Skullduggery Zeppie

Yesterday Skullduggery held their second meeting for volunteers who will be assiting at their band launch and those lucky enough to be there were given a sneak peek of the sections via Skype from the designer in Miami. Initial reports are that the costumes are sexy with fishnet stockings, chains, corsets yet they capture the theme departing fully from the use of any beads or feathers. All costumes come with a face mask.

The section of choice seems to be Sketelle-ton with it's hoop skirt and bustier, but I am also interested in seeing some of the headpieces, like the one made of newspaper print for Maco and a money umbrella for Greasze-han! Less than one month to band launch on July 4th.

Blight - White

Hornchile - Pink and Black

Ratchifee-  Army green, plaid and red

Badjohn -  Black and white with red

Skullzman - Black, red, green

Via-que-vai - Pink and green 

Bol'face - Green white black

Wara-hoon - Purple and yellow

Jagabat - Pink ,blue, black with wings

 Horn - Red,black and white

Macco - Orange and yellow

Hornman - Red black and white

Greasze-han- Money, dollars and coins

Mal- Yeux - Blue with eyeballs

Bachannal Woman - Multicoloured with orange

Rebel Vibes Crop Over 2010

Paradiso ‘The City of Angels’ is a place in which existence is positive, harmonious and timeless. It is conceptually a counter-image of the miseries of human civilization, and in paradise there is only peace, prosperity, and happiness. Paradiso is a place of contentment, but it is not necessarily a land of luxury and idleness. It is often used in the same context as that of utopia.

In this city…There are those that are assigned to protect and guide a particular person or element on earth. The belief in guardian angels can be traced throughout all antiquity. The concept of tutelary angels and their hierarchy was extensively developed the 5th century by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite.

Welcome to Paradiso the city of angels join us as we take you on a soulful journey and experience the RebelVibes way of life!


The concept is a continuous from last years theme "psychomachia" The Battle of the souls" where we dealt with the virtues and vices (seven deadly sins) and this year we enter heaven "Paradiso 'city of angels'. We are taking everyone on a soulful journey...as each theme relates to the other.
(1st prize in 2009 for Best Fantasy Band)

Five Sections:

Paradiso ~ 'city of angels'
Designer & Band Leader; Andre ' The Rebel' Elias

Five Sections

1. First angel of the night Inspires Beauty, Art and Kindness ~ We present "Hael" (Purple)

2. Following close behind is Manakel Angel of the Oceans protects animals of the sea. Encourages us to get in touch with our deep inner wisdom. ~ 'Manakel' (Turquoise)

3. From the Oceans to the Skies...'Kakabel' is next : "Star of God",' Kakabel' is a powerful angel in charge of the stars, constellations and astrology. ~ 'Kakabel' (Silver)

4. Kakabel shares the Skies with 'Gazardiel'...an angel who holds dominion over the rising sun, this angel encourages new beginnings, awakening and enlightenment. (Yellow)

5. She is the Angel of Miracles Angel of glorious white awaits for opportunities to create miracles in our lives...we present our last angel ~ 'Hamied' (White)


2. Your RebelVibes All Inclusive Journey Includes:

• Two (2) fully stocked premium drink's trucks.
• The Rebel’ self serve Beer, Punch & Water Van.
• One (1) fully loaded 30’ music truck with one (1) of Barbados’ leading sound companies.
• Breakfast & Hot buffet lunch at the end of the day.
• Various snacks and treats throughout the day.
• Private security on the route assisted by our experienced road crew.
• On-site paramedic team
• Straight forward, trouble-free registration at the band house.
• Goodies Bag (Crop over Essentials and Souvenirs)
• Clean Mobile Restrooms with Attendant
• RebelVibes Membership Card which Entitles you to Discounts at Participating Outlets across Barbados
• And of course, your costume and the RebelVibes Experience!

Mas Camp: #4 Red Rooster Complex, Hastings. (Opposite Coconut Court Hotel)
Website: www.rebelvibes.com
Tel. 236-1960

Gazardiel

Hamied

Hamied Frontline

Kael

Kakabel

Manakel

Band Launching 2011 Dates

Spice - August 8th


Showtime - August 22nd


Ronnie and Caro - August 28th 

Pulse 8 - September 10th 

Tentative: 

TRIBE - July 24th

Island People - August 13th or 20th

Harts 2011 Band Launch

Mark your calenders, second band launch date  of the season announced:

Karma For Labor Day

Last year, 2009, KARMA Carnival Band began their journey into the annals of carnival history by literally celebrating our arrival with an inaugural portrayal entitled “Celebrations”. It was a commemoration of nature, happiness and tradition that translated into a burst of color, splendor and excitement on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY, the renowned home of the West Indian American Day Carnival, held annually on Labor Day, the first Monday in September.

KARMA is a small band founded by a group of young, hard working, talented and spirited individuals with a love for the Caribbean carnival culture who felt that for too long masqueraders had been treated as less than first priority by many other bands and as avid carnival enthusiasts for many years we felt a need to step up and provide an alternative. We wanted to represent every masquerader out there who’d been left feeling disappointed by their carnival experience, whether it had to do with their costume or service or fun factor and had just felt like they didn’t get their monies worth. For many masqueraders, ourselves included, asked to describe their carnival experiences, the range of responses would most times be interjected with a but, “I enjoyed this but …” “that was a nice touch but …”, carnival should be an enjoyable experience, point blank, no ifs, buts or maybes about it and we believed it was time for a change in the mood of mas and so began the story and journey of KARMA Carnival Band.

