Elements Costume Prices...

I take back every single thing I said about Spice prices being too hot; please note that I stand corrected!

For a debut band they are probably priced the most competitive FOR the quality and caliber of costumes I have seen so far; again this is based on the NEW bands where we have nothing to judge them by but costumes. Kaotic will rank second only because the materials used according to their creative director Ricardo Gomez is not as expensive as those used in Spice's designs.

Elements, prices are listed below and you make your own judgment, I will say that for FRONTLINE they are pretty expensive considering most of them consist of Boas that sell for $75.00TT at Samaroos, as in the case of Jubilee I just cannot see a $1400.00 difference for more boas. Also Cabaret, the non drinks inclusive section is pretty pricey!! At that cost it is best to play with a cheaper costume that is fully inclusive.. but that is just me!

Bellagio
Male - $2450.00
Female - $3395.00
Frontline - $4695.00

Mirage
Male - $2450.00
Female - $3350.00
Frontline - $4695.00

Queen of Hearts
Male - $2500.00
Female - $2995.00

Jubilee
Female – $3395.00
Frontline - $4795.00

Dealers
Male - $2500.00
Female - $2750.00
Frontline - $4350.00

Treasure Island
Male - $2450.00
Female - $3250.00

Cabaret (FOOD ONLY)
Male - $1895.00
Female $2650.00
Frontline - $3900.00

Lady Luck
Male - $2500.00
Female - $3195.00
Frontline - $4350.00

Sahara
Male - $2300.00
Female - $2995.00
Frontline - $3250.00

Roulette
Male - $2650.00
Female - $3495.00
Frontline - $4795.00

Caesars Palace
Male - $2350.00
Female - $2695.00

U.K. TRIBE Launch....

TRIBE REGISTRATION:
Great news for UK residents who want to play mas with Tribe next year in T&T but are unable to secure a costume online. WE WILL BE TAKING REGISTRATION AT OUR EVENT. That's right! If you've missed out online you will have a chance to sign up at our event on the 23rd August at the Camden Centre.

For more information http://www.carnivaltribe.co.uk/

Heaven Teaser.....

The Trinidad Guardian features a sneak peek of Island People's 2009 Carnival presentation "Heaven on Earth":

Click for large view

BY CHERISSE MOE

"An unforgettable experience on the road—that’s what Carnival band Island People Mas (IPM) is offering masqueraders for C2K9.

With an increasing number of mas bands to choose from, bandleader/director Dane Lewis assures that great things are in store for those opting to play with the band.

“We are all about celebrating and taking care of our masqueraders. It’s all about them,” he said."

To read the full article on what is in store for "Heaven on Earth" click here.

SOURCE: http://www.guardian.co.tt

Sold Out Section Update

I told you everyone who reached early at Cascadia were gunning for African Love Bird! That was the first section to be SOLD OUT.

FEMALE
African Love Bird – SOLD OUT
Bird of Paradise Frontline – SOLD OUT
Blue Tanger Frontline- Sold out online
Brazilian Macaw Frontline – SOLD OUT
Caged Canary Floor Member and Frontline – SOLD OUT
Green Honey Creeper Female - SOLD OUT
Humming Bird Frontline – sold out online
Humming Bird Floor Member NO WINGS - SOLD OUT
Humming Bird Floor Member with WINGS - SOLD OUT
Kiskadee Frontline – SOLD OUT
Kiskadee Female – SOLD OUT
Pheasant Frontline – sold out online
Ruby Topaz Floor Member and Frontline – SOLD OUT
Spangled Cotinga Floor Member and Frontline – SOLD OUT
MALE
Pheasant Male – SOLD OUT
Macaw Male – SOLD OUT
Ibis Male –SOLD OUT
Green Honey Creeper -SOLD OUT
African Love Bird - SOLD OUT
Cotinga - sold out online

Heavenly Sections

pssssst... straight from the Calender.. I see some section names have been changed! Can't wait for Sunday... heard the first EIGHT listed are HOTTT!!!!

Rays of light

Ocean whispers,

Paradisus (Sonia Mack)

Heavenly sky

Natural mystic

Chocolate and caramel

Midnight bloom

Touch

Love

Aphrodisiac,

Angel falls

Carnival

Cascadia update!

The smart TLC holders have already begun showing up at Cascadia, the earliest one arriving at an unbelievable hour( which I will not reveal) suffice to say she arrived there before the sun came up!

Kudos to that young lady (a blogger) who secured the #1 spot, I am 100% positive she is going to get her costume of choice. That shows some determination! Interestingly some of those there took the day off from work, some skipped work altogether while the lucky ones are vacationing so have all the time to spare.

The gathering of about 20 or so masqueraders are well equipped, not only do they have TLC Cards and registration info on hand, they also walked with cases of STAG chilling in a bucket, snacks, magazines and even a portable DVD player, settling down nicely for the 6 hour wait! These masqueraders have heeded all the advice of getting there early and they are not making joke! The popular section of choice? African Love Bird! Even the guys that have showed up are all gunning for that section.

Note the STAG chilling in buckets

Numbers are being assigned to persons upon arrival and currently they are being accommodated in a tent in the car park, further reducing parking space, and supplied with refreshments . Upon inquiring to why the waiting room is now under a tent I was assured they will be moving "upstairs" to air conditioned comfort soon. However, I am sure those who arrive later on will have no choice but to wait under the tents as upstairs is filled, before moving on upstairs.

For all those who plan on arriving at Cascadia soon, note the rules:

So if you are sitting at home or work and plan on arriving at Cascadia later please do not be surprised that you are NOT first or anywhere near the vicinity of the top 20! As they say, the early bird catches the worm.

Good luck to all those registering today both online and at Cascadia!

Question and Answer with "The Sauce"

• What has Been Your BEST And WORST experience as a Blogger? Ie With People Who make Comments, In Trying to Get Info ie "DE sauce", With Band Leaders or member saying things about you.

The Best Experience as a blogger is having been able to forge a network with other like minded Carnival lovers/enthusiasts and developing friendships with people I would have never met otherwise. The network is so strong that blogger “limes” occur outside of Carnival and even outside of Trinidad and Tobago on a regular basis. The liming has taken us to Punta Cana, London, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Hawaii, New York… brunch, baby showers, fetes and soon a wedding!

The worst experience is people thinking that I have to please ALL the people ALL the time, this is my blog so the content is going to be first and foremost from my perspective; I cannot fathom why people still have a problem with that, if they don't like what I have to say the choice is theirs: do not visit! If I have no one visiting the blog I would still be typing away as with my very first post! I never anticipated that any one would read it... even though they did and the rest is history.

• How do you deal with the Fans, Crazies, Papparazi, stalkers, Psychos.. ETC......

Well you will be surprised to know I have not encountered any crazies, the papparazi only come out for Carnival, on an every day basis they are not camping out around my house, lol! I like to think that for the most part I am still anonymous/incognito to many people. Fans, if they figure out who I am and I am in a good mood I will fess up, in a bad mood (i.e. anti-social) I will be like “Saucy?? Who?”

• If Yuh had One Costume Theme You would Like to see Portrayed Wha it go be??

RIO! All Brazilian Samba girl mas so no one can accuse me of not sticking to a theme!

• Since starting your blog I always thought your blog was more consistent and informative than most entertainment websites out there, what are your plans for the future of 'Trinidad Carnival Diary'?

The plan is to add more interactive user content and make the blog more user friendly in terms of accessing material. I would also love to be able to add some feature for streaming video LIVE from band launches and on the road for Carnival. The other plans I am keeping under wraps for now.

• Between work School, Carnival and life in general, I often find it hard with the posting consistently, with all the other things that must also be going on in your life where do you find the time to keep banging out them post Saucy??

Good question! Maybe it helps that I am not one of those people that needs much sleep to operate and that I always have something to say. My thinking is the day I have nothing to say, is the day I will have nothing to write… that day has yet to come.

• I've been thinking a lot about this TLC issue (since I'm bring some genuine tourists with me aka not Trinis who live abroad). Do you think that TLC, limited online registration opportunities etc limit the ability of foreigners to come and participate in our mas? I for one would never advise anyone to come here to watch mas (as one would do in Rio - cuz its not spectator friendly)

The TLC card is only applicable to one band and another band has a similar system in place. However there are approximately 16 other large to medium Carnival Bands to choose from that parade in Port of Spain only. I think that offers you LOTS of choices to play mas in Trinidad if you choose to do so. Most bands offer some sort of online registration, it is not as limited as you believe it to be.

• What do you think about the price increases for Carnival - from costumes; to accommodation (some not worth the price) to fetes? I was looking at packages to Brazil, and some are cheaper that what I'll be spending for my stay next year. Do you think its a reality we just have to face; do you think it will ever hurt patronage?

Inflation in Trinidad is affecting every thing, as someone who lives here I have seen prices skyrocket for even the most basic items in the super market not to mention for other goods and services. That being said you can still come to Carnival in Trinidad and not break the bank. The prices for SOME costumes have increased; you can find affordable costumes in Carnival bands if you look. Accommodation is cheaper if you book a guest houses and have a group of people to share, however these guest houses and even apartments are booked up solid very early. Similarly with air fare the earlier you book the cheaper the cost of your ticket.

The thing in keeping costs down is planning, planning, planning the earlier you start organizing for Carnival the better. I will say that fete prices are most likely going to increase again next year and you should know that you do not have to go to ALL the fetes. Frankly you go to one popular fete and you see the repertoire for the season as the bands perform the SAME routine at all the fetes! I would say choose your fetes wisely and sparingly. There are some package deals to Trinidad Carnival available online which include hotel, fetes and costumes. Maybe you can take a look at those and compare them to Brazil’s at least the air fare to Trinidad will be cheaper!

• As a carnival newbie I had a question about costume accessories. On many websites costumes are shown with necklaces, earrings, bracelets/bangles, etc. Are these part of the costume, meaning are they included in the all inclusive price of the costumes or is this just to show off the costumes better? Thanks!

More often than not what is seen on the website advertised is what you get, including accessories. If you are not sure and need more information on what comes with your costume you can always email the band with your query.

• Saucy you do excellent coverage of band launch and costume reviews, thus exhibiting your creativity, in that light have you ever thought about designing a section in a band and or bringing out your own band?

Bringing out my own band NO, too much stress! Designing a section? Surprise, surprise I have done this already with a friend of mine though I was not actively involved in her section. Fashion design has always been a love of mine, I have even won award in that arena (pat self on back) and my designs have showed up in local music videos and commercials! I do not have the time to dedicate to that passion anymore unfortunately; maybe I should stop blogging and start back designing!

• Saucy, in four short sentences or less, what is an ideal Carnival Tuesday for you?Have you had that experience(s)?
  

I will give it to you in four short WORDS- Crossing the Savannah Stage!!!!!!! That has been the BEST experience ever for me in playing mas, regardless of which band I am with. It saddens me that mas virgins may never have that experience for years to come if at all ever again.

• Were you a saint in a previous life?The reason I ask is because of the level of patience you display while answering some of the most inane/silly questions posed to you on this blog.
  

Saint? I do not think so lol. I have actually very little patience in real life; I think my alter ego is a much nicer person that the “real” me!

• Also, I hear you have a fan club called Saucy's Sheeple. Where can I sign up and what are the benefits extended to members?
  

You are asking the wrong person, fan clubs are run by the fans so you will have to find one of the sheeple and ask them!

• I have a question for you Saucy Wow!!What secret section you in!! I await your reply!
  

I am not IN a secret section, MY section is a secret.. comprende?

• What SPECIFIC advice do you have for a carnival newbie who is also Jamaican and who lives in New York?Some Trinis in America complain about non-Trinidadians (particulary Haitians and Jamaicans) being involved in carnivals up here. Some even want to have North American carnivals that are exact replicas of TnT with no Bajan/ Vincy/ Lucian soca and no cultural contribution of any other country.
  

As a carnival Newbie I suggest you peruse the “Carnival Virgin Survival Guide”, start planning early and read up as much as you can on any and everything Carnival related. No one complains about non- Trinidadians being involved in Carnival here, in fact we want you to come and experience the greatest show on Earth. In the Carnival bands you will see flags from all countries displayed on masqueraders and for the International Soca Monarch show contestants come from all over the Caribbean; that should give you an indication of the patronage Trinidad Carnival receives from our Caribbean neighbors.

• How are foreigners treated during Carnival in TnT? Including the fete season and the cool down season.

Foreigners are VERY welcomed during Carnival by the time you leave you will consider yourself an honorary Trini!

• When is the official date of on-line registration for non TLC Holders?

As per TRIBE’s website it is Wednesday 20th August.

• Once I register and I pay for my Costume, do I automatically become a TLC card holder?

You will have to refer to TRIBE’s guidelines on this matter as the rules for TLC changed this year. Persons were only awarded TLC cards if they registered directly at the mas camp/online in 2007 during the August/September period. I cannot say what will become of the TLC cards for 2009.

• What are benefits of Holding a TLC card other than First preference Reg.(I wish I had one)?
  

Actually apart from discounted tickets to TRIBE related events, the only benefit for having a TLC is that you get to register on a different date from Non- TLC holders and that is it.

• If Tribe is sold out, What other bands do you recommend to play in and why?

I suggest that you look at all bands that have launched, choose a costume that you like, discuss it with your friends and then make a decision on which one you would like to play with. I do not recommend mas; that is a decision solely for you to make.

• How many pre carnival fetes does Tribe throw?

I believe they have one fete which is Ignite.

• What parties are a must go to around Carnival?

Everyone has a different list of “must go parties”, I hesitate to recommend. Some of the popular ones are Bacchanal Wednesday, Eyes Wide Shut, UWI Splash, Salybia, Beach House, Ladies First, Insomnia and Brian Lara’s Fete. By no means is this comprehensive lists of ALL the “must go “ fetes just a few that I can safely say are very popular; you may want to consult with your fete crew to decide on which fetes you want to attend.

• I HAVE JUST ONE QUESTION. IF SOMEONE IS COMING TO TRINIDAD FOR THE FRIST TIME AND WOULD LOVE TO PLAY MAS. IS THERE SUCH AN ORGANIZATION THAT ALLOWS SOMEONE AIRFARE, HOTELS OR GUEST HOUSE ACCOMMDATIONS, WHICH INCLUDE YOUR TICKETS TO THE LATEST PARTIES, COSTUMES OF YOUR CHOICE IN THE BEST MAS BANDS, FOR ONE SET FEE. WOULD THIS BE GREAT FOR FOREIGNERS OR RETURNING TRINIS. JUST PAY ONE PRICE FOR AN INCREDIBLE TIME FOR THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH, THAT IS TRINIDAD CARNIVAL.

As I mentioned before there are several online organizations that offer package deals to Trinidad Carnival that include everything you listed; just do a google search. Please note that I am not endorsing any of these tour operators, I am just providing you with information that was requested.

• Saucy,Does TRIBE stand for something? how come whenever you type that word, it is in all caps?
  

TRIBE does not stand for anything, it was the name of Pleasures Carnival section in Poison, 2004. When Pleasures Carnival united with other Poison sections to form their own band in 2005 the name of the former section became the name of the band. If you notice the logo for TRIBE is all in caps, hence the reason I also type it in caps.

• I also want to know your secret section. Thank you. oh and um, can you let me know before tomorrow at 5:30pm? Thanks.

You will see what section I am in on Carnival Tuesday, you should know by now I keep my section a secret, but you can always take a wild guess!

Trolling Much??

Someone sent me a link to a must read blog and though it is not Carnival related I think it is an excellent read ! LOL, made my morning. The blog topic is "Social Media Frustrations: Trolls, Psychos and Haters". I love these definitions:

Trolls typically encompass all the psychos and haters online. However, it is possible to troll and not be a psycho or a hater. Trolls usually disagree with everyone no matter how illogical their argument is. They will do everything in their power to try to make everyone upset and fighting with each other

Psychos are the ones who do the following: stalk people online, dig up personal information on their opponents and post it for others to see, take all the online drama so seriously they literally drive to other people’s houses to take pictures and veil the photos with a threat. Additionally, they usually rifle through numerous accounts to continue their conquest of making another person look bad. These people walk the thin line as it pertains to criminal activity since they are empowered by the anonymity of the Internet.

Haters post derogatory remarks on any topic usually targeting race, sexual orientation or religion. The only value they provide is the debate within a normally-acceptable discussion. These people wouldn’t dare say their remarks said online due to their insecurities, but again, the cloak of anonymity on the Internet only encourages this negative behavior.

Another good read is The Value of Internet Trolls.

And this article from Rave News, here is a sample below:

Who Told The Message Board Trolls About Blogs?
December 7th, 2005 by Jim Kukral

There’s a scary thing happening these days in the professional blogging world. It seems that the message board trolls, you know, the ones who have spent years yelling like jerks on message boards all over the Internet, have figured out that they can bring their toxic behavior over to blogs.

Who told them? Wasn’t me, I swear! Those web trolls are sneaky trolls!

I stopped reading message boards about 3-years ago to get away from message board trolls. Now they’ve infiltrated the blogging world and I’m once again forced to be a part of their incessant name-calling, screaming, tantrums, outrageous claims, stubbornness, lies, more lies, even more lies, did I mention lies, and general genetic acumen for always being right, no matter what.

I think the biggest characteristic of a message board troll was their ability to create chaos and noise about very small issues, causing them to inflate to bigger than life. Skillful to say the least.

You know who you are. You’re now blog-trolls. I’ve outed you.

For the rest of the article click here.

PHOTO SOURCE

TRIBE Individuals...

Upon further investigation as to why the Green Honey Creeper frontline has disappeared off TRIBE's website I was told that the photo pictured below for BOTH costumes are Individuals.

Scarlet Ibis



Green Honey Creeper

Though I was told that there was never a front line for Green Honey Creeper I know I saw it listed on the website as well as a price for it at $4995.00.. .maybe they changed their mind and made it an Individual after the fact. Suffice to say that Green Honey Creeper Individual is GONE as in no longer available and you can add Bird of Paradise and Brazilian Macaw individual to that list as well.

Both of the Scarlet Ibis Individuals are still available for interested parties as well Fire bird, Snowy Owl and Parisian Frilled Canary. If you want further information on availability and prices of the individual costumes call Vanessa in production at TRIBE 625-6800.

Accedia Diabolus

Another section has been revealed from Mas Jumbies for their 2009 J'ouvert presentation "Diabolus Imperium". The second section is Accedia Diabolus or Sloth Devils:

Check out Mas Jumbies website for more information and registration!

Monday Question Time!!

Some not so good news to report today, with the hectic Carnival season the band leader has taken a sojourn on the questions for the next week or two to attend to pressing Carnival band related matters.

However, I have decided to step in and take the questions this week!

Your questions will not addressed to the band leader but for me, "The Sauce"!

Ask anything you like in terms of Carnival, the blog or myself in general. Please note I will not be taking any questions of a personal nature nor will I respond to any loaded, inflammatory questions!

Anything else you would like to know is fair game!

Missed it by a nose!!!

There I was minding my business yesterday when I got a call that Island People were shooting out in the open around the Savannah opposite Stolmeyer's castle. Since I was in the area anyway I decided to pass and check them out hoping to glimpse the costume with a "butterfly on the head". Sad to say I missed them, damn they were swift!

Sources have said the costumes are gorgeous, I was told in particular that Diane Hunte has a lacy gold section that is stunning, Crystal Amming is coming in yellow as the Caribbean Sun and Angel Falls is crystal and white beads. The Chocolate Dreams section is getting a touch of Caramel to cater to all skintones and from those who have seen the costumes, the "backline" are so hot they look like frontline !!!

Bring it on Island People, it is about time we have another crop of fabulous costumes to drool over. Best of all there is absolutely no hype surrounding the launch so I think they are planning to WOW us and that is even more exciting.

Still asking that question????

sat·ire Pronunciation[sat-ahyuhr]–noun
1. the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.
2. a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.
3. a literary genre comprising such compositions.

For the record, I did NOT at any time camp out at Cascadia or take time off from my job to do so please, please do not email me or message me on facebook asking that question again!

I mean really, the satire was lost on SO many people even I was left incredulous at the gullibility of logical thinking people ! The whole thing started as a joke when people kept asking me what time to get to Cascadia for TRIBE's registration and I quipped that I was going to camp out to be first in line. The mania, insanity, fervor, anxiety and panic that the whole registration issue is/was causing was even driving me insane as I was faced with one question after the other as soon as I logged on to any medium of instant messaging not to mention the emails asking the same thing over and over; like I have said many times before it was the newbies perpetuating the hysteria.

My satirical response was the "Coming to you live from Cascadia *cough*" posting complete with staged photographs; did anyone believe Winnie the Pooh was actually in line for a costume as well? LOL. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that anyone would think that was true! All I was hoping for was people to laugh at the whole situation and lighten up, thinking TRIBE is not worth that much stress, there are other bands to consider especially if you have never even played with TRIBE.

For the record I am not some crazed, foaming at the mouth TRIBE psycho who would stand in line 3 days for a costume, nor do I endorse that anyone should go to those lengths either.Truth be told I won't even be going to Cascadia on Wednesday!!

Good luck to all who will be registering then!!

Death by Boas!

Personally I was a bit hesitant to do a review on Elements costumes for Casino Royale as I am bracing for a maelstrom of protests that my review is rooted in bias. However, I opened the floor to those that read the blog and other bloggers to leave THEIR costume reviews and I must say those that contributed did a very good job of capturing the general sentiment on Casino Royale's costumes. For the reader reviews click here for the comments that were left on my post entitled "Elements First Look".

When I first heard that Douglas John was one of the designers for Elements I must say I was looking forward to seeing what fabulous creations he would bring to the table. I was very impressed with his headpieces and frontline options for "Myths and Magic" this year, not to mention he has several costume design accolades to his name. On that point I was sorely disappointed in Elements presentation, though to his credit he was not the sole designer responsible for these creations.

Several of the costumes looked as if the production was rushed, the assembly looks shoddy and details were overlooked such as the glaring white elastic on some headpieces. A little time and quality control should have been invested to ensure that the actual translation from drawing to reality translated as close to actuality as possible so that the overall effect would not look as tawdry. I know for a fact that after the costume screening advice was given by an independent party that the product needed revamping, sadly it was not taken.

Case in point is the section Caesars Palace, the draping looked awful on the models, as if a pit bull ripped a bed sheet to shreds and it was hastily pulled together. Upon closer inspection the decoration on the "bra" seemed to be an afterthought; drop some rhinestones and gold leaves and call it a day. The belt for this section is also very sloppy. A little time and effort in getting it looking right would have done wonders.

click for super size view


click for super size view


The other section that baffled me is Mirage, way too many things going on with this costume. I think they might have been looking to use novel materials in their designs but WOW the fabric on this one is indescribable and the frontline is truly one of the worst costume designs for the entire season! That "claw" on the bra is truly hideous and again, what is with the randomly placed dripping rhinestones? The bling does not make it better!

click for super size view

I am not going to go into detail on the other costumes as they have been critically assessed by Carnival Jumbie in her review as well as by Mimi and Afro Chic. I just want to add that some of the designs needed some extra embellishments like the waist coat of Dealers that is terribly underwhelming.I absolutely cannot fathom why anyone would think VELVET should be a material of choice in any costume design!

The headpieces had so much potential and just fell flat, I wonder if the creativity was limited by budget? Even more disappointing were the frontlines, most being festooned with lightweight feather boas; not one iota of ingenuity went into slapping some boas on the butt, shoulder, head and calling it a day. The mass of feather boas killed those costumes! I agree with everyone that said the resource of Vegas show girls was enough to draw inspiration on for some spectacular frontlines, even it meant replicating the entire costume from Bob Mackie!

All is not lost for Elements however, I still like Jubilee and is the only costume I would personally consider playing with of the lot if Elements were my band of choice. Bellagio is also another nice option, the colour blue can really sell a costume most of the times. Roulette is best for sticking to theme and has the best headpiece design. Cabaret also gets a nod as being one of the better designs, though the feathers differ in colour from the actual shade of green on the costume; I like the abridged corset bra.

Treasure Island would have been nice if the model's costume was not already busted (note the damaged coins hanging from the belt in the photo below) and that INSIPID eye patch which was not worn by the model in the no headpiece version of the costume.

click for super size view

I like the little horseshoe details on Lady Luck's neck piece, didn't care for it sticking out randomly on the headpiece nor did I think it was a brilliant idea for the male costume to have horseshoes on his head!!! Queen of Hearts, thank God they got rid of the skirt (website photo) for the launch is all I have to say though the satin? taffeta? frills should have been gone along with it. Sahara's Halloween colours did nothing for me not to mention I took an immediate dislike to the black lace used to decorate the costume. However it is not bad and the frontline version is actually sort of nice.

My impression is that costume design was secondary to Elements, their focus seems to be working on providing an intimate on road experience as well as tackling the challenges faced by other bands hoping to make an improvement to the benefit of masqueraders. I am positive that they have their supporters who will play with the band regardless of costume, however if they were hoping to sway the undecided to their side based on costume designs only they face stiff competition from other new bands that have launched thus far!

Casino Royale ... the Elements Advantage

Some points to touch on that were revealed last night at Elements pre-launch media briefing:

The Size of the Band:
Target market is 2,500 in the inaugural year and a maximum of 3,500 masqueraders for years thereafter. Elements plans to keep all sections to a size of 250 masqueraders

Sections and Drinks/Meal Options:
There are 11 sections with a possibility of one more being added later on. One of the 11, Jubilee is an All Girls section. 10 All Inclusive Sections where everything (Premium Drinks & Food) is included.1 Non Drinks Inclusive section called Cabaret (Everything other than our premium drinks is included, meals are provided)

On the Go Grill
For the first time ever in T&T Carnival Elements will be introducing an “On the Go Grill”. Easy to eat, quick grilled food items will be available all day from the grill. Masqueraders get hungry at different times and also prefer not to eat a huge boxed meal but an easy snack that provides them some nutrition and energy boost.

More Dance Less Rest
Lunch stop will not be hours long, on Monday it will be only half an hour.

Drink Package Options
Elements offers you the choice of drinks inclusive and non inclusive options.

Ok, so some good ideas that if executed as planned will bode well for Elements future. However I have some points to note.

• I am somewhat disappointed that the whole idea of having “options” is not really the case since basically the whole band is all-inclusive save ONE section where only lunch is provided. My thinking was that masqueraders would have been given the options of drink packages for ALL sections; especially since they have touted that the small man on the side of the road selling phulorie and soft drinks has been left out of Carnival and they intend to give them business. The drink package option is really not an option at all unless you choose to play in Cabaret.

• The on the go grill is an excellent concept, I like it. More bands should think about providing small hearty snacks throughout the day. But if memory serves me right Island Events was the first band to have an “on the go grill” where they made hamburgers and hot dogs to order; they also had sushi as well!

Other than those two points, Elements seems to have a very good plan. The band size is manageable and I would love to see if in future, that they really do keep to their limit of 3,5000 masqueraders maximum for the longevity of the band. I also like the “more dance less rest” motto, less time at the lunch stop!! I remember Harts used to start up the music and charge ahead after lunch, no rest for the wicked. The only thing is half an hour on Monday for lunch might be a bit too short? I don’t know, by the time the entire band gets to the lunch stop it will be time to leave! They also said that the bars will remain open right through lunch which means there will be constant replenishment of supplies, no need to stop and refill the spirits! The spirits will come to the band.. or so I hope!

Anyway, here are some250 costume photos for you to enjoy from the launch; click the link to be taken to the album:

Elements Casino Royale 2009


There are more to be seen on the website, take off your pop up blocker to have full access.

On the question of Band Loyalty...

I have read many, many, many comments by people who think that having band loyalty, particularly to TRIBE (as this seems to the band that produces the most odious response to band loyalists) lumps those that do so into some sort of insipid category. It is almost as if because people cannot fathom or understand that there are people who will continually support a band year after year regardless of trends or novelties, they make it their business to attack persons who do so. Let me ask, how is being a band loyalist affect YOU of no band affiliation??? Is it really that serious where I choose to play my mas or spend my money??

The funny thing is that Peter Minshall had the most LOYAL crop of followers dubbed the "Minshall-ites" who played faithfully with PETER MINSHALL and Peter Minshall ALONE for many of his 30 year history in mas. Even when he gave them a grey jumpsuit and a rat head to wear or made them carry a chair through Port of Spain they did it willingly. When Minshall stopped bringing a band many of them felt betrayed! Some stopped playing mas altogether. With the coming of Mc Farlane some old Minshall-ites rejoined his fold and, there are now Mc Farlane loyalists who will play in no other band.

Not to mention that Harts has been in this business for over 40 years and have some VERY loyal masqueraders!! Bands can come and go there will always be a certain bunch of people who play with Harts; case in point is a very popular section leader who I know personally. She has been with Harts since the early 90s when I too played mas with them faithfully! When TRIBE launched and her friends switched to try out the new thing, she staunchly said she was not leaving Harts and has never done so. There is one blogger who has played with Harts for countless years and will be playing with them again for 2009. I should also mention that Sonia Mack has her faithful masqueraders who will follow her to any band she goes to, staunch support! In the era that was Poison there were people who would proudly boast that they will never leave Poison that they “had more fun”, year after year, even as the band grew to epic proportions they still played with Poison unwaveringly Yet I hear no one having anything to say about the Harts loyalists or Sonia Mack supporters, and everyone has suffered amnesia over the fact that Poison had the largest group of band loyalists ever!

Band loyalty, to people who know nothing of the history of Carnival, is NOTHING new! The people crowing over the fact that TRIBE has amassed a loyal following would not dare say anything about the Minshall-ites now would they? People, it is NOT that serious who plays devoutly in any band or their reasons for doing so. At the end of the day it is not YOUR money spending so why should you care if any band has a loyal following? Whether the followers are blind to any sins the band might commit or follow them wearing a crocus bag as if it the hottest costume under the sun, it really isn’t anyone’s business but the masqueraders’ now is it? If it humors you laugh, move on and jump around from band to band, that is your choice, just as it is others choice to stay put in the band they support for as long as they care to do so. You will be surprised to know that loyalists also sometimes move on to other bands, whether by choice or not, and develop a new relationship with a brand new band; loyalists can be dynamic! The world is made up of all types, and as long as there is mas in Trinidad there will be band loyalists and critics ready to pull out their soap box!

Elements First Look

Last night saw a very good turn out at Pier 1 for Elements launch of their Carnival 2009 presentation "Casino Royale". Media were invited to a special pre launch presentation where it was revealed that the website is due to be fully up and running on Sunday 10th of August and registration due to start on Friday the 15th. It was intimated that committee members are already in possession of their registration cards and are pre-registering friends and family, all in keeping with the whole vibe of "having fun with friends"!

Eleven sections were shown last night, both frontline and backline costumes, with the section Showgirls being available upon request.

Normally I would launch a full scale costume review, but this time around I am doing something different! I want YOU readers to do the first review of the costumes; you can choose to review all of them or just one. What I ask is that you give your honest, frank opinions without any personal attacks; this is not the forum to grind your axe! Just leave your review as a comment, I am counting on you to give lots of feedback! I figure it is about time we hear what other people think about the costumes before I impose my opinions on you all.

Later on I will post your reviews as well as give you my take on the costumes; here are the costumes in this album.

TRIBE registration infoblast

I am not too sure if this has seen this as yet but please note the following information concerning TRIBE registration:

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

To ensure that masqueraders have adequate time to prepare for registration, we have moved the start of costume registration (In-house and online) to Wednesday 13th August, 2008, 5:30pm.

Please read the information below carefully.



REGISTRATION DATES & TIMES

Who can register? Date Registration Hours Place Payment Methods Credit Card Payments
TRIBE Loyalty Cards (TLC) Holders ONLY Wed. 13th – Thurs. 14th August, 2008 5:30pm – 9:30pm Cascadia Hotel Cash & LINX ONLY
Online – Available during registration hours Credit Card ONLY Senvia (Visa, Mastercard) – Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Canada, Cayman Islands, Jamaica

2CheckOut (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) – All other countries
Open Registration Wed. 20th August, 2008 5:30pm – 9:30pm To be announced Cash & LINX ONLY
Online – Available during registration hours Credit Card ONLY Senvia (Visa, Mastercard) – Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Canada, Cayman Islands, Jamaica

2CheckOut (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) – All other countries

Online Registration is NOT 24hrs a day. It coincides with In-House registration hours which are Local Times. (Check times above)

Masqueraders registering at Cascadia Hotel will be permitted to register a maximum of four persons, including themselves.
During TLC registration, each costume purchase must be accompanied by the corresponding TLC.


NOTE:
• Your TLC is non-transferable*
• Only one Costume purchase per TLC
• TLC is only accepted when presented with valid corresponding picture ID
• Physical TLC must be presented for in house purchases


*It has been brought to our attention that TLC holders have been ‘selling’ their cards and/or use of their cards. TRIBE reserves the right to invalidate any TLC for inappropriate use.




CREATE YOUR USER ACCOUNT WITH SENVIA NOW!

Save time during your sign-up!!! - Register with Senvia before Wednesday to make your costume registration time shorter and easier.

All Users (New & Returning) – http://www.senvia.com/carnival/masbandinstructions_tribe.pdf



MINIMUM DOWN PAYMENT

Regular – TT$1,000 or US$175 (TT$1,050)
Frontline – TT$2,400 or US$400


MEASUREMENT/SIZES REQUIRED TO REGISTER
FEMALE Hipband (Belt) Size in Inches
Bathing Suit Type (Bikini, Whole piece, Tankini)
Bra Size (34B, 36C, 38DDD, etc)
Bikini Bottom Piece Type (Regular, Thong, Hot Shorts)
Bikini Bottom Size (XS, S, M, L, XL)

Males Waist Size (34”, 38”, etc.)

IMPORTANT: Carnival costumes are custom-made items therefore please be advised that once registration is complete there will be:
• NO exchange or switching of sections.
• NO refund of deposit.
• NO changing of measurements or sizes.


EMAILS
Please note that we have been experiencing problems with our mail server which has hindered our communication in the past few days. The problem seems to have has been rectified and we will respond to all outstanding questions and queries before registration commences. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Saynora till Sunday!!

My camping days are over, as I was sipping my coffee this morning the Security Guard here at Cascadia informed me that registration will NOT be tomorrow as I previously thought but the new date for TLC card holders is on SUNDAY.

Well, imagine my frustration at all this waiting in VAIN!! I simply cannot stay here for three days straight so I am on my way home:

Please don't ask me "what time does registration start?" look out for the official email coming soon.. and surely do NOT email me to ask what time to get there... allyuh know Saucy not playing when I say see you all BRIGHT AND EARLY on Sunday morning!!!

Persian Empire!

Harts has revealed their 2009 Carnival presentation and it is "Persian Empire"! Please note registration begins on the Monday immediately following the launch, I cannot wait to see the costumes since I heard that Harts will be offering Frontline costumes this year... I tell you, frontline fever has gripped the country!