Gerard Kelly....

In keeping with the vein of Kiddies Carnival, another band launches today. Gerard Kelly will present his 2007 presentation "Wonders of the World" at a family day, complete with face painting, bouncy castle and horse rides for the kids as well as performers such as 3 Canal and Surge advertised to attend.The band launch takes place from 2pm to 7 pm at the Jean Pierre Complex.



Gerard Kelly is also producing a section in Dream Team called "Tempo" and you can get further information from his website on both projects, however no photos of the kiddies costumes are posted as yet.

Rosalind Gabriel 2007

Rosalind Gabriel's website has been updated with her 2007 Children's presentation "Many faces, one Nation". Each costume has a huge "face" depicted on a backpack and from the drawings when you look at the costume without focusing on the masquerader it looks like a giant costumed person; very nice effect. As usual the costumes are fantastic, but pricey.

The very elaborate section Faces of Elizabeth is $1595.00, my favourite "Faces of Shahrazad" is $1695.00 and I see this year she has a section reserved for "teen girls" called "Faces of Mother Nature at $1695.00. When you consider that adult all-inclusive costumes can be had for the same prices of some of these children's costumes they are expensive, but having seen Rosalind Gabriel's costumes before I know each costume is beautifully made, well crafted, very creative as well as the kids do get full use of the costumes. They participate in kiddies Carnival each weekend starting from February 3rd 2007, as well as their big parade on Carnival Saturday AND on Carnival Monday and Tuesday!! In addition, Rosalind provides her own music truck on the road and the option for parents to participate as she designs a costume for those wanting to accompany their kids on the road.

To her credit each year Rosalind Gabriel has sponsored costumes to the girls and boys of St. Mary's Home in Tacarigua. From her website it states that the 50 costumes are rotated each weekend of competitions so that at the end of Carnival each child would have been afforded the opportunity to "play mas". St. Mary's Home is an orphanage and they welcome donations; last Christmas I donated toys, books and foodstuff and it would be nice if those of us who reside in Trinidad can also make an effort this Christmas to donate something, no matter how little, to these children.

For those of you with children who would like them to play mas in 2007, have a look at Rosalind's website as she is offering online registration. And even for those without children,you can simply enjoy looking at the costumes as they are not only beautiful but show that at least with the youth, the creativity in designs of our Carnival costumes is still there.

Diable

Mas Jumbies revolutionary take on J'ouvert "Diable" is soon to be launched. The website will be updated tomorrow, but I do have a preview of what to expect. In the words of the designer, here is a description of the costume:

This is the 20 member special section titled "The Silver Horn Devils". She wears the optional long sarong, a short sarong is standard. The masks are fully lined with padding and are quite light being that they are made of cardboard. Ventilation is also provided by the large face opening and the back which is covered by fabric strips. You wear what you want under the sarong and necklace that way you are free to dress up or down; red and black body paint is freely available.

This section costs TT $300.00 and represents the Gownsmen and Presidents from the Devil & Dragon bands of yesteryear. The materials used, cardboard and cloth represent the Juve mas that is still played. The section is both for men & women, the men don't get the sarong nor the necklace, they have a different version and they have an apron instead of the sarong.

Enclosed is also what the basic TT $200.00 unisex headpiece looks like.

Special section character "The Silver Horn Devils"



Basic headpiece



I have to say the costumes look less like J'ouvert and more like what you would expect for Tuesday mas. I like the fact that you have options for either the long or short sarong as well as the large or regular headpiece; though I think the special section is fabulous!

If I were playing J'ouvert this is a band that I would play with, not only do I like to see young designers making a venture into Carnival, I also like the fact that the costume is something more than just a T-Shirt. I really like the fact that the focus is on the Mas as art.

My initial thought when seeing the long sarong option is that it looks too "clothed" however, the fact that you can wear any matching top or bottom makes it interesting and the long sarong is optional so you can always get the short sarong. A skimpy bikini top paired with the sarong makes the costume very sexy, and for those who want more coverage you can wear a vest.

There is a story behind each of the band's sections, and for the story of The Silver Horn Devils please visit Brain Wong Won's BLOG; it's a good read and he goes into much detail of the concept behind the band "Diable".

2007 Soca Watch

Hey, Toronto Lime has some new, 2007 soca or your listening pleasure. Check it out !

COTT Winners

Shurwayne Winchester was the man of the night at the COTT Awards taking home the top honour of Song of the Year. I am also quite pleased to see that Luta, Morel Peters, won Calypso of the Year. Morel has been a friend of my family before I was even born!. Triniscoca has photos from the event for those interested.

Island Events.com has a full list of the winners and also a review of the performances that I missed after leaving:

Parang of the Year
Francisca Allard- Yo Me Voy de Parranda

Soca Parang of the Year
Damien Joseph and Melinda Joseph- Chinee Parang

Jingle Of The Year
Machel Montano- You (for Courts Trinidad Ltd.)

Gospel Song Of The Year
Jadee- Baptize

Jazz/World Music Composition of the Year
Mugal Patassar and Pantar- Dreadlocks

Rapso Of the Year
Karega Mandela- Give Thanks

Ragga Soca of the Year
Maximus Dan and Samuel Jack- Fighter

Chutney Soca of the Year
Veerendra Persad- Doi Festival

Chutney of the Year
Rikki Jai- Mortor

Treasured Licensee
Republic Bank Ltd.

Golden Achievement Award
Leroy Calliste Black Stalin

Pan Song of the Year
Kerron Boodoosingh, Mark Loquan, Zan and Destra- Colours Again

Classic of the Year
Colin Lucas- Dollar Wine

Groovy Soca of the Year
Shurwayne Winchester and Sean Noel –Don't Stop
Calypso of the Year
Luta- Kaiso Kaiso

Reggae/Dancehall of the Year
Bunji Garlin, Mario Campbell and Tony Matterhorn

New Male Songwriter of the Year
Clyde Headly

New Female Songwriter of the Year
Shakti Rampartap

TSTT's Peoples Choice Song Of The Year Award
Machel Montano- You

Female Songwriter of the Year
Destra Garcia

Publisher of the Year
Jabberwocky Publishing

Song of the Year
Shurwayne Winchester's Dead or Alive

Songwriter of the Year
Shurwayne Winchester's Don't Stop

The COTT Awards

Last night the hubby and I made our way to Queen's Hall for the 8th annual C.O.T.T. (Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago ) Awards. Upon arrival at the venue, we walked a short red carpet with a steelpan accompaniment, were given a program of the night's event and kept supplied with beverages (my diet went askew since I indulged in a few glasses of red wine) during the cocktail reception at the foyer of Queen's Hall.

Many of the popular soca artistes, as well as musicians from other genres, made an appearance last night, freely mingling with invited guests, Officials from the Goverment Ministries as well as persons from the corporate sector. Machel Montano looked outstanding in a pin striped suit, one of the best dressed males at the event in my opinion; he later informed us attendees that his mother accompanied him as his "date":


Machel Montano at the COTT awards

I have to speak up though on the few persons who were dressed in jeans and apparel more suited to a nightclub than an award function, especially when most patrons were dressed in semi-formal or formal wear. Apart from certain artistes whose mode of dress reflects their persona, regular patrons attending these events should really put some effort into dressing as the occasion demands.

After cocktails and hors dourves, we were seated and the show began at the scheduled time of 8:00PM. Following the National Anthem was entertainment by Destra, sporting a new hair style, knee high boots and a micro mini; she performed a rendition of "Colours Again" with the Lydian Singers:


Destra opens the show

The first awards of the night soon followed for Parang of the Year, Soca Parang of the year and Jingle of the Year, the latter was was won by Machel Montano for his jingle "You" used on the "Courts" advertisements:


Machel collects his award

I was quite surprised to see Christopher "Tambu" Herbert singing gospel with the Reverend Angela Williams, he has a very good singing voice. After awards for Gospel Song of the Year and Ragga Soca of the Year, which was won by Maximus Dan for "Fighter", the audience was entertained by the Shiv Shakti Dancers and Rooplal G:


Dance by Shiv Shakti

Soon after, awards were presented for Chutney Soca of the Year and Chutney of the Year then it was time for Machel Montano's performance of "Dance With You". That woke the crowd up a bit, as always Machel delivered a stellar, if more sedate, act with Tisha and Jade "dutty wining" to the delight of the audience. Here is a clip of Machel in action:



For a larger view of the video clip visit My You Tube page:

Work demands necessitated my early departure from the Awards, but not before the Black Stalin was honoured with the Golden Achievement Award. Unfortunately I was not there for the winners of the "big" awards of Song of the Year and Calypso of the Year. But I am sure the daily newspapers will have a list of all the winners, as many media houses were quite well represented at the event.

