And listen to the new track by Kes The Band; 'My Love' on the Summer Wave riddim by TJ records
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Don't Get Your Panties In A Bunch !
Last night I, along with several other people, viewed Fantasy Barbados' live stream of their Cropover 2012 presentation "Warriors of Africa". The event took place at UWI (University of the West Indies) Cavehill and naturally being a BAND LAUNCH my main purpose for viewing was to see costumes as I will be jumping for Kadooment and Fantasy is a possible band of choice.
Now people who know me and even if you only know me via the blog know that when it comes to mas and costumes I am bordering obsessive. So, when the "launch" started with a mini speech about MSC courses at the UWI Cavehill I sent this tweet:
Ok at a Band Launch people are there for ONE reason and ONE reason only... costumes!
Why am I watching a speech ?!
Imagine my surprise when at 12:17AM this morning I get a message from a Bajan friend that a certain newbie Cropover blogger said that I was saying negative things about Barbados and "shitting up Bim" on Facebook.
Listen, lets get one thing straight I NEVER said anything anti Barbados, we were talking costumes and costumes ONLY. This could have been a launch for Grenada Carnival, Caribana or Nottinghill my sentiments would have been the same if I was sitting around waiting to see costumes and had to sit through a lecture.
Obviously my concept of a band launch and what Fantasy Barbados presented was different, however I expect to see costumes at a Band Launch and that was my ONLY purpose for viewing. Wen bands in Trinidad launch HUNDREDS of costumes during our "band launch season" people comment from around the world , do we brand them anti- Trinidad because they complain about waiting too long to see costumes on Triniscene's live stream?
And the amazing thing is several people were making comments on the live-stream chat expressing the very same sentiment and some of them were Bajan!
I do NOT appreciate some upstart spreading misinformation about me especially to people who I know personally, feel free to observe my comments on Facebook and twitter concerning Fantasy's launch to judge for yourself what was said.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Fantasy Barbados Band Launch Streaming Live
Seeing as Fantasy Barbados is definitely a contender as a possible band of choice for Kadooment I am very eagerly awaiting their launch tonight and I am very happy that it will be streaming live! Take note and tune in at 8:00PM.
Friday, May 11, 2012
New Blog On The Block
If you are planning your trip to Cropover you may want to bookmark a new blog "The Crop Over Chronicles" for all the latest updates as well as trip planning services via TrpleF Services.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Soca Awards - Time To Vote
The 10th Annual Soca Awards take place on June 29, 2012 but you can vote for your favourite artistes TODAY. Check out the list of nominees http://socaawards.com/NOMINEES.html and VOTE!
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Booze Cruise Cropover 2012 Update
So, interesting developments for Booze Cruise 2012 this Cropover season. From the information I have received there will be two options for party goers to choose from. One is the All Inclusive All Day Beach party at the Boatyard and the other would be a shorter version of the Booze cruise on the Jolly Roger and two Catamarans. If you choose the Booze Cruise you also have access to the Beach Party so I am guessing it will be a tiered ticketing system based on your choice. I dunno, I am kind of feeling the Beach Party comcept!
Booze Cruisers!!
We are fully into the planning for Booze Cruise 2012 and have received a number of requests already. We want to keep the faithful updated on our plans as we continue to prepare for once again another successful, sold out event for this year's Crop Over.
A decision was made by Tall Ships which resulted in the relocation of the Harbour Master from Barbados for the season. This has been the catalyst for merging our Morning Event, Cruise and After Party into an All Inclusive, All Day Beach Party at the Boat Yard location. We are taking this opportunity to continue to expand on the premium food & bar while headlining the industry's top performers. Please note that this year’s event will include the sailing of the Jolly Roger.
Our 2012 event will continue to be what Booze Cruise is synonymous for; a festive, all inclusive unique experience for our patrons in a friendly environment!
BOOZE CRUISE 2012 ALL INCLUSIVE BEACH PARTY at THE BOAT YARD
Sunday August 5th 2012
We thank you for your continued patronage.
Happy Crop Over!!
Join our Facebook Page at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBoozeCruise/
Theme 2013 - Showtime Trinidad & Dream Team Carnival
Showtime Trinidad
Dream Team Carnival
Band Launch : August 11, 2012
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
ISLAND FUSION REVEALS ITS 2012 ENHANCEMENTSTRATEGY
Island Fusion is once again seeking to raise the bar on what it offers its members as the ultimate Foreday Morning Jam experience. Having taken on board feedback received over the past two years, Island Fusion has developed its 2012 enhancement strategy, focusing on adding more value to their premium product.
