Walk on the Wild Side

While browsing Victoria's Secrets website last night I came across a whole section of animal print shoes and accessories which are the "trend" at the moment. Then the thought occurred that though we are yet to see costumes from Island People some of these shoes might fit the theme quite well; though the boots have high stiletto heels and some of you might think only a crazy person would wear those on Carnival think again; I saw many a diva rocking the stiletto boot this year's Carnival. I think the Skechers mary janes are too cute and look comfortable enough for those looking for a trendy cross between sneaker and shoe for Carnival as not all of us like either boots or sneakers to match our costumes:

There are some other funky finds online as well from the cheap sneakers to designer boots, all exploring the "Animal Instinct":

Donald J. Pliner found at Zappos.com


Giuseppe Zanotti found at Zappos.com

Josie sneakers by Punkrock


If the thought of animal print shoes is a bit too much for you, I know some people find them tacky, how about a pair of sunglasses to shade the eyes from the glaring sun on Carnival Monday and Tuesday while adding a little bit of the wild side to your costume? You can find sunglasses cheap enough to toss aside at the end of the day or indulge in designer frames if you wish:

Girl Props


Girl Props

Fabulous Furs

Fabulous Furs


Roberto Cavali at Saks

Until we see actual costumes all I can do is speculate on what Island People has in store for 2008, who knows, there may not be an animal print in sight though I think to fully translate the theme there must be an animal print or two somewhere right? So while we fantasize about costumes it does not hurt to have some fun exploring the Wild Side!!

Harts Launch Update

The venue for the launch of Harts 2008 presentation "Lights, Camera, Action" is Angostura Compound, Laventille; I guess this is one time "West" people will be crossing the Lighthouse to party. The theme of the band pays tribute to Hollywood movies like 300, Moulin Rouge and Gladiator. I am anxiously awaiting to see the 20 sections especially the one based on 300 as it is rumoured that Peter Elias will also be doing a section in the band TRIBE based on the myth of the 300 Spartan men as well.

Registration is scheduled to start immediately after the launch and the website up with a week following the launch.

Bejeweled

Click on the flyer to read more about Dream Team's upcoming launch on August 26th at Pier 1:

HAWKS INTERNATIONAL PULLS OUT OF 2007 NEW YORK LABOR DAY CARNIVAL CELEBRATION

A stalwart of Labour Day Carnival, Hawks International will not be participating this year:

July 11,2007

To our many friends & supporters who have participated and enjoyed our Labor-Day Carnival presentation over the past 30 + years, and to the general public as a whole, we wish to thank you for your support during this period. Unfortunately we have come to the decision that we can no longer participate in the West Indian Day Carnival presentation because of the increasing cost, lack of funding, inability to host fund raising events, the inconvenient and excessive restrictions imposed by the NYPD and the inability of WIADCA (West Indian American Day Carnival Association) to properly represent the producers of this significant event, perhaps the largest of it’s kind in the USA.

This festival generates almost $300 million for the City of New York while the producers are forced to pay their own way even a fee to WIADCA to participate in the Carnival Celebration on the Parkway. While we are certain that the absence of Hawks International alone will not be felt, we have decided that this is an exercise in futility which must now come to an end. We are cognizant of our commitment to sustain the rich culture of the Caribbean and the necessity to pass the tradition on to generations of the future. Should conditions change for the better to foster an infrastructure in which we the producers can thrive we stand poise to continue our contribution. We look forward to the continued support at other Hawks International fund raising activities.

Our Motto: Dare to Forge the Future.

For further information visit Hawks International call 732.406.5231or email info@hawksintl.com

Source: www.hawksintl.com

Wild Eyes

Island People's Animal Instinct is a theme that is open to interpretation but since the "story" is supposedly a safari journey one can safely guess that the costumes will depict animals in the wild. So I thought for the adventurous masquerader who likes to take their costume one notch over the top that Wild Eyes contact lenses would be purrrrrfect!! Coupled with some feline makeup a la Beyonce in her video for Kitty Kat these contact lenses are sure to look ferocious!!