Island People IS listening ...

Or maybe that should be reading! Just last week Tuesday I did an update on what sections were sold out in TRIBE and wrote about wishing that Island People would update their website to show what sections were sold out so that I do not have to keep harassing them with phone calls.

Well, today I noticed that the website is updated with this information! For website registration it appears that Oasis, Goddess and Defenders, Sacred Sands,Oasis and Jewel of the Nile are sold out. However all other sections are open, providing they have YOUR size available.

Silence on home for Carnival 2007

Seems like everyone is awaiting an answer as to where exactly will be Carnival's "home".Today's Opinion Letter to The Trinidad Express is as follows:

What, we wonder, is preventing the Government from providing a straight answer to the question: Where will Carnival be staged in 2007? Next year's Carnival dates - February 19 and 20 - are known. In fact they have been known for years, so when the Government made its declaration that this year's Carnival would be the last to be centred at the Grand Stand of the Queen's Park Savannah it must have been well aware of the time frame it had set itself, both for the demolition of the old venue and the building of a new, state-of-the-art replacement.

In fact, when Prime Minister Patrick Manning made the announcement he was dismissive of the traditional Carnival site, sneering at it as "a horse shed" and raising expectations of a bright new world for the staging of Carnival 2007's many competitions. The competitions have become integral to the Carnival celebrations although they are not essential to them, Carnival still taking place in the streets and at other venues, even if not a single official competition was to be held during the entirety of the appointed season.

Nevertheless, locals and visitors alike have become accustomed to Carnival's competitive face and, besides, the new centre was not to be a solo-use only site but one that would be used for the benefit of the entertainment communities in Trinidad and Tobago of which Trinidad and Tobago, given its population size, has a fair number. Citizens' concern over not only the Government's apparent inaction but prolonged silence on the issue is understandable.

Either the Government has the humility to inform the population that it has overshot its building bolt and cannot now accommodate a new Carnival centre or it must let us in on its plans to still break down the old and set up the new in the months that still remain, the civic proviso being that this enforced rush must not mean the country is paying more than originally budgeted.

The truth is an ongoing problem with this cash-rich but increasingly planning-poor administration which has a cavalier attitude to its own time schedules, as if time is not money and the money is not the taxpayers', even if it comes directly out of their pockets or, as in the case of the oil revenues, it comes out of those productive holes in the ground that are part of the national patrimony.

Crime ...................

The brutal murder of teenager Parmanan Persaud this week has not only shocked many persons living here, but even those living outside of Trinidad are numb to the fact that their sweet Trinidad and Tobago has lost it's paradise state.

Even though I did not address the murder on my blog, I mean how I could really deal with a topic so sensitive on a forum where all I talk about is Carnival, Modest Goddess has written about it and also has an on going commentary since the tragedy. If you would like to comment or read some more information on what happened please visit Moddess Goddess and Manicou Report.

In light of this latest murder, I know for a fact that many people are scared, worried and concerned that crime is not being addressed properly by the powers that be in this country, and justly are apprehensive about their personal safety for Carnival. All the claims that crime is decreasing by the Government are not supported by the fact that almost daily the newspapers report a murder.

Now I have read that an increased police presence will be mobilized for Cricket World cup, which got me to thinking that it is the same with Carnival, why can’t it be like that for the rest of the year? To be honest with you, during the Carnival period is the only time where I see police and army patrolling the streets, or on the roads at night and in large numbers too. So, the Government can see the importance of protecting foreigners for Cricket World Cup and Carnival (not saying that they should not) but for the rest of the year the same measures are not implemented to protect the citizens that live here!

On one hand I am glad that for the past few years Carnival has been relatively safe, take a read at this Guardian article to understand what I say when I say “relatively safe”; not saying that crimes do not occur, but the protected service tries their hardest to keep the smear of illict activites from staining the "freedom" that is Carnival. For instance, pick pockets come out in droves at certain fetes so you have to mindful of this and not walk with a wallet, stash your cash on your person securely. But if a fight occurs at one of those large fetes like Brass Festival, police officers step in to terminate it before it escalates into something serious.

In that sense they are working to keep criminal activity to the minimum. It’s the same with J’ouvert, now it starts later so there is less chance of something like a robbery happening under the cover of darkness, and there are lots of police on the streets for J’ouvert and on Carnival Tuesday as well which provides some comfort and hopefully keeps the criminals on their toes .But on the other hand, I continue to live in Trinidad after Carnival is over; when the visitors have returned overseas with their departure the “security” of the police is gone as well. We do not see them on the streets or on the highways in the same numbers as for Carnival. After Carnival is over the madness continues. Well maybe not for all because the rich folks in Trinidad live by a different standard; I know for a fact that areas in the West like Goodwood Park benefit from ROUTINE police patrols, not private security, but the POLICE!

I know the idea that Carnival is the “safest” period to visit Trinidad is not shared by everyone, just ask those who were robbed during the festival, but take it from me it is.As I would advise anyone coming to Trinidad for Carnival, be safe. It sounds simple, but to keep yourself from being a victim you have to be smart, use common sense and try your best to avoid situations that can put your life in jeopardy. Avoid walking with the flashy cameras and video cameras on the road, do not walk around with a lot of cash or “advertise” that you are a foreigner. Choose your fetes wisely; all-inclusive fetes are becoming increasingly popular not only because of what they offer but because of their safety record. Most, if not all bands provide security on the road on Monday and Tuesday, however do not stray away from the band alone; always stay in groups, even if going to the toilet. Make sure you have transportation organized going and coming from all the events you plan on going to and especially for after playing mas. No one wants to be caught alone, in a skimpy costume, half drunk on the streets as Carnival is winding down.Although the Government and protected services try their best to make Carnival safe, we too have to take responsibly for our own safety.

TRIBE Open for Registration this Saturday

Just got this email from TRIBE:

Open for registration this Saturday!



Due to numerous requests, the Mas Camp will be open this Saturday 4th November only

between the hours of 12:00pm to 4:00pm.



Regular Business Hours: Monday to Friday from 12:00noon to 6:00pm.



Costumes are available in the following sections:

Cow Mas

Imp

Pierrot Grenade

Bat (female only)

Majorette



Accepted forms of payment are Cash, Linx or Cheque.

More Trini Revellers Photos

Interesting observation I made when looking for photos from Trini Revellers launch; apart from carnivalscene.com none of the online photo sites such as Island Events, Triniscene,Trini Crew,Island Mix, Lizzard Blizzard or Trini Pulse featured any photos from the launch while they have galleries of photos from all the major bandlaunchings thus far.

Have they failed to realise that Trini Revellers is the reigning band of the year (for the third time I might add) and as such I would think that their launch would attract more interest than it was given! Not that I have anything against Genesis, but that launch was poorly attended, not to mention the entire band comprises a total of masqueraders that would fill ONE section in Poison, yet photos from the launch showed up on several of those photosites.

Anyway, Trini Jungle Juice has provided photos as well as a review of the launch; gallery 1 and gallery 2 can be seen by clicking the highlighted links.

Boots Pics!!

I have been getting emails asking for information on Natalie's boots and funny enough I even got requests for photos of what they looked like,when someone (Jamette) was kind enough to send me photos that she took yesterday. Those are her sexy legs modelling the boots.

So here are some photos of the boots that Natalie did for Island People's launch, all of these are displayed at her store Vamp on Mucurapo Road St.James.

"Jamette" modelling the boots worn with Raiders of the Desert:


These are Natalie's boots that she wore with her costume for 2006, Island People's Fairies:


Matching boots for the section Jewel of the Nile, note she has two styles here, one with beads and one without:


Sacred Sand:


Harem Dancer/Arabian Nights:


Raider's of the Desert:

Island People is Not Sold Out.

Sections are still available at the mas camp as follows:

FEMALE:
Arabian Princess
Harem Girl Pink
Nubians (regular and frontline)
Taureg(regular and frontline)
Cacti (regular and frontline)
Sahara Jumbie (regular only)
Raiders of the Desert

MALE:
Arabian Prince
Sultan
Taureg
Sahara Sunset
Cacti
Mirage

Please note that even though sections are still open for females all bra-sizes are not available. One of my friends registered in Taureg last week only becuase she was a B cup. So, if you are interested in any of these sections check with the mas camp to see if they have your size first.

New Venue for Carnival 2007 will be revealed soon

Today's Trinidad Guardian has reported that the Minister of Culture, Joan Yuille Williams has plans to inform the public of the new venue for mas; I am waiting with baited breath on this one, though I am liking the idea of using the paved area of the Savannah for panorama :

BY CORDIELLE STREET

A new home for next year’s Carnival festival is expected to be announced soon. A source said yesterday that Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Joan Yuille-Williams has received a definitive proposal from the National Carnival Commission (NCC) board for a new venue.

Yuille-Williams recently announced Government’s plans to forge ahead with the controversial $400-million Carnival Cultural Centre, which is expected to replace the Grand Stand on Queen's Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain.

Environmentalists, artistes and some citizens have protested the plans for the cultural centre, which at one time was said to cost as much as $750 million.

Carnival stakeholders have also confirmed submitting proposals for alternative venues to the traditional Queen’s Park Savannah, which was the home to the Parade of Bands and Panorama.

Newly re-elected Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold said yesterday his organisation submitted plans to NCC for a new venue for Panorama months ago.

He said they received positive feedback on the proposal to shift the festival to the western end of the savannah, using the paved area obliquely opposite Stanmore Avenue.

“The board examined it; they liked it and they can even entertain the idea of hosting the Parade of Bands there,” said Arnold.

He insisted that a decision on a venue needed to be made as soon as possible, because Carnival Monday and Tuesday, 2007 will fall on February 19 and 20.

However, National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) president Wrenwick Brown said utilising any part of QPS may not be part of the picture.

Both Brown and Arnold admitted that the latest buzz is that QPS may be completely off-limits, a situation with which Brown, for one, is comfortable.

He said there were benefits to keeping the Parade of Bands moving fluidly throughout the streets of PoS, and insisted that the public understood that the savannah stage was simply a judging point.

NCBA also submitted their choice of a new venue, but Brown refused to disclose their alternative.

“We are not going out of Port-of-Spain,” assured Brown.

Meanwhile, the launch of C2K7, scheduled at the end of this month, has been postponed.

NCC Chairman Kenny de Silva confirmed the delay, but was unable to supply a future date for the celebrations.

Attempts to contact Yuille-Williams proved futile yesterday.


©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

Dream Team's Website is up!

I was wondering what was going on with Dream Team, seeing as other bands have launched after them and their websites were up and running soon after. Well the wait is over, for those who were waiting, you can now view the costumes and prices at the newly updated Dream Team website.

The professional photoshoot has done the costumes justice I might add, they look much better than at the launch with a greater ability to see the details. My only question is, where are the male costumes for some sections? I see prices for the males but no photos, unless you click on the link to the individual website for the specials sections that have one where you get more photos of the costumes including the male.

Prices seem to be consistent, ranging from $2245.00 to $2295.00 for backline, $2895.00 to $2995.00 for frontline and males at $1895.00. Of all the sections, I am liking Luna Rhythm the best, followed by Exotic Rhythm though I cannot understand the reason for the cape on the latter costume and Chutney Bacchanal which was not one of my favourites at the launch, but it does look good in the professional photos.

Image Nation presents "Jungle" for 2007

I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email this morning on a band which will be making it's debut for Carnival called Image Nation, their presentation for Carnival 2007 is "Jungle". Although it is their first time bringing a band the designer has done designs for "2 Peas and a Pod", a band which entered the Carnival scene in 2006.

To me, it's always great when new bands providing alternative options for Carnival are highlighted since it seems that only the "bikini and beads" bands get all the attention and all the criticism as well. The fact is, which I have been saying all along, there are bands that cater to all tastes and individuals. Those who want bikini and beads by all means find a band that provides that, however do not overlook the fact that bands like Image Nation making a contribution to Carnival as well.

With that said, from the following information provided Image Nation intends to give masqueraders not only an all-inclusive experience, but it is being deliberately catered to only 1500 masqueraders to keep a sense of "community" in the band. Click on the image for a larger view where you can read all about Image Nation and their philosophy behind their presentation "Jungle":

And here is a first look , as well as some information on the costumes from the 11 sections of the band (click on the image for a larger view)

Some more information on Image Nation and their presentation Jungle for 2007, from one of band leaders:

"1.We are doing a large medium sized band which for judging purposes is no more than 1000 people. We want to pamper our people, providing them with the best in service and treatment. we are doing eleven sections at an average of sixty paying mas players per section. To this we will add another 100 to 125 performers and 40 costumed staff and other non paying partners like sponsors. This should top us out at around 800. There will be security and other service people that will add another 75 to 100 people to the whole. Moreso we should have about 10 individuals, which along with the costumes, especially the shields, will give the band the look of a large band.
If the band sells exceptionally well and early we may be able to add more paying patrons.

3. the price range averages at $1800.00 and there will be a separate and different costume for Monday

4. music will be two disc jockeys. we are also looking to have live performers with the djs. they will perform on the trucks with tracks. we are also looking at a 'riddum' section.

5. We will have the full range of drinks - water, energy drinks, juices, sodas, coconut water, soft drinks, malts, shandy, stouts, beer, gin, vodka, whiskey, rum, baileys and alize along with drinks mixed for the jungle theme.

Our track record and experience is one of providing a superb carnival, but that as you will see is only a small part of the whole."

Contact information:
Addresses/Mailing - 39 Buller Street Woodbrook, Port Of Spain, Trinidad
Website: www.imagenationltd.com
email - imagenationltd@gmail.com

Trinidad Junction

Based on all the advertisements already on Carnival Junction for costumes wanted with a few for costumes to be sold, I know the word is out there that the site exists. However, very few people in cyberspace are aware that Carnival Junction also has a "little" sister, the website Trinidad Junction.

The creator and manager of the two websites is a young, Trinidadian lady by the name of Nikkia Reveillac who came up with the idea for Carnival Junction this year when looking for a Carnival costume "late" in the game. Now she has developed Trinidad Junction to highlight Trinidadian talent, being a dancer herself, focusing on different genres such as art, poetry, music as well as dance, with interviews and features of Trinidad artistes on her website. I have been following the website from it's inception and to date have only seen it growing steadily in content.

I am quite pleased to see that each day more artists are contributing to Trinidad Junction since I know that Nikkia feels passionately about having a space where other talented individuals, like herself, can be highlighted. To be honest I always knew that Trinidad had talent but I was unaware so many of our people are out there, overseas, doing well for themselves in fields such as dance and art. I read Trinidad Junction, and The Junction Blog, every day.

So hopefully everyone who visits my blog will take a peek at Trinidad Junction, if only to feel proud that we Trinis have so much talent and help spread the word to other artists who might not even know that a forum like this exists. Hats off to Trinidad Junction for doing an excellent job so far and continued, increasing success for the future.

Camouflaging Imperfections

Carnival Jumbie (Diva) highlighted an excellent product on her blog recently called Dermablend which is used to cover up skin imperfections such as stretch marks, vitilligo and varicose veins as well as skin blemishes and acne scars. Her review is quite comprehensive and she has even road tested the product for Carnival, check out her blog for more information and tips on where to get the product locally.

For those who do not have access to Dermablend as it is somewhat expensive and only sourced at certain cosmetic outlets in Trinidad, Sacha also has a product that promises to deliver the same results. I have never used Sacha Camouflage but did accompany my friend to their outlet on Wrightson Road two years ago so that she could get colour matched for Sacha's Camouflage makeup. According to her it worked perfectly as she wanted to cover up stretch marks for Carnival and has been using the product every Carnival since then.

So, for those who want to play mas in thongs and have worked out at the gym all year hoping to go stocking less only to be plagued by stretch marks on body parts you never thought they would appear, either one of these products can be your solution to "perfect" skin.

As Diva says, if you don't have it fake it!

Mr. Montano

If it is one man who can send me into a total, unbridled frenzy come Carnival time it is Machel Montano. Seriously, when he performs onstage I loose every bit of self respecting dignity and scream his name until I get hoarse, much to the amusement of my husband who sends me into a frenzy for the other 363 days of the year, and I get so high off his music it's like the drug of Carnival. It's as if my body has a mind of it's own when he opens his mouth to sing, discovering moves that I never thought I could accomplish without years of yoga training and nothing gets me in the mood for Carnival more than seeing Machel perform live.

Each year I wait to hear what new soca he has for the season, and each year he never fails to up the ante! Always something new to add to the mix, though I thought the year he brought Junko was a penultimate! I remember the first time I saw her perform with Xtatic was at Jamboree's fete at Pier 1. By that time I was used to the acrobatics of Machel's "Power Puff Girls" so I was expecting another raunchy performance by them, but then he stopped his set and said "Where my girls them?" and a spot light hit the top of a scaffolding high above the stage where Ms. Junko was wining ON HER HEAD. Yeah, jaws took a long time to be scraped off the floor after that introduction. Outside of Carnival I am nothing close to being a Machel fan, I see him from time to time when he comes into my office and apart from a polite smile I go about my business as usual, his power over me is only when he is onstage.

Since the V.I.P. stand came falling down at his concert many years ago I have yet to return to another of Machel's concerts. At that time I was actually in V.I.P. , luckily not on the stands, but being involved in that tragedy where I saw many people injured left a sour taste in my mouth for any type of large concert like that. I prefer to see Machel perform at a fete where I can get up close to the front of the stage and where these isn't a massive crush of people who can get too crazy over Mr. Montano for my liking.

I am still waiting to hear what Machel has new for 2007, apparently those who were at his concert at Miami Carnival already got a taste to wet their appetites. Sadly, all I have to do is wait until his new music is launched in Trinidad.In the meantime here are some videos from YouTube of Machel performing with Walker and Machel at Bacchanal Wednesday. Those should brighten your Sunday morning. And you can also check out his My Space if you are a huge fan.

Vive La France

Another private section from Trini Revellers will be having their launch tonight at Cro Bar, this one is called "Vive La France" and it is being produced by D Harvard Section & Young Revellers. The website is now up with photos of both versions of the costumes.

Red, white and blue is not a colour combination that appeals to me for a Trinidad Carnival costume, however I see the relevance to the theme and in this case it looks a little less "Fourth of July" than expected. I was privy to a sneak peek of the photo shoot that was done earlier this month and from that preview I have to say I like the Tri Colour costume, though it looks less like the other clothed sections from Trini Revellers and more like something I would expect from Poison. In that, I can see it appealing to the masqueraders wanting "bikini and beads" as opposed to the other unique designs I have seen for Trini Revellers. For those wanting a bit more coverage D Harvard Section's "Celebration" fits the bill.

I am quite surprised at the prices, to date I think these are the cheapest I have seen an all-inclusive section (on par with Rugeri's "Paris is Burning)! It should also be noted that they also offer online registration with Senvia AND a section DJ.

Young Reveller's section "D Tri Colour" is priced at $1650.00 for the female costume, with backpack option costing $2050.00 and the male costume $1295.00:


D Harvard Section has two costumes, the female "Celebration" at $1550.00 and the male "France under Napoleon" at $1295.00:




Both sections are all-inclusive, which includes the following per the website:

Section DJ - Hocus Pocus
Monday - Security, All Drinks (Scotch, Rum, Vodka, Beer, Wine, Chasers & Coolers, Coconut Water, Water) Snacks

Tuesday - Security, All Drinks
Breakfast (Corn Soup, Pies, Sandwiches, etc.)
Lunch, Snacks

On Carnival Monday we will promote the wearing of a
t-shirt that will be provided and our theme for Carnival Monday would be "To France with dat"

Contact Information

Mas Camp: 637-7248

Tony: 678-2919
Gerry: 680-4513
Miguel: 678-6124
Stefan: 682-7583
Gavin: 767-9936

Email: info@dharvardsection.com

Website: www.dharvardsection.com

Mas Camp: 10 Crystal Heights, Diego Martin
Hours of Business - Mon to Thurs 6pm - 8pm
- Friday 6pm - 8pm | Sat 12pm - 6pm