Without any sponsorship or corporate funding, Cindy Ann Boisson successfully staged one of the better stage productions I have witnessed for this year. Going by the stage name Cin Cin, the Paramin-born, Tamarac, Florida resident staged Mauvais Langue, a stand up comedy show at the Little Carib Theatre on Sunday, with a sold out audience in attendance.

The actual show scheduled to begin at 6 pm, patrons were treated to reception at 4.30 pm in the foyer of the theatre with a performance by Tobago pannist Keishorn Julian, a UWI music student. Complimentary hors de hourves and drinks were also served.

With patrons seated inside the theatre, the audience was also entertained by Avion Crooks doing a ten-minute monologue, setting the mood for what was the come as the main course on this comedic menu.

Show host Wayne “Doppy” Dopson introduced the first act, Errol Fabien, celebrating his 30th year of being drug free and currently starring at Central Bank at The Baggasse Company’s Calypso Girls. Fabien was at his funniest best as he related the Best Village trials and tribulations of the Mapapire Trace performing company. The audience, mixed by age, gender and ethnicity, lapped it all up with relish.

Cin Cin’s special guest, US comedienne Gina D, followed Fabien and was also a barrel of fun as her monologue included humorous items on a gamut of situations her audience easily related to and enjoyed.

The Orlando, Florida resident spoke of her marriage to an “island man, Bermudan actually; young men of today wearing tight jeans, she described as “leggings”; old men trying to pick up young women in clubs; and her love for Trini lingo and words like “dotish” and “liming.”

Selected last year as “the Funniest Woman in Florida,” Gina D returned to the United States on Monday.

Dopson, also a calypsonian at Queen’s Park Cricket Club and Tuco’s Kaiso House, sang two verses of his A Real Trini to introduce Cin Cin, the star of the show.

Cin Cin, as she did last year at Kaiso Blues Cafe, had patrons in stitches from start to finish as she regaled them on daily social issues like marriage, including a bit on her 18-year marriage.

As the saying goes “all good things must come to an end” and so did Mauvais Langue, 90 minutes after its start. With no intermission and seamless in its entirety, this was a perfectly structured production and all credit must go to Cin Cin for doing it her way.

Cin Cin can be contacted on Instagram at Mauvais Langue - CinCin Boisson

Tomorrow Fiesta Plaza at MovieTowne, Portof- Spain, will explode with sweet music as it welcomes the dynamic and incredibly versatile musicians of Caribbean Steelpan Connextion Ensemble (CSC).

Based in Belmont, CSC Ensemble is a registered conventional steelpan ensemble with PanTrinbago. The group was formed in 2017 and first represented T&T at the 2017 Astana Expo, Kazakhstan, establishing itself as the first T&T steelband to perform in this part of the world.

Led and co-managed by Desperadoes double second pan player Andre Robley, CSC originally consisted of four core players but has now expanded to seven. Other members are Kwesi Paul (tenor, co arranger); Carlon Morris (drums); Rawle Flemming (percussion); and, and Terry Guischard (bass). Recently added are Carissa Victor (double guitar) and Yesha George (tenor).

Amanda Israel, the ensemble’s media consultant, told Pulse this week: “We successfully hosted our inaugual Carnival Monday concert — The World on Steel (Part 1) — this year. This was done to create an alternative event for steelpan lovers outside of the competitive nature of Carnival and Panorama. We featured Andre White, Codrington Pan Family, Calypsociation (France) and Jai Sakamoto from Japan.” Israel continued: “Our primary intentions are to be independent, earning money as steelpan musicians and to continue to enjoy our passion.”

Still basking in the glow of the success of its Carnival Monday concert, CSC is again enthusiastic and driven about satisfying the general public’s longing for more alternative activities, which focus on the national instrument, apart from the traditional National Panorama season.

CSC’s repertoire tomorrow includes a mix of all the genres that represent the people of the Caribbean, inclusive of calypso/ soca, jazz, Latin and pop.

Some of the items its audience will enjoy will be the jazz classic Morning Dance, Merchant’s Caribbean Connection, Los Cubanos, Erphaan Alves’ 2018 hit Overdue and Kes’ Hello, as well as favourites from international chart toppers such as Bruno Mars and The Weekend.

Renowned Kaiso Jazz & Blues musician, and Panorama arranger of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, Carlton “Zanda” Alexander, will also help to mesmerise attendees as a featured guest during CSC’s hour-long performance.

Showtime begins promptly at 8.30 pm. 

Ethnic Jazz Club says thanks On the last day of last month, Ethnic Jazz Club (EJC), piloted by multi-talented musician Chantal Esdelle, hosted at A Free Musical Treat at The EJC’s Jazz Studio, 51 Cornelio Street, Woodbrook. The evening was a delightful one, especially as many of our philanthropists of the arts turned up to contributem to a worthy cause.

In a thank-you message, Esdelle said: “Thank you for coming on Wednesday. The experience made it clear to us, the artists behind the studio, that you power us. You power us with your presence, your support, your appreciation and your money.”

The musicians that powered the evening included Douglas Redon, Earl Rodney, Felix Ruiz, Natasha Joseph, Glenford “Kevin” Sobers, Stacey Sobers Abraham, Ricardo Ruiz, Theron Shaw, Rellon Brown, Joshema McIntosh, Eugene Bass, Arthur Rodney, Michael Low Chew Tung, Vance and Anthony Woodroffe.

Effusive in thanks, Esdelle added: “Special thanks to Mr LeBlanc and Courts for highly subsidising the cost of our new unit and to our donors for covering the balance with your contributions.

“The unit sets us up for the audio and video projects we have carded and also sets you up for a comfortable studio performance experience.”

Donations in the sum of $3,000 were realised on the evening of February 28. Continued Esdelle: “Thank you for nurturing us. Your support continues to sustain our growth.

We look forward to seeing you at the studio for the rest of the season.”

Even as mega movie Black Panther fuels Pan Africanism worldwide, T&T continues to influence culture in Africa. Last Saturday morning, people lined the streets of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to experience that nation’s first J’Ouvert street procession.

In the forefront was a contingent of Trini-US artistes (Pagwa Mas) and mas people, joining eight performing companies from the African continent.

With musical accompaniment by the JouvayFest Rhythm Band, which includes the steelpan, a brass band and Ivorian drummers, the colourful parade wended its way to the Palais de la Culture, Abidjan’s version of the Queen’s Park Savannah.

Pagwa Mas, a J’Ouvert band out of Brooklyn, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and this is its second visit to Cote d’Ivoire. Formed in 2008 by Richard Pacific, the band has placed first on four consecutive occasions in J’Ouvert competition, in Brooklyn Carnival. Other players of Pagwa Mas are coordinator RoseAnn Baptiste, Donna Dove, Adelagun Harrington, Village Drums of Freedom’s Anthony “Jomo” Crick and Michael Manswell, also the director of Something Positive Dance Company which was founded years ago by the late Cheryl Byron.

Pan players in Africa are Jahlani Andrew Roberts, Wayne Bernard and Kendall Williams; and the drumming contingent is Dirk Harewood, Anthony “Jomo” Crick, Marcelle Williams, Akila Afrekhan and Crick.

Baptiste explained: “Market d’Arts Spectacle d’Abidjan (Masa) is celebrating its 25th anniversary and this is the tenth edition of Masa to be held in Abidjan. The event is held biannually and ends this year on Saturday, March 17.

“JouvayFest collaborated with the organisers of Bonoua — Popo Carnival, Ivorian Drum group, and Ivoire Marionettes for a wonderful cultural exchange. We were well received and embraced from the music, to the costumes and characters. Our opening experience was magical and humbling.”

