They Call me Mrs Fete :UWI Fete - The Review

Fete : UWI Fete, UWI Campus 
Price: $850.00
Date: January 22,2012
Photos: http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=display&id=GAL5FDD9F

http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=display&id=GAL3145E6

http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=html&id=GAL03CC5B

Location

Spread out over the northern grounds on Campus close to the Principal's office the space was utilized very well for layout and flow. On entering the gates the main food area  and seating was at your left; along the right another food area, both stages and other bars/drink stations. See map for details (and I must add I loved that maps were available for patrons  on the day as well)

Ambiance/Decor

The theme of UWI Fete this year was Africa specifically "Zangalewa" and there were appropriately attired dancers greeting you upon entry plus touches of "African" print and masks in the decor. The theme even carried out to the printed paper fans that were being handed out.

Food

Wow, I know the menu was available  on UWI Fete's Facebook page for weeks leading up to the event but I was still impressed by the variety of food in person. I sampled the Caribbean and Italian food stations first then later on in the night , after two performances , we went back for Greek and Indian and in between we indulged in the "finger foods"; stuffed dumpling with crab, ribs, barbque pigtail and aloo pie from the Debe Delicacies. Everything I had tasted great, no complaints. Kudos to the "fancy" square disposable plates that were used. 

Bar

There were two main bars where I found service to be a bit slow and we were just waiting to get water! The Johnny Walker Green drink station (it was way too small to be called a bar) was my spot for drinks for the day. The only issue was it was situated in a passage way so it got crowded and it was a small bar that was very popular so always a wait to get a drink. I also saw an Angostura Cocktail Bar, Yellow Tail Bar, Chivas Bar and Carib Brewery. On the map there were other bars that I missed on seeing in person. 

Performances

Again I missed Roy Cape and only saw the ending of Karma's performance. Having two stages I think is brilliant, since the stage often becomes the focal point at a fete with patrons standing around reserving a spot or staring at an empty stage waiting for the performances to begin. With the two stages there was no gathering of the crowd in any one area so people were moving all over the grounds.

Dil E Nadan, totally surprised me as the last time I saw them live I was not impressed. However the band was redeemed on Sunday giving a rousing performance that the crowd enjoyed. I don't know if it was the fact that I was up front for Kes or that the space was a bit smaller and more intimate but I loved his set, full of energy and I really do appreciate a Soca Artiste who can SING! Kes is proving that last year was no fluke, very strong performance.

Crowd Vibe

There is this myth perpetuated that UWI Fete is an "old people party", well that was not the case on Sunday as both mature and younger patrons attended the event, a very nice mix of people who all came out to party. As far as I could see a good time was had my many, self included! 

Eye Candy

On a scale of 1 to 10 eye candy rating would be around 8 , there were some good looking men (and women) at this fete! Everyone who dressed to theme looked fabulous as I saw some very interesting interpretations of "African Wear".

Extras

The VIP area hosted stars Tatyana Ali, CCH Pounder and Lyriq Bent all of whom I had the pleasure of meeting.

actor Lyriq Bent 

Bathroom

Andy Loos (or something of that same nature) were used. When I visited there were no lines, they were clean, air conditioned and pretty fancy for a mobile restroom. 

Overall Rating

UWI fete gets a solid 8.5, it was a pretty good fete! The rain of Saturday and early Sunday was both a blessing and a curse. Because of the rain and overcast weather it was not as stiflingly humid and hot as if we had blazing sunshine as there are not that many shaded areas at UWI. The caveat however is that some of the areas were muddy and water logged so that was a slight bit challenging to navigate. Other than that, I had no major complaints and I look forward to theme 2013.

Carnival Kids Camp

Brian Mac Farlance Sneak Peek

Section "Salacious" from Brian Mac Farlane's Carnival 2012 presentation "Sanctification":

They Call me Mrs Fete :Old Hilarians (Bishops) - The Review

Fete : Old Hilarians (Bishops), O2 Park Chaguaramas
Price: $750.00
Date: January 21,2012
Photos: http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=html&id=GAL591944

Location

Same location as the previous week's fete, again no traffic on the way by the time I arrived. There was parking at the Heliport with shuttle service to the venue but many, many people still chose to park on the side of the main road.