The organisers behind the band, supported by a dedicated team of committee members, have implemented an action plan to enhance their entire operation, particularly in the areas of costume design, registration, security, road amenities and breakfast along with the development of the recently launched 2012 membership card which was spearheaded by the band’s Marketing Director Danielle Brome to increase the overall value the band offers to its members.
Sade Jemmott, director with responsibility for Media and Public Relations said: "We try to keep our social media platforms interactive as well as encourage members to approach any Director or Committee Member directly with their suggestions. This has served us quite well thus far as we continue to cater to our target market and remain tapped into their needs. Our strategy for sustainable growth really has been simply listening and delivering.”
Island Fusion Ladies
COSTUME DESIGN
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As it relates to costume design, the band will once again feature the very popular firstcall costumes it introduced into the Foreday Morning Jam parade last year with innovative changes to depict this year’s theme. Additionally, the band’s Creative Director Toni Thorne promises “something special”.
REGISTRATION
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Registration is perhaps the main focus of the enhancement strategy, with the band implementing for the first time a loyalty programme, whereby past members will be given a 2 week exclusive opportunity to register for the band before registration is opened to the general public, or while stock lasts. Island Fusion has also indicated an intention to adjust its structure in an effort to offer a more intimate experience. Also, with a view to enhance the family 'vibe' that is now their signature, Island Fusion will also introduce for the first time Friday evening after-work limes during the month of June while they conduct registration and once again during the week of distribution.
SECURITY & ROAD AMENITIES
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On the road, security will continue to be offered at a ratio of 1 security officer to every eight members, in addition to an unspecified number of plain clothed police officers. Road amenities will include two fully equipped music trucks, fully stocked drinks trucks and the inclusion of a small team of beer runners. A shuttle service to the beginning of the jump will once again be offered but with a more structured system of strict departure times, stated number of trips and boarding passes issued on arrival at the band’s jump base -Weisers on the Bay.
BREAKFAST
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Jamilya Browne, the director with responsibility for Hospitality, has struck what she believes to be the perfect balance between offering a scrumptious meal and catering effectively to the numbers. As such, Island Fusion has this year discarded the buffet-style breakfast of previous years in favour of pre-packaged items for easier distribution. The breakfast stations will be set up on the beach rather than in Weisers on the Bay in the interest of space. There will also be prominent signage, more staff and security present to assist in providing a smooth, incident-free breakfast experience.
"In essence, while Island Fusion has enjoyed rave reviews in past years the team behind the brand is adamant about improving in every conceivable way and growing from strength to strength with each passing year. 2012 is therefore shaping up to be the best Foreday Morning Jam experience yet," Rhea Mapp, Director with responsibility for Logistics and Operations added.
For further information, please visit www.myislandfusion.com or feel free to contact the Island Fusion team via email at info@myislandfusion.com .
SteelFestt 2012
If you missed any of the performances from Steelfestt 2012, currently taking place at the National Academy For Performing Arts from May 4 to May 12, 2012 be sure to check out Carnival TV to view the concerts: http://carnivaltv.net/#/steelfest/
From all reports I am hearing that it has been an amazing show so far, visit the website for more details: http://steelfestt.com/
click to enlarge
Monday, May 07, 2012
All Quiet On The Carnival Front
Well at least so it seems! Apart from bands releasing themes for Carnival 2013 and a few band launch dates the Carnival gossip has been relatively quiet. The thing is behind the scenes the drama is unfolding but everyone is giving me information OFF THE RECORD which is quite frustrating. So, I am going to give you a five point update of what I have heard so far .
* One band is on the hunt for new designers as their legendary design team is now exclusively doing costumes ONLY for another rival band. This means masqueraders should not only expect to see costumes by a few unknown designers but one veteran designer is stepping up to plate and I heard she has several wow designs in store. Maybe change can be good sometimes.
* The biggest behind the scenes bacchanal is brewing between bands that are "poaching" committee members from each other. People are flip flopping and section leaders are supposedly looking to go over to newer pastures. Expect to see familiar faces in new places for Carnival 2013.
*One sophomore band is expanding, I was informed that we can expect 15 sections next year. Hopefully this time they will actually have room for OPEN registration.
* I am getting excited for things I have been hearing happening over at TRIBE, and I have to say the thought of going back "home" is a very real prospect. One of my FAVOURITE designers is doing more than one section (hopefully) so I am pretty excited
*And finally, keep an eye out for bands that won't be making it on the road for Carnival 2013......
Saturday, May 05, 2012
A.M. Premium
Breakfast parties are not just for Carnival anymore and I have to say I am liking the trend of Carnival events (hosted by "Carnival committees") happening outside of Carnival; during the lull post Carnival and pre-band launch we now have a host of cool events to go to.
A.M. Premium is an all inclusive breakfast party which will be held on May 30, 2012 at Bayview Maracas, the same venue as C'est La Vie, and promises to be "epic". I can't wait to find out!
