Brazil - Trini Revellers Theme 2013

Finally a band is doing the theme "Brazil" and it is Trini Revellers for Carnival 2013:

So….how does a theme get stolen exactly?

With Fantasy’s very early release of their theme 2013 “Savage” behind the scenes of what seems like a quiet post Carnival period it was as if a bomb dropped in a pile of glitter! The ricochet effect in the mas world was palpable, and the buzz was not over excitement of the theme.

Word is that allegedly another band planned on using the theme “Savage Beauty” for Carnival 2013 which prompted Fantasy to rush release of their theme to the public first. As rumour has it the name of Fantasy's theme was not Savage initially so it came as a surprise to some when the artwork was released yesterday. Coincidence that a designer presumably leaves and the name changed?

Savage Beauty logo from Moonstone Books

As I heard this other band had their theme since June 2011 and once Fantasy started aggressively pursuing their designers and committee to make a switch somehow the theme was leaked. Now who supposedly had the theme first is based on who you talk to, personally I know that Fantasy’s designers were talking that theme since October 2011 (I have the exact date to be precise) but I cannot say for sure that the theme did not exist since June with the other band.

The aftermath is now that one band released their theme and we now have to wait and see if the other band will change their theme or stick to their guns and release "Savage Beauty" anyway. I am feeling the former  option will be the one chosen.

Barbarossa "Savage"

In all fairness this theme is not original, Barbarossa did “Savage” in 1988, and I doubt that masqueraders care who had the theme first. At the end of the day it is who released the theme first that will be important, not who had the idea first. It is kind of like having an idea for a headpiece design only to see the actual headpiece materialize at a section launch before your idea is brought to life, surely the irony is not lost on me. But  what has the mas world riled up is that this type of “savage” behavior is being seen as another round of dirty play, in addition to head hunting and designer poaching!

Carnival 2013, I think you have officially begun complete with all the bacchanal.

Fantasy Carnival Theme 2013 - Savage

To our Fantasy Family:

 We at Fantasy would like to extend a big THANK YOU to all our spectacular 2012 Masqueraders!!!

 

·         Thank you for participating and taking the chance in our first year!

·         Thank you for bringing a wonderful mix and vibe!

·         Thank you for the beautiful display of our costumes!

·         Thank you for your patience and understanding!

·         Thank you for all your feedback, good and bad!

·         And thank you for all the encouragement for 2013!

 

With all your valuable feedback in mind we will be striving to improve on ALL aspects of our band to make your overall experience more attractive, more exciting and more memorable for you, our Fantasy family for next year and years to come!

 

Our team has begun addressing ALL the recommendations made by you and have already begun implementing measures to ensure an even better experience in the future.

 

Special thanks to all our volunteers, workers, well wishers and family who put in the extra time and effort to help us all the way through.

 

Big thanks to all our sponsors and our designers and production teams that helped us build Fantasy Carnival from dream to reality.

 

We have also made exciting additions to our design team and can't wait to see you all again soon for our 2013 Launch!

 

 

 

Fantasy Carnival

3 Alfredo Street, Woodbrook, Trinidad

info@mycarnivalfantasy.com

http://www.mycarnivalfantasy.com

 

Ronnie & Caro Trinidad Carnival 2012 Review

I should preface my review by firstly saying since I have been playing with Ronnie&Caro I and my crew have NEVER had any problems with the service whether it be customer service, costume collection, food and drinks, etc. , so I was surprised to see a masquerader from the band write a such distasteful review of the same band that provided me and my crew with such an enjoyable time in 2012 and previous years.

Costume Collection...

I collected on the day assigned so I had no problems. The Monday wear was simple yet sweet and the costume was the same as the prototype for a male costume, that was commendable (as usual with this band). I was happy with everything including my goodie bag. My friend who was a frontline for my section (Cheetah) got a call from the mascamp informing her that Canival Saturday her costume will be ready. The frontliners wer given cute boexs as a gift with accesories to match their costume and she was pleased.

Carnival Monday...