Ambiance/Decor

Old Hilarians used the entire space of O2 park providing two Food Courts with seating and several bars throughout. Well placed large screen TVs meant that you could see the performances even if you had no view of the stage. No special additional touches to the decor but like I said before the refurbished space at O2 park is already spruced up.

Food

There was LOTS to eat at Old Hilarians, I kept moving from area to area and saying to myself "wait, there is still more!?". Very impressed by the variety as well. On the menu was bar b que pigtail, ribs, two sets of Chinese food , roti, international food, bake and shark, gourmet doubles, regular doubles, horse, geera pork, creole food, oxtail/cow heel/corn soup, a desert station and several more offerings that I cannot recall but there was lots to choose from and most areas had food service throughout the night as well as take out boxes to carry home if you wanted.

Bar

There were several main bars with quick service, no standing waiting to get a bar tenders attention, liked that. At the main bar you could have your Hennessy White and Johnny Walker Black. In addition for further alcoholic consumption you had a dedicated Johnny Walker Blue Bar, Moet Bar, Nuvo Bar, vodka Bar and wine bars. 

Performances

I arrived too late for Roy Cape unfortunately but at this point I should mention that on Saturday there was a torrential downpour ALL day. When I got to O2 park it was still raining but guess what, rain stops nothing but cricket so patrons were partying with their umbrellas. Although the rain held up at points during the night there were times you were suddenly drenched with more rain! So, I was pretty surprised that the performances went on in spite of everything and I was able to withstand the rain for Destra, Super Jigga T and Kerwin Dubois. After that I had enough of getting soaked.

This was my first time seeing Destra, she is my girl so I enjoyed her performance as usual. I wish she would stop talking  so much though . Kerwin Dubois was my favourite of the night too bad his time on stage is so short! I missed Kes but since I saw him last week and was seeing him the next day I did not feel too bad about it.`

Crowd Vibe

Rain or no rain people were having a great time, it's like they paid their money to fete and vowed to do so even though the skies were pouring down on their head ever so often. Lots of couples at Old Hilarians, and I was very pleased to see the men holding the umbrellas open for their women to party! 

Eye Candy

On a scale of 1 to 10 eye candy rating would be around 6 . As usual the ladies were well put together for the most part and I have to commend the ones who looked stellar even in the rain. For the ladies eye candy was somewhat lacking, seems as if the women outnumbered the men at this fete.

Extras

A  whole makeup tent providing makeup service, this is soon going to be a staple at All Inclusive fetes and not an "extra".

Bathroom

It's the same as last week, nice clean fancy bathroom at O2 Park, no complaints.

Overall Rating

I would give Old Hilarians a 7 only because the weather was not co operating, if the weather was perfect they could easily get an 8. Loved the spread of food and drinks and that people were having a great time at the fete. But,arriving and leaving in pouring rain did put a damper on things.

New Machel - Bottle Of Rum

UWI Fete Streaming Live !

Tune in Today at 3:00PM 

http://www.triniscene.com/tsv7/stream/

Carnival Faces

Happiness,
Is looking absolutely fabulous for Carnival.
Thank You for choosing Carnival Faces as the perfect accessory to DIVARIZE you for Carnival....The Greatest Show on Earth. It's because of you that we remain the leaders in the industry and the champions of having a darn good time.

I wish you much Happiness for 2012 and the fulfillment of all your dreams. Just a reminder that if you intend to be a star for TnT Carnival there is still time to book your appointment ....This year we have two locations Port of Spain and San Fernando.......

PORT OF SPAIN (MONDAY AND TUESDAY 20 AND 21ST FEB, 2012) -
SINNAMON SKIN KLINIC 63-65 NORFOLK STREET, QUEENS PARK EAST, BLEMONT
SAN FERNANDO (TUESDAY 21 FEB, 2012) - SPACE CLUB LA ROMAIN (TUESDAY ONLY)

To book your appointment please visit carnivalfaces.net.

