Crop Over Guide Part Two A Short Guide To The Mas

Another great Cropover 101 for Newbies, and non Newbies alike written my Trple Fdesigns, check out their Facebook page HERE for more information on Cropover as well as to place orders for your fete tickets and costume accessories for Cropover:

You don't get crowded Port of Spain streets with this jump. Free open road and highway.

Ok, let's get the terms right-is not 'playing a mas'  it is 'jumping in a band.' You JUMP for Crop Over. No chipping, etc. Straight jumpups and wukups from Warrens all down to Spring Garden Highway.

  

Fantasy Barbados

Similar to: Yuma

First year=chance to make a bit of Crop Over history. You can say you were one of the first 500 people. PLUS they offer breakfast, and an after party till midnight. Nuff said! ***oh wait, in addition to that, their frontline costumes include an Island Fusion jouvert package - a $150 value!!

http://www.facebook.com/notes/fantasy-barbados/fantasy-barbados-provisions-for-international-revellers/115738701846459

Siamese backline section

Power x Four

Similar to: Island People

Wildness and more wildness, vibes and more vibes. The band where you're most likely to learn how to 6:30**. Excellent service.

Brain Coral section

Blue Box Cart

Similar to: Harts

The second band to go on the road, so prepare for an early start, and also an early finish. Known for jumping in the sea with full costume on.

Blue Box Cart Full group

Baje International

Similar to: Tribe

Well if you know Tribe, you know what you're getting here: stush vibes and pretty people. Has the reputation for a bourgeoisie vibe. If that's your thing-play your mas (IF you can find a costume)!

Bliss section

Others:

Contact

Similar to: Legacy

An authentic Bajan experience in this band, also known for great service

Jump Promotions

Similar to: Ronnie and Caro

This fairly new band did very well, winning with their creative designs, they have a great presentation this year as well.

**for a definition of 6:30, follow this link: 6:30

Kes and Machel for D.C. Carnival 2011

click on flyer for larger view

Cocoa Devils J'ouvert In July 2011

Last year's event by all accounts was a great time, this year will hopefully just as much "dutty" fun as one could have in July. Take a walk down memory lane and read Afro Chic's J'ouvert in July 2010 review HERE and check out her pics of the event HERE.

click for large view

I am Registered in Baje!

Within one hour of Island People sending out the email yesterday saying to "Follow Islandpeople Mas to Cropover" I was registered in the section "Flashing Lights", arguably the best section in the band and the title section too booth. The whole registration experience with Island People was super easy and quick; I just made my way to the mas camp, filled out my registration form, paid my deposit and was out in less than 15 minutes. If you are an overseas masquerader Island People is accommodating payments and registration from outside of Trinidad and Tobago as well, so you may want to explore that option if you missed out on registering with Flashing Lights directly with Baje.

Let me tell you though, I never knew that the same drama experienced to get into bands such as TRIBE is what is taking place to get into Baje!  The sections Flashing Lights and Chaos are  both SOLD OUT at Baje's Barbados mas camp post weekend registration  and online registration is an exercise in patience. If you even attempted to register online and are awaiting an email confirmation for your section of choice all you are getting is an email saying which sections are sold out and to re-enter your information. I suspect that Paparazzi is going to be the next section to be sold out so if you really HAVE to get a costume in Baje, get someone in Barbados to register you or ... follow Island People! 

Leaving you with a new Machel, his contribution for Cropover 2011

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2012 Band Launch Dates

Bands are keeping their  Carnival 2012 themes and Band Launch dates under wraps for now but these are the ones who have confirmed their band launch dates so far. 

D Krewe - June 18

Spice - July 9
TRIBE - July 23

Dream Team - August 6
Harts - August 12

YUMA - August 13

Ronnie and Caro - August 18

I am guessing TRIBE is going to be July 23rd but there is no confirmation from that Mas Camp as yet, what are you waiting on TRIBE?!

Follow ISLANDpeople Mas to Cropover 2011!!‏

click for larger view

D Krewe Sneak Peek...

I was told this is a sneak peek from D Krewe's 2012 Carnival presentation "Panache".....I guess we will see at the band launch on Sunday June 19th!