Available designs are displayed below:



Fierce eyes:


Close up of Zebra (click for larger view)

Marrakesh

Not to be left out amid all the upcoming band launchings, Pulse 8 will hold a media launch for it's 2008 presentation "Marrakesh - Moroccan Market" on August 21st. Immediately following the launch the mas camp is scheduled to open the weekend of August 25th . A public launch should take place "later in the year" according to sources close to the mas camp.

And the Venue is..................

The launch of TRIBE's 2008 presentation "Myths and Magic" will be held in Pier 1, at least it has ample parking don't mind I will have to reach EARLY to beat the traffic and get a good spot to check out, I mean photograph, the HOT male models in the "Spartan" costumes ( I wonder if they will have airbrushed abs?) ................so who going?

Lions and Tigers and Bears....Oh My!!

So, in addition to the sections Zebra and Panther which I got word of last month, other rumored sections in Island People's literal translation of their 2008 presentation Animal Instinct are Black Widow Spider, Tiger, Leopard and Egret.Masqueraders should expect VERY skimpy costumes with the return of the wire (cage) bra for 2008.I also heard that the launch is late August... remains to be seen how true all these tid bits of information turn out to be!!

Pow Wow for Nottinghill Carnival

Looks like Legacy mas is having new life for Nottinghill Carnival with costumes made for the band Arawak. To check out the costumes click on the photo below to be taken to the website:

Custom Designed Monday Wear

Blogger D Trini in Me sent me links to custom designed vests that she did for Carnival 2008 and wanted to share her idea for unique Monday wear with everyone. In her post entitled "Got Carnival Monday Wear" she highlights the idea of making your own T Shirts and you can check out the original text on her blog.

The following are two examples of designs that she created for TRIBE and Island People :

And this is my very own custom design:

To design your own creation visit the website Custom Ink.com where you can feel free to play around with T Shirts, vests, shorts, sweat shorts and even hats in addition to lots of other items that can be customized. Though I personally think the price might be a bit too steep if you are only ordering one item it works out well for groups or if only to give you an idea of something you might be able to get done on your own.

Smart Card….Smart idea?

So by now everyone who is on TRIBE’s mailing list should have gotten the long awaited email detailing the procedure to apply for your new TLC cards which have been upgraded to “Smart Cards”. Though the majority of the email was giving instructions on who is eligible for the “Smart Card” (which from the looks of it is everyone who ever played with TRIBE) with details of the Smart Card’s benefits still to be revealed I did pick up on a few hints of what is to come from this sentence:

“This card will be used for years to come. In addition to giving you priority registration, this card will be used as your electronic ticket to any TRIBE event and also qualifies you for discounts on specified future events.”

What I gather, and I may be wrong, is that this “Smart Card” will be your ticket to TRIBE’s fetes and all holders will get a discount on the price of such events. While the premise of this sounds very cool, no more paper tickets, I would like to see additional benefits attached to the Smart Card such as gym discounts at specified gyms in Trinidad, discount at “healthy” eating places such as Subway restaurant and a discount at Samaroos as well!!

Since this will be your card for life I do have a few concerns; what happens if you loose the Smart Card; will the masquerader pay for its replacement? And if you miss playing with TRIBE for a year or two will your card be revoked by the band? If someone sells their Smart Card (you know just as the TLC cards were being sold) will the benefits be transferable to the person who buys it? And for all those masqueraders who purchase costumes on Carnival Junction or even at the mas camp on Carnival Saturday will they be issued a Smart Card the following year? I guess I will have to wait to see if a future email will explain exactly how the Smart Card works, but for now I cannot help but wonder if maybe it is such a smart idea.

Firstly, if the Smart Card is automatically given to everyone who played with TRIBE in 2007 why does it say first time masqueraders for 2007 are also entitled to the card; isn’t it obvious that everyone who played in 2007 would be comprised of first timers as well? And I would really like to see if persons who played only once will be denied a card in preference of those who have played at least twice, so does that mean there is a limit to how many Smart Cards will be distributed? Honestly, I do think that persons who played in 2005 and never again should be written off the list, I know it seems harsh but after a two year lull one must assume that masquerader is either playing with another band or has no interest of playing again. I do agree with giving cards to people who played any two years and to the first timers who played this year however.