Know Your Fetes

All-inclusive fetes:

As the name suggests this is the type of fete where you pay one price and have everything included; food, drinks and entertainment. Most all inclusive fetes will serve a variety of drinks including rum, vodka, wine and scotch with the “premium” (read more expensive) All Inclusive Fetes adding champagne, cognac, cocktails and various colours of the ever popular Johnny Walker to their drinks menu. Food is often the main attraction for some at an All Inclusive Fete and the menus range from bake and shark, corn soup, gyros, gourmet doubles, roasted pig, stuffed crab dumplings in curry sauce to sushi, shrimp cocktail, oysters and local “wild meat”. Themed All Inclusive Fetes may also offer a menu to go with the theme, for example the African Menu at UWI Fete’s Zangalewa.

All Inclusive Fetes can be held at daytime starting around noon for the earliest or at night. Daytime all inclusive are usually held at a scenic venue, could be overlooking a beach, and people are dressed in their best “resort” type attire or if it is dress code specific All Inclusive Fete like Hyatt’s Lime you are asked to wear a specific colour. At night you can be partying at an All Incluisve held at a local sport celebrity’s mansion or a dressed up public space like the Oval Carpark.

Because of the price all-inclusive fetes are where you go to mingle with the local celebrities, politicians and the who’s who of Trinidad social circles. Rule of thumb is the more expensive the fete the more dressed up the women and men are going to be and the longer it takes for them to loosen up. At some All Inclusive fetes you will not expect to see anyone dropping on the floor and rolling or bubbling on a DJ! Even though All Inclusives are generally priced well above a minimum of $600.00TT/$100.00US some may also offer a tiered system of pricing offering a cheaper section with less amenities or a VIP section with additional extras not offered to the general patron.

Expect several live bands at most All Inclusive Fetes, with the exception of Beach House where it is party by DJ only. These days you can also find lots of extras thrown in for All Inclusive partygoers like makeup artists, masseur, taxi service, party favors and even gift bags.

Tickets for the very popular All Inclusive fetes are difficult to procure as they are not sold online or at a ticket outlet ,only via committee and those that do score these enviable tickets tend to act with the smugness of someone wining a lottery.

All-inclusives:

UWI All inclusive

Bishops All-inclusive

Central Bank

Misty Ridge

Fall Out

Zante

Hyatt’s LIME

The Beach House Carnival all-inclusive fete

Brian Lara all-inclusive

Semi Inclusive Fete

These fetes include something extra in the price but not the full nine yards like an All Incluisve Fete. So, you may get drinks inclusive and some complimentary doubles and corn soup upon leaving the party or you may get food included and have to pay for your drinks. Priced cheaper than your regular All Inclusive usually this may be a good option for those who do not wish to have food at a fete or the non drinkers who still wish to have something to nibble on during the fete.

Some Semi Inclusive fetes will headline a live band or two while others may just be DJ only. Tickets are usually sold via committee, at a specific location or online.

Semi Inclusive

Soca 4 U

Bare 

Mania 

Tribe Ignite 

Soca Jams:

These are the type of fetes that attracts thousands of people, offer several live bands on the lineup and is usually held in  a large open space such as the Queens Park Savannah. Priced competitively, these are usually the cheapest fetes  and you can source tickets for them easily at a ticket outlet or in some cases online.

Although there is a one tier ticket system for these fetes you may find a few offering a VIP section that includes either an all inclusive or semi inclusive option. The attraction of a Soca Jam for most people apart from price is the fact that you will see most of the big bands and soca artistes perform at these events.

Be warned crowd response at these fetes is very enthusiastic and you may see several “crews” roaming with their Flag throughout the fete.

Soca Jam:

Rama

Customs Boys’ annual Pan-o-Brass-Pan

Soca Monarch Final

Army Fete

Fire Fete

W.A.S.A. Fete

Theme Fetes:

Any fete where you are instructed or expected to wear a specific colour or accessory. At some of these themed fetes the dress code is strictly enforced while others are a bit more lenient. You can usually expect a live band or guest artistes at these fetes and tickets are sold via a committee or online.