And We Have a Date for YUMA Band Launch !

http://www.yumavibe.com/

Cropover Cool Down Cruise 2011

click for larger view

YUMA Wins Victory Games 2011

Congratulations to team YUMA "Lion Kings" for their win at Victory Games 2011 yesterday.

Photos from Victory Games HERE

I also want to say job well done to my team TRIBE Avatars, check out their Sack Race win in the video below:

Victory Games Is On TODAY!

Victory Games 2011 is on today, come on down the St. James Police Barracks to and support your FAVOURITE team in their supporter colours:

MC Cann Worldgroup (denim) 

TRIBE (purple) 

YUMA (burgundy)

 SCORCH( yellow) ,

EMERGE TM (black) , 

Ipalance (kelly green) , 

Provocative Fitness (pink),

 Dragon Boat (red), LPTS (gold), 

SLAM 100.5 (grey) 

Soroptimist International NEWTON Trinidad -  (khaki)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Victory-Foundation/47233911752

Teams will all be battling to win for $25000.00 for the Charity of their choice as Victory goes to Hollywood.

I already have my purple T Shirt and will be cheering on the TRIBE Avatars! Team presentation begins at 11:00AM, so see you guys there! 

Cropover Makeup By Lauren Austin

PHOTO SOURCE

Make Up @ UWI Cave Hill (Veranda) starting 2am Kadooment morning ...

FULL MAKEUP prices range from $ 50-70 BDS

$50-full coverage eyeshadow and gems

$60-full coverage heavy eyeshadow art on face and gems

$70-full coverage heavy eyeshadow art on face gems and eyelashes....

Lauren will also be doing face and body art for both men and women starting the night before Kadooment which last 3-5 days all waterproof ...

Price ranges from $10-40 BDS

ALL MAKE UP GEMS AND BODY ART GUARANTEED TO LAST THE ENTIRE JUMP.

For further info call 1-246-251-1693 or email laurenaustin1@live.com

Facebook Page HERE

Baje International Flashing Lights

I had the privilege of viewing Baje International's launch of their 2011 Cropover presentation "Flashing Lights" last night via live stream online with lots of global company. The great thing was the website went live even before the presentation of costumes was over, top marks for Baje on that one. now hurry up and post prices. So, now it is to narrow down my choices, here are the three:

Paparazzi

Chaos

Flashing Lights

Right now my top pick is Paparazzi, if only because I have boots already decorated to match from when I played in Caged Canary, I really like Chaos but not feeling the headpiece too much and I did not like Flashing Lights at first but it has grown on me in addition it is the Island People section in Baje so that makes it so much easier for registration being in Trinidad. Yes I will be a Baje Backline Betty, and proud to represent! Which costume in Baje is your favorite?

For the rest of Baje costumes check out the website :

BAJE International Launches TONIGHT!

TONIGHT TONIGHT!!

YOU are invited to Bajes "FREE" media launch of "FLASHING LIGHTS" at 7 PM at the ultra premium Lime Grove. There we will unleash our 2011 "Flashing lights" costumes for the first time. Of course the bar will be fully stocked and our djs will be blazing tunes so its officially a big one! 

For more information on the Baje 2k11 band and our crop Over events, visit our mas camp (Monday to Saturday 2 pm till 9pm.), log on to our website www.baje-intl.com , look out for "gorilla marquetin" on facebook and stay tuned to our sponsor SLAM 101.1 FM. We will also be LIVE STREAMING on CropOverTV.com. Thanks again for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you there!

"Flashing Lights" is sponsored by Tele Barbados, Mount Gay Rum, Banks Beer, Claytons Cola Tonic, Kick Energy Drink, Electric Avenue, The Courtyard by Marriott, SLAM 101.1 FM

Immortelle Beauty Launches Foot Rehab

I was first introduced to Immortelle Beauty in 2009 when all Frontline Masqueraders in TRIBE received the "Carnival Collection" in our goodie bags. The foot soak was a Godsend post Carnival so I am very happy that Immortelle Beauty has launched Foot Rehab, a 3 step foot pampering package that promises to give you very happy feet, perfect for post Carnival "foot rehab" and long after as well.

Held at St Clair last evening the Immortelle Beauty Foot Rehab launch showcased the products in the Foot Rehab line; Detox Foot Soak, Friction Sugar Scrub  and Recovery Foot Cream. Pedicures were available for all who wanted to test out the products and I can attest to the fact that they smell divine and feel great on your feet.

