DV 8 The Review

I have to say this was the fete I was looking forward to the most on the agenda for Miami Carnival weekend as I had heard much about DV 8 last year and how great an all inclusive it was. Well, let me tell you it did not disappoint!

Our thinking that we needed to be shuttled to the venue from the "meeting point" in Homestead meant we arrived fairly early, which was excellent timing as there was enough time to explore the grounds and absorb the atmosphere. Venue wise the outdoor setting was fabulous, very nice location with grottoes, waterfalls and ponds. The only thing was the mosquitoes were out in force however there was "off" spray at the entrance so you could protect yourself from the inevitable bites; this small detail was a hallmark of the detail that went into the fete.

There was one very long bar, stocked with Johnny and coconut water as well as lots of other spirits such as 1919 for rum drinkers. Another bar was dedicated to wine only, with flavors such as mango. The food service was running a bit late as they were not ready when we arrived but the nibbles came out soon after. I only had the very first set of finger food like mini spring rolls and chicken bites, the lines were not long then. Later on I heard that there were very long lines, but I was lucky enough to have food brought to me, and enjoyed the fare then.

The only caveat to such and expansive venue was the fact that at first the crowd was scattered in pockets throughout, the bar area seemed to be very popular until much later the spot closer to the DJ became filled and then you got an idea of how many people there were; the fete was packed! This was also the fete where I saw probably everyone who I knew that was in Miami for Carnival! I would say DV 8 was like Beach House on a Carnival Thursday in Trinidad.

As for the music, best out of the three fetes for the weekend, the DJ played 2009 soca and not once asked "anyone from Trinidad?" TRIBE Ignite was really good, I had a great time but DV 8 also ranks as one of the best fetes I have been to, both in and out of Trinidad, as well. The fact is it compared to any popular all inclusive in Trinidad and at 50.00 was well worth it! No wonder tickets were so exclusive. If you have never been to DV 8, put this one on your calender for Miami Carnival 2010, it was awesome!

Off to the parade today.....check out pics from DV 8 2009 as well as all the fete pics HERE:

Black and White The Review

So, after another LONG drive to Margate Fort Lauderdale I had really great expectations for Black and White fete, which in the end can be summed up with the words "sweat box",;I swear when the fete reached full sold out capacity the air outside (which is muggy and humid) was cooler than in the venue!

We arrived to meet a line of people awaiting entry to the event, true to form the ladies and men were very stylishly attired in the recommended colour scheme, but I got the impression that the majority of the patrons were there for the food and to socialise as they were either eating or chit chatting when I surveyed the different nooks of the venue. Apparently the roti, jerk chicken and Chinese food on sale were a hit among the crowd. The lay out went like this; a foyer(, main chit chat central) a room off the foyer with the live rhythm section that lead into a main ballroom where the DJs and stage was set up, then the bar opposite the foyer. The layout to me interrupted the flow of the fete as there was no cohesive vibe, which was further exacerbated by the heat later on.

Arriving fairly early meant that we met the venue when the air conditioning and fans were working, the caveat being that we had to suffer through the first DJ of the night who had to be one of the most boring DJs ever! The music picked up when Private Ryan came on followed by Back to Basics who described the ball room as a sauna and he was spot on in that description. To say it was HOT is an understatement.

We eventually had to move out of the ballroom and took up position in the foyer for the rest of the night as that space was cooler, but not by much as other people spilled out of the ballroom and packed the foyer as well. Even the hallway leading to the restrooms, which was significantly cooler earlier in the night, was packed with patrons trying to escape the sweat box of the ballroom. I am thinking they switched off the air conditioning as it was way, way too hot and after a time the ceiling fans were not even spinning!

The good part of the fete was that the bar served Johnny Walker Black and Coconut water (yay, you could easily drink the equivalent ticket price of the fete with this) however the bar was VERY crowded. We found a spot to the very end of the bar where there were no lines and prompt fast service so for me, no issues with the bar at all. Oh, how could I forget, at 3:45AM you could get nothing but juice at the bar! Not to mention the entry /exit was through a narrow door with no order and people spilling into the bar area from either side of the door meant for some jostling and pushing to get into/out of the bar area. Depending on when you made a trip to the bar you were forced to squeeze through the ONE passageway!

I give kudos to the crowd for trying to enjoy the fete despite the terribly inconvenient heat problem, and I managed to enjoy my time there was well,if only thanks to Uncle Johnny, however this fete is scratched off my list for the future. If I go to Miami Carnival next year I am definitely hitting either Blocko or Super Friends. I went to Black and White , experienced it and can totally get the demographics of the crowd which was spoke about when I did my poll on which fete to choose between Black and White and Blocko to be honest, I think "my crowd" is of the latter event patronage.

DV 8 in Homestead today!! This one should be interesting , look out for my review and check out some photos from Black and White.

Bar

Refuge from the crowd behind the curtains

Decor

Foyer, door to the back leading to the bar

The menu, and prices

That guy was smelling the food!

I was told it tasted good, in the pic is also

Uncle Johnny and jello shots.

Ballroom

Corridor leading from ballroom to foyer

Rhythm Section, ballroom in background

Foyer later on in th enight

End of the fete.....

TRIBE Ignite The Review

The first thing I have to say is any fete that serves Johnny Walker Black and COCONUT WATER ( $12.00US a pop) takes win in my book! The Miami Carnival feteing season kicked off for me last night with TRIBE Ignite at the Opium Club at Hard Rock Cafe.

Now my first impression of Miami Carnival is that all these fetes are far flung in places 25 minutes (at least) from my hotel BUT the vibe was certainly there as many, many, many Trinis represented.

I was told TRIBE Ignite was going to be "stoosh" however it was not in the least, unless my definiton of stoosh means many, many people enjoying some good soca! The highlight of the night was Iwer George's live performance and for the most part the DJS were playing some really good soca mixed in with some dub (huh?) except for Back to Basics who took it back , way, way back... the crowd did not even move for that one!

So, review of TRIBE Ignite was EXCELLENT, great way to start the feteing in Miami, nice venue, great music, cool people and JWB with Coconut Water; what else can I ask for?

Black and White fete later!

Triniscene crew hard at work bringing it to you LIVE!

The Wee Wee Truck Debate Rages On

So, TRIBE issued a statement on the wee wee truck issue yesterday:

Dear Masquerader,

We wish to address the issue of the proposed ban on Mobile Restrooms in Carnival Bands by the authorities. TRIBE was made aware of the issue only on Monday 5th October, 2009 when an article appeared in a daily newspaper. Prior to this, we were not contacted by anyone and no discussions were held.

Many of you have used our Mobile Toilet Facilities and can attest to the high standards of sanitization and hygiene maintained throughout the day while the facility is in use. Safety, security, comfort and convenience is paramount to our masqueraders and we will not sacrifice this in anyway that will affect our masqueraders negatively.

We support the authorities in establishing standards for this, but do not support a ban as the first course of action especially without any prior consultation with the Mas Bands.

Please rest assured that we will employ all efforts and do all that can be done within the law to ensure that this essential facility continues to be made available to you. TRIBE has in fact met, and shall continue to meet with a number of stakeholders with regards to this issue and we will continue to update you as developments take place.

We also wish to thank all of you who have contacted us and those of you who have written to the daily newspapers expressing your concerns. These comments expressed go a long way in convincing the authorities that the masqueraders need the facility.

We are confident that the authorities will recognize that the facility is an integral part of the Trinidad Carnival Experience for both locals and masquerading tourists alike. TRIBE has recognized the need for the facility and has improved the Carnival Experience.

TRIBE remains committed to moving Trinidad and Tobago Carnival forward.

TRIBE Management

And other bandleaders are also speaking on the proposed ban, as is reported in today's Trinidad Guardian, Genesis band leader Ian Mc Kenzie stated he has "immediately canceled" his band's wee wee truck upon hearing the news and Brian Mc Farlane had this to say:

“The idea itself is not a bad one. It is really not the most practical thing to be driving around with these trucks.” Acclaimed masman Brian McFarlane said before all-inclusive bands came up with the idea of “wee-wee” trucks, portable toilets provided by the National Carnival Commission worked very well. “They were well maintained, cleaned regularly, well lit and safe,” he said. Asked whether these trucks were included in his band, McFarlane said abruptly: “I never had them. I would never have them and I am glad they are gone.” He recalled that one year ago his band paraded behind a “bikini and beads” band with a “wee-wee” truck and had to endure smelling filth for the entire mas’ route.

I wonder exactly what public toilet Mc Farlene speaks of, public toilets that were "were well maintained, cleaned regularly, well lit and safe"? As a masquerader before the days of all inclusive bands I can attest to the fact that mythical public toilet never existed nor does it exist today!!

Saucy's sixth sense is telling her this ban is not about the wee wee trucks but the first attempt to disable all inclusive exclusive bikini and beads bands.....Carnival is a reflection of society, always was, always will be. It says something quite profound that the majority of masqueraders love their bikini mas now doesn't it?

Triniscene Your Ticket to Miami Carnival!!!!

Triniscene.com is the place you wanna be for THE EXCLUSIVE LIVE STREAM of the hottest fetes taking placing this weekend in MIAMI for Miami Carnival!!!

Triniscene.com would be providing Live Stream of the following fetes :

TRIBE IGNITE

http://www.triniscene.com/tsv7/events/?page=display&id=EVT9111E0

Live Stream Starts on Friday 9th Oct at 1AM

Scruples 13th Anniversary Free Drinks Block O

http://www.triniscene.com/tsv7/events/?page=display&id=EVT25B733

Live Stream starts on Saturday 10th Oct at 1AM

Miami Carnival 2K9 Parade of the Bands

http://www.triniscene.com/tsv7/events/?page=display&id=EVTFB7CA8

Live Stream starts on Sun 11th Oct at 12PM

Resurrection The Mas - Prices

Jab Molassie - $2995.00

Burroquite - $4995.00

Red Indian - $3895.00

Stickfighter - $3195.00

Mad Cow -$4195.00

Baby Doll - $3995.00 *Female Only

Fancy Clown - $3895.00

Minstrel - $3895.00

Soumayree - $4795.00

Fire Man - $3795.00

Dame Lorraine - $4295.00

Suck Meh Nose Sailor - $3595.00

Paywo -$4195.00

Black Indian -$3995.00 (F),$4395.00 (M)

Bat -$4295.00

Jab Jab -$4095.00

I am not going to lie, those prices are HOT! Sources say that the materials used in these costumes are expensive; having already seen the finished prototype for most of the sections what are your thoughts on the prices?

GLITZ TAT2 Temporary Tattoos and Body Art

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.

Khus Khus Special Section in Legacy

David & Friends (Legacy)

KHUS KHUS

FEMALE- $ 2,600.00 TT

MALE-SECTION - $ 2,200.00 TT

Contact Info:

1-868-294-2157 David ( NO PRIVATE CALLS )

1-868-680-1302 Nicholas

1-868-465-8156 Patrice

Emails

nicholas_1984@hotmail.com

masmakers@gmail.com

Spice Responds to the Wee Wee Truck Issue

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!

Legacy Masala ..first look

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”.

click for larger view

No More Wee Wee Trucks for Carnival!!

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?

Wigs, Weaves and all that you need to know about Carnival hair that comes from the store!

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.

That’s all for right now.