Theme Fete:

Wicked in White

Girlz Gone white 

Sexy In Black 

Eyes White Shut

Boat Rides/Cruises

Taking the fete out to sea is very popular during Carnival on several party boats like the Treasure Queen. There are boat rides that do early morning fetes or nightly sailing. Boarding is usually a few hours before actual sailing time at Chaguaramas and the sail takes you in the general “down the islands” area and back. Some boat rides allow you to bring coolers while others you have to pay for drinks with complimentary shots on board or drinks prior to boarding and a couple are all inclusive with drinks and food included.

There is no live band on a boat ride though a soca artist or two may pop up for a solo guest performance. Sourcing tickets for boat rides is usually done via a committee; you may be able to get a few online for sale.

Boat Ride:

Frenzy

Puro Blanco

Buenos Dias 

S.S. wassy Boat Ride

Silent Morning

Cooler Fete

Walking with your own drinks is quite possibly one of the cheapest fetes you can have for Carnival. At a cooler fete you are allowed to stock a cooler (there are rules as to what time they are permitted in the event and glass bottles are forbidden) and party in a generic open space for a couple hours with a DJ. Expect a few soca artists to show up for a guest appearance at the more popular cooler fetes.

Tickets are usually sold via committee or online.
Cooler Fete:

TRIBE Ice

Stumped

Cool it 

7

Rise

Blue Range Cooler Fete

Breakfast Parties:

Starting in the wee hours of the morning and going until the blazing sun comes up, these fetes held on Carnival Sunday round out the fete season for many party goers. Drinks and breakfast is included in the price. Breakfast can range from local favourites of sada roti, bake and buljol to pancakes and omelets.

Expect guest performances by soca artistes, live bands and getting soaked by foam and/or water

Breakfast Parties:

Dawn

Insomina

Sunny Side Up

UP

Shades

Diamond Vale Breakfast Party

Out Door Fetes:

Any fete held at Anchorage, Mobs 2, Pier 1, and other open air venues. These parties are somewhat like the Soca Jam in that they attract a lot of people, might have more than one live band, but they are usually priced more and attract a different crowd. Drinks and/or food are not included in the price though there might be a VIP area offering these extras.

Tickets can be sourced via committee, online or at a ticket outlet.

Outdoor Fete:

Bacchanal Wednesday

UWI Splash 

Eee

Girl Power 

Panorama Semis

This has turned into a fete of its own since the addition of live performances by soca artistes, rhythm section and DJs. You can purchase an all inclusive package from various “crews” where food drinks and a homogenous T shirt/Vest/Baby Tee is provided in your kit. These packages range from $200 - $300.00TT excluding the price of your ticket and are offered by corporate entities , party committees and mas bands.

Panorama semis is an all day fun lime and it is not necessary to join a crew to enjoy panorama, you can do your own lime walking with cooler and a pot of pealau or just purchase drinks and food at the venue.

Panorama Semis is held at the Queens Park Savannah and it is advisable to get advanced tickets from NCC (National Carnival Commission).

Panorama Semis Crews:

Scorch

Insomniacs

Caesar's Army

Jamboree

YUMA

Red ants

After Carnival Cool Down:

Post Carnival fete normally held at a public beach . Most are free to the public and offer a live DJ, attracting hundreds of people and traffic. I have seen an increase in organized fetes on Ash Wednesday so look out for those events as well. As usual, tickets sourced via committee.

After Carnival Cool Down:
Moonlighting Cruise
River Luau
Wild Meat Cooldown

Carnival Basics Boots

For all your Carnival needs check out www.carnivalbasics.webs.com Boots

Win TWO Tickets to Agua Soca 2012

Today Agua Soca is giving away TWO tickets to Trinidad Carnival Diary fans and its pretty simple. All you have to do is visit the Trinidad Carnival Diary Fanpage on Facebook  and say in 50 words or less why YOU deserve to win the two tickets to Agua Soca 2012. The person with the most likes wins. Contest closes at 7PM tonight. Good luck!