First year that we reached the band on time because last year we were late and the band left on time. Ronnie was most present working hard and instructing security and orther band workers as to the plans. We left ON TIME as specified by the band. Our first judging point was Adam Smith Square and form there we wroked our way downtown then to The Savannah. Monday the flow was very smooth. As the trucks left we crossed the stage and then the met us for lunch. On Monday we had the optine of Creole, Fish or Aribic as listed in the band's info guide. I had arabic which was good. NO FIGHTING FOR FOOD. The drinks never ran out on Monday. Before lunch (while waiting to cross stage),we had snacks like pastry pies, etc. which was warm and nice .I must say I had a ball on Monday.

Carnival Tuesday...

We met infront of the Twin Towers where we had breakfast of bake and saltfish and other things but I did not eat all of mine as I had some of the Carnival Tuesday Pealu that has becaome a tradition at my grandma's house. We crossed downtown first and my section was first. The Cheetas looked great, Mardi Gras, Parasite, Freeedom and Deceit were the superstars on the road. When we were finished downtown, we made our way up Abercombry street wich was VERY congested. The band had not grown in numbers but it felt so when we reached on Abercombry Street. The reason for us being a Large Band is NCC changed Medium Bands from 1000 masqueraders to 600. The wait was the worst, we spent over 8 hrs. waiting to cross the stage which was no fault of the Bandleaders but on the bright side the drinks never ran out we also had snacks on Tuesday like Geera Chicken, Soldanza Chips, etc. After crossed the stage we went on luch which was Chinese as stated in the info guide. My lunch was warm still although lunch was more like dinner because of the time. We only spent 30 minutes and then headed On The Avenue wich was too cramped mainly because of the time. After we crossed Adam Smith, the music had to be stopped infront of SweetLime because stormers were outrageous.

Overall I had a good time although I enjoyed Monday more than Tuesday. NCC needs to change back the route because the new route is NOT working. I am awaiting 2013 to be back on the road with Ronnie& Caro because once again they were GREAT. To the other person who had a bad experiece I want to ask if you are SURE you played with Ronnie& Caro ? The service was great and so was the experience. 5 Stars Ronnie& Caro !

They Call me Mrs Fete :Las Lap - The Review

Fete : Las Lap, Pier 1 Chaguaramas 

Price: $180.00

Date: March 17, 2012
Photos: http://www.triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=html&id=GALAFE2DF

Location:

Held at Pier 1, same as last year, with a slightly different lay out. The main stage faced North as an actual stage for "crossing" faced East. Ample parking and no traffic congestion, we got to the venue at 11. Entrance was to the back of Pier 1 as opposed to the front.

Ambiance/Décor:

TRIBE section banners were used to decorate the venue, the stage was dressed up in TRIBE colours with a huge TRIBE sign and there was also nice lighting on approaching the venue that could be seen from the street.

Bar:

Las Lap is a cooler event so your bar is only limited by the selection of drinks that you brought. In case you did not feel like lugging around a cooler there were drinks on sale and a FREE Sno Cone vendor who was serving up Puncheon Sno Cones

Food:

Gyros, fries, gourmet hot dog, corn soup (from what I can remember) were on sale. I had the hot dog, it was really good.

Performances:

Farmer Nappy kicked off the performances segment of Las Lap and as he was warming up I moved stage side. Shal and TC followed warming up the crowd some more, so by the time Benjai came on the crowd to the front of the stage was jamming like if it was Carnival again.The surprise performer was Machel who allegedly came direct from a boat down the islands and he looked it in board shorts and bare feet! Taking swigs from a bottle of 3 Zero Rum he killed it for the short time he was on stage. I also have to commend Machel for pointing out that I was in a YUMA costume in a TRIBE fete, kudos you actually know the different costumes!

Crowd Vibe:

I personally felt the crowd was a bit "stush" this year and took a LONG time to warm up and break loose. Maybe the fete should have been closer to Ash Wednesday to still capture the Carnival hype but nevertheless my "Stress Less" crew had a great time. We took a wine for all who could not be there. On another note TRIBE people the YUMA masqueraders really put you to shame, there were way more YUMA costumes in a TRIBE fete! I was also disappointed to see so many people not making the effort to be in some type of costume/Monday wear but you know Trinis they too cool for school, they will show up in a costume fete wearing a sweater vest and shirt. No words, no words!

