Victory Games 2010

I see TRIBE is out of it this year, but they have been doing good  elsewhere donating to Habitat for Humanity for Haiti .

Anyway Island People is in, along with some other well known teams....Victory Games 2010, all for charity:

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CARIVIBE STREET PARADE

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CARIVIBE STREET PARADE

JUNE 19, 2010

STARTS AT 12:00PM

Join colorful CARIVIBE Masqueraders, thousands of Orleans residents and visitors as they “Jump, Wine and Chip” down the CARIVIBE parade route

to sweet tropical rhythms.

There is no charge for the CARIVIBE STREET PARADE it’s absolutely FREE for everyone!

CARIVIBE STREET PARADE starts at 12:00pm

@ St. Joseph Blvd. & Belcourt Blvd. Orleans, ON (Ottawa)

Parade route driving directions link HERE

For more information: http://www.carivibe.com/

Las Vegas Or Bust?

Yesterday I received the following email about Las Vegas Carnival and the fact that it is taking place the same weekend as Miami Carnival, the author wanted to know if there has been similar feedback from Miami Carnival patrons and potential masqueraders alike:

Tribe and Spice for Carnival in Las Vegas!‏

We have been spreading the word about the Vegas Carnival....typically we are getting push back from the Miami/Broward One Carnival community who are wondering why the organizers in Vegas chose the same date...there are many in this community who are enamoured of the idea of participating in Vegas...but wont give up Miami/Broward to do so.

Here is an example of a typical comment from the Miami/Broward carnival community:

I think this is total disrespect to the Miami Broward One Carnival we have been having carnival here for 25yrs and and if someone decides to do a Carnival they should at least choose a date that does not coincide with any established Carnival.

As a masquerader I think the organizers did not take into consideration we who would like to travel and play mas in another state I would not and I know of many others who will not leave Miami.

Yolanda Henry
Miss Miami Broward Carnival Pageant

What makes this observation even more interesting is that Las Vegas Carnival is yet to update their website with costumes from the other countries they have advertised will be participating and they are now offering a "limited" discounted special to Las Vegas Carnival:

So what do you think, Las Vegas versus Miami Carnival, will it be Vegas or will it be a bust?

Waxing Political

Trinidad and Tobago's new cabinet will be sworn in today at 1:30PM and tipped to be the new Minister of Culture is calypsonian Winston "Gypsy" Peters. It also remains to be seen if the Ministry of Culture will remain with the same portfolio including Gender Affairs and Community Development or if this will change.

According to news reports last night the new Prime Minister met with Peter Minshall for discussions on the possibility of a Ministry of The Arts... interesting!

Apart from the construction of a stage for masqueraders, if you had a chance to let your concerns be heard, what would you request from the new Minister of Culture in the arena of Carnival or Culture on the whole and what are your feelings on a Ministry of the Arts?

Leave me a comment!

Oasis Looking For Models and Island People Update...

Oasis Carnival is looking for models for their upcoming photoshoot and band launch in JULY:

Are you interested in Modelling for Oasis? If you are 18 and over, between 5'6" - 5'10" in height and you think you have what it takes then simply email your photos to the Oasis crew!

Send your photo in (one head shot & one full lenght (sic) shot) to oasis.carnival@gmail.com with your name, date of birth and contact number by June the 11th, 2010.

All selected models will be contacted by June 15th, 2010 for a chance to become a part of our upcoming Photoshoot in June and Band Launch in July.

Good Luck!

The Oasis Crew

Accompanying the call for models by Oasis is this photo, a sneak peek at costumes perhaps? Hmmmm...

Seems like word is now getting around about the "breakaway" Island People Band, rumoured to be called "Sugar", which I wrote about since MARCH; jog your memory here and here. People have been contacting me with the news of this split "hot off the press" and to also divulge that some former Island People committee members have already joined forces with this new band. Is it true, has Dancing Jade danced her way  across to the new band, along with a few of the older Island People committee members? Well, only time will tell! 

Your Carnival 2011 Update!

So, rumour has it that a very POPULAR section leader with an equally POPULAR band has been banned from working with a particular new band set to make it's debut. Word is that this new band is being considered direct competition and the POPULAR section leader was threatened with having their section taken away if they continued working with this other band. I wonder if this extends to the other bands that this POPULAR section leader designs for as well? 

In other costume news I am hearing that masqueraders can expect to see LESS feathers next year and more costumes sticking true to theme as well a very POPULAR band will be offering Monday wear for the first time ever to their masqueraders, I was told. We will see if THAT turns out to be true. 

Bands are  still in the process of revamping costumes even while others are now looking for materials on credit. And masqueraders will have to hold out until JUNE to get even a hint of what the themes for the bands are, competition is fierce. Everyone is playing the game holding their cards close to the chest this band launching season!

Congratulations to Trinidad and Tobago's First Female Prime Minister

So, it will be remiss of me not to dole out the congratulations to our country's first female Prime Minister,  Kamla Persad Bissessar, who won victory, coincidentally, right before the country celebrates Indian Arrival Day on May 30th. 