Bottle Of Rum - The Video
Machel Montano launched the video for his Carnival 2012 hit "Bottle Of Rum" on Thursday night and with the video's release came lots of opinions. Here is the video and comments from Trinidad Carnival Diary's Facebook Fanpage:
click to enlarge
Friday, May 04, 2012
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Thursday, May 03, 2012
Spice Carnival 2013 Band Launch
Also, mark your calenders for these other launch dates:
Paparazzi - July 8th
Spice - July 14th
Harts - August 10th
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Fantasy Barbados Sneak Peek - Zulu Warriors
Fantasy Barbados Band Launch themed as WARRIORS OF AFRICA is scheduled for Saturday May 12th, 2012. The Venue is Errol Barrow Centre, Walcott Warner Theatre, Barbados. After Launch Party is at Priva which is on 1st Street, Holetown, St. James.
General Package for all sections include - Premium Drinks (Johnnie Walker, Hennessy, Absolute Vodka, Signature Fantasy Punch, Tequila etc.)
Breakfast And Lunch
Trinidad DJ's - Speedy and De Gannes, Assassin Singh
Jamaican DJ - DJ Billy and Poovie
Barbados DJ - Lil Rick
Air Conditioned Lavatory Truck
Tight Security
Much more to come as Crop over gets closer....
For more information and contacts visit Fantasy's facebook page
For more information and contacts visit Fantasy's facebook page
Sneak Preview of the section ZULU WARRIORS
This section is owned by Lauren Austin and Darryl Koon How, (Trinidadians) Both Frontline and Backine female ZULU WARRIORS.
Package includes matching earrings, face gems and optional headpieces
For Trinidad signups for (Zulu Warriors) , please contact the following numbers
Darryl Koonhow at darryl@skymediatt.com, 18686812409, PIN:21c49f2e
Lauren Austin at laurenaustin1@live.com, 1246-267-2900, PIN: 2992848a
Fantasy also offers makeup and bodyart packages, see link below.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Sobeit Teams Up With Darren Cheewah for Carnival 2013
Looks like Darren Cheewah is teaming up with Maurice Chevalier of sophomore band "Sobeit" for Carnival 2013. Interesting.
The presentation is called "Aqua" and here is the first look of a teaser I am still trying to recall if I saw any photos of Sobeit on the road Carnival Monday and Tuesday; coming up blank!
Monday, April 30, 2012
United Colours of Mas - Nottinghill Carnival 2012
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Sunday, April 29, 2012
Karabana on Caribana
People have been asking why am I not showing the band launches for Caribana any love. Well over the years Karabana has pretty much established herself as the go to blog for everything Caribana so in case you missed any of the band launches, check out her blog for photos, reviews and comments. http://karabana.blogspot.com
Friday, April 27, 2012
ISLAND FUSION FOREDAY MORNING BAND LAUNCHES ITS MEMBERSHIP CARD
Island Fusion, one of the biggest and more popular Foreday Morning bands, has gone a step further to ensure its revellers enjoy all the benefits they possibly can with the introduction of its Membership Card, which offers more value for its members this year.
The card, which will be distributed to every member of the band, offers discounts of at least 10% on a range on goods and services including clothing, shoes and accessories, beauty salons, supplies and services, bars and restaurants and other products and services which include auto care and health and fitness.
Commenting on the initiative, Danielle Brome, the director responsible for the Marketing of the band, noted that she had worked closely with the team to ensure that this year the card would offer maximum benefits as it also provided the opportunity for small businesses to get involved with the band and Crop Over by extension.
Sade Jemmott, director with responsibility for Media and Public Relations added: "The entire team has really invested considerable time and energy into developing this membership card programme. We wanted to offer discounts on a wider range of goods and services for our Island Fusion family but we also recognised the enormous opportunity it presented for us to work with small businesses and offer them a creative seasonal marketing avenue."
Jemmott also noted that the membership cards are complimentary upon registration, are not for sale separately and cover the period June 1, 2012 to August 31, 2012. Any business interested in placement on this year’s card may feel free to contact the Island Fusion team via email at info@myislandfusion.com but must do so before May 10, as the cards go into production shortly and a few categories have already reached capacity.
Launched in 2010, Island Fusion has more than doubled in size since its first year on the road. This year, apart from creatively themed costumes and signature tote bags full of goodies, Island Fusion plans to offer its members the same great Foreday Morning experience – a secure, fun jump with fully equipped music and drink trucks, followed by an all inclusive breakfast - under a brand new theme yet to be revealed.
For further information, please visit www.myislandfusion.com, https://www.facebook.com/IslandFusionBarbados