 

Eye Candy

Hats off to all the yummy shirtless guys who came out in bits and pieces of costumes, you rock! And the women who were brave enough to wear costume you looked awesome as well. Otherwise it is a TRIBE fete so your usual high percentage of pretty people.

Bathroom:

Two bathrooms for the ladies, at first both were easily accessed with AC working fine. Then the second bathroom (closer to the pool side) became hot and crowded. I love the fact that they both have full length mirrors though.

Extras

THE STAGE! For Las Lap TRIBE constructed an actual stage, about four feet high with a ramp to get on. When they announced that the stage was open for crossing madness ensued. The stage crossing was fantastic for about five minutes then it became a mob of people and me praying the stage held up and did not go crashing to the ground under the weight. I cannot lie, it was a fabulous idea and people did not want to exit the stage, I swear it was always occupied for the rest of the night.

Overall Rating:

I would give Las Lap a 7.5 out of 10. Have to say I enjoyed it much better last year but as usual I had fun with my friends who could make any event a success because they bring the "vibes" and leading up to Las Lap planning for the event made me feel like it was Carnival all over again with getting costume organised. I would definitely go again next year, I just would prefer it wasn't so late on the calender post Carnival! 

It's Las Lap Saturday!

THIS is where we will be tonight! Cooler already packed with Johnnie Walker Green, Cafe Patron and Single Barrel Rum and I have my costume refreshed and ready! 

Some points to remember:

*Coolers in before 11:30 PM and no glass bottles allowed, feel free to walk with buckets it IS the experience of reliving Carnival 2012 after all.

*You are expected to wear costume, part of your costume or Monday wear (hot shorts/tank top/tube top/ etc and costume accessories) and/or headpiece! Last year several people dressed the part and it was fun, hoping to see more of you in costume this year.

*If you did not play mas for 2012 at least try to LOOK like you are wearing Monday wear; shorts, halter/bikini top, boots   OR just recycle bits of pieces of a previous costume. Tap into that creativity and guys it is quite OK to go shirtless... if you have a six pack ....and biceps...and tattoos!  

* Leave the cocktail dresses, clutch purses and 6 inch heels  for another event, it isn't THAT kind of party.

* If you have a problem with a Carnival party where people wear costumes in LENT, get thee to church tonight and not Pier 1.

*Designate a driver, be safe and car pool nah... ease up on the traffic.

Kes In Orlando

click the flyer for details 

Are You A Hottie Over 30?

Trinidad Carnival Diary's Facebook Fanpage is blowing up with all the "Hotties over 30" who have been nominated by their friends or sent in their own photos to be featured in a special certifiable "Hottie" album. And, we have both female and male hottties representing for the over 30s.

If you would like to send in your photo or nominate someone as a certified Hottie over 30 send their photo to : trinidadcarnivaldiary@gmail.com

The requirements  are pretty simple:

1. Male or Female

2. Over 30 years of age

3. Hottie

Much thanks to Carolyn Gomez who inspired and is leading the  Hottie Over 30 movement!

Are you the International Soca Monarch Super Red 20 Ultimate Fan?

Are you the International Soca Monarch Super Red 20 Ultimate Fan?

Then PROVE IT!

Channel your unique Inner Soca Star and you can win BIG! Follow these two steps:

1. Channel your Super Red 20 Fashion Spirit! Visitwww.polyvore.com and submit one (1) outfit each for the following three (3) artistes attending the International Soca Monarch Prize-Giving Ceremony on March 20th, 2012:

- The Official Crowned Champion of the International Soca Monarch Competition 2012 - Machel Montano (@machelmontanohd)

- An artiste of YOUR choice for "The People's Champion", AND

- A female artiste of YOUR choice dubbed "The Super Red 20 Soca Songstress" of the ISM 2012 season.

2. Channel your Super Red 20 Soca Performer Spirit! Submit lyrics for your ORIGINAL Soca Hit! One verse and one chorus is all you need!

- Submit your entry! Include the three (3) links to your fashion ensembles AND the lyrics to your ORIGINAL Soca Song in an email to internationalsocamonarch@gmail.com

Three outfits, one original soca song, and you have an eligible entry! It’s that simple!

Two (2) Grand Prize Winners will be selected, and will receive:

- One Prize Pack (each) including a Monster Energy 6-pack, a CPF SuperRed20 Edition tshirt, a Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Limitedrag and keychain, and a KFC Trinidad and Tobago Voucher valued at $100.