Dove designed the costumes for JouvayFest and dance choreography was by Michael Manswell, with Dirk Harewood being the musical director. The group’s Production Manager was Sandra Bell of Journey Agent, with Afromondo’s Alex Bociel being the booking agent.

On Sunday, speaking from the Grand Hotel d’Abidjan, Dove told T&T Guardian: “Pagwa Mas is committed to taking Trinidad and Tobago J’Ouvert and culture to the world. We are influenced by the work of Peter Minshall as we use white as the foundation of our costumes and make art by adding colours in the parades and festivals we participate in.

Our brand for global tours is JouvayFest.

“We also went to Morocco in November 2017 for the Visa for Music Festival and the response there was like ‘wow’. Those Muslim people were all over us, taking picture like crazy.”

Continued Dove: “We have three young pan players in our fold, including Kendall Julien, one of the three young pan players who arranged Kes’ Hello for Skiffle Steel Orchestra this year at the Trinidad and Tobago National Panorama and helped them to place second. What is unique about these three talented young musicians is that they were born in the United States (of Trinidadian parentage).

They are here in Africa with us and simply amazing everyone who hears them play.”

The JouvayFest contingent returns to the US next Sunday but, before we depart, our pan trio will perform at a show in Abidjan.

The Ivory Coast continues to sizzle as its Carnaval de Bonoua, themed “Strategy for a Durable Impact on Arts, the Culture and Tourism for the Economy of Cote d’Ivoire,” is scheduled for Monday, April 2.

The JouvayFest crew is currently in talks with culture bodies from Ghana and Nigeria to participate in similar events in the future. Dove added:

“We have been invited back to Morocco and as well to Abidjan in 2020.”

Water and steel at Plaza

Every seat in Fiesta Plaza, MovieTowne, was occupied last Saturday night when Caribbean Steelband Connextion (CSC) Ensemble performed at the free productions staged on Wednesdays and weekends.

Despite three intermittent downpours, the music never stopped and the audience stoically remained captive as the band performed its ten-item repertoire, no doubt an indication that the music being performed was good. Inclement weather has never ruined a show at Fiesta Plaza in its ten years of producing free entertainment to the public, a fact that was confirmed by manager Heathcliff West.

Wearing outfit designed by Lauren Peters, the Belmont-based had patrons tapping their feet and enthusiastically applauding every selection played. The ensemble’s 90-minute set included Morning Dance, Lean On, Waiting in Vain, Havana, Skankin’ Sweat, Los Cubanos, Despacito, A Train, Erphaan Alves Overdue, and a soca medley of hits off the Upendo and Folklore riddims.

Camoy Edwards provided vocals on the evening and making a guest appearance was Carlton “Zanda” Alexander, Panorama arranger of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, on keyboards.

The CSC Ensemble is not your run-of-the-mill pan aggregation as the group created some history last year when it won rave reviews for its performances at the 2017 Astana Expo, Kazakhstan, establishing itself as the first T&T steelband to perform in this part of the world.

This evening CSC will be starring on Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook when a video is made of the ensemble.

Big show of the weekend

All roads lead to St Joseph tomorrow evening when Production One Limited stages the 16th edition of Jazz Artists on the Greens (JAOTG) at Wasa Grounds. Barbadian saxophonist Elan Trotman will be a featured artiste and he makes his Greens debut along with a new cast of young professionals including Adan Hagley, J9Quartet featuring Jeanine Ruiz, and Tony Paul (Anthony Woodroffe, Jr)-led ensemble of JAOTG All Stars doing a tribute performance of hit music by American composer, and default Trinidadian, Ralph MacDonald called Jam On The Groove. One can expect guest performances, as well as the usual ambience that makes for an evening of music and liming.

Jazz Artists on the Greens is scheduled to begin at 5 pm, and gates will be opened at 3 pm. Patrons are advised to walk with their blankets, collapsible chairs, picnic baskets and small coolers and come with an attitude that says one is here to enjoy great music, great ambience, great company.

In other jazz news, in her first full length performance of 2018, jazz vocalist Bri Celestin is presenting Pure Imagination on Thursday, March 29, at Kaiso Blues Cafe, 85 Woodford Street, Newtown, at 7.30 pm.

Her special guests include Kaiso Jazz icon Clive Zanda and guitarist Dean Williams. A quartet of superb musicians will also be performing and includes Tony Paul (Anthony Woodroffe) on flute/sax; Rodney Alexander (bass); Ron Clarke (keyboards); and, Shaquille Noel (drums).

Tickets, priced at 150, are available at Kaiso Blues Cafe.

Cro Cro beats ‘em

Former National Calypso Monarch Cro Cro (Weston Rawlins) is the winner of the TUCO/FCL 2018 People’s Choice Award. Tuco will present the diminutive bard with his award this morning at the NLCB Room, Queens’ Park Oval, Woodbrook at 10 am.

Cro Cro has won the National Calypso Monarch title on four occasions and is also a pass Independence Calypso Monarch.

New watering hole in the city

Excitement is brewing in anticipation of the new restaurant, bar and entertainment centre coming soon to 13 Cipriani Boulevard, in the heart of Port-of-Spain. The grand opening of Nigel’s on the Boulevard is scheduled for Friday, March 23, at 6pm.

Master Chef Nigel Newallo Singh’s dream has finally become a reality which was to open a venue where a cuisine of local and International dishes will be served and live entertainment, buzz off the walls of the new venue. Next Friday, local performers will entertain with sounds of kaiso, jazz, pan and other genres of musical or dramatic interpretations.

At the grand opening a presentation of the mounted caricature done by cartoonist Keith “Keithos” Anderson will be presented to ace pianist Ralph Davies, and a presentation will also be made to master comedian/CNC3 television show host Sunny Bling, both contributors to the art and cultural entertainment of T&T.

The reception starts at 6 pm and the public is invited. Musicians are encouraged to attend and walk with their instruments for a jam session during the course of the evening. Anne Fridal will host the evening’s proceedings.

Family fun time in the East

On March, 24, the Ball Park, formerly Marvin Lee Stadium, is the venue for the Guardian Media Fete 5 Family Day. Scheduled to begin at 9 am, it promises to be an evening of fun for the entire family, with a Kids Zone, fun zone, and a good lime for all staff and their family. Folks are encouraged to walk with their coolers and vybz to the GML staffers playing football and other skills, with entertainers on stage from 2 pm.

Each team will be allowed a maximum of eight members, one captain and one hype-man/woman. Seven members of each team MUST participate in the drills. Each team MUST have a hype-man/woman.

So, on March 24, come along and meet and cheer your favourite personalities of CNC3, including Sunny Bling, Ancil “Blaze” Isaac, Morning Brew’s Hema Ramkissoon and weather girl Seegonie Mohammed; GML’s five radio frequencies, inclusive of Vibe 105.1FM and Slam 100.5FM, T&T Guardian journalists and staffers from other arms of GML.

Justin Sobion, a St Mary’s College alumnus and son of late Attorney General/Minister of Legal Affairs Keith Sobion, was appointed as an Associate Human Rights Officer in the Office of the President of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, last month. The current President of the Human Rights Council is Vojislav Šuc, Permanent Representative and Ambassador of Slovenia to the United Nations in Geneva.

The President has four staff members advising and supporting him with his work at the Human Rights Council and Sobion is the only staff member from T&T and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) region.

Sobion is a UWI and Hugh Wooding Law School graduate and was called to the Bar in T&T in 2002. He was also awarded a Masters (LLM) in International Law from the University of Cape Town, South Africa in 2008.

