It is probably the most eagerly anticipated event on the Carnival all-inclusive fete schedule. Soka in Moka, held annually by Trinity College, is a perennial success if only because it is the first premium schools all-inclusive fete of the year, and first of the Carnival season.

Soka in Moka 2015 will be staged on Sunday, January 4, at 4 pm and its cast includes some of the heavyweights of recent carnivals including Roy Cape All Stars, featuring Blaxx and Ricardo Drue; Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons & The Asylum Vikings; Dil-e-Nadan, featuring Raymond Ramnarine and DJ Franco.

The first Soka in Moka was held on Sunday, January 9, 2000 and it featured Roy Cape with the Kaiso All Stars (as they were known then) and Bobby Quan’s Blue Ventures with Ronnie Mc Intosh. Get this, the cost of a ticket was $175 all-inclusive and the attendance was just over 450 people. This year’s do has an admission tag of $750. Through the years organisers have maintained the two-band format with aggregations like Surface, Atlantik, Roy Cape, Traffic and Dil-e-Nadan but, in 2008, Kes Dieffenthaller joined the cast to make it three bands, a format maintained since then annually.

Succession planning has been the cornerstone for the success of this fete with the only original members of the founding committee left on the current executive being former Trinity College vice-principal Janice Richards, the current committee chairman, and former teacher Anthony Hosten.

For the 2015 edition of Soka in Moka patrons can look forward to some changes in the look and feel of the bars and stage areas, as the promoters seek to provide a different visual experience every year.

Relatively new to the committee, PRO Dexter Charles said this week: “We are proud that 100 per cent of the profits from Soka in Moka goes back to the school. Over the years, a significant amount of money have been ploughed back into the college from the profits, among them being construction of a computer facility, fencing of the Basketball Court, the purchase steel pans for the Music department, completion of the third floor of the building and the purchase of two steel gates for the entrance and exits of the building. Of course there are about a dozen more projects completed that the profits funded.”

Contributions to the college from Soka in Moka since 2008 round off around $350,000. 

Scheduled to bring the curtain down on Soka in Moka 2015, Bunji, Fay Ann & The Asylum Vikings have something special planned for patrons.

Another premium school all-inclusive fete—Old Hilarians’ All-Inclusive Carnival Fete—is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, at Bishop Anstey High School, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, at 5 pm.

This year marks the 19th edition of what is widely considered one of the best events on the annual carnival calendar. Reputed as one of the premier all-inclusives on the Carnival social calendar, the planning committee is working hard to keep that reputation intact. There is something for everyone and it is no coincidence that horse will return to the menu in the 19th year of the fete.

Next year will see three bands in the house—The Asylum Vikings frontlined by Bunji and Fay Ann, Dil-e-Nadan and Roy Cape All Stars. These will be complemented by scintillating performances by guest artistes. 

Widely known as one of the ‘must attend’ events for the Carnival season, the Fete is the principal fundraiser for Bishop Anstey High School (St Hilary’s) in Port-of-Spain. Over the years, proceeds from this event have assisted with funding capital-intensive projects such as the construction of two new classroom blocks, the repainting of the First Form building, the repairing of the school toilets, the enclosing and refurbishment of the school hall, and the landscaping of the beautiful grounds that current and former students of the school all know and love.

Tickets cost $850 and are available now from committee members Tonya (344-2334); Jeniece (791-8633); Debbie (681-2531); and Wanda (478-0035). For those in East, Central and South Trinidad, contact Janine at 336-9537. 

As far as schools are concerned, after QRC’s Fete Royal is held on January 10, and Old Hilarians’ All-Inclusive Carnival Fete on the 17, The St Mary’s College Past Students’ Union will hold Fete With The Saints 2015: Saturday, January 24, 2015, from 6 pm to midnight. There is a major shift for next year’s event as, instead of being held at the College on Pembroke Street, Port-of-Spain, where it has been held since its inception, it will be staged at St Mary’s College Grounds, Serpentine Road, St Clair. Admission is $850 and music will be by Machel Montano and his band, Roy Cape All Stars, and DJs Nuphoric and Private Ryan.