As usual you know my take on things always has a Carnival slant so here are MY questions as Trinidad and Tobago ushers in a new political era

*Are masqueraders finally going to get a stage?

*Will the Carnival Centre ever get off the ground?

*Who will be the new Minister of Culture

*Does this mean no more bullying security entourage for Max Richards in TRIBE paid for by tax payers?

* Is there going to be a change of who is in charge of NCC?

* What will be the prize payouts for Panorama, Band of the Year and Dimanche Gras?

*Who thinks Soca Monarch 2011 should be held in NAPA?

*Which Ministers of UNC/COP/TOP will we see playing mas?

*How much support will this new Government have for Carnival and all things related to Culture?

*And finally, did Island People have a psychic vision of what was in store for Trinidad in the year 2010?

The Results Are In!!!

More than half of the voters in yesterday's poll are eagerly awaiting seeing what Skullduggery has in store, is this a wind of change blowing in the face of bikini and beads?  And for those who may have missed it, check out Mark Lyndersay's interview with Skullduggery designer Sonya Sanchez-Arias HERE.

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VOTE!!!!

POLLS CLOSE AT 6:00PM TODAY:

Fashion Week T&T 2010

Trinidad and Tobago is about to turn into Fashion Central with this year's edition of FWTT.

With shows scheduled to take place in both Tobago (May 29 to May 31) and Trinidad (June 2 to June 6), this third edition of  FWTT is shaping up to be one of the best ever with a record number of designers, 50 to be exact, taking part.

Carnival enthusiasts will recognize some of their favourite section leaders and designers featured on the schedule:

June 3,2010

Sandra Hordatt, very popular designer who has designed costumes for both TRIBE and Island People among other Carnival bands. Sandra recently launched her swim wear line "Mood Swings" in April at the Carlton Savannah. Notable costume designs Butterflies (Enchanted Forest - Island People), Goddess and Defenders (Sahara - Island People), Kingfisher (Animal Instincts- Island People), Brazilian Macaw (TRIBE -Birds of a Feather) and Threads of Morocco (TRIBE- Secrets of Silk).

June 4,2010

Diane Hunt (Radical designs) designer with Island People from inception. Some of Diane's most notable costume creations are Fairies (Enchanted Forest),  Sacred Sands (Sahara) , Zebra (Animal Instinct), Natural Mystic (Heaven on Earth) and Chutney Bhavv (Kutchela).

June 5,2010

Peter Elias section leader with TRIBE. Notable sections Mermaids and Warriors (What Lies Beneath), Jean and Dinah (Ole Time Something Come Back Again), Myths of Babylonia (Myths and Magic), African Love Bird (Birds of a Feather) and Silk of Rajasthan (Secrets of Silk)

For the full designer line up, schedule, seminars, after parties and information on where to get tickets for FWTT 2010 please visit their website : www.fwtt.org and Facebook Page

Blogging The Carnival Experience

The following are 10 diverse blogs detailing the author's Trinidad Carnival 2010 experiences. 

Some are recounts by veteran mas players, others "Carnival Virgins", a few are written by foreigners living in Trinidad and the last two are Carnival through the eyes of expats looking on at Carnival from the outside.

Hope you enjoy reading a sometimes interesting perspective on our Carnival as much as I did:

Survivein' Trinidad

Chronicles of a Social Esquire

Trini Dougla Diaries 

Adventures in Tralaland

Gottalovelila

Dan and Duffy's Blog

Uptown Life

Home of the Urban Chameleon 

A Day In Paradise

My Global Journey Begins

Caribana Cruises

Click on Flyers for Larger View

TRIBE Toronto

Flaunt

Eye Mas, Carnival 2011

Eye spy another new mas band poised to come on the scene for Carnival 2011, Eye Mas.

All eye have to say is that we do need more of these bands that promise to create theatrical "marse" as it can only benefit masqueraders to have more choices and more options.

Critics of bikini mas really do need to start creating an alternative, instead of only harping on the fact that "bikini mas is not real marse"  while doing nothing to add the caliber of masquerade they feel is lacking. In that vein we should all be happy to see bands like Skullduggery, Cat In Bag, Image Nation and Brian Mc Farlane, adding the variety in a landscape of feathers and beads.

Eye await more from Eye Mas!

A couple years ago - Eye envisioned a Mas - Eye Mas - Today - that vision is taking shape. We have a Mas Camp - a cathedral of collaborators. Eye Mas 2011 - Port of Spain Trinidad & Tobago - is in blueprint potential to become T&T's largest Mas Band ever. The passionate feedback from the creative team inspires me to press on now with seeking co-production partnership and investment.

Working with the Eye Mas team - are two former Peter Minshall designers - (whose names will be shared in the near future) - Their experience and know-how is a huge bonus for Eye Mas' successful translation into Costumes - which tell a story and which are - theatrical and beautiful works of art.

This is the official invite to all positive crew come join the Eye Mas experience. One component to the Mas involves you - the masquerader taking a photograph of your eye - which you email to us (eyemas2k11@hotmail.com) - which we then enlarge and incorporate into the Mas.

Please contact me: thormac@hotmail.com or eyemas2k11@hotmail.com for further information regarding co-production and investment opportunities.

There are so many bright lights in this Mas! One is of the shepherding of Eye Mas - by the Eye Art Master in Trinidad & Tobago - - - All will be revealed.

People come play Mas! Eye Mas

Facebook Group

Socacize Headed to Washington D.C.

SOCACIZE®

An exhilarating Caribbean Workout!

After taking Toronto, New York, Miami and Trinidad by storm, Socacize has made its way to Washington, DC!

Specially designed for masqueraders, revelers and party people, SOCACIZE™ is a creative blend of high/low African and Caribbean dance movements performed to calypso, soca, zouk, reggae, dancehall music and on occasion to drum music.

Rhythms to make you move; exercises to build stamina, tone muscles, loose inches, and boost confidence. Socacize turns your workout into a party!

DC Carnival is around de corner, don’t miss Socacize!

Join us every Monday & Thursday @ 7pm:

The Trinidad and Tobago Association of DC - Clubhouse

5123 Georgia Ave NW

Washington, DC 20011

More locations coming soon!

***************************************************

Register for 6 sessions for $12 per session

Register for 9 sessions, get one free

$15.00 per session - drop in - Payable by cash or money order

***************************************************

Check out the promotional video!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYWMzC4gafg

To find a class/session near you or to register, call 301-437-1425 or visit http://www.socacize.com/classes.php

Follow us on Facebook SOCACIZE™ DC/MD

Are you ready to sweat?

Ah Setta Skulls..

More sneak peeks from Skullduggery

10 Saucy Questions !

So....


1. Is Darren Cheewah now designing costumes for Spice? Individuals to boot?


2. Who is Alicia Balthazar, designer for Red Unlimited St Lucia, and is SHE also working with Spice? Did she really get the producer of TRIBE's headpiece frames and stripped them down to do Red's costumes?


3.Will purple be THE hot colour next year or is it going to be the pewter & white, bronze & copper or turquoise & red?


4.What ever happened to TRIBE Toronto and De Freitas Mas? hmmm


5. Is it true that all Brian Mc Farlane's creative forces have left him to go to other bands and as of now he has no theme?


6. How many familiar faces are we going to see in Oasis Carnival and who is doing their costume designs since word is they getting blanked from all the so called "hot freelance designers"?


7. Do these people know their vendor in New York is bussing all their files to everyone who comes into the store, including other rival bandleaders!?


8.Where is the statement I was promised concerning the dispute over money and costume designs for Las Vegas Carnival, and just how many people are allegedly suing the Sin City Carnival Organizer?


9. When is someone going to sneak me some MORE behind the scenes photos of costumes for Trinidad Carnival 2011?!


10. And finally,I wonder which designer is probably going to get the boot from TRIBE this year?

Ready To Launch?

Just yesterday someone was asking me when do I think TRIBE Carnival 2011 band launch will be held. My answer was possibly July 24th since they usually launched the weekend before Crop Over, at least in the recent history of July band launches. Well, lo and behold I am surfing the net and come across a date listed on  Go Trinidad And Tobago for TRIBE's band launch as July 1st,2010! 

This has to be typographical error on the part of the Tourism Development Company (TDC) since July 1st is a Thursday. However I recently got a message, in panic,telling me that TRIBE's band launch is in JUNE ( I heard costumes prototypes have been very early this year) so now I am wondering if their launch will indeed be earlier than expected this year!

All I have to say is some form of communication from the TRIBE camp on the band launch date would be nice seeing as so many masqueraders like to come to Trinidad for the event and we are all looking at July 24th, based on history.

Island People Mas Has Moved

Take note, new address and new phone number:

We have Moved!
Hey IP masqueraders,


Our mas camp has now moved to 50 O'Connor Street in Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain, which is at the corner of O'Connor Street and Warren Street. Our new telephone numbers are: 622-8145 and 622-9857. For any enquiries, feel free to call us or email us at info@islandpeoplemas.com.


Get ready for Shades of the Universe....

Marse Updates!

Skullduggery held their first meeting for volunteers on Saturday and revealed a little bit about plans for the band launch as well as a sneak peek for the section Soucouyant ( red, black, tulle and top hat!). 

All reports from those who attended the meeting is extremely positive, one volunteer in particular told me that she is loving the Skullduggery "vibe" and has transfered her excitement; I cannot wait to see the costumes! It was also revealed that the prices for costumes will mostly be under $3000.00TT/ $500.00US.

Brian Mc Farlane will be bringing out a band for Carnival 2011, even though it remains to be seen if he will compete for Band of The Year. He has revealed that the colour scheme for the band will be black and white but no hint of the theme... interesting!

Tru Dynasty and Mas Toronto Band Launch Photos

As usual Karabana is the first to bring costumes from the Caribana 2010 band launches held over the weekend, check out her blog for more of Tru Dynasty and Mas Toronto.