The team’s collective and unified aim was to offer a more intimate and personal carnival experience where professionalism and quality in the product delivered to each individual masquerader from start to finish is of utmost importance. We also sought to provide a high level of customer service, enjoyment and overall safety, all at an unbeatable price, that our masqueraders would appreciate and keep coming back for year after year. We’re proud to say that the feedback from our masqueraders and even sideline spectators since the end of the 2009 Labor Day Carnival season has been overwhelmingly positive and we believe that it is testimony to the hard work put in to deliver on our promises and achieve our goals.

2009 was a storied season for KARMA as we hit some very commendable and major highlights for a band only in its first year. Key among those milestones was an appearance on major network television WPIX-TV Channel 11 for a morning news show segment; teaming up with the award winning Mastamind Productions on a collaborative promotional endeavor; and having cable network Bravo TV in tow on the Parkway shooting footage of the band in action for one of their reality television shows that was scheduled to premiere in the Spring of 2010. However, of all of last year’s accomplishments, none could compare to seeing our masqueraders out in all their costumed glory having a great time and bringing the portrayal to life along the full length of the parade route for the viewing pleasure of the millions of spectators reported to have been in attendance.It was a labor of love producing our 2009 portrayal and it was a pleasure serving our masqueraders.

Moving forward, the future success of the band will require us taking stock of the lessons of the first season, learning from and correcting the slip ups and maintaining and even improving on where we went right. Over the past months we’ve been doing just that and the small but mighty KARMA Carnival Band is proud to announce that we are now primed and ready for the 2010 season. Our goal once again this carnival season will be to provide professional and unrivaled service, guaranteed fun and assured quality at a sound price and in a safe environment.

This year, 2010, KARMA Carnival Band is taking you on a fairytale journey into the carnival past of a little island in the sun in a portrayal entitled “Once Upon A Carnival”. It is said that you don’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been. That being the case we’re presenting a modern day interpretation inspired by whence this tradition of carnival came from. This is mas then, now. The tale begins to unfold on June 5th and we welcome and encourage all past and prospective masqueraders to karma-long and join us in the pursuit of this story’s happily ever after as it culminates in a robust cultural experience down Eastern Parkway come Monday September 6th.

Launch Details:

KARMA Carnival Band presents for 2010:

“ONCE UPON A CARNIVAL “

WHEN:

This coming Saturday, June 5th

WHERE:

eSavoy Lounge

2192 Flatbush Ave.

(btwn. Ave R & Quentin Rd)

TIME:

6-10 PM

ADMISSION:

FREE till 8pm

Come see the showcase of this year’s Costumes. Band Registration available immediately following the costume presentation

Trinidad Carnival 2011 Upadates!

Lots and lots of talk has been flying around in the past few days about the breakaway Island People band and we finally have a NAME! I have been reliably informed that the name of the band is "YUMA". (Young Upwardly Mobile Adults).

I know for a fact that protoypes have been done, I also know the theme but have been sworn to secrecy, and lots of sponsors are on board. Release date of this new band is pending.

In other Carnival 2011 news, Pulse 8 just sent out a hint of their 2011 theme to Facebook group members:

"OUT OF THE WOODS WITH WILDNESS. Now THAT's What's up!!!"

Hmmm, interesting theme!

Skullduggery Band Launch Volunteers Needed

All interested persons wishing to be part of the Skullduggery Band Launch are invited to a Briefing and Screening session at the ‘Woi! Mas’ Mas Camp, 40 Alberto Street behind Frankies on the Avenue, Woodbrook. Saturday 5th June. From exactly 10 am Till...

Interested persons will be screened for positions as:

Models (male & female) – All sizes welcome as the Skullduggery comes in all shapes and sizes!!!

Dressers (for the models – males and females welcome) – Includes makeup artists and aspiring artists

Dramatic Character Performers(male and female)

All volunteers must show a willingness to follow instructions and prior experience is not necessary but WILL be an asset.

Atlanta Carnival Review and Pics

 Atlanta Carnival 2010

Check out Damier Designs for pics and review from Atlanta Carnival 2010,

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BELOW ARE THOSE OF DIMETRI O’BRIEN & DAMIERDESIGNS.NET AND DON’T REFLECT HOSE OF ACCBA OR THE BANDS OR BANDLEADERS INVOLVED

SHOUTOUTS TO THE FRONTLINE IN A CERTAIN BAND WHO REFUSED TO TAKE A PICTURE WITH ME BECAUSE MY CAMERA WASN’T MEDIA QUALITY. I SHOWED MY PRESS PASS & HER WORDS WERE , ” I WAH A MEDIA CAMERA , DAT ISN’T A MEDIA CAMERA WHERE IS THE MEDIA?” - WELL I’M IN HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE IS A YEAR AWAY SO WHEN YOU GIVE ME $900 FOR A SONY OR A CANNON COME CHECK ME.

More of the review HERE.

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:

click to enlarge

CARIVIBE STREET PARADE

click on flyers for large view

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.

click for larger view

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