The 2015 fete season actually begins the previous evening, January 3, when Tribe holds Tribe ICE at Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain. Next year’s pre-Carnival season is a short one so fete, competitions and shows are chock-a-block from the first weekend of the year seven weeks.

Money for children mas

One million dollars. That the sum of the donation made last Friday to the National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) for Carnival 2015. The NCBA hosted a sponsors’ cheque distribution at More Vino, Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook and also donating funds were Jet Blue ($100,000) and The Cropper Foundation ($40,000). The Foundation’s cheque, which was presented to NCBA chairman David Lopez by Foundation trustee Ingrid White-Wilson and Nicola Cross, daughter of late Foundation co-founder Ulric Cross, was boosted through a contribution from the German Embassy. 

The donations will subsidise the production and prizes of children Carnival competitions staged by the organisation, said Lopez.

White-Wilson said that the Foundation was encouraged to make its contribution to raise the awareness of environmental preservation amongst children between the ages of five-15.

Sparrow closes year in song

Having recovered from a coma he suffered last year Sparrow is back in good knick doing several performances at home and abroad. Come Monday, the Calypso King of the World brings the curtain down on his local appearances with a command performance at The Mas Camp, Woodbrook, at 8.30 pm.

A spokesman for the popular showplace said: “We are very excited by this final show of the year because we don't know when Birdie will be available to perform at home again. Beside his packed performing schedule overseas he also has a number of tests and medical appointments to keep. In recent months Sparrow has been tweaking his normal repertoire so for this show expect him to perform some of his past hits not sung for a long time.”

Sparrow’s final performance on local soil for 2014 was nothing short of sensational. Held at De Nu Pub in Woodbrook on Monday night, with a full house in attendance and emceed by Godfrey Pierre, proceedings were opened by Marcia Miranda. The Parang Soca Queen performed a spirited repertoire, mixed with her Christmas fare and a calypso medley of hits by almost every popular calypsonian including Kitchener, Nelson, David Rudder and SuperBlue.

Seen in the house enjoying the show were new National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Lorraine Pouchet, Sparrow’s old musical director Errol Ince, who Sparrow poked fun at, and a number of visitors from abroad. Miranda was followed by 3Canal who maintained the intensity of the night’s music. Their set included Good Morning Neighbour, new songs Cyar Done, Big Love, Raw, Band yuh Belly, Irie, Money and Stronger, Salt, Talk Yuh Talk, Blue. 3Canal energised its audience, especially when the trio of Wendell Manwarren, Roger Roberts and Stanton Kewley performed the political Talk Yuh Talk, enticing patrons to sing the refrain of the song.

After the intermission, Sparrow made his appearance in a fawn coloured three-piece suit on stage at 10.20 pm to a standing ovation. He opened with Congo Man, accompanied by Cummings & D’Wailers. His voice, strong and stringent as when he was a much younger man, and resting on a stool, Sparrow dug into his trove of classics and sang Jean & Dinah, Melda, Drunk & Disorderly, Phillip My Dear, Lying Excuses, Willie Dead, El Reloj, Marajhin, Mae Mae and Good Citizen. 

The Birdie, after approximately 90 minutes of singing, ended his performance with the equally loved London Bridge. Sparrow’s next big show is on February 19, Under the Trees, The Normamdie, St Ann’s when he headlines Sparrow, A Special Someone...Take II. This is the second installment of a Sparrow tribute held last year at SWWTU Hall in Port-of-Spain, this 2015 edition will be staged by David Bereaux & Friends.

First off, Happy New Year to my faithful Pulse family. I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Christmas?

Though the Christmas season ends officially next Tuesday, Carnival 2015 has begun. It actually started on the night of Boxing Day, December 26, when Caesar’s Army held Lush on the Hasely Crawford Stadium training ground. The party was attended by a large turnout of young people who partied in persistent showers. The party was served by live performances from Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and young and upcoming Sekon Sta.

The Carnival fete blitz continues tomorrow with two mega parties, one at the Queen’s Park Oval and the other Tribe ICE