The Taboo Party website has launched! Check it out here.
Also, Rascalz for D.C. Carnival has updated their website... things are heating up in D.C.!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Pulse 8 2008
The theme for Pulse 8's 2008 presentation is "Marrakesh"; check out the teaser on Pulse 8's website.
I can see lots of ornate decoration, jewled toned costumes in designs of golds, blues, purples and men in fez hats.....much like the Arabian costumes Sonia Mack is renowned for. I hope Pulse 8's design teams does a very good job with this theme!
I can see lots of ornate decoration, jewled toned costumes in designs of golds, blues, purples and men in fez hats.....much like the Arabian costumes Sonia Mack is renowned for. I hope Pulse 8's design teams does a very good job with this theme!
Karabana's New Blog
Moca Gyrl aka Karabana aka Kara has started a new blog with Caribana and Carnival in mind. The blog kicks off with a review, complete with photographs, of Callaloo's launch this weekend. I am totally loving Trini in Toronto's intro and the recap of each costume. Check out the blog for costume pics and I am looking forward to much more coverage for upcoming launches and Caribana.
Neckelmann's Upgrade!
I thought I had seen it all when Neckelmann's brought their Carnival Line of costumes which apparently came to fruition because of "a result of many years of providing the costumes to many International and American carnival bands" as per their website. However when one can now purchase a costume complete with headpiece AND back pack with the click of one's mouse, I think they have reached the penultimate in the business service they provide to these International and American Carnival Bands.
No, these costume photos are not from a Carnival band that has just launched, in fact these are not even listed as "Carnival" costumes at all but they are available for purchase online at Neckelmann's and they look very much like a costume you would see in some of the Carnival bands:
No, these costume photos are not from a Carnival band that has just launched, in fact these are not even listed as "Carnival" costumes at all but they are available for purchase online at Neckelmann's and they look very much like a costume you would see in some of the Carnival bands:
Prices for pre-fabricated costumes are not cheap however (which can possibly account for the spiraling costume prices maybe?) at between $260.00 to $495.00US nor do they come in "plus" sizes as the belts measure 32 inches and the bra goes up to a C cup. Of course this is purchasing the costume directly off the website but it is very well known that Neckelmann's also does custom costume orders in larger quantities and they can do variation in colour, design and sizes.
I wrote about my feelings on the whole issue of pre fabricated costumes in a previous post called "The Costume Conundrum" and you can check out the article to see one very popular Neckelmann's costume that was the hottest section in Harts that year......2002 I believe. Local band leaders are now much more aware that the "secret" is out and I have not been able to readily identify a Necklemann's costume for the last few Carnival seasons, Harts and Poison being the bands where you could have easily seen a few Neckelmann's costumes in the past. Now there are rumours of costumes being made in China and India on the cheap, the hallmark being lavishly beaded bras and belts that make locally made costumes look "cheap" by comparison.
Albeit I have yet to find a website where you can allegedly purchase these costumes from China as easily as you can purchase one from Neckelmann's, I do believe that many costumes do indeed come directly from a factory in Beijing hence the sizes for costumes like Small, Medium Large and Extra Large instead of actual bra and belt sizes. One day I might accidentally stumble upon said same website but until then I give Neckelamnn's "props" for the upgrade and new products now available for purchase as they are keeping up with the trends. Hey, if costume prices keep going up all I need are 19 people to place my order for Carnival costumes and I can bring out a mini band of my own with some hot costumes complete with front line and back line options!
I wrote about my feelings on the whole issue of pre fabricated costumes in a previous post called "The Costume Conundrum" and you can check out the article to see one very popular Neckelmann's costume that was the hottest section in Harts that year......2002 I believe. Local band leaders are now much more aware that the "secret" is out and I have not been able to readily identify a Necklemann's costume for the last few Carnival seasons, Harts and Poison being the bands where you could have easily seen a few Neckelmann's costumes in the past. Now there are rumours of costumes being made in China and India on the cheap, the hallmark being lavishly beaded bras and belts that make locally made costumes look "cheap" by comparison.