- 2 VVIP passes each (for you + a guest) to attend the International Soca Monarch Prize Giving Ceremony on March 21st, 2012.

- $250 voucher (each) in clothing courtesy Lulu-Rue Boutique.

- Amazing Magazine interview with We Style Magazine as the “Super Red 20 Ultimate Fan”.

- Rubbing shoulders and mingling with the SuperRed20 Stars of Soca and Industry Movers!

Contest Eligibility Rules & Requirements:
Contest Ends: Saturday 17th March, 2012.
Winner will be announced on that day.
Only COMPLETE entries submitted to internationalsocamonarch@gmail.com will be acknowledged as an official entry. Entry cut-off time: 5:00pm.
The judges' decisions are final and absolute.
Winners will be immediately required to email their contact information to internationalsocamonarch@gmail.com to arrange prize collection.
All prizes are eligible for redemption in-store in Trinidad & Tobago only.
If you have won an Prize from the International Soca Monarch/Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts for the 2012 season already, you are NOT eligible to enter.
International Soca Monarch & Caribbean Prestige Foundation employees, sponsors of International Soca Monarch/ Caribbean Prestige Foundation and their employees, affiliates of International Soca Monarch/Caribbean Prestige Foundation and their respective immediate family members are NOT eligible to enter this contest.

Let’s round up the 2012 Season in the Super Red 20 Spirit of Celebration!

Submit your entry today- We’re on the quest for the International Soca Monarch Super Red 20 Ultimate Fan!

Good Luck!

http://www.facebook.com/socamonarch/app_296062257129213

Celebrate Ten Years Of Caribbean Jazz At The 10th Annual Jazz Artists On The Greens

Charismatic songbird, Llettesha Sylvester, 

known for her performance in the Marionettes Chorale’s 2011 musical, Carmen. 

Energies are high at Production One Limited as preparations move into top gear for its 10th anniversary edition of Jazz Artists on the Greens (JAOTG) on The Greens at Farm Road, St. Joseph on Saturday March 24, 2012. In the spirit of celebration and reminiscence, Production One will highlight some of the fondest memories of the past ten years with the launch of the JAOTG Rewound! Giveaway Promotion. Starting Monday March 12, 2012 for two weeks, the veteran event management company will run a trivia competition via the JAOTG Facebook page giving away JAOTG 2012 tickets to ten lucky patrons.

Dominica’s leading kweyol (Creole) fusion jazz singer, Michele Henderson. 

As with previous editions, JAOTG 2012 promises a delicious mix of contemporary Caribbean jazz styles, delivered by some of the most talented performers in the region. This year, the JAOTG stage welcomes back the provocative kweyol (Creole) jazz inflections of Dominica’s Cultural Ambassador, Michele Henderson, backed by Ming & Friends. Bringing their unique Caribbean flavour to the celebration is Trinidad and Tobago’s veteran jazz musician, Carlton “Zanda” Alexander and The Coalpot Band along with London-based Trinidadian pannist, Annise Hadeed, and his quartet of Douglas Reddon, Theron Shaw and Richard Bailey. Hot on the heels of his latest album release, Songs from Deep Within, smooth jazz guitarist Clifford Charles will be among them to share his home-grown brand of silky-smooth music, while the charismatic, lively and eclectic jazz stylings of songbird, Llettesha Sylvester, are sure to be a delightful treat.

London-based Trinidadian pannist, Annise Hadeed. 

Come for the music, enjoy life and join the celebration at the 10th annual Jazz Artists on the Greens. This open-air festival-styled event encourages patrons to walk withtheir picnic baskets and lounging chairs to experience the energy first-hand, outdoors on The Greens. Car parks are located within 1 to 2 minutes walking distance of the venue. JAOTG patrons can enjoy an advance ticket price of $250.00, however, at the door, the price is $300.00. Tickets are available online at the JAOTG website at www.jaotg.org and at select locations nationwide. Connect with JAOTG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JAOTG and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JAOTG or email jaotg@estuarypr.com or call (868) 620-6920.

Rising smooth jazz guitarist, Clifford Charles. 

