly, with a bang; synthetic of course. Perfect, long, large curls all day. Every photo was perfect. No my head wasn’t any more warm or hot than it would have been in a weave or otherwise. You move with the confidence that everything is in place. Oh thank you Mr. phototakeoutter! OH- Another one without the headpiece? I’d be delighted to! (the bobby pins combined with the adjustable straps remove all worry from taking off your wig with your headpiece)
Fake bangs.
Never used them. Let me know how it works out for you.
Lacefronts.
GORGEOUS! OPULENCE- YOU OWN EVERYTHING! WORK!I love them to death. For Carnival however, I would not recommend the FULL head lace since I have yet to meet a bonding glue that does not soften or turned white or peel when met with sweat/rain/ swimming etc. Yes some may say you can use super hold, but if you rip your wig (full swiss lace is a delicate piece) and want to repair it, it will be difficult to get the whole thing off of your head because the glue is too strong. It takes a week to loosen. I use the ear to ear lace with the adjustment combs. They do not require tape or glue. Remember don’t just walk into the store and walk off with the box- check to make sure the lace matches your skin tone. I wear synthetic lace front wigs because I love new disposable hairstyles that don’t require maintenance (curling, washing, etc). The down side is swimming. :/ I only met one synthetic lace front that looks glamorous coming out of the water (afro curl) but it’s too short for my taste.
Falls/ponytails
I don’t approve of ponytail weaves because of the lack of options and the discomfort of them. (sitting back in the car, relaxing is just a chore) It (bobbypins) also damages the hair at the crown of your head. Not to mention that its boring to me and that they are not all weather styles. That brown gel running down the side of your face is not sexy, are you playing in chocolate city? Please note that a properly done ponytail is sexy, but myself not having permed (relaxed) hair it’s just not practical.
Wearing wigs can ensure a fresh style daily, you can sleep comfortably/recklessly and will always be picture perfect. If security is an issue for you, you can always do a light base stitch around the entire wig onto your head for added assurance that no one will try to ‘push your wig back’ (if you’re the fighting sort). The stitching will be easily remove and you can change it up every day.(who else can do that during Carnival! ;)
And in case you were wondering ‘why do all that when I can just wear a weave?’ The fact is while you spent over 100$usd on the hair alone, and in my case an additional 110$usd to have the weave put in, the photo ready lacefronters/wig wearers are laughing all the way to the bank with one gorgeous hairstyle on their head and six more in the suitcase,which means more time to sleep while you are doing your hair to get ready for fetes. The versatility of wigs that will cost them not one strand of hair, while all the thread that passed through your weave will be sure to have caused more than a months worth of shedding in one sitting; yes ladies, it’s the THREAD that breaks off the hair and thins it out in a weave. Using Nylon thread helps….a little.
Lacefronters now have even more to be happy about. A new synthetic material is being used that will allow wearers to apply up to 400 degrees of heat without damaging a strand. Not a flat iron fan?? Hit up ebay and make a tiny investment in a CARUSO molecular steam roller system. Ten minutes and a slight trim will bring any wig back to life without damaging. Weave wears can be happy too, this system works on human and synthetic hair sparing us all the roast corn smelling cloud that following all the over heat processed hair. And do note, even clean hair doesn’t smell right after you’ve applied products and burned it.
Brian Mc Farlane's website is up and you can have a closer view and names of the individual sections in "Resurrection- The Mas"
The mas camp opens at 5:00PM on Tuesday October 6, with loyalty card holders getting preferred registration from October 6th to Friday October 23. There will also be online registration commencing on this date. General registration begins on Saturday October 24, from 11:00AM. Deposit on costumes is $900.00.
For Monday the band will be Jab Molassie (Black Devils)!
The only thing that needs to be updated on the website is the Senvia payment information as that method is no longer being used.
The Story of Resurrection The Mas
"IT IS TIME,'' said Madame Colombe. "The Others are waiting.''
The Children of Port of Spain had gathered before her, sitting in a half circle, in the shadows just before day clean.
In the distance they could see the crooked light house standing in a sea of asphalt, its eyes closed.
They had lined the streets with flambeaux, all along Charlotte, Nelson, George and Duncan, all along the stretch from the cathedral to the sea.
The Children of Port of Spain honoured Madame Colombe by bowing their heads and, though bursting with anticipation, they waited for her to reveal the secrets of The Others. It would not do to hurry her with too many questions. She spoke only when necessary and her stories were like prophecies, great promises that at times seemed too big to be true. But the Children of Port of Spain knew Madame Colombe had never misled them.
"Where are we going?'' chirped the smallest of the Children who was just about wriggling with excitement.