I still think the Smart Card does not give us that much “priority” when it comes to registering, if everyone is assigned one then we are ALL on equal footing, for it to be a TRUE loyalty card I personally think people who have played with TRIBE every year since their debut should be given FIRST opportunity to register, followed by people who played any two years and lastly by those who played once, including those who played only in 2007 (sorry but you are yet to earn your loyalty status). To me this is the only system that makes sense if a card like this is to work as it was intended.

As for those without a Smart Card never fear, even with TLC cards last year the band did not sell out in days as they did in 2005, higher prices and more band options probably contributed to that. So keep your options open for costume choices, you know the “hot sections” go first and even if you don’t get a costume in TRIBE to your liking Carnival Junction and the costume resale market might make that feat easier to accomplish as Carnival 2008 draws nearer.

In spite of all my concerns I have already applied for my Smart Card, and I am both excited and curious to learn more about what this means to us the masquerader. One thing I do know is that it is a clear indication that TRIBE’s band launching is SOON to come and I cannot wait, bring on the costumes!!

Hot off the Press - Get your TLC cards!

This is for all the Tribers who do not receive emails for some reason; the following came in my inboxl tonight:

Masquerader Info Blast

Friday 6th July, 2007

TRIBE crew, as we look ahead to Carnival 2008 there is some important information that we would like to share with you.

TRIBE Launch
The launch of our 2008 Carnival presentation “Myths & Magic” is scheduled for Saturday 28th July 2007. Further details will be conveyed to you via email and our website in the very near future.

TRIBE Loyalty Card (TLC)
In 2006 TRIBE introduced the TRIBE Loyalty Card or TLC. This card gave the loyal masquerader priority registration before it was opened to the public. This worked quite well, and we have received very favorable feedback from you.

For Carnival 2008, TRIBE is introducing cutting edge technology and will be issuing a new ‘smart card’ as the TLC. This card will be used for years to come. In addition to giving you priority registration, this card will be used as your electronic ticket to any TRIBE event and also qualifies you for discounts on specified future events. (Details of card uses and benefits will be given to you upon receipt of your card).

These new TLC’s will replace the ones previously distributed and are intended to be used on a long term basis. The previous TLC codes & cards will no longer be valid.

Please note that the 'TLC' is non-transferable and the benefits of the TLC will only extend to the loyal masquerader to whom the card is assigned.


Existing TLC Holders
Existing TLC holders that have REGISTERED AND PLAYED with TRIBE in 2007 are automatically entitled to the new TLC “Smart Card”. To request your smart card please click on the link below (See below ‘Distribution of TLC’s’).

2007 First Time Masqueraders
All masqueraders who have registered and played for the first time with TRIBE in our 2007 presentation “Ole Time Someting Come Back Again” are now eligible to apply for a TLC by clicking on the link below (See below ‘Distribution of TLC’s’).

Other TRIBE Masqueraders
All other masqueraders who have played at least once with TRIBE between the years 2005 and 2007 can apply for a TLC, however priority will be given to those people who have played mas with us for two years or more.


Distribution of TLC’s
To request your smart card please click on the link below and complete the form displayed. The deadline to apply for your new TLC card is 6:00 pm, Wednesday 18th July 2007.

http://mobile.carnivaltribe.com/index.cfm?content=85

Once your application is successfully submitted and approved, you will be notified via email/website of your collection or delivery date.

All information will be kept confidential and used only by TRIBE ONLY.


Local Masqueraders – You have the option of:

* Collecting your TLC at the mas camp (You will be notified via email of the date and time of your TLC collection).
* Having the card mailed by TTPost to your address on file.

Persons who will be attending the TRIBE Launch will be required to come into the camp to collect their TLC and purchase/load your ticket. (You will be notified via email of the date and time of your TLC collection).

Overseas Masqueraders – Your new codes will be emailed to you and you can pick up your new TLC card at future specified dates.

If you have any questions regarding TRIBE Loyalty Cards please email sales@carnivaltribe.com

Lights, Camera, Action....Harts Launch!

Harts 2008 Carnival presentation is ""Lights, Camera, Action" (A tribute to Hollywood)" and the band launching takes place on Friday 27th of July. The drinks-inclusive soiree will feature entertainment by Shurwayne Winchester and Traffik, Imij and Co., Mr. Slaughter, Blazer Dan & Fireball along with DJ’s High Fidelity, Less than Zero, DJ Scooby and Code 9.