Immortelle Beauty is the baby of Kathryn Nurse who was working as a Chemist in the United States before realising her dream of returning home and formulating a cosmetic line by a Caribbean woman for Caribbean women. Using products that can be found in your "backyard" the focus is on creating luxury products of excellent quality that work. Luscious butters, natural oils, and fabulous fragrances.

To learn more about Immortelle Beauty and the Foot Rehab product line you can visit the website, where you can purchase the products, or join their Facebook Page here. 

Enjoy the photos ! 

Trinidad Carnival 2012 Updates

Seems like you have been inundated with Cropover Coverage as I countdown to my Cropover 2011 experience next month but, have no fear I am here to give you some updates on all the news and gossip on Carnival 2012!

Dream Team has announced the launch date of their Carnival 2012 presentation "Untamed", mark your calenders as it takes place on August 6th.

Many people have been asking for a launch date for TRIBE/Bliss especially as we draw closer to July when their launch is traditionally held. Well since they have yet to release a theme and I have been informed that everything is being kept under wraps including costume critique/viewing we will just have to wait a while longer for a confirmed date. I am going to guess it will happen on July 23rd, the Saturday before Cropover weekend, which has been the usual time period in the past. I have to admit all the secrecy surrounding TRIBE/Bliss is just making me more excited to see what they have in store! 

YUMA held their costume critique/viewing over the weekend. I was told that the "sounds of jaws dropping could be heard from outer space" and that costumes surpassed the designs from 2011. Between me and you I have gotten a teeny sneak peek of what is to come and I can say expect glorious wings, fabulous colour combinations , a little bit of edginess and LOTS of feathers! The "Bling Kings" are going to kill you with bling again! 

Band launches on the cards are D Krewe in 10 days, word is their costumes are also something to get excited over; I have been told to look out for metallic bronze, purple pink and silver, white with hints of gold and silver and  green. orange and pink. You can also expect plus sized models at the launch, always a nice touch from D Krewe, representing all of their masqueraders. Spice's launch of "The New World" on July 9th I am also looking forward to as I have heard they have new designers on board as some of their previous design team have migrated to other bands. 

And finally there is a new band hitting the streets for Carnival 2012, from what I have heard it is going to be run by the same group that brought you "Fantasy Jouvert" . Costumes are designed by Richard and Anthony Productions and it is going to be committee ONLY registration in the same vein as Bliss. Sounds like an interesting concept for a brand new band. I know they are not trying to garner too much publicity and are hoping to attract a certain clientele so good luck to Fantasy.

Welcome to Crop Over! A Calendar/Guide For The Trinis

The following guide is by Trple Fdesigns a destination management service specifically for your Cropover Event tickets as well as accessories, to contact Trple Fdesigns:

Email: fanaht@gmail.com

Facebook Page: Trple F Designs and Services

For the first-timers and even so-called veterans, a handy guide so you know where to go, what to do, what to wear(??), and how to party in our little island paradise. It begins!

Dates and times according to info available at press time :-)

Thursday 28th July

Frazzled by Bash Brothaz Bim Mug Madness

Advanced tickets include mugs and other goodies. What to compare to hmmm...the atmosphere=zero stushness, crowd=hardcore limers, vibes=cooler fete-ish...shall we say a Bajan version of any good cooler fete – Blue Range maybe. First it was on a tennis court. Then it was at Cricket Legends. This year...never mind where it is, just BE THERE. Be there or be sober - TrpleF approved!

Dress: casual

Friday 30th July onwards:

Daytime:

Bridgetown Market-Price: free free free

Soak up the atmosphere on Spring Garden before it gets inundated with sweaty bodies on Monday, stalls abound where you can experience an authentic Bajan day out. Check out the Brewsters Road Crew stall while you’re there.

The Bathsheba Experience

4:00 PM - 11:00 PM

The Ultimate Cropover All Inclusive

Dress: it’s an all inclusive, and not one where you stand up and pose either

Casa Blanca

A POSEIDON PRODUCTIONS ADVENTURE COOLER PARTY-FREE POSEIDON SHOTS

6pm - midnight

Farley Hill

Dress: hmmmm let’s leave it up to you

Saturday 30th July

**Foreday Morning Jam**

Saturday night intoSunday morning approx12am to 10am

Dress: formal(it’s jouvert! What do you think!)