Visit the Fanpage here : https://www.facebook.com/carnivaldiary

https://www.facebook.com/events/263476660380436/

Sacha Cosmetics Teams Up With Harts

See More Costume/Eye Shadow Combinations HERE

Sacha Cosmetics is happy to partner with Harts Carnival 2012 and present to you the Eye Shadow colors best suited to your costume.

https://www.facebook.com/HartsCarnival

All colors are available at our Image Centers nationwide.

1) Charlotte Street (Upstairs Pennywise) - 625-2140
2) Long Circular Mall (kiosk) – 622-5070
3) Gulf City Shopping Mall - 299-0491/653-8529
4) Chaguanas (Upstairs Pennywise) - 299-0490/672-1588
5) Point Fortin - 648-1312
6) Westmall - 637-6101
7) High Street, San Fernando (Upstairs Pennywise) - 657-8983
8) Town Center Mall (19-21 Fredrick St. P.O.S.)– 299-0493/625-6904
9) Ground Floor Auzonville Mall Tunapuna – 299-0494/663-6864
10) Center City Mall Penal – 299-0495
11) Airport Kiosk - 367-3641 and 388-7756

Oasis Carnival - More than a Mas Band, It’s a Movement!

Not many mas bands can boast of being a movement, but Oasis Carnival Band has made the concept of creating a Mas Band more than just displaying pretty costumes on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Only in their second year and Oasis has taken Trinidad by storm. In August 2011, masqueraders were introduced to their 2012 presentation ‘NIPPON’- which translates into ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.

And since then they have continued to raise the bar. Not only was their band launch one of the most coveted for the season but riding on that success, they participated and hosted a number of events during the short season. The Oasis team put on a stellar performance at the Scorch Chick Olympics, placing 2nd with a 15 member team, 5 women and 10men. With over 50 supporters donning their Oasis tees, the team also placed 2nd in the cook off and won hampers for placing 2nd overall.

Then they won the Gog and Grog lime which was held in Glencoe showcasing their culinary specialty in bar-b-que and stew rabbit and curry duck. The Oasis ‘Yen’ team of 15 strong represented well and proved that not only is the team great at creating dynamic costumes but their talents extend well into sports and cooking.

As a way to say welcome, the Oasis family hosted a smaller more intimate event on October 29th called ‘VIP’. This wine and cheese event introduced some of Trinidad and Tobago’s greatest personalities in sports, music and business to Oasis Carnival, with costumes on full display and live entertainment by Swappi at the bands Mas Camp on Rosalino Street in Woodbrook. It was also an event to thank sponsors for their continued support of the movement.

Following on the heels of ‘VIP’, on December 10th, Oasis threw the second installment of their Retro Party in Westmoorings called- This is how we do it 2! Needless to say the event was a huge success with over 300 patrons. Patrons were treated to a premium bar, $1 doubles and $6 beer specials to enhance the Retro effect. 

To close off the year, the Oasis family held a charity drive where they encouraged masqueraders and supporters to give generously to those less fortunate. On December 23rd 2011, the Joshua Home for boys in Santa Rosa was the recipients of gifts, food hampers and a cash donation from Oasis Carnival Band. In addition, the 14 boys were introduced and motivated by speakers like Jehue Gordon and Errol Mc Farlane, who encouraged them to never give up and always strive for excellence in whatever they do. The donations were very well received and the Christmas party added to the merriment of Christmas for the Joshua boys and the Oasis family.

As they move into 2012 and get into high gear for Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Oasis continues to open its doors to its patrons to celebrate Carnival and continue the revelry. The Oasis Mas Camp remains open to the public Monday to Friday from 11am to 7pm and Saturday from 12noon to 5pm. To kick start the Carnival season, Oasis will be having the first of many Friday limes at its Mas Camp, where registration is still open to the public and costumes are on full display.

For more information on Oasis Carnival check out their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oasis-Carnival-Trinidad/130329883719701 or contact the Mas Camp at
32 Rosalino Street, Woodbrook
Tel: 625-4624
Email: oasis.carnival@gmail.com