WHAT:

The 10th annual Jazz Artists on the Greens

WHO:

Production One Limited

WHEN:

Saturday March 24, 2012. Gates open from 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:

The Greens at Farm Road, St. Joseph

TICKETS:

Advance $250.00

At the door $300.00

Available online at www.jaotg.org or at Bewil & Co. Ltd. (868) 624-4206, Stechers – Long Circular Mall (868) 628-0987, Kanhai Raghubir Jewellery (868) 640-2522, House of Chan (868) 645-0347 and the Medical Dispensary (868) 665-5889. South patrons please call (868) 685-5556 or (868) 620-6920.

How to Combat Post Carnival Depression

If you have DJ Private's Ryan Post Carnival Depression Mix on repeat daily and cannot stop looking at Carnival photographs that keep popping up just when you thought there were no more new ones to be seen, then you just might be in the throes of the letdown that occurs soon after the build up and experience of Carnival is over. Never fear, seasoned masqueraders have been through this before so here are some tips to help you ease out of the depression stage until Band Launch season comes along to start the cycle all over again and give you that much needed Carnival fix.

1. Plan a Next Carnival - Have you ever heard the saying the only way to get over someone is to get under someone else? Well, apply that theory here. Sure Trinidad Carnival has ended but there is a Carnival happening practically each month around the globe so start planning to experience one of those. Jamaica, St Maarten and St Thomas Carnival are all happening in April, LehWeGo has a great guide for Jamaica Carnival newbies. For me personally I already have my ticket bought for Cropover and have accommodation booked now all I need is a costume and my fete tickets, I just never come down from my Carnival high. 144 more days until Cropover 2012 and yes, I am counting! 

2.Keep Busy - There are lots of events in the Caribbean taking place between now and Band Launch Season that will keep your mind off Carnival . Several Jazz Festivals are coming up soon including St Lucia's, Tobago Jazz Experience and Jazz Artists on the Greens for starters. Check out events happening close to you or on an Island you have been hoping to visit.

3. Relive the Experience - So you want to put on your costume and party with bucket in hand one last time, get a ticket to TRIBE Las Lap and do exactly that this coming Saturday. Or you can relive J'ouvert with Josie's Jamishness taking place in April  and don't forget to mark your Calenders for Fall Out's cooler cruise on June 19.

4. Take A Break - After being consumed with the obsession of Carnival maybe it is time to put all Carnival thoughts out of your head for a while and focus on something new. Start a class, get a new hobby, travel or just spend time with family and friends who do not participate in Carnival so you would have something else to talk about.

5.Get Ready For Carnival 2013 -  With 333 days before Carnival 2013 now is the best time to start your Carnival fund. It could as simple as dropping all your spare change into a tin or setting up a standing order to have a select percentage of your DISPOSABLE income squirreled away in a special Carnival account. Please note I am not telling you to neglect your bills, if you do not know what disposable income is maybe you should look up saving tips and financial planning advice.

Also don't fall off the wagon if you were one of those people who were working out and dieting like a beast for Carnival 2012.  Giving up the Carnival body and all the hard work you put into it means starting all over again. So after you allow yourself a week or so to pig out on all the junk you gave up get back in groove.

And if you missed your goal of getting the body in shape this year fear not you have more than enough time to achieve that goal for another Carnival. Do not wait until December to start panicking, make the goal for getting costume ready July when band launches start. Slow and steady wins the race, if you start NOW you can do it. 

Creative Creations Unltd Monday Wear Review

A Big Hello to you!!

Saucy,

This year I used Creative Creations to design my Monday wear for YUMA.

I wasn't sure what I wanted but I had three criteria. The first, it had to be white. Second, I had to feel beautiful in it. Third, It had to compensate for my breasts. I was introduced to Creative Creations though mutual friends and reached out to her.

 Because I didn't have a specific vision, she took complete creative control. I only had a tiara and from that she submitted a sketch of what she had in mind. She explained the process and asked pertinent questions. She was responsive and I walked away feeling that she was personally invested in making my dreams come true. She met me where and when it was convenient to me. 

 Always with a positive energy and professionalism. I was pleased with the product and it didn't fall apart in the road!!!!

She surpassed my expectations and plan on using her again!

Thanks!

I'm submitting the original sketch and copies of the finished product.