Albeit I have yet to find a website where you can allegedly purchase these costumes from China as easily as you can purchase one from Neckelmann's, I do believe that many costumes do indeed come directly from a factory in Beijing hence the sizes for costumes like Small, Medium Large and Extra Large instead of actual bra and belt sizes. One day I might accidentally stumble upon said same website but until then I give Neckelamnn's "props" for the upgrade and new products now available for purchase as they are keeping up with the trends. Hey, if costume prices keep going up all I need are 19 people to place my order for Carnival costumes and I can bring out a mini band of my own with some hot costumes complete with front line and back line options!
Monday, May 14, 2007
This weekend kicked off band launches for Caribana 2007 with presentations from Callaloo, Toronto Revellers and newcomer to the Caribana circuit Tribal Knights.
Photos from both Tribal Knights and Toronto Revellers can be seen on torontolime.com:
TRIBAL KNIGHTS
The colours and headpiece
reminds me of TRIBE 2004
I am liking the design on the bra and belt,
though the colours are channeling Titania 2005:
TORONTO REVELLERS
The corsette option for this costume is cute:
LOVE this full figure model totally rocking this costume:
I am not into black costumes, but check out the handcuffs!
The following Band Launches are still to come so for all those in Toronto make a note of the dates!:
Louis Saldenah "Rain forest" - May 19th
Carnival Nationz "The Big Top" - May 26th
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day !
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Bajan Bonanza!!
This one is for all those still looking for Crop Over accommodation; the Bajan Bonanza Caricom Rates for "summer" are out! The prices are really good, for example Time Out at The Gap is listed at $107.00US per night WITH a full breakfast included; this price makes it MUCH cheaper than Triniscene's Destination Crop Over package! If you book Time Out through the Bajan Bonanza and book your own airfare on Liat the total price is $942.60US for two persons, compare that to Triniscene's package price of $1500.00US!!!, you can thank me later for saving you $557.40US.
Other hotels worth looking into are:
Worthing Court - $83.00US per night
Allamanda Beach Hotel - $107.00US per night
Rostrevor Apartment Hotel - $107.00US per night
Blue Horizon Apartment Hotel - $107.00US per night (full breakfast included)
Friday, May 11, 2007
Wanted - Cowgirls!
Passion Mas Troupe has launched their 2007 Antiguan Carnival presentation "Wanted". Among the several photos from the Band Launching was this gem, a totally original Cowgirl Costume:
Which looks as if it was borne from another costume:
Which was not that original either!
They could have least changed the colour, don't you think?
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Updates - Band Launches etc.
I have been reliably informed that Harts band launching will take place at the end of July. Following trends over the past two years one can only speculate that TRIBE's launch will immediately follow, and then Island People albeit this order can change and who knows, maybe we will see Island People launching before Harts.
For all those waiting for TRIBE's foray into Crop Over this year sorry to say they will not be bringing a band for 2007. Maybe 2008 will see this materialise as I know many people were quite interested in the idea.
Finally, all those with TLC cards your number will remain the same as it was last year, actually your number will remain the same "for life". New cards are coming "very soon"!
Finally, all those with TLC cards your number will remain the same as it was last year, actually your number will remain the same "for life". New cards are coming "very soon"!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Dream Team Band Launching
Finally dates for 2008 Trinidad Carnival Band Launches are being released.
Dream Team will launch their presentation "Bejeweled" on August 26th at Pier 1.
From the website this is the concept behind "Bejeweled:
Dream Team will launch their presentation "Bejeweled" on August 26th at Pier 1.
From the website this is the concept behind "Bejeweled:
be dazzled by the sheer beauty of our islands...from the buccoo reef to golden sunsets to the wealth of our natural resources to the diversity of our cultural background..we truly are the jewels of the CaribbeanIn other Dream Team news:
Calling all DREAM TEAM masqueraders in the US and Canada!! Do you still have your costume? If you do and would like to take part in the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Manhattan on June 10th please contact us at info@dreamteamtnt.com or call 1 347 623 1264. As a valued dream team member there is no cost to being part of this grand event. Call now for details!!
This offer applies to Dream Team masqueraders only.
We will also be taking part in Labor Day, Halloween, and Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (all in New York) Stay tuned for details.
Glad to see that the costume has possibilities of being worn for several occasions...but Macy's Parade? I am waiting to see THAT one !
Bergez Boyz - Crop Over 2007
Crop Over in Barbados culminates on August 6th with the Kadooment parade and the first official word on a band launching is Berger Boyz who will launch on June 21st at Club Extreme. Their presentation for 2007 is called "Rhythm Nation Sixes" and you can visit the Berger Boyz website, which has been updated for Crop Over 2007, for more information.
Personally I think considering when Crop Over takes place the mas bands launch a bit too late in the season and by the time the websites have been updated with costume information sections are already sold out! Maybe I am just used to Trinidad Carnival with band launches taking place six months in advance but I am so ready to see costumes for ANY Carnival it is NOT funny! Hopefully word on when the other Crop Over bands will launch is forthcoming soon.
Personally I think considering when Crop Over takes place the mas bands launch a bit too late in the season and by the time the websites have been updated with costume information sections are already sold out! Maybe I am just used to Trinidad Carnival with band launches taking place six months in advance but I am so ready to see costumes for ANY Carnival it is NOT funny! Hopefully word on when the other Crop Over bands will launch is forthcoming soon.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
It's that time again..Destination Cropover!
Triniscene’s Destination Crop Over is back and ready for booking; the deadline for down payment is May 15th. The package this year is for airfare and hotel accommodation and you can add on a party pack and/or costume as well. You can also purchase the party pack or costume alone from Triniscene.
The hotel this time around is Time Out at The Gap which has a good location right in St. Lawrence Gap, however you can check out the reviews on Tripadvisor.com. Pricing for the package is $750.00US per person double occupancy or $720.00US per person triple occupancy. This is what is included in the cost:
The hotel this time around is Time Out at The Gap which has a good location right in St. Lawrence Gap, however you can check out the reviews on Tripadvisor.com. Pricing for the package is $750.00US per person double occupancy or $720.00US per person triple occupancy. This is what is included in the cost:
AIR - RETURN AIRFARE INCLUSIVE OF ALL TAXES
HOTEL- FOUR (4) NIGHTS ACCOMODATION AT 3 STAR HOTEL
- CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
- COMFORTABLE A/C ROOM
- SWIMMING POOL
- CLOSE TO BEACH AND CROPOVER ACTIVITES
To be honest with you I think the package price is a bit expensive for two people and did some pricing of my own. Airfare to Barbados for the same period, August 3rd to 7th is $257.30US per person on Liat while a standard room at Time out at the Gap (using the rates off the website) is $580.00 which totals $1094.60 TOTAL or $547.30US per person at double occupancy. The hotel price does not take into account that Caricom residents get a discount on hotel stays, so I suspect that it can be had for cheaper as well. The convenience of the package is that you do not have to do all the work per se as Triniscene handles all the bookings concerning airfare and hotel so if you are that type of traveler who desires everything done for you then the price is not a problem. In addition the price also includes a daily breakfast, another perk that you have to pay extra for.
I on the other hand love doing my own bookings and looking for hotel deals and there are several hotels that can be booked for less than Time Out at the Gap, check out Intimate Hotels of Barbados for alternative accomodation. Time Out at the Gap usually shows up on the Bajan Bonanza Specials inclusive of breakfast as well, so you can check the Visit Barbados website when that special becomes available for the “summer” season as the price is normally less than $145.00US a night with a continental breakfast.
Personally I think Triniscene’s Party Package is definitely worth it as my friend took it the last time she went to Crop Over and it was quite nice having tickets to all the parties taken care of and delivered to you. Also if you want to play with Baje International and do not want the hassle of trying to register for your costume Triniscene takes care of this part as well, they usually register masqueraders from Trinidad in the “Trini” section, which is a special section for Trinis so you can be sure to see many other familiar faces. On these two points Triniscene’s Destination Crop Over package is a winner for me.
Remember, the deadline for booking packages is May 15th AND a point to note is that they can also arrange airfare from outside Trinidad and Tobago if required. For more information check out the link to booking the package online here.
I on the other hand love doing my own bookings and looking for hotel deals and there are several hotels that can be booked for less than Time Out at the Gap, check out Intimate Hotels of Barbados for alternative accomodation. Time Out at the Gap usually shows up on the Bajan Bonanza Specials inclusive of breakfast as well, so you can check the Visit Barbados website when that special becomes available for the “summer” season as the price is normally less than $145.00US a night with a continental breakfast.
Personally I think Triniscene’s Party Package is definitely worth it as my friend took it the last time she went to Crop Over and it was quite nice having tickets to all the parties taken care of and delivered to you. Also if you want to play with Baje International and do not want the hassle of trying to register for your costume Triniscene takes care of this part as well, they usually register masqueraders from Trinidad in the “Trini” section, which is a special section for Trinis so you can be sure to see many other familiar faces. On these two points Triniscene’s Destination Crop Over package is a winner for me.
Remember, the deadline for booking packages is May 15th AND a point to note is that they can also arrange airfare from outside Trinidad and Tobago if required. For more information check out the link to booking the package online here.
Monday, May 07, 2007
New Band Alert..again
2008 seems to be the year with many, many choices for masqueraders which is always a good thing! Thanks to Afrochic for the S.O.S., Ronnie and Caro who produced the special section "Chutney" in Legacy this year will be branching out to form their own band for 2008. The new band will be entirely all-inclusive consisting of 10 sections catering to 100- 125 masqueraders per section.
The theme for 2008 is "The Gulf" (as in The Gulf of Paria) and band launch is scheduled for August at 51 Degrees. The motto of Ronnie and Caro's new band for 2008 is "Fun for so!".
For more information:
Singles - 726-4001
The theme for 2008 is "The Gulf" (as in The Gulf of Paria) and band launch is scheduled for August at 51 Degrees. The motto of Ronnie and Caro's new band for 2008 is "Fun for so!".
For more information:
Singles - 726-4001
Is it worth it?
The poll results are in and out of a total of 119 votes, in spite of all the comments left against the high prices of costumes this year, 57% of you are willing to pay even higher prices for 2008. Of that number 32% said they would pay higher prices once they could afford it, 22% responded that price is no object once they love a costume and 3% would pay the higher prices once someone else is paying. Of the respondents who voted that they would not pay the higher prices, 22% said the prices this year were too high and they were not willing to pay more for 2008, 14% are taking a stand against higher prices even if they can afford it and 8% will look for a cheaper costume in another band.
I can only hesitate to guess that after band launching when potential masqueraders see the costumes price becomes a secondary consideration in choosing. Many people usually ask me the question “is it worth it?” in relation to the high cost of a Carnival costume and while it is a highly subjective opinion, clearly the poll results show that it is worth it to more than half of those who voted. To me costume selection for many female masqueraders is purely an emotional one; some of us want the most outstanding costume while others want to be frontline and it is the play on these emotions that drive us crazy and rationale out the window.
The other industry that does the same thing is the wedding business. Has anyone done a budget for the cost of an “average” wedding in Trinidad these days? I have two friends who are getting married this year and one is spending over 30 thousand dollars while the other is spending close to 100 thousand! Playing heavily into the wedding planning is the dress, which cost each bride $4000.00 and $8500.00 respectively. As beautiful as the wedding dress is the fact remains that you only wear it for close to eight hours, and one bride even plans on changing into another dress at the reception!
Ask a bride is a wedding dress is worth it and you would more than likely get a resounding yes! Much like a masquerader who can rationalize that they are getting two days of merriment, drinks and food included in the price of $3000.00; compare that to the bride who does not even get to wear the dress for 24 hours! I remember when getting married I set a budget of how much I was willing to pay for my dress and I have to admit I do the same thing when choosing my costume so I too would fall into the percentage that responded yes they would pay the higher prices once the can afford it. On one hand I know that the costume itself is not “worth it” but I am driven by the experience and an emotional satisfaction. I would never choose a costume I did not like because of the cost!
So to tell the truth I am not totally surprised at the result of the poll, I am more surprised that the percentages were so close; it is almost 50/50 on who is willing to pay higher prices for 2008 and who is not. For all those looking forward to playing mas in 2008 something tells me that SOME bandleaders might try to keep costume prices the same as they were next year, and not increase it. Of course that is merely speculation and if costume prices do raise above my budget and the price I am willing to pay I guess I would join the 8% who will have to look for a cheaper costume in another band…..I am keeping an eye on Harts just in case.
I can only hesitate to guess that after band launching when potential masqueraders see the costumes price becomes a secondary consideration in choosing. Many people usually ask me the question “is it worth it?” in relation to the high cost of a Carnival costume and while it is a highly subjective opinion, clearly the poll results show that it is worth it to more than half of those who voted. To me costume selection for many female masqueraders is purely an emotional one; some of us want the most outstanding costume while others want to be frontline and it is the play on these emotions that drive us crazy and rationale out the window.
The other industry that does the same thing is the wedding business. Has anyone done a budget for the cost of an “average” wedding in Trinidad these days? I have two friends who are getting married this year and one is spending over 30 thousand dollars while the other is spending close to 100 thousand! Playing heavily into the wedding planning is the dress, which cost each bride $4000.00 and $8500.00 respectively. As beautiful as the wedding dress is the fact remains that you only wear it for close to eight hours, and one bride even plans on changing into another dress at the reception!
Ask a bride is a wedding dress is worth it and you would more than likely get a resounding yes! Much like a masquerader who can rationalize that they are getting two days of merriment, drinks and food included in the price of $3000.00; compare that to the bride who does not even get to wear the dress for 24 hours! I remember when getting married I set a budget of how much I was willing to pay for my dress and I have to admit I do the same thing when choosing my costume so I too would fall into the percentage that responded yes they would pay the higher prices once the can afford it. On one hand I know that the costume itself is not “worth it” but I am driven by the experience and an emotional satisfaction. I would never choose a costume I did not like because of the cost!
So to tell the truth I am not totally surprised at the result of the poll, I am more surprised that the percentages were so close; it is almost 50/50 on who is willing to pay higher prices for 2008 and who is not. For all those looking forward to playing mas in 2008 something tells me that SOME bandleaders might try to keep costume prices the same as they were next year, and not increase it. Of course that is merely speculation and if costume prices do raise above my budget and the price I am willing to pay I guess I would join the 8% who will have to look for a cheaper costume in another band…..I am keeping an eye on Harts just in case.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Blogroll!
Taking a departure from anything Carnival related today being Sunday and all, you know a "rest" day, I just wanted to share with you some of the blogs I read regularly ( apart from all the other Carnival blogs and blogs by the bloggers that I have listed under my links).
Trini Gourmet
I am one of those novices chefs, to be honest I only started cooking when I got married! The Internet has been my lifeline as I do not own one cookbook, but the most difficult website to find is one devoted to Caribbean and particularly Trinidad recipes. I had stumbled upon one called www.rotishop.com which taught me how to make green fig pie, callaloo and pealu however the site is no longer available. Consequently I have made Trini Gourmet my #1 source for local recipes; I love that the recipes are infused with that Trini flavour and I check in often to see what is new.
Adventure Antigua- The Blog
My friend Eli is the author of this blog which started out as more of a blog about the business he runs in Antigua but has emerged into an encapsulation of the Caribbean lifestyle, that is if we all owned boats and spent our days sailing the turquoise seas of beautiful Antigua! Added bonus is that he often includes some beautiful photography of the island.
Island Spice
The adventures of Island Spice are a titillating and often hilarious account of her dating adventures. I think I like reading the comments as much as her posts!
The Journal of a Girl who likes to Cook
I stumbled upon this blog while looking for a recipe for eggplant and bookmarked it immediately. The eggplant dish turned out perfectly so much so I make it on a regular basis now. As you can see cooking blogs are one of my favourites as I do like cooking and it is much more personal than reading a generic recipe off of some website.
Gramps World Tour
The blog of an expatriate living, working and discovering Trinidad and Tobago. It's always interesting to read about your country from the eyes of a foreigner and this blog serves up both good and bad opinions about our twin islands. It makes for a good read !
Go Fug Yourself
I like to think I discovered this blog when it was in it's infantile stages, now it is quite popular and I still like reading the snarky witty comments about celebs and their fashion choices. I absolutely love when they dissect a trend illustrate that though it might be in style it is not always the right style for you.
Feel free to share blogs or websites of your own that you visit regulalry; I am always up for a good read !
Trini Gourmet
I am one of those novices chefs, to be honest I only started cooking when I got married! The Internet has been my lifeline as I do not own one cookbook, but the most difficult website to find is one devoted to Caribbean and particularly Trinidad recipes. I had stumbled upon one called www.rotishop.com which taught me how to make green fig pie, callaloo and pealu however the site is no longer available. Consequently I have made Trini Gourmet my #1 source for local recipes; I love that the recipes are infused with that Trini flavour and I check in often to see what is new.
Adventure Antigua- The Blog
My friend Eli is the author of this blog which started out as more of a blog about the business he runs in Antigua but has emerged into an encapsulation of the Caribbean lifestyle, that is if we all owned boats and spent our days sailing the turquoise seas of beautiful Antigua! Added bonus is that he often includes some beautiful photography of the island.
Island Spice
The adventures of Island Spice are a titillating and often hilarious account of her dating adventures. I think I like reading the comments as much as her posts!
The Journal of a Girl who likes to Cook
I stumbled upon this blog while looking for a recipe for eggplant and bookmarked it immediately. The eggplant dish turned out perfectly so much so I make it on a regular basis now. As you can see cooking blogs are one of my favourites as I do like cooking and it is much more personal than reading a generic recipe off of some website.
Gramps World Tour
The blog of an expatriate living, working and discovering Trinidad and Tobago. It's always interesting to read about your country from the eyes of a foreigner and this blog serves up both good and bad opinions about our twin islands. It makes for a good read !
Go Fug Yourself
I like to think I discovered this blog when it was in it's infantile stages, now it is quite popular and I still like reading the snarky witty comments about celebs and their fashion choices. I absolutely love when they dissect a trend illustrate that though it might be in style it is not always the right style for you.
Feel free to share blogs or websites of your own that you visit regulalry; I am always up for a good read !
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Damage Control
A new band has emerged for D.C. Carnival which takes place on June 23rd to 24th. Entertainment group Basement Knok’ers presents "Damage Control". The launch was held last Saturday and DJ Merry Perry from Trinidad made the journey to D.C. to play at the event. Rumour has it that he may also be the may also be the DJ on the road for the parade, but that information has yet to be confirmed.
Package details and costume prices have not been released as yet but for more information you can contact Basement Knok’ers; damagecontrol@basementknokers.com
Here is a look first look at the costumes:
Package details and costume prices have not been released as yet but for more information you can contact Basement Knok’ers; damagecontrol@basementknokers.com
Here is a look first look at the costumes:
In other related D.C. Carnival News, the countdown is on to the launch of The Taboo Party website.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Machel in Toronto - FREE
That's right, Machel Montano will perform free at "Carnivalissima" Harbourfront Centre in Toronto on the 10th of June 2007. From Machel's official website:
This spectacle of the senses is a bold celebration of Carnivals of the World – Brazilian, Caribbean, European, Latin, Lenten Winter Festivals (Venice, Switzerland, Brussels, Spain), and Mardi Gras. Showtime is 4:30PM. FREE SHOW TO THE PUBLIC
Orlando Carnival
Seems like every month there is a Carnival celebration taking place somewhere around the Globe. This month Orlando Carnival takes place May 25th to May 27th (Memorial Day Weekend) with kiddies Carnival, Jouvert and a street Parade among other activities and events.
List of Events:
May 19th
Miss Orlando Pageant
May 25th
Central Florida International Chamber of Commerce
Presents
BRAZILIAN NIGHT
May 26th
International Cultural Show (most countries)
Thunder Field in the Citrus Bowl
Steelbands, Kings & Queen Costumes,
DJ's & Live Performance
Kiddies Carnival, Calypso
May 27th @ 2 a.m
J'Ouvert (Street Parade)
Downtown Orlando("near Church Street Station
May 27th @ 12 Noon
2007 Orlando International Carnival
(Grand Street Parade @ Central & Division)
Street Parade Route: Starts at Concord St, between Garland and Orange Ave.
Opposite Citrus Bowl on Rio Grande Ave
Orlando Carnival Bands:
Sexy Camo Troop
Fitco Masqueraders
Yuh Muddah
Cave Dwellers
List of Events:
May 19th
Miss Orlando Pageant
May 25th
Central Florida International Chamber of Commerce
Presents
BRAZILIAN NIGHT
May 26th
International Cultural Show (most countries)
Thunder Field in the Citrus Bowl
Steelbands, Kings & Queen Costumes,
DJ's & Live Performance
Kiddies Carnival, Calypso
May 27th @ 2 a.m
J'Ouvert (Street Parade)
Downtown Orlando("near Church Street Station
May 27th @ 12 Noon
2007 Orlando International Carnival
(Grand Street Parade @ Central & Division)
Street Parade Route: Starts at Concord St, between Garland and Orange Ave.
Opposite Citrus Bowl on Rio Grande Ave
Orlando Carnival Bands:
Sexy Camo Troop
Fitco Masqueraders
Yuh Muddah
Cave Dwellers
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Machel H.D. on BET
Mark your calenders, set your alarms Machel fans;BET Jazz will be airing the special "Machel Montano HD & Friends" on Saturday May 12th at 1pm and 7pm. The 30 minute show will feature Machel, Minshall and Madison Square Garden including the signing for fans at J&R Records.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
The Model Debate
I have been meaning to express my thoughts on TRIBE’s model search, but last week was filled with so many other events like Zen nightclub closing and the Machel Montano allegations that there was no time to focus on anything else. Now that the storm has passed and Trinidad is back to relative normalcy I can reflect on the comments left by several persons via the blog and email concerning the hunt for models to present to us the costumes we will eventually have to choose from.
The choice of model is all part of parcel of the entire marketing and advertising of the costume for various Carnival bands. For instance, if the target group of revelers are young, sexy and of a certain social and economic bracket that is reflected in both pricing of the costumes as well as the choice of models. Just take a look at TRIBE and Island People with their models who all look like they are all from the same genetic gene pool with slim, youthful and aesthetically pleasing features. Compare that to Trini Revellers who use more mature models since their target group is a different market all together. Now nothing is wrong with using SOME models who fit the stereotype that has come to be associated with the top two “it” bands in Trinidad, I mean fashion designers do the same thing when they select super skinny waifs to model their clothes on the runway though the average sized woman is closer to a size 12 than a size 2! However I think when it comes to Carnival costumes unless the band employs strategies to ensure that the “larger” ladies do not get accommodated with a costume by say pre ordering bras for instance, then the average woman who plays with the band is not reflected in the choice of model leaving us with a less than ideal example of what the band would like US to look like!
What happens therefore is that we ladies with the curvy shapely bodies, hips, thighs and legs all looking distorted compared to the svelte 18 year old modeling the costume of our dreams then force ourselves to diet and exercise with the hopes of looking as they do in costume! Reality being that only the other svelte 18 year olds or those lucky few who remain “naturally slim” even as they age, will achieve anything close to the having prominent pelvic bones grazing the top on a super low waist band worn low low on hips.
From reading comments like these, which were sent via email I know that I am not the only one who thinks to herself that the models do not represent the majority of women who play with the band:
The choice of model is all part of parcel of the entire marketing and advertising of the costume for various Carnival bands. For instance, if the target group of revelers are young, sexy and of a certain social and economic bracket that is reflected in both pricing of the costumes as well as the choice of models. Just take a look at TRIBE and Island People with their models who all look like they are all from the same genetic gene pool with slim, youthful and aesthetically pleasing features. Compare that to Trini Revellers who use more mature models since their target group is a different market all together. Now nothing is wrong with using SOME models who fit the stereotype that has come to be associated with the top two “it” bands in Trinidad, I mean fashion designers do the same thing when they select super skinny waifs to model their clothes on the runway though the average sized woman is closer to a size 12 than a size 2! However I think when it comes to Carnival costumes unless the band employs strategies to ensure that the “larger” ladies do not get accommodated with a costume by say pre ordering bras for instance, then the average woman who plays with the band is not reflected in the choice of model leaving us with a less than ideal example of what the band would like US to look like!
What happens therefore is that we ladies with the curvy shapely bodies, hips, thighs and legs all looking distorted compared to the svelte 18 year old modeling the costume of our dreams then force ourselves to diet and exercise with the hopes of looking as they do in costume! Reality being that only the other svelte 18 year olds or those lucky few who remain “naturally slim” even as they age, will achieve anything close to the having prominent pelvic bones grazing the top on a super low waist band worn low low on hips.
From reading comments like these, which were sent via email I know that I am not the only one who thinks to herself that the models do not represent the majority of women who play with the band:
"I feel like I represent a mass majority of your masqueraders, so that these women can see what their costume will REALLY look like use ME!!!"
I wonder if they are looking for real women!!!! And not the "Sticks" that they have modeling the costumes!!!
That way we can get a true representation of what the average body will look like in costume, instead of females starving themselves to attain that false/misrepresented view of perfection!!!!
My pet peeve with the models are also that they seem to be the same girls making the rounds at band launches as well as posing on the website; does Trinidad not have other models besides the ones featured on TRIBE, Pulse 8, Island People and even Trevor Wallace? Of all the band launches I went to last year Dream Team was the only one with the majority of models who were not “popular” on the band launching circuit. Now someone left a comment on the article that I wrote stating that the choice of models goes beyond size and race also factors heavily into it. The point being that TRIBE is a major offender in having light skinned curly haired models with the token black model thrown in to appease those that have called them racist before. Now, I do not believe that this viewpoint is true, having seen the same models used by TRIBE model for other bands. However I am not denying that there are models chosen who do have the light skinned /curly haired look and I think that has more to do with the mentality in Trinidad that if you are not “red you dead”.
The only band that features plus sized and regular models is Trini Revellers, and I have to commend D Krewe who used a lovely larger model along with their “smaller” girls to display their costumes at Trini Revellers launch. They even went a step further to offer a Plus Sized version of the costume on their website, therefore giving the women interested in this option an idea of how the costume would look on their bodies, The other pet peeve I have with costume modeling on the website is that the bands offer whole piece and taninki suits yet there is no example of what it looks like on a model…anywhere on the website!
So, in conclusion to this surprisingly lengthy rant is that I wish the hot bands would use models that more represent the masqueraders who play with them. That way when we work out or diet to fit into our costume it is because we want to be healthy,toned and fit with lots of stamina for Carnival and not because we want to look like the super skinny model who sold the costume to us lock stock and barrel. How many women buy the costume with the thought in their head that they too would look like the model on Carnival day, impossibly thinking they can starve themselves to 90 pounds only to end up choosing a costume that is all wrong for their body type!? All models do not have to be skinny; I mean we would not want the slim girls to feel like we have something against them but is it so wrong to use a model with some meat on her bones as well? D Krewe had a really great idea of using models that reflect all types of women and I do wish that one of the “hot” bands takes the initiative and shatters a long perpetuated model stereotype for 2008 and use some stellar models with REAL curves.
The only band that features plus sized and regular models is Trini Revellers, and I have to commend D Krewe who used a lovely larger model along with their “smaller” girls to display their costumes at Trini Revellers launch. They even went a step further to offer a Plus Sized version of the costume on their website, therefore giving the women interested in this option an idea of how the costume would look on their bodies, The other pet peeve I have with costume modeling on the website is that the bands offer whole piece and taninki suits yet there is no example of what it looks like on a model…anywhere on the website!
So, in conclusion to this surprisingly lengthy rant is that I wish the hot bands would use models that more represent the masqueraders who play with them. That way when we work out or diet to fit into our costume it is because we want to be healthy,toned and fit with lots of stamina for Carnival and not because we want to look like the super skinny model who sold the costume to us lock stock and barrel. How many women buy the costume with the thought in their head that they too would look like the model on Carnival day, impossibly thinking they can starve themselves to 90 pounds only to end up choosing a costume that is all wrong for their body type!? All models do not have to be skinny; I mean we would not want the slim girls to feel like we have something against them but is it so wrong to use a model with some meat on her bones as well? D Krewe had a really great idea of using models that reflect all types of women and I do wish that one of the “hot” bands takes the initiative and shatters a long perpetuated model stereotype for 2008 and use some stellar models with REAL curves.