Some foreday/jouvert options include:

Baje Jouvert

If you like your jouvert not on the road. Baje is known for having a bar as long as 50ft-this fete is drinks inclusive of course

Mojito by Allure Ent

Includes private party 10pm Friday to 6am Saturday. Anything that includes a pre-party too is a-ok in my books-2 for the price of 1!

Collision Jouvert

For the locals, this band includes a month's membership with Surfside Gym...not bad if you ask me. So if you decide you're not going back to Trinidad after Crop Over, at least you've got a gym membership!

Casear’s Army Jouvert

It's the first time I'm hearing that they're in Barbados-could be wrong but Casear's Army...nuff said.

Colorz Entertainment Jouvert

Theme: pitch black includes FREE PRE JUMP UP PARTY Again, you can't go wrong with that.

PIRATES OF THE JOUVERT STREETS with DMD ENTERTAINMENT

'BATTLE AGAINST MR.HARDING' (aka the Redjet of Jouvert bands) only $90!!

Any DMD party is bound to be bashy – if you don’t understand the meaning of bashy, attend this and find out

Island Fusion Jouvert (Safari)

Is sold out but will advise if availability occurs. I can’t even say there’s a Trini equivalent of this...but think Red Ants Jouvert

Wadadah Morning Brek Out

The jouvert party. Water, foam, paint and mud zones

This is the party you go to after jouvert-that's right! No sleep! Another TrpleF favourite. Haven't had confirmation this year of date and time, but will let you know.

Bliss

The all-inclusive to end them all.

Think Beach House, Soka in Moka, etc.

Dress: buy a new outfit. Trust me. The girls don’t play at this one. Guys: try and shave at least.

10-10

10:00pm Saturday to 10:00 a.m Sunday

Think Soca Monarch combined with just about any open air fete like Insomnia. You're guaranteed to find the hottest acts, international, regional, local, just bring some stamina.

Dress: VIP is available, and probably advised if you don't like standing for 12 hours, but enjoy yourself in some flats and casuals in the General - you'll have just as much fun.

Sunday 31 July

Booze Cruise

That is all. .........................

Limerz Cruise

10am-4pm

Fully inclusive, catamarans instead of the regular boat-this is not your Treasure Queen boat, think MUCH more luxury. Limerz is also a TrpleF fav. Good time all around.

Island Mas breakfast party

07:30am - 02:30pm

George Washington House

Still the only real 'breakfast party' and a great setting, usually at the Barbados museum but this year it'll be at a new equally beautiful venue - Live performances and a great cause being supported in Ms. Barbados World's HIV assistance program.

Cohobblopot

8pm

Also similar to Soca Monarch, creme de la creme of artistes perform, just don't stay till morning if you're jumping the next day (and FYI 'jumping' is the Bajan equivalent of 'playing mas'-always good to get your vocabulary straight :)

Monday 1st August

Grand Kadooment

Spring Garden Highway

If you have any last minute vibes and feel like joining a band, contact me.

**Disclaimer** this is not a comprehensive list, just the things TrpleF endorses to some extent. Although if you hear about something not on this list, it’s probably not that important.

Harts Wrath Of The Gods Teasrer

Now doesn't this teaser pic conjure up images of big shiny swords?

TRIBE at Victory Games

I will be wearing PURPLE and supporting TRIBE come Sunday, see you all there!

Come out and support TRIBE at VICTORY GAMES 2011 this Sunday 12th June at the St. James Police Barracks!!!

The winning team gets $25 000 towards a charity. This year, TRIBE's charity is the Animal Alive Mandate, a Non-profit, Non-Governmental, No-kill Organization committed through action, to the humane treatment of animals.

http://www.animalsalivett.com/

TRIBE is offering a $100 supporters' package which includes a TRIBE t-shirt/top, BBQ lunch (chicken or fish), and Free drinks all day long ( Rum, Vodka, Beer, Gatorade, Water). So come out with your friends and help lead TRIBE to VICTORY !!!

For more details, call TRIBE mas camp at 625-6800.

Staycation Barbados 2011

Staycation Barbados is back for 2011 and if you have yet to book your hotel for Cropover you might want to check out these discounted rates which extend to Caricom Nationals as well. I booked my hotel yesterday and got a huge discount because of the Staycation package, so check the website here for all the deals.

http://www.barbadoscropoverfestival.com/

CAESAR'S ARMY - CROPOVER 2011

STILL SUFFERING FROM POST-CARNIVAL DEPRESSION?

WELL, CAESAR'S ARMY SAYS IT'S NOT OVER TILL IT'S CROPOVER!!

JOIN US FOR RUM, SUN AND FUN AS WE TAKE OVER BARBADOS!

DATE: Friday 29th July - Tuesday 2nd August 2011

CAESAR'S ARMY PACKAGE INCLUDES:

- Accommodation at Accra Beach Hotel &  Spa (Based on Double Occupancy. Buffet-style Breakfast included)

- Tickets to the best events:

* CASA BLANCA (Our Official Welcome Party)

* J'ouvert Party

* SCORCH Cooler Cruise Barbados

* Booze Cruise

- Airport Transfers &; Transport to and from all CAESAR'S ARMY carded events

- CAESAR'S ARMY GEAR (T-Shirt/Vest & Souvenir Cup)

TOTAL COST: USD$650

NB: This package does NOT include flights.

50% DEPOSIT REQUIRED FOR ALL BOOKINGS BY TUESDAY 28TH JUNE 2011. BALANCE MUST BE PAID BY WEDNESDAY 27TH JULY 2011

Bookings are NON-REFUNDABLE and subject to availability

SECURE YOUR PACKAGE TODAY! FOR BOOKINGS & INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL: caesarsarmy@gmail.com

WE CAME. WE SAW. WE WUK UP.

The Beginning...Spice Band Launch 2012...THE COOLER FETE

Spice Carnival invites you to THE BEGINNING... take a journey through time and witiness the launch of our C2K12 presention...

"THE NEW WORLD"

On Saturday 9th July, you MUST WEAR WHITE to experience history in the making as we do it 'cooler' than the rest!

Bring your crew, bring your cooler and see some of the hottest costumes for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2012

Spicequeraders!...you know we got you covered...limited advance tickets are available for all Spice masqueraders at Spice Mas Camp from Friday 10th June

Mas Camp Hours

Monday-Friday: 12pm -4pm

Saturday: 12pm-4pm

Ticket Hotline: 222-0475

Ltd. Advance $160.

Tickets are also available from all Spice Committee Members

More information coming soon on other ticket outlets...bands...djs and whole lot more

Stay Tuned!

Johnnie Walker Be A Giant Event

Last evening I was pleased to be invited to the Johnnie Walker "Giants of T&T" VIP after party at Brian Lara's residence. Hosted by Sir Vivian Richards and Shaka Hislop, two sporting "giants", the event was part of the Johnnie Walker promotion to encourage responsible drinking with their "Be A Giant Don’t Drink and Drive" campaign. For the past four years Sir Vivian Richards has been an ambassador for Johnnie Walker promoting responsible drinking in the Caribbean he is now joined by Shaka Hislop legendary goal keeper and ESPN commentator in this task of communicating the don't drink and drive message in Trinidad and Tobago. The Be A Giant campaign will become part of Johnnie Walker’s global Walk with Giants program.

To pledge support you can join the Johnnie Walker Facebook Page www.facebook.com/johnniewalkertandt; one lucky fan who pledged to not drink and drive won the chance to bowl the first ceremonial ball at yesterday's cricket match, Digicel Pearls T20 against India, at the Queen’s Park Oval, VIP tickets to watch the game with Sir Vivian and Shaka Hislop and was also a special guest at the VIP after party.

Lots of local celebrities and socialites were at the event including former Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe Latoya Woods and the current Miss Trinidad and Tobago World Lee Ann Forbes, pictured below with Peter Elias, fashion designer and section leader in TRIBE. Of course I used the opportunity to "talk shop" and managed to wrangle a teeny bit of information on TRIBE's theme for Carnival 2012, however you will just have to wait a while longer for the official confirmation as the theme has been changed twice so far. Suffice to say we can expect a FABULOUS costume from Peter Elias once again.

Eddie Seow of YUMA was also at the event and when pressed for a possible launch date all he gave me was "August" but he did intimate that costumes from YUMA are already finished and if I thought costumes this year were great wait until I see NEXT year's costumes! Oh yes, I am dying to see!