As an Attorney at Law, Sobion specialises in International Law. His main areas of practice are Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Human Rights, Constitutional law, Environmental law, Arbitration and Mediation services, International Law of the Sea, International Trade Law, Fisheries Subsidies negotiations (WTO), Intellectual Property Law (WIPO) and Humanitarian Law.

Like his father, who is also an alumnus of UWI, and principal of the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, Sobion is passionate about regional integration (Caricom) and supports the full implementation of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

As an international law consultant, Sobion advises clients on matters relating to public international law, environmental law and international trade. Some of his work projects have included undergoing legal research, providing advice and publishing articles on the impact of Brexit and the Caribbean Community, the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, Biodiversity and Environmental law in the Caribbean/New

Justin Sobion Zealand and constitutional reform. Last year, he was also appointed as a rapporteur at the Africa CEO Forum in Geneva and continues to serve as a Director in his family Foundation, namely the Keith Stanford Sobion Foundation.

Over the past couple years, Sobion has been working on the biography of his father which has a publication date of later this year. The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 states responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.

ABOUT VOJISLAV ŠUC PRESIDENT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, 12TH CYCLE (2018)

Vojislav Šuc has been serving as Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Office at Geneva since January 2014. Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Šuc had been Head of the Diplomatic Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2010. He served as Slovenia’s Ambassador to Sweden, Finland, Latvia and Estonia from 2006 to 2010.

Šuc was the Head of the Division for North and Latin America and the Caribbean at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia from 2000 to 2006, and served as Consul General of Slovenia in New York from 1996 to 2000.

A career diplomat, Šuc entered the Yugoslav Foreign Service in 1982. He served as Secretary for Human Rights and Disarmament at the Permanent Mission of Yugoslavia to the United Nations Office at Geneva from 1986 to 1990. He entered the Foreign Service of Slovenia in 1991, holding a number of posts, including as Head of the Department for Multilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1993 to 1996.

What police can do Last Saturday, what was progressing as a well-produced and extremely enjoyable musical treat ended on a sour note as Jazz Artists on the Greens came to an abrupt end at 10.15 pm.

Blessed by perfect weather and “the Greens” at WASA Grounds in St Joseph almost completely carpeted by an enraptured audience, the police informed event organiser Production One Limited that the programme had passed its licensed 10 pm ending.

As bemused jazz fans exited the compound one could overhear much angst among them as many felt that the limb of the law could have been more accommodating, seeing that the final act had approximately half hour left in its repertoire.

The 16th edition of the show was served by some delectable performances with its appetiser being provided by Jeanine Ruiz and the J9 Quartet. Performing pieces from Ruiz’s This is Me CD, the instrumentals were beautifully embellished by vocals provided by a quartet comprising sisters LeAndra and Tylah Head, Louise Clarke and and Janine Charles-Farray.

A standout on Saturday evening was the Aidan Hagley Project, and aggregation that impressed all last year in Blanchisseuse at the North Coast Jazz production. I was moved to get up and take a lil jig when The Project interpreted Voice’s Cheers To Life.

The men of The Project lived up to their reputation of being some of the best musicians in the land. Teaming up with pianist Hagley were Mikhail Salcedo (pan); Tony Paul (alto sax/flute); Joshua Pasqual (trombone); Daniel Ryan (tenor sax); Miguel Charles (guitar); Rodney Alexander (bass); Dareem Chandler (drums); and, Sheena Richardson (percussion).

The featured “non-Trini” act at this year’s show was Bajan native, US-based saxophonist Elan Trotman. Many in the crowd were comparing him to fellow Bajan Arturo Tappin, who blew away last year’s 15th edition. Comparisons apart, Trotman wooed his Trini audience when he did a jazzified interpretation of Kes’ popular 2018 hit Hello.

The Jazz Artists on the Greens All Stars was the evening’s final act, promising a Tribute to Ralph MacDonald. Led by Tony Paul, the set was roughly 30 minutes when the law intervened and showed “what de police could do.”

Production One Limited personnel have informed Pulse that this unfortunate turn of events will never be repeated at one of its events as the required legal paperwork will be obtained. The organisation also apologised profusely to disappointed patrons.

Women in Jazz 2018

The Jazz season is upon us and Fiesta Plaza at MovieTowne, Port-of-Spain, has continued the tradition of featuring the best of T&T’s women jazz artistes during the month of April. Women in Jazz 2018, now in its eighth year, is now a staple on The Fiesta Plaza performance calendar. This event is followed by many who look forward to this genre of music every year with a sweet Caribbean touch.

This year the Plaza management team is highlighting four very young and talented artistes who are all bringing something different to the stage.

LeAndra Head will open the series on April 7, at 8.30 pm.

Head’s jazz style is heavily influenced by Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James and has also shared the stage with Hugh Masekela singing Etta James’ signature hit At Last at the San Fernando Jazz Festival. Last weekend she guested with the J9 Quartet at Jazz Artists on the Greens. Internationally, Head has performed in the stage version of Porgy and Bess in the Living Arts International Inc production in Budapest, Hungary.

Rosezanna Winchester, also known as LA Rose, will hit them stage on April 14. This young and dynamic performer has already produced her own one-woman show—A Rose’s Song—and recently released a single—SuperNova—which was produced by Ultimate Rejects and Madmen Productions.

Winchester, who left the audiences at The Brian Mc Farlane’s Christmas shows spell bound, is no stranger to the stage and is looking forward to her big night at the Fiesta Plaza when she will be taking her audience on a nostalgic ride of many jazz hits.

Candice Caton is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma in Music at the University of T&T specializing in voice. Caton started singing in church choirs from a very early age then went on to perform with the Bishop Anstey High School choirs and also The Lydian Singers. During her time at the UTT she has developed a love for jazz music and thinks that the time is now to share this love with the Fiesta Plaza audience. She will be performing on April 21.

NISA, as she prefers to be called, will bring the curtain down on the series on April 28. NISA describes her style as classic jazz fused with gospel and a tasteful blend of neosoul.

This combination has made her one of the most sought-after artistes on the jazz circuit and has been signed by the Royalty and Respect Management Company in Miami Florida.

All shows are free but dinner reservations are advised by contacting any of the Fiesta Plaza’s restaurants. For further information: visit MovieTowne’s website or Fiesta Plaza’s Facebook page or 627- 2002 (ext. 1165) Awakening the Taste with Cousoumeh III The third instalment of the Cousoumeh Festival showcases the undeniable talent of Siparia and its environs. Carded for the opening night of the well-renowned Siparia Fete celebrations, Cousoumeh III relives the history of the Siparia Fete and the transformations of a village and its people.

Cousoumeh III will be staged on April 15 at the panyard of Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra, at 6 pm.

Speaking to Pulse this week, co-producer Alpha Sennon said: “It has been many years of successes and failures. We have climbed the peaks and crawled through the trenches.

Through it all we have lost some of who we were but the journey has been a steady one of realising our truth.

“The Siparia Deltones, in collaboration with the Deltones Institute of Steel Drums and Music, invites everyone in Awakening the Taste of Siparia.”

Sennon said: “This year the festival slightly changes form and takes on a more theatrical outlook, while still maintaining the essence of the celebration and the objectives that it aims to accomplish.

“Cousoumeh III tells the unedited and most humbling story of Siparia and all the influences that are at play. It showcases the coming together of a people and the rekindling of community spirit through music, dance, the steelpan and drama.

World renowned Carlton Zanda Alexander and the Coal Pot Band, the Petrotrin Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra, Mistah Shak and Faces of Culture are only a few of the features acts at the festival.”

For just $80, you will be making firm your commitment toward preserving our cultural heritage.

Your attendance will demonstrate an appreciation to the various art forms that will be displayed and the youths of our country. Cousoumeh III tells the history of Siparia, but it actually is a story about each one of each, regardless of where we may have originated in this paradise of a space.

For more information contact Akinola Sennon (267-0876); Alpha Sennon (382-5780); or Email: deltonesinstitute@gmail.com

Calypso queen Heather Mac Intosh is hosting her first ever concert appearance, Hues of Heather, at Kaiso Blues Cafe, Newtown tonight, at 9 pm. She will have an all star band led by Michael “Ming” Low Chu Tung (keyboards); Dougie Redon (bass); Marva Newton (guitar); Daniel Ryan (saxophone); and, Richard Joseph (drums). Mac Intosh will be featuring three other calypso singers, former National Calypso Monarch Devon Seale, veteran Organizer and Ms Dija (Kadija Jeremiah.

The much-accomplished Mac Intosh began singing calypso in 1987 as her first junior calypso monarch competition and then as an adult in 2001 and almost every year made it to the National Calypso Monarch finals.

Her performances are noted for the humour she injects into current political and social commentary responding to the latest issues from visas to sport scandals, banking practices to medicalexams.

Mac Intosh attended college in Brazil and now teaches Portuguese at UWI.

So, beyond calypso, tonight’s repertoire will feature some sambas as well as calypsoes, even a few surprises.

Ms Dija has only been in the calypso arena for a few years and had previously been in the Divine Echoes and part of the new generation.

Seale has been a friend of Mac Intosh since they were competing in junior calypso competitions (which Heather won in 1995) and both went to school in Brazil—though at different locations.

The stalwart that will be featured tonight is Organizer known for songs like That’s a Bandit.

A past Kitchener Calypso Revue performer, he has been in Cro Cro’s Icons tent with Mac Intosh and has passed on advice to her about calypso singing and he has grown to be someone she really respects.

Hues of Heather will be hosted by Mac Intosh’s father Shortpants who has been in the calypso world for decades as a singer, composer, extempo artist, talk calypso companion and has become a wellknown radio personality hosting Culture Talk on Saturdays and Kaiso Kafe on Sundays at Talk Radio 91.1 FM. He has been composing for his daughter for many years.

Mac Intosh had beenfeatured a few years ago  in a concert called The Queen, the Princess and the Duchess with Calypso Rose and Anne Fridal.

But this is her first chance to put her own show.

She said: “I wanted to offer culture out of the Carnival season, without the stress of competition, featuring favourites of my calypsoes and also sambas, use great musicians and feature other singers, great friends in the relaxed setting of Kaiso Blues Cafe.”

(Courtesy Ray Funk)

Mas and pan goes to Point Fortin

Expect lots of action on the first weekend of May when the annual Point Fortin Borough Day Festival is held. As usual, the two-week festival will be a cornucopia of all that is good in T&T as far as indigenous art forms are concerned, inclusive of pan, mas, folk, culinary, arts and craft, mas, kaiso, calypso and chutney soca.

The much anticipated May 5 Pan on D Move parade of steelbands will traverse its traditional route and some of the nation’s top steelbands are expected to be on the street.

Among them will be 2018 National Panorama (Large) champion bpTT Renegades, runners-up CAL Skiffle and Desperadoes, Massy Trinidad All Stars, Exodus, Invaders, First Citizen Supernovas, Shell Invaders, Phase II Pan Groove, medium band Panorama champion Pan Elders, Single Pan winner Angostura Newtown Playboys Steel Symphony and others.

Expected to be lead of the parade as usual will homegrown Point Fortin Single Pan band Jah Roots. But, before the pan parade, from 4 am on Saturday Mas and pan goes to Point Fortin morning, the very popular Point Fortin J’Ouvert will be held and returning to the southern borough is the Fete Rat de J’Ouvert Band.

Celebrating its eighth year of existence, the band will be portraying Smack Dat.

Its fun and sensual theme is indicative of the band’s portrayal hence section names include Mesmerize, Playmate and Bite Me which is also available in Plus Sizes. The Fete Rat de J’Ouvert Band is fully all inclusive and all masqueraders enjoy and receive a premium goodie bag with their costume, and on the road will be provided with a fully-stocked premium bar, breakfast, cutters, security personnel and a 20- foot music truck during the six-hour parade.

DreadFest in Woodbrook

Reggae artistes from around the world are expected to arrive in Trinidad to perform at the April 21 DreadFest event.

DreadFest is a Reggae festival exhibiting a unique assortment of reggae infused art, craft, food, fashion, literature and music and it will be held in Woodbrook at Izinga’s Place, 23 Fitt Street.

Among the foreigners billed to perform, and the places of origin are Wapapah II and Princess Kazayah (Chicago); King Mas (Boston); and, Iyata Safari (NY). They will be joined by local songsters Lion King, Solid Rock, System Rebel, King Tafari, Buzzrock, Jah Mender and others.

DreadFest is expected to commence during the day and will also include local craftsmen, fashion designers and other small business owners, promoting and selling their products and food items, with a backdrop of musical selections from the Dread Radio cast.

There will also be live reasoning sessions on health and wellness among a few other prevalent topics.

Epic leap for Silver Harps steelband

Point Fortin Silver Harps Steel Orchestra was the proud recipient of an EPIC grant of $33,750 from the Digicel Foundation.

The funds were used to refurbish the panyard by changing the galvanise for the roof, upgrading of bathrooms and electrical work, installing fans and resurfacing the floor.

This space which is located on Salazar Trace, is the centre of community activity and home to 50 pannists many of whom are youth between the ages of seven-25 years.

In receiving the funds, a proud Ronnie Williams, assistant manager of the Point Fortin orchestra, was high in praise for the Foundation for the donation.

Said Williams: “The panyard is not just a place to play pan” he stated, “it is a place where we focus all our efforts on youth development in the community.

“Teaching them how to play, read and arrange music, discipline, team work, camaraderie and critical thinking skills and anything we can to enforce positive change.”

Silver Harps’ motto Difficult does not mean Impossible has helped the orchestra to sustain its activities over the years. Part of this year’s vision is to get enough financial support to enter the Panorama competition’s Medium Band and Junior Panorama categories for Carnival 2019.

Trustee Curtis Yearwood also added: “The panyard is active throughout the year and not just for Carnival.

“In fact,the group will be headliners at the launch of Point Fortin Borough Day on April 28 and will be featured in Republic Bank’s Pan on the Parkway”for the popular city event.

Silver Harps Steel Orchestra is committed to enhancing and preserving the culture of T&T by promoting the national instrument.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Spice Mas Grenada 2018
is scheduled to take place in August.

To get my pores and the hair on my arms raised when you sing, and evoking an impulsive urge to stand and applaud whenever you sing, means you can really sing and I compare your voice with some of the best I have ever heard. This is the involuntary emotion LeAndra Head stirs in me every time I hear her sing.

It was no different last Saturday night when Head premiered the 2018 series of Women in Jazz, at Fiesta Plaza, MovieTowne, Port-of-Spain.

To avoid any obvious reaction, I obscurely sat at the back of the venue and was again blown away by the purity and richness of this young woman’s vocal ability.

It was the largest turnout at the Plaza to witness one of these annual, free concerts and not an available seat could be found, not even 45 minutes before the show’s scheduled 8.30 pm beginning.

One of the things that amazes me about Head is that she reminds me of a sculptor, the manner in which she shapes notes, smoothly transitions into descending or ascending octaves and how she creates a mood by simply massaging or sustaining a note.

Head opened her set with Sade’s Sweetest Taboo followed by the time-worn Etta James standard At Last, the selection she sang 14 years ago, at the age of ten, when beat several adult rivals at the WeBeat St James Song Contest.

As her set seemed to hasten by, Head sang Simply Red’s Holding Back the Years, Michael Jackson’s Human Nature, Chris Brown’s Don’t Wake Me Up, Burt Bacharach’s Say a Little Prayer and Patsy Cline’s immortal Crazy.

Head is one of the vocalists with J9, an aggregation led by composer/ keyboardist Jeanine Ruiz and the one backing the very talented vocalist on Saturday night. For a finale, Head rendered Chronnix’s I Can and tried to exit the stage at 9.22 pm. But the audience, now on its feet with a standing ovation, enticed Head to return for a lagnaippe with Voice’s Far From Finished, beautifully arranged by Ruiz.

I totally agree with late television Twelve and Under host Hazel Ward-Redman when she said, on hearing Head sing on her programme many years ago, “Her voice is a gift from God.”

A NEW TALENT CONCEPT IS UNCOVERED

Uncovered Live is happening at Kaiso Blues Cafe, Newtown, courtesy A Millien Concepts, from tomorrow evening. For 2018, the Uncovered series has a live component added to its movement. The event series features up and coming singing talent who specialise in genres like R&B, Pop, Indie, Reggae and Gospel.

Producer A Millien Concepts is a company that designs, produces and supports events and projects in the creative sphere is the entity responsible for hosting the series of six live performance shows to be held at Kaiso Blues Cafe on the followingdates:

Show 1: Saturday, April 14
Show 2: Friday, April 27
Show 3: Friday, May 25
Show 4: Saturday, June 2
Show 5: Sunday, June 24
Show 6: Sunday, July 1

Each of these events will showcase two artistes performing a range of musical selections to compliment their incredible voices.

Tickets are available at $100 per artiste showcase. For more information, contact 462 7931 / 620 1331.

For updates on The Uncovered Series, follow them on Facebook and Instagram at Uncovered TT.

THE UNCOVERED SERIES

Show 1: Saturday, April 14: Takeisha “The VoiceQueen” Huddlin / Aisha Noel

Show 2: Friday, April 27: Daniel Griffith / Janika “Jay Renee” Perez

Show 3: Friday, May 25: Stacey “Kalika B” Baldeen / Keron “KHRSTVN” Ramsey

Show 4: Saturday, June 2: Gregory “Greg B” Burris / Sherville Clarke-Lewis

Show 5: Sunday, June 24: Heather Dickson / Safia Mitchell

Show 6: Sunday, July 1: Sherma “Aisha” Bass / Yasha “Yasha H”

NON STOP LAUGHTER

If you want to laugh till yuh belly buss, or yuh false teeth fallout, then visit the cartoon exhibition put on by Keith “Keithos” Anderson and Nalis before it ends this evening.

Billed as Keithos Returns to Town, the exhibition features comical interpretations of events in Trinbago from 1956-2018.

The exhibition was launched last week Tuesday, and was well attended. Calypsonians Contender (Mark John) and Will B (William Ballantyne), editorial cartoonists in song, brought their A-game with songs Ah Love Meh Country and Love Party respectively.

John Antoine as MC kept a tight programme with addresses by Nalis Executive Director the affable Catherine Romain, and Tony Fraser, journalist and political commentator.

At the launch were many personalities including First Citizens Bank chairman Anthony Smart, guitarist Theron “Terrific” Shaw, oldest female pan pioneer Daisy James Mc Clean, Harold Thompson of Radio 97.1FM, calypso poet Brother Valentino (Emrold Phillip), his lovely wife, former national netballer Peggy Castanada, boxer Michael Paul, rapso artiste Brother Book and Pan Trinbago’s Angela Fox. A great time was had by all in attendance.

STEEL IN MOTION IN SIPARIA

It’s that time of year again when Siparia explodes with the sweet sounds of the National instrument. Diatonic Pan Institute will be staging its Eighth Annual Steel in Motion on Saturday, April 21, beginning at 6 pm.

Steel in Motion is held in collaboration with Siparia Regional Corporation and this year will feature 12 bands. The event is held on the occasion of Siparia fete which is a religious festival held in honour of the patron saint La Divina. In addition, a calypsonian who has contributed significantly to the art form is honoured every year at the festival and veteran Johnny King will be the 2018 honoree. As such, bands are required to perform a religious song and a Johnny King piece.

The route will begin at Diatonic Pan Institute on Mary Street and proceed onto Coora Road and High Street, Siparia. The bands will be judged on their repertoire presentation along the route. The route culminates at Harry’s Furniture Store, where adjudication will take place for the Religious, Johnny King and Dianne Dupre Flag Waving Competition. The Siparia Rhythm Section will close the day’s proceedings after the parade.

Over the years, Steel in Motion has paid tribute to Baron, Crazy, Iwer George, Lord Nelson, Calypso Rose (before her recent national and international recognition), Ronnie Mc Intosh and Black Stalin.

This event continues to attract national and international interest.

STEEL IN MOTION STEELBANDS AND THEIR JOHNNY KING SELECTIONS

1. Arima All Stars Steel Orchestra — Wet Mih Down
2. Blanca 47 — Darling
3. Curepe Pholphonics Steel Orchestra — Wet Mih Down
4. Gonzales Sheikers — Wet Mih Down
5. Harlem Syncopators — Nature;s Plan
6. New Pioneers — Doh Rub Meh
7. San Juan All Stars — Appreciation
8. Scrunters Pan Groove — Ah want it all the time
9. T&T Fire Services — Ah want it all the time
10. Trinidad East Side — Nature;s Plan
11. Uni Stars — Darling

Tomorrow marks the 48th anniversary of the April 21, 1970 State of Emergency declaration by the Eric Williams-led government in response to the Black Power Movement.

Having being spawned in far off Montreal, Canada at the Sir George Williams University, Black Power demonstrations reached a head on April 6, 1970 when a protester, Basil Davis, was killed by the police on Frederick Street. This was followed on April 13 by the resignation of ANR Robinson, Member of Parliament for Tobago East. The death of this protester led to the Movement to pick up momentum.

On April 18, sugar workers went on strike, and there was talk of a general strike. In response to this, Williams proclaimed the April 21 State of Emergency and arrested 15 Black Power leaders. Responding in turn, a portion of the Trinidad Defense Force, led by lieutenants Raffique Shah and Rex Lassalle, mutinied and took hostages at the army barracks at Teteron.

A number of our potentially upward mobile youth, including Terry “General Tuco” Thornhill, Guy Beckles and Beverly Jones, were also killed by the security forces as they assumed the role of guerrillas under the banner of the National Union of Freedom Fighters (NUFF)

On the upside, the Black Power Movement became a crucible and nursery for black resistance in the arts, and a rise of conciousness amongst T&T’s African population. I still remember religiously attending Sunday evening Black Power concerts held at the Woodbrook residence of Boboy and Rosie Adams, Belmont Community Centre, Trou Macaque in Laventille and further afield in Cocoyea Village, South Trinidad. These were served by many of the established and emerging artistes of the day like Andre Tanker, Black Stalin, rapso pioneer Lancelot Kebu Layne, poets Kwasi Senghor and Brother Book and dance choreographer the Astor Johnson.

As the 60s came to an end, calypsonians ruling the roost included the late Lord Kitchener, Mighty Sparrow, Bomber, Lord Blakie and Pretender. But, as the wave of social unrest intensified other bards stepped into the limelight, composing and performing a type of calypso unlike any heard before in T&T. These were calypsoes of resistance, songs which stimulated consciousness in a people. Among the banner-bearers were Rapso pioneer Lancelot Kebu Layne, Brother Valentino, Black Stalin, Brother Superior, Composer, Explainer, Brother Mudada, Brother Ebony, Manchild, Brother Akeil, Mighty Duke, Mighty Chalkdust, Maestro, Smiley and Rootsman.

Also in the thick of things as far as music and cultural expressions was concerned, there were other artistic warriors also fermenting the seeds of consciousness; artistes like Malik the Dread Poet, Ella Andall, Eintou Springer, Clive Alexander, Black Roots Riddum Band, Network Rapso Band, Drums of Freedom, Brother Resistance, Karega Mandela, Sister Ava, Kwasi Senghor, Brother Book, Chetswayo Murai, Brother Doughty, Errol “Stork” St Hill, Paul Keens-Douglas and the Rastafari Liberation Movement.

The dance and literary spheres were also been turned upside down, the banners of change being unfurled by the likes dancers Astor Johnson, Andre Ettienne, Carlton Francis, Cyril St Louis and Julia Edwards, and literary giants like Leroi Clarke, Earl Lovelace, Zeno Obi Constance, Michael Anthony and Louis Regis.

Today we must “sit down, rock back,” and reflect on the invaluable contributions made more than half a century ago by our icons of the arts. Sadly some of them are no longer with us, but many continue the vocation of enlightening a nation, reminding us of our sovereignty and pride as a people. 

Two winners have already been crowned for the 2018 comPANions steelband festival. At finals held last Sunday at the Curepe Scherzando pan yard, Mark Pierre of Gonzales Sheikers successfully defended the table tennis title he won in 2017. In the 7-a-side netball tournament, Republic Bank Exodus emerged as the best netballing steelband in the land.

The comPANions festival continues this evening at MTHL Starlift Pan Complex, located at Christopher Drive, Mucurapo Road, St James with All Fours and football eliminations being held.

Dates, venues and events for next weekend and May are; Saturday, April 28— Republic Bank Exodus (cricket / All Fours / Scrabble); Friday, May 11— Phase II Pan Groove (All Fours and football); Saturday, May 12— MTHL Starlift (All Fours); Friday, May 18— Shell Invaders (Draughts / Karaoke/ All Fours); Sunday, May 20— Walkathon around the Queen’s Park Savannah [tentative]; Friday May 25— Massy Trinidad All Stars (Big 8 football Knockout/All Fours & Dominoes; Saturday, May 26— Republic Bank Exodus (Big 8 cricket Knockout; and, Sunday, May 27— Debate Competition [tentative].

Steelband celebrates champion women

Come Saturday, May 12, Caribbean Steelpan Connextion (CSC) will hold its next concert series—For the Women in Steel—at Pandemonium Steel Orchestra panyard, 3 Norfolk Street, Belmont, at 8 pm.

For the Women in Steel promises to be a fun-filled evening of music, food and dance promises a diverse cast of performances that will include the international prowess of The Codrington Pan Family, The Fuh Real Band with pannist Triston Marcano as well as the distinguished gentlemen of Suave Steel.

Other featured performers include Derron Ellies whose credits include projects with Marge Blackman and the Jamoo Band, Orange Sky as well as, local parang group Los Tocadores.

Youngsters Jaime McLeod and Melanie Ramsarran (both of San Fernando) will also display their talents on pan in commemoration of Mother’s Day.

This year, CSC has decided to honour Vanessa Headley of Golden Hands Steel Orchestra and Candice Andrews-Brumant, leader of bpTT Renegades Steel Orchestra at the event. While both women scored gold at the helm of their respective National Panorama steelbands for 2018. They are also being recognised for the continued positive influence in youth development and their spirit of entrepreneurship in the local steelpan fraternity.

Tickets are available at $200 and are food inclusive. For purchases, call 374.5262.

Champion in the spotlight

Thousands of pan lovers converged on Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, last Sunday for the premiere of the Live Music District, produced by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Music TT, in conjunction with the Port-of-Spain City Corporation.

Also in attendance were Trade and Industry Minister Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon; Port-of-Spain Mayor Alderman Joel Martinez and his wife, Marcelle; San Fernando Mayor Alderman Junia Regrello and his wife, Kamla; Senate VP Senator Nigel DeFreitas; manager, Government and Stakeholder Relations, bpTT Gerard Jackson; and, Port-of-Spain City Corporation Councillor Stephen Harper.

The evening’s programme hosted Gerelle Forbes, headline act was 2018 National Panorama (Large) champion bpTT Renegades and the 70-year-old Charlotte Street steel orchestra showed why it is one of the best steelbands on the planet by offering a repertoire of varied music selections. 

As part of the MusicTT vision to empower musicians and artistes nationwide, the audience was also treated to performances by a number of young artistes, including Chenko, Xone, Neal & Joel and Sherisse Collymore, plus former Byron Lee & The Dragonaires vocalist Oscar B.

Oscar B, accompanied by Renegades, helped spice up proceedings with his performance of Lord Nelson’s One Family. He even got Minister Gopee-Scoon and other dignitaries to join him centre stage.

Special mention was made of pan pioneer Anthony Williams who at one time during Renegades’ performance, stood from his wheelchair to dance to the infectious music of the steelband.

Woodbrook, a community that is legendary for producing excellent sports personalities, must have felt like a return to home base on Sunday to former football stars as several of the past greats were seen, like New York-domiciled Hugh Mulzac, Baby Headley, Gerry Brown, Rolph Clarke, Brian Rigsby and Ulric Boxhill.

Renegades, under the direction of arranger Duvonne Stewart and led by Candice Andrews-Brumant, really brought its A-game to the event as its repertoire included timeless classics of various genres as well as new hits from the just-passed Carnival including Blaxx’s Hulk, Kees’ Hello and its winning Panorama selection Voice’s Year for Love. Other well loved selections in the band’s two sets Let it be, Besame Mucho, Maria Maria, Be Strong, Kingston Town, Now that we’ve found love and a Black Stalin medley.

Organisers are well advised to establish this type of family, outdoor activity as a regular event. Also, to further empower residents of the communities in which the Live Music District is staged, they ought to be encouraged to sell home-made snack and delicacies, perhaps even partnered with a mini Namdevco green market at which fresh produce can be on sale.

The potential of this initiative is immense and augurs for even stronger ties between community, central and local government and community poliicing.

...audience inspired

On Sunday, April 15, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music therapist Martina Chow launched her debut EP album, Inspire, at Kaiso Blues Café, Newtown. The venue was filled to capacity as Chow shared her hope and positive message for our society and its people through her music.

With an angelic voice and emotion-filled performance she captivated all in attendance. Chow had her audience singing along to her pop songs Fly and Resilient, with their motivational words and easy melodies.

She also showcased her expert skill on the flute, at the beginning of another single titled Keep on Keeping on.

Chow’s well-rehearsed band included Mark Brewster, Michael Chang Wai, Tamo Harewood, Shaquille Noel, Stephen John and Gerelle Forbes.

A very touching video produced and directed by Richard ‘Charsu’ Ahong, the single Fly was premiered at the end of the event.

The multi-talented Chow is certainly shining a light in these dark times with her inspiring music.

To purchase her EP Album visit www.martinachow.com/music For bookings: martinachow.music@gmail.com Follow her on Facebook and Instagram: @martinachowmusic

T&T’s Strings to headline 2018 Dominica Jazz

Trinidadian string sensation Xavier Strings and Dominica’s Princess of song Michele Henderson will headline what is being billed by organisers as one of the best ever Dominica Jazz ‘n Creole, the 2018 edition, in May, at the historic Cabrits National Park in Portsmouth on Dominica’s north-west coast.

Patrons can expect a real treat at this year’s main stage event in the Jazz ‘n Creole programme which also features several fringe events at venues across the island and in particular, the north.

Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole has become a staple on the entertainment calendar held on Pentecost Sunday (May 20)and features a family event, providing relaxing jazz music and activities for children. Patrons can therefore anticipate stirring Caribbean rhythms on violins played by the Xavier sisters ( Janine and Janelle) as well as the melodious harmony of Henderson’s voice.

Attendees are encouraged to display their patriotism by incorporating some aspect of Creole in their outfits for Jazz ‘n Creole 2018. In doing so, a lucky individual will have the opportunity to a win a ticket for this year’s World Creole Music Festival carded for October 26 – 28.

The ninth edition of Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole is presented by the government of Dominica through its Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Discover Dominica Authority alongside headline sponsor Range Developments. Range Developments are developers of the Cabrits Resort Kempinski which will be opened in 2019.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The printer’s devil was at work last Friday. Guy Beckles was reported being killed during the Black Power era, instead of Guy HAREWOOD.

Apologies to Guy Beckles and family. He is alive and well in the US.

Fun in the nation’s cultural capital Tens of thousands of fun-seeking people from home and abroad descended on the Borough of Point Fortin last weekend for the J’Ouvert and Pan on the Move events. From as early as the preceding Thursday, the Borough was pulsating with music with a plethora of activity, including the crowning of a new Miss Borough of Point Fortin, Republic Bank’s Pan on de Parkway, the annual Liverpool fete and a bumper calypso show.

An amazing aspect of the Point Fortin Borough Day Festival is that several nationals forego visiting for carnival opting instead to come for the Point event.

In a demonstration of the vitality of Point Fortin’s community spirit, crowds of spectators flocked to the Techier Main Road on the evening of Thursday, for Republic Bank’s annual, Pan on de Parkway lime, which is hosted in conjunction with Point Fortin’s Borough Day Festival.

The event, which takes place outside the Republic Bank Point Fortin Branch, is intended to be an opportunity for the people of T&T to come together in support of the Point Fortin community and in appreciation of our national instrument.

Over the years, it has grown to attract supporters from not only T&T but from across the world as well, and is now a mainstay of Point Fortin’s Borough Day celebrations.

This year, Pan on de Parkway featured an impressive line up of performances from some of our country’s most beloved steel bands including: Republic Bank Exodus, Caribbean Airlines Skiffle, Pan Elders, NGC La Brea Nightingales and Silver Harps.

The patrons who travelled to the event from outside the Point Fortin area and from overseas were given a night of entertainment worth their commute as the bands performed as if the Techier Main Road was the Panorama stage itself. The spectators also proved to be a worthy audience with few being able to resist the urge to sway in time to the popular calypso and soca tunes performed by the bands.

Republic Bank hosts this event, each year, as part of their commitment to promoting and preserving our local culture and bank officials expressed pride to be a member of the Point Fortin community and being happy to participate in the continuing vitality of Point Fortin’s Borough Day celebrations.

On Saturday, the annual Pan on de Move parade saw many of the top steelbands in the land wend their way along the parade route including 2018 National Panorama (Large Band) champion bpTT Renegades, runners-up CAL Skiffle and Desperadoes, as well as Old Tech, Massy Trinidad All Stars, Phase II Pan Groove, Republic Bank Exodus, First Citizens Supernovas, Redemption Sound Setters and Silver Harps.

As if the pan was not enough on Saturday night, Prophet Benjamin held his Rasta Clusive that same night at Cheaters Beer Garden, located along Southern Main Road. Billed to perform at this conscious music event were Shaka Zulu, Determine & Norris Man, Isasha, Jamelody, Mr Royal, Trevon Stylez and of course Prophet Benjamin.

On Sunday, throngs of sea bathers went to Clifton Hill Beach for the usual Borough Day cool down.

At the end of it all, in last Monday’s T&T Guardian, Point Fortin Mayor Abdon Mason also boasted about the growth of the celebrations, saying it is now being referred to as a second Carnival.

Speaking to reporters at J’Ouvert celebrations, where hundreds of revellers from over 20 different bands paraded through the streets of the Borough, Mason said, “We are enjoying the J’Ouvert this year, where we welcome home back our diaspora from the wider population of Trinidad, North America and the rest of the world.

“This is the best time to meet with and greet people you have not seen in a long while.” Cro Cro sings for moms Four-time National Calypso Monarch Cro Cro will host his annual Mother’s Day Concert on Sunday, at Ambassador Hotel, Long Circular Road, St James, at 4 pm.

Tickets cost only $200 and Cro Cro will be celebrating all mothers with several love songs that you will be surprised to hear him sing and more. Also on the cast are reggae love song singer Wendell Mc Burnie, comedian Prince, who will also serve as show host and a special surprise guest artiste.

One lucky mother will receive a special prize on this day. 

The Hadco Group continues its efforts at creating shared value with the recently rebranded Hadco Phase II Pan Groove with the presentation of an All-inclusive affair—called Pan • Brass • Soca: Jam Down—on Saturday, May 19, at 7 pm.

Phase II’s iconic arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe is has promised and “all you can eat, all you can drink, you can’t bust the bar” event, at the steelband’s panyard, fondly called The Village, located on Hamilton Street, Woodbrook, from 8 pm.

Tickets cost just $600, gates open at 7 pm, and there will be secured parking and a shuttle service between parking areas at Fatima Grounds and Mucurapo East High School and the panyard.

The featured performers at this event are Phase II, featuring its founder and arranger, the legendary Len “Boogsie” Sharpe; trumpet ace Etienne Charles, headlining a stellar band featuring brass instrumentation; local pioneering rapso group 3Canal; and soca singer-songwriter and Grammy winner Angela Hunte.

Hadco co-CEO John Hadad reiterated at a media launch held last week Thursday that his company will once again be bringing its management expertise, acumen, and importantly, business contacts and relationships to bear on the steelband in the organisation of this concert.

Among the sponsors on May 19 are bmobile, The Beacon Insurance Co Ltd, Seaboard Marine, and many food and beverage brands, both from among Hadco’s portfolio and outside.

New Phase II manager Keron Valentine added that this event is one of many new initiatives—among them is the launch of a new Phase II Youth Band—that the band is implementing in partnership with its sponsor to secure continued success as it looks towards its 50th anniversary in four years’ time.

Hadad also noted that with the rolling out of the Live Music District pilot project by the State via MusicTT, the panyard could become a hub for live music throughout the year, not solely at Panorama.

The Pan • Brass • Soca: Jam Down style event is geared to be a regular feature on the post-Carnival live entertainment calendar, repeating the success both in fund-raising and entertainment value first showcased at the International Jazz Panyard Jam Session in 2016. The return of Charles and the addition of 3Canal and Hunte provides ample talent power to make this event a success. The real possibilities of music performance collaborations noted by the principals at the media launch promises to one for the books.

Tickets for the all-inclusive Pan • Brass • Soca: Jam Down are available at Peppercorns Mall locations at Ellerslie Plaza and West Mall; Lighthouse Ltd, San Fernando; and, at all Häagen-Dazs’ shops.

Boogsie and Etienne in Pan • Brass • Soca: JAM DOWN

Apart from this evening’s A Noble Cause at Queen’s Hall, the weekend’s other mega event is tomorrow evening’s Pan • Brass • Soca: JAM DOWN being produced by Hadco Phase II Pan Groove at its Hamilton Street pan amphitheatre in Woodbrook.

This all-inclusive affair promises to be the sweet spot of Saturday night from 7 pm to 1 am and will feature the music of main stage performers Phase II Pan Groove, featuring “Mozart of Pan” Len “Boogsie” Sharpe; Etienne & Friends, featuring local trumpet extraordinaire Etienne Charles; poetically powerful rapso group 3Canal; and soca singer-songwriter and Grammy winner Angela Hunte.

Also in attendance, connecting the dots, will be DJ Nick Pena.

Patrons will be welcomed by National Panorama (Single Pan) champion Angostura Newtown Playboys Steel Symphony, before showtime, scheduled for promptly 8 pm sharp.

Patrons can take advantage of the included secured park and ride options, at Fatima College Grounds, on Mucurapo Road, and Princess Elizabeth on Ariapita Avenue, with shuttle services available from 6:45 pm.

Tickets cost $600 and, of course, also include a night of all you can eat, premium food and drink options with Yellow Tail wines and Bubbles flowing all night long.

Chairperson of Pan

• Brass • Soca: JAM DOWN Danielle Espinet told Pulse this week: “This event sets out to be a new and different type of allinclusive event; from hosting, in a Cinderella-type-transformed panyard, to bringing back a touch of old school with brass and pan, mixed with just the right amount of rapso rhythm and sultry sounds.

“The entertainment concept was designed to be the perfect recipe for any music lover’s, to enjoy the best elements of Trinidadian music and simply jam down.”

Espinet added: “Treating the crowd to a mix of some of Boogsie’s masterpieces, guests can also look forward to a mix of old time medley of calypsoes and contemporary songs on pan.

“Etienne & Friends, a ten-piece band featuring Roger George, Lima Calbio and Keith Prescott on vocals, are here to jam. But, look for a cross over at some point with the ever rhythmic 3Canal, and the trio of Wendell Manwarren, Roger Roberts and Stanton Kewley intend to create a fluid vibe for the night.

“And, of course, there will also be the special highlight of a collaboration between singer songwriter Angela Hunte and our own maestro Boogsie.”

“The benefits of Pan • Brass • Soca: Jam Down are both worthy and noble, and Espinet revealed that, “this production is a fund-raiser being held to assist Phase II Pan Groove in the implementation of a Youth arm of the band. It is supported by some amazing corporate sponsors including bmobile; Beacon Insurance, and Seaboard Marine.

“Sponsors for the food and drinks include brands like Yellow Tail wines, Magnum Ice cream, Grace, and McCains, Carib, Angostura and Pepsi all of whom will be featured in the multitude of delicious food and drink options that will be available.”

Tickets for the All-Inclusive Pan • Brass • Soca: JAM DOWN are available at Peppercorns mall locations at Ellerslie Plaza and West Mall; Lighthouse Ltd, San Fernando; and, at all Häagen- Dazs’ Shops.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 675-7628 0r 473-5040.

Super Hero Mom

Guardian Media Ltd (GML) played its part to ensure that a special mother had a memorable Mother’s Day. Today, Pulse extends congratulations to the Spann family who won the 95.1 REMIX Super Hero Mom promotion at South Park, San Fernando, on the eve of Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 12.

The family competed in four fun obstacletype challenges against four other families and came out as the victors just in time for Mothers Day. The victorious Spann family, shown at left, won two tickets to Panama, courtesy Suriname Airways, plus lots of other prizes for the entire family to enjoy.

On Mother’s Day, Weston “Cro Cro” Rawlins held his annual Mother’s Day Show at Ambassador Hotel, St James.

Acts included Wendell Mc Boney, who covered contemporary popular R&B and Blues songs and melodies, Patricia “Dynamic Diva” Smith, and Leydon “The Organiser” Joseph.

The latter, a former Kitchener Calypso Revue star performer, performed past hits including Bandit and Trinbago Yankee.

Host Roland Prince kept the audience in peals of laughter during his monologue skit.

Cro Cro, a four-time National Calypso Monarch, closed the show with a lengthy performance which kept the crowd engaged; singing and dancing throughout his set. His repertoire included Hello, Oh Grenada, Corruption Common Entrance and Chop Off Dey Hand.

Many patrons on leaving the show were overheard saying that they are already planning to attend Cro Cro’s 2019 edition of a most enjoyable show.

A Noble Cause on a weekend of fun

From this evening, the weekend gets going on an upbeat mood.

Aside from the comPANions 2018 Steelband Festival eliminations continuing at Curepe Scherzando panyard, on Evans Street, tonight’s mega event is A Noble Cause Gala Concert, at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, at 7 pm. 3Canal, Relator and Lilliput Children’s Theatre are just the three of the top-billed acts on the cast.

This evening, St Ann’s RC Church is also holding its Oneness Pork-A-Thon, at the churchyard in St Ann’s, from 6.45 pm.

In theatre, RS&RR Productions premieres What My Best Friend Did to Me, at Central Bank Auditorium, Lower St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, at 8.30 pm, and actress/singer Karla Gonzalves stars in Sanctuary Productions’ premiere of She: The Stories of Women, at Little Carib Theatre, Woodbrook.

Tomorrow, the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts continues the elimination competition of the 2018 Best Village Preliminaries (Community Festivals featuring Folk Presentations & La Reine Rive Preliminaries), at Preysal Secondary School, Couva, at 9 am.

Tomorrow morning, at 10 am, Tuco will also hold its AGM, at the VIP Lounge, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

ParentingTT stages Water.Earth.Wind.Fire.Aether Family Fair is on from 10 am tomorrow as well, at WASA Grounds, Farm Road, St Joseph. In the evening, from 5.30 pm, Lilliput Children’s Theatre will stage Juliet and Romeo – A Tobago Love Story, at Queen’s Hall.

Kalypso Revue director Skatie is holding his 50th Birthday Show & Dance, tomorrow night, at Spots Entertainment Centre, Malabar, Arima. Billed for this gig are Pink Panther, Anslem Douglas, Cardinal, M’ba, Francis Prime, Ken “Professor” Philmore, Dane Gulston, Joey Rivers Band, Myron B, Lady Africa, The Saint, plus DJs Marlon, Mr Music and Sensational Sammy, and of course Skatie.

Having celebrated her birthday yesterday, calypsonian SpiceY will headline 2Gather tomorrow, at Kaiso Blues Cafe, 85 Woodford Street, Newtown, from 9 pm. Also on the cast will be Sharlan Bailey, Mistah Shak, and Ajibola.

Saturday night action hits a high when St James Secondary Alumni holds its Red Flames Cooler Fete, at How’zat Sports Bar & Pub, Tragarete Road, Woodbrook, at 9 pm.

Things tend to cool off on Sunday, but there will be tempo from 9 am when elimination competition for the 2018 Best Village Preliminaries (Community Festivals featuring Folk Presentations & La Reine Rive Preliminaries) continues at the Barataria South Secondary School.

The National Drama Association of T&T (NDATT) is also holding an Extraordinary Meeting on Sunday at 10.30 am, at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop, 6 Newbold Street, St Clair. In the evening, Shell Invaders panyard, on Tragarete Road, Woodbrook, is expected to pulsate with the All Fours & Karaoke eliminations for the comPANions 2018 Steelband Festival.

That evening, the Gallery at Fine Art San Fernando will host Martin Superville’s Beauty & The Beholder, at The Gallery at Fine Arts, San Fernando, at 5 pm and, at 8 pm, Mary-Ana Baker & Band will host It’s A Love Thing 2 at Kaiso Blues Cafe.