Madame Colombe smiled, her face glistening like the black oil that had been pumped through the veins of the land, making some people strong, but others weak and forgetful so that they were distracted by anything shiny. Her bosom heaved as she laughed, and she shook her hair, which fell about her and glistened as if spun from threads of white gold. "We are already here'' she replied. "The streets of Port of Spain hold the answers you have been waiting for. The Others will soon be here. We must prepare for them.''
With that, she reached into the deep pocket of her skirts for the thick heavy book she kept wrapped up in copper cloth. She called it The Beginning because it contained stories of The Others and how they once danced and paraded through the streets and sang in a mixture of Creole and English before they went away. "The promise is to be fulfilled,'' Madame Colombe said. "The old ways will live again.''
She shifted her weight on the oil drum she was sitting on. She blew on the tattered pages of the old book and they fluttered open on a special page. "One more time I will tell you the story of The Others and how it was in the beginning and how it shall be again.''
The Children of Port of Spain were spellbound, their eyes glistening. Madame Colombe was speaking in that melodious voice of hers that sounded like birds whistling.
"The past can never be scrubbed clean. The past is ours to remember and understand and once we walk through the fires of the past, we will be whole and strong and beautiful.
"The people of our land once suffered great indignities and cruelties. But they were clever too. They found their own power 'under the mas'. So when the European masters dressed up in wigs and gowns and fancy costumes and played the masquerade, our people saw behind their masks. Our people had eyes that could see back to Africa; they could see from here to Europe and back to these selfsame shores.
"They disguised themselves too and put the business of their masters in the streets, so all their excesses and hypocrisy and buffoonery were exposed.''
Madame Colombe eyes flashed like the flambeaux and her shoulders shuddered and the tremor made the asphalt beneath her bare feet grow hot.
"We made jokes but all skin teeth is not laugh.'' Shadows flickered in the half-light, as if dancing to life. To the Children of Port of Spain, it was like watching clouds and trying to guess their shapes. That one looked like a woman in a short nightdress holding a baby doll in her arms. This one has a banjo, another a whip.
"Our people didn't need silk and velvet to tell their stories,'' Madame Colombe continued. "They used dried banana leaves, strips of old cloth. They painted themselves black and blue and powdered their faces as white as the massa and mistress. Some wore nothing but a loin cloth, their whole bodies smeared with soot and molasses and a pair of horns on their heads.
"During the Time of The Mas, our people had special powers when they could become anybody they wanted-from sailor to devil to clown. Some of our people grew tall, tall, tall overnight and could peep over the tops of houses. They wore satin pants and you knew they were coming before you saw them because of the music of the boom drum played by musicians who accompanied them.''
Madame Colombe paused. "See?'' she said, holding up one of the pages of the big book, with a picture of an elaborately dressed lady twirling a parasol, her skirts set wide at the hips, like the fine French ladies. But her smile was mocking behind the painted lips. Madam Colombe chuckled. "She pretty for so, oui. Bet you can't tell she is really a man in disguise. Her name is Lorraine.''
Madame Colombe continued with the story to help the Children remember. "These devils and sailors and clowns and all the others who knew the powers of the old ways began to fade away. These are the The Others-the old ones, the elders who first showed us the power in the mas. The Others are the beginners. Without them there would be no Big Sunday, no Fat Monday and Fat Tuesday. No rebirth and renewal.
"You see, people forgot The Others. They forgot how we began. They bathed in oil and ate the bread of forgetfulness. They sold their heritage for some pretty beads and colourful feathers. They forgot The Others. But the Others did not forget us. They are ready. They are here to teach us again. It is time to begin again.''
Madame Colombe rose and her skirts rustled like so many whispers. The Children of Port of Spain raised their flambeaux and encircled her.
The shadows began to dance, this time the Children of Port of Spain could make out faces and colours, as the early morning light grew brighter. Then Madame Colombe blew a light mist and the shadows took shape.
'This is where The Others have been waiting,'' said Madame Colombe. "They were with us all the time, wandering the streets of Port of Spain, which they called L'Oubliette, the Place of Forgetting. We just did not know they were here because we had been blinded by shiny beads and shiny coins. We had forgotten how to see from here to Africa and Europe and back to these selfsame shores.''
One by one, The Others began to appear as their true selves, cracking their whips, blowing their whistles, playing their banjos, beating their drums. The Children of Port of Spain sang praises to welcome them back to the land, back to a new beginning.
Madame Colombe sang too, her voice like a thousand angels. She raised her arms, which turned into wings, her skirts into feathers. The Children of Port of Spain gasped and tried to clutch her hems, but it was trying to grasp a cloud.
Madame Colombe, a great white dove, flew off into the early morning sky. But the Children of Port of Spain could still hear her voice, carried on a beam on sunlight.
Yesterday evening I took the opportunity to visit the mas camps of those bands whose launches I did not attend and before anyone questions why I chose some mas camps over the others, the reason is simple, I went to those who were open to the public. Genesis Mas and Trini Revellers are on the agenda when they open their mas camp.
First stop was D Krewe, I like their display of the costumes and the mas camp is a nice large space, not crowded at all. You can see both the front and back of all the costumes as they are mounted on mannequins or in a glass case. The young lady manning the camp was very pleasant and personable, answering all questions and giving information as required. I was quite pleased to learn that all sections can be tailored to the individual masquerader; if a whole piece or extra fabric is not shown it can be requested and it will accommodated, even if the body wear for the costume is say a monokini. I was informed that the frontline for Rainforest at $3495.00TT is the cheapest frontline costume this year; I have to agree!
As for the costumes, I do like Kindred Spirit very much in person, it is certainly different. The designer (and male model) for the costume Sheldon Clemendore used to work with Brian Mc Farlane, I almost wish that more of D Krewe's costumes were in this vein as it is outstanding among the other sections. Ruana Booker (Ruby Topaz - TRIBE) also designed several sections for D Krewe, those being Venom, Soufriere, Yellow Fever, Rip Tide and Tsunami. You can tell which sections are hers as they all have a similar look and are all "nice", skimpy embellished, costumes reminiscent of the band she designed for this year. I do think Soufriere is way too simple however.
Yellow Fever looks much nicer in person, the yellow is brighter than the darker shade on the website as is the case with other sections as well. Comancheros is another one that I do like but it is very easy to do Indian Mas that has mass appeal, I will say that I wish it was another colour combination; I have seen this red and white Indian in TRIBE, Legacy and Trini Revellers! Overall there are costumes in D Krewe that will appeal to most everyone, some with coverage like The Desert, some that are very skimpy with beads and bling like Venom and then there is Kindred Spirit.
Location wise Showtime has a nice spot on French Street, they were the most active of all the mas camps with curious and interested people walking in to view the costumes. The space also doubles as their production area and has been their showroom since they were a section in Legacy so it is pretty small. You basically get to see the costumes mounted on the wall. Once again pleasant service at the mas camp , the employee was willing to answer questions about the costumes as well as about the band. The costumes can also be made to the masqueraders specifications, if you do not want a monokini (featured in 5 out of 10 sections) you can request a bra and belt instead.
My pick of the lot would be Oblivian, albeit I am mildly irritated by the spelling, the blue is very nice in person and I like the gems on the belt which varies from the belt on the website. The other section that looks better in person is Merovingian, but overall I am not really sure The Matrix is readily grasped from looking at the costumes, maybe I was expecting too much of an interpretation of the movie!
Final stop was Ronnie & Caro's mas camp on Ariapita Avenue. First off, the staff were not too enthused about taking photographs of the costumes, in fact they said no then changed their minds. One of the reasons thrown out as a possibility as to why photographs were banned (seems like it was a management decision) was to prevent the costumes being copied! Oh the irony in that thinking, as I can tell you Wonders of Bucco Reef uses the same beading of Spice's Brown Sugar, Fun Lovers is a cross between Rome(Spice) and Bindi(Island People) not to mention Hummingbird is certainly not original! Besides, most bands have already launched who is really going to copy these costumes from my photographs when they are also on the website, makes no sense to me at all! One would think they see the value of FREE publicity!
After that snafu we were allowed to take photographs, but to be honest if it were up to me only I would have not even queried that decision, leave upon being told that photographs were not allowed and there would be no mention of Ronnie & Caro in today's post as I would have nothing to say about them. Africa is the nicest costume of the lot, proven by the fact that the female costume is already Sold Out (both regular and frontline), I also like Wonders of Bucco Reef, City of Gold and Fun Lovers. I do not understand why We Kind of People uses a red , white and black headpiece with gold and red body wear, it looks very mismatched. I am also not feeling Hummingbird's beak headpiece or the plastic fruits decorating Saucy in The Marketplace. Other than that I am sure Ronnie and Caro will do well as they have their supporters and masqueraders. Of the three mas camps they were the only one with costumes sold out, so they must be doing something right.
I cannot wait to see Genesis in person, I got a look at photographs from the launch finally and THAT mas camp visit will be interesting to say the least, also looking forward to seeing what Trini Revellers have in store.
You can view photographs from my mas camp visit below:
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
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?
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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