The information given is that due a change in venue not all masqueraders will be able to be accommodated so tickets will be scarce and will be sold on a first come first served basis. Tickets go on sale from Monday 23rd July BUT you can pay for your tickets in advance at the mas camp (you will be given a receipt) and collect them on the day that tickets go on sale to secure your spot.

Anyone wishing to reserve tickets can call the mas camp at 622-8038 or e-mail harts@hartscarnival.com. Tickets are priced at $240.00 for band members and $280.00 for non-band members.

You read it here first...Animal Instinict

Bloggers have been fantasizing about costumes since I first reported Island People's theme three months ago; now we have confirmation:

Antigua Carnival 2007 update

Antigua Carnival which celebrates 5o years this year takes place on August 6th and 7th . Sections from the band Xtreme Mas are already almost sold out with only one female section remaining. You can still get costumes in Passion Mas.

Panorama this year takes place on August 2nd at Antigua's Recreation Grounds and here is the lineup of bands:



For more information on the Panorama you can visit Pan on De Net.

photo source: Pan on De Net

Saldenah Block-O

This one is for all of you in Toronto:

click on flyer for large view

Join In An Afternoon At The Mas Camp For Free Food and DRINKS, Take A Look At The Costumes And Meet Other Masqueraders!!!!

On Sunday July 8th, 2007 Louis Saldenah Mas K Club presents
"THE SALDENAH PRE-CARNIVAL WARM-UP BLOCKO" at THE MAS CAMP
Address: 55 Nugget Ave, Unit 10 (1 Block North Sheppard, Off McCowan)
Time: 4PM-9PM
Adm: FREE FOR EVERYONE!!!
Info: 416-444-9118 or http://www.saldenahcarnival.com/

Ronnie and Caro Band Launching

Breakaway band Ronnie and Caro, who will make their debut in 2008 after leaving Legacy, launches their 2008 presentation "De Gulf" on Wednesday August 1st at Club Ambassador. The launch falls on the Emancipation holiday in Trinidad and will showcase all seven sections of the band.

DJ's for the night will be Merry Perry,Richard Simply Smooth,Black Coffee and Jahmoun. Tickets cost $100.00 and for more information email carnivalbaby@hotmail.com or call any of the following phone numbers:

781.7651
735.1134
346.5986
338.8546

Machel Montano HD - UK

Seems like the HD concert is doing a world tour, heading to the U.K. this time on the 24th of August. Check out the flyers for more details:

Click on flyer for larger view

In additon to the places listed on the flyer, you can also contact socadiva70@yahoo.com for ticket information.

Need a ticket to Trinidad for Carnival 2008?

Delta airlines has direct flights from New York to Trinidad for next year's Carnival at the cost of less than $600.00US at the moment. Bloggers have reported purchasing tickets for as little as $465.00US!! One tip, check dates between January 26th and February 9th 2008.

If you have been procrastinating on getting your ticket to Trinidad, have your time off approved and your dates are flexible check out Delta now........ remember ticket prices will only go UP in the coming months.

The dates for Trinidad Carnival 2008 are the 4th and 5th of February.

D Krewe Launches in September

D Krewe, formerly a section in the band Trini Revellers, will be making the foray into big band territory with a new band of their own for 2008. The launch of the D Krewe's 2008 presentation "Love is....." will be held in Trinidad on September 15th at a venue still to be revealed. Another launch will be held in New York on September 29th.

Some of the sections of "Love is....." are:

Karma Sutra
Passion
Lust
Marriage
Wedding
Honeymoon
Bliss
Tantric
Fantasy
Music (The Food of Love)
Obsession
Illusion
Forbidden
Secrets
Cloud Nine

Bakanal Promotions and Conquest International will be producing the special section "Forbidden" and a launch of that section is also scheduled to take place in New York. For more information visit Conquest International.

The good news for all those eager and interested to see what D Krewe the band will bring to the table for 2008 is that I have been invited to a preview of the band on August 4th which I am really looking forward to. Judging from D Krewe's costumes this year I can only expect some fabulous designs for 2008; so look out for a preliminary report on "Love is..." next month.