click for larger view
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Reviews Wanted
For those of you who may have used the following Carnival services and would like to share your experience with others, please send a review to trinidadcarnivaldiary@gmail.com:
TRIBE Costume Delivery Service
Makeup Artist
Body Art/Airbrushing
Mehindi/ Henna
Customized Footwear
Guest House/Apartment Rentals
Customized Footwear
Guest House/Apartment Rentals
Feel free to write about both positive and negative experiences as well as photographs would be greatly appreciated. Also, include the name person or company you used for any of those Carnival services.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Ole Time Carnival
The Ministry of Tourism has posted on YOUTUBE videos of Ole Time Carnival in Trinidad, the year 1959. This reminds me of last year's Vintage Tuesdays series on the blog and I hope you enjoy stepping back in time to see how much things have changed, and how much they remain the same!
Friday, November 06, 2009
Insomnia Is Back for 2010!
I guess 2009 was not the last hurrah after all! February 13, 2010.. mark the date:
Fate of the Wee Wee Trucks to be Decided Soon
The Trinidad Express is reporting today that a decision coming from a meeting between band leaders and the Port of Spain City Corporation in regards to the "Wee Wee Truck" ban should be reached by weekend:
Bandleaders and officials of the Port of Spain City Corporation are to meet this weekend to continue discussions on the fate of the ’wee wee trucks’ which the corporation is proposing to ban because of health concerns.
Port of Spain Mayor Murchison Brown said yesterday that a decision could come by the meeting’s end............
Brown said the Public Health Department should not have waited until October ’at the last minute’ to break the news to the bandleaders who would have had already offered the portable toilet service to masqueraders as part of their all-inclusive packages for Carnival.
Mayor Brown said that he was ’left out of the loop’when the Public Health Department, which falls under the City Corporation, had its discussions on the matter and arrived at its decision.
’The bandleaders should have been given due notice about this plan and I tend to agree with them on that. I understand that they (Public Health) were having discussions on these plans since about June and this is something that they should have told the bandleaders months in advance’.
For the full article click HERE. Somehow the Mayor's reported position on the issue, which is that band leaders were not given due notice gives me hope that the ban may not be implemented for Carnival 2010.
Patiently awaiting the outcome of these meetings!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Get Your Carnival Makeup For Free
Cosmeticon Prime has a special group offer or you ladies and please note you can now make your appointments online, check it out HERE. Offer ends on November 30,2009.
Get your Carnival Makeup FREE! In three (3) easy steps:
- Refer 5 ppl to make appointments and confirm for Carnival 2010*
- Receive your Carnival Makeup for FREE!
Be sure to have the referred clients give your name and contact information so we can process your winnings.
*A confirmed appointment means that the client has signed up for an appointment slot, made their downpayment and have received a confirmed appointment slot for Carnival 2010.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Jhalwa Prices
Sangeet 106.1FM has updated their website with photos and prices of costumes for Jhalwa, the radio station's first Carnival band for 2010.
Apart from this however, there is no other information on an address for the mas camp(I am guessing it is at the studio), if online registration is available to interested potential masqueraders or even what the all-inclusive package entails.
The costumes look good and are "reasonably priced" even though the costumes could do with a separate website of their own with more detailed photos. It baffles me on just how does Sangeet intend on marketing and attracting customers, especially overseas masqueraders, when information on the band is so scarce! I wish them luck!
The costumes look good and are "reasonably priced" even though the costumes could do with a separate website of their own with more detailed photos. It baffles me on just how does Sangeet intend on marketing and attracting customers, especially overseas masqueraders, when information on the band is so scarce! I wish them luck!
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Monday Wear in Gear!
I will be the first to confess that after my high of Miami Carnival last month, with fete after fete, I returned home to Trinidad and lost all zeal, anticipation and enthusiasm for Carnival 2010. Blame it on the fact that as much as I absolutely love my costume, having TRIBE sell out so quickly means that the hype was short lived or that overall there seems to be a lackluster response to Trinidad Carnival 2010 as so many ardent masqueraders I know will not be making the trip next year. Couple that with other popular bands NOT selling out and the virtual silence in the mas world and the excitement level was very, very low for me. Last year the gossip and internet chatter was ripe with the new bands on the scene trying to usurp the stalwarts but no publicity, or bacchanal, this year makes for a very BORING lead up to Carnival.
Well, that all changed when I finally started working on Monday wear and got boots to match! As far as preparations go I already have my boots for Tuesday, which I absolutely love, makeup appointment is booked, hair options taken care of and the special adjustments to my costume are in the works. The Monday wear had me stumped for a while especially since the first pair of boots I got fitted horribly and I ended up disliking them. Here is a boot tip for masqueraders out there; slouch boots are not a good look on average sized calves however if you have larger than average calves they should fit you pretty good. I hated them!
After stalking this pair of boots on a website for ages I finally came together with two other masqueraders and ordered the boots together so we got free shipping! Another tip, some of the shipping costs are almost half the boot itself so do as we did and get some friends to make a joint order to get shipping for free or split the cost.
As soon as I got the boots the whole Monday wear idea came together very nicely and I was busy sketching how I wanted the design to look. In all honesty it is pretty simple; I am not doing anything elaborate however a tip on where to get a certain design element I was looking for set the ball rolling and inadvertently kicked the Carnival excitement back into high gear!
So if you too have lost that Carnival enthusiasm, start the ball rolling by planning; plan your fetes, your footwear, your wardrobe, your makeup or your Monday, guaranteed to get you your “vibe” back. And for those of you looking for Monday wear ideas check out these sites:
Well, that all changed when I finally started working on Monday wear and got boots to match! As far as preparations go I already have my boots for Tuesday, which I absolutely love, makeup appointment is booked, hair options taken care of and the special adjustments to my costume are in the works. The Monday wear had me stumped for a while especially since the first pair of boots I got fitted horribly and I ended up disliking them. Here is a boot tip for masqueraders out there; slouch boots are not a good look on average sized calves however if you have larger than average calves they should fit you pretty good. I hated them!
After stalking this pair of boots on a website for ages I finally came together with two other masqueraders and ordered the boots together so we got free shipping! Another tip, some of the shipping costs are almost half the boot itself so do as we did and get some friends to make a joint order to get shipping for free or split the cost.
As soon as I got the boots the whole Monday wear idea came together very nicely and I was busy sketching how I wanted the design to look. In all honesty it is pretty simple; I am not doing anything elaborate however a tip on where to get a certain design element I was looking for set the ball rolling and inadvertently kicked the Carnival excitement back into high gear!
So if you too have lost that Carnival enthusiasm, start the ball rolling by planning; plan your fetes, your footwear, your wardrobe, your makeup or your Monday, guaranteed to get you your “vibe” back. And for those of you looking for Monday wear ideas check out these sites:
Metallic Shorts:
Sequin Shorts:
Decorating Supplies:
Accessories
Monday, November 02, 2009
Trinidad Fete Tickets Teams Up With Legacy
Trinidad Fete Tickets is back again and they have teamed up with Legacy to bring you a special on two all inclusive sections "Phagwa" and "Tassa".
The special discounted price is only available through Trinidad and Fete Tickets and the offer expires on December 5,2009.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Smile........
Here is a new video released on Friday for the lead up to Carnival . The song is "Smile" and it is by Ataklan and Terri Lyons, directed by Walt Lovelace of Beach House fame. It's a nice groovy song and I am liking it!
Smile, the new track from rapso artist Ataklan featuring Terri Lyons is released with new video produced and directed by Walt Lovelace, Beach House Entertainment.
Port of Spain, Trinidad – October 27, 2009 Smile is the story of two people reminiscing about their past together and wanting to again be together, but accepting that their situations won’t allow it. The video is “simple and real… (it) shows a sense of intimacy between the two artists which is reflective of the song”, says Daryl Braxton (Daryl Braxton Productions), the producer behind the original beat of the track.
“Walt brings art to your art” says Ataklan, highlighting the director’s creative eye and ability to visually interpret lyrics with 'freshness' as the reason behind the video collaboration. “The video is important to the track. It allows the listeners to ‘see’ and experience the lyrics”.
Smile was a spontaneous studio encounter between Ataklan, Braxton and Lyons - Lyons, herself “an amazing vocalist and wonderful humanbeing, destined for huge things” (Ataklan) - which saw a freestyle guide produced within an evening. Lovelace then added his brand of creativity using the deya lit streets of Felicity (Central Trinidad) and local cane fields as backdrops.
The natural energy of the collaboration is what Ataklan says is how the best music is made. “God created art for people to create beautiful things together, by bringing various artists together - allowing someone to do what they do best - great things happen”. And it’s why Lovelace and the Beach House Entertainment expertise have his respect.
Smile from Walt Lovelace on Vimeo.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Pan Jazz UK 2009
PanJazz UK
Invites you to
Calypso . Steel . Jazz
Featuring - Andy Narell, Relator
& Special Guest Etienne Charles
Sunday 8th November 2009
@ Hackney Empire
291 Mare Street, London, E8 1EJ
Tickets are £22.50 (Stalls and Dress Circle), £18.50 (Upper Circle)
Limited VIP Tickets £50 (Includes Premium Row Seating, Pre-Event Sunday Dinner Reception, Complimentary Rum Punch)
£2 Concession to Students and Sr. Citizens
Doors at 6:30pm | Showtime at 7:30pm
To purchase tickets visit
http://www.panjazzuk.com or 020 7193 5859
Friday, October 30, 2009
Who is being framed?
Interesting observation I made when viewing one of the sites I have bookmarked that has anything to do with Carnival, Samba Costumes announced on their twitter that they were doing costume frames for Trinidad Carnival:
Naturally I sent off an email inquiring of Samba Costumes as to what exactly did this mean, was he doing frames for individuals or an entire band. Well I should have known better than to get exact information as there is now a moratorium on anyone speaking to Trinidad Carnival Diary that has dealings with a particular Carnival Band, which shall not be named.
Well since no information was given apart from the fact that Samba Costumes WILL be making BRA FRAMES for "whomever" in Trinidad, I put those powers of observation to good use and deduced that this particular frame labeled "the swan" sold on Samba Costumes website...
The Swan
..looks EXACTLY like the wire bra for the section Zari in TRIBE:
click for larger view
Which begs the question, who indeed is Samba Costumes doing work for in Trinidad and do we not have wire benders here who can make bra frames, why go all the way to Canada?
The frames are priced at $30.00US which I was told is expensive as wire frames go BUT this is good news for all you Backline Individuals, if you have been wanting a wire bra for your costume you can now buy it online! And, if you need a Brazilian tapasexo you can get it there too:
Goodbye Hungry Hippo.. The Carnival Weight Loss Challenge
Meet Safiya - Weight 215 lbs
Meet Sam -Weight 177 lbs
Safiya and Sam are best friends who have issued to each other a throw down Carnival 2010 weight loss challenge which will be chronicled on their blog "Goodbye Hungry Hippo...Welcome Skinny Minny". Personally speaking I think both ladies are nowhere near the "hungry hippo" description, that just goes to show how punishing those uber skimpy costumes are on our self esteem, and I hope they retain some curves and do not turn into "skinny minnies" as curvy is in (when it went out of style I have no idea!)
Anyway, the ladies have written to me asking to share their journey and quest for the ideal Carnival body with my blog readers however I will not reveal too much here, visit their blog for more information on the challenge, view their videos and plans for the compeition.
Good luck to them both and hopefully they inspire some of us (self included) to start working on weight loss goals of our own... only 3 months and 15 days until Carnival 2010 people!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Ivan Kalicharan - Outta D Rainforest
Triniscene has photos from popular San Fernando Mas Band, Ivan Kalicharan who launched his 2010 Carnival presentation "Outta D Rainforest" at The Sting. Click HERE for the gallery.
Carnival Babies
Check out the launch details below and the website for more information:
Come experience the Launch of Carnival Babies first presentation "Feather Fantasy"
Saturday 31st October, 2009
@ HYATT Waterfront, Wrightson Rd.
Time: 3-6pm
Be there for the launch of the Kiddies band that provides 1st class treatment (all inclusive) , educational atmosphere and enjoyable time.
Lots of give aways, and great discounts.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Private Ryan Antilia Carnival Mix
Today I present to you the Antilla Carnival Promo Mix which is VERY different to anything I have done before as it fuses Soca songs on club house beats with a little hip hop & Pop mixed in between. I am also the the official dj for the event.
It is a collaborative effort with Antilla Carnival Inc. as they present their third annual showcase for Trinidad’s Carnival entitled “Antilia Carnival”, held in conjunction with Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism Development Company, at the extravagant Tribeca Penthouse located #2 Desbrosses Street between Hudson & Greenwich in NYC on THURSDAY 5th NOVEMBER 2009.
This all-inclusive event, which includes a top shelf open bar and indigenous Caribbean cuisine, features a choreographed model presentation showcasing the most exotic costumes transported to NYC from Trinidad’s top rival Carnival bands.
Antilia Carnival will be hosted by internationally renowned supermodel TYSON BECKFORD alongside former Miss Universe, WENDY FITZWILLIAM. The event will also feature a rare, never-before-seen intimate live performance by MACHEL MONTANO.
Check the event page for details http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=172775925632&ref=ts
Tickets begin at $65. Contact committee members or visit Antilia.com for tickets and more Info.
INSTRUCTIONS TO DOWNLOAD
Go to djprivateryan.libsyn.com
Right click the direct download link located under the graphic
Select Save As, Save Target As, Download Linked File or Save File As depending on your browser.The file should download to your selected destination.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Presenting Sorcerers - D Krewe
This is your first look of a special All-Inclusive Section 'Sorcerers' by Orgunized Konfusion, in D Krewe's "Salvaje".
The section launched Saturday October 31 at the Gravity Nightclub in St. James.
Antilia Carnival 2009
A TASTE OF TRINI CARNIVAL RETURNS TO NEW YORK CITY
International soca king Machel Montano to appear at Big Apple Carnival launch
The spirit of Trinidad and Tobago's carnival returns to New York on Thursday, November 5, 2009 when the Caribbean-owned special events company, Antilia, Inc. hosts an evening of entertainment and elegance. The event will feature international soca king, Machel Montano at the Penthouse of Tribeca Rooftop (2 Desbrosses Street between Hudson & Greenwich Streets) in New York City.
Simon Khan, Antilia's chief executive officer, announced this week that the "Antilia Carnival" event will be hosted by Jamaican-American Supermodel, actor Tyson Beckford and 1998 Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam of Trinidad & Tobago.
“We are excited to be launching our third annual, high-profile sneak peak of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival in New York City,” said Khan, who explained that this year his company, will be showcasing the most upscale and exotic premium aspects of Caribbean culture and tourism in the U.S. Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, the second largest street festival in the world, invites participants to experience the freedom, revelry, pulsating music, vibrancy and color of the nation and its people. As patrons, get ready for Carnival which culminates in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad on February 15 and 16, 2010. The two-day street festival with historical origins tied to settlers’ masquerade celebrations and folklore has tens of thousands of masqueraders in elaborate costumes flooding the streets, dancing and jumping to pulsating music with unmatched stamina.
Here in New York, the November warm-up event, which is being planned in concert with travel and tourism partners on island, will include a costume catwalk, featuring a multi-cultural, eclectic mix of models from America's Next Top Model, Make Me a Supermodel, and the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants.
“We are striving to reach a wider audience within and beyond the Caribbean-American Diaspora, including the young American trendsetter traveler who does not currently have access to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival,” said Khan, promising that patrons of the Antilia Carnival event would experience firsthand what Carnival itself is like, including exotic costumes from the top rival carnival bands.
Antilia Travel's bundled carnival packages provide a seamless, transparent method of getting to Carnival, and affords the visitor a VIP experience through the many exclusive events and offerings. “From the in-flight experience of Caribbean Airlines to hotel check-in; from the carnival fêtes to mas in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago has so much more to offer than most visitors understand or can appreciate,” said Khan.
Tickets for the New York spectacle are available from www.antilia.com, for further information, visit www.antilia.com.
ABOUT ANTILIA
Antilia is a New York-based Caribbean special events company and entertainment brand that showcases the most upscale and exotic premium aspects of Caribbean culture and tourism in the US. This year the company will also offer bundled travel packages to Trinidad and Tobago's annual carnival festival in February 2010.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Kaotic Precious Gems
Costumes from Kaotic's Carnival 2010 Presentation "Precious Gems" minus one section:
Sapphire "Rhapsody in Blue"
Garnet
Chrisoberyl
Jalwha Pics
Click on the photo below from the launch of Jhalwa The Real fire to be taken to Afro Chic's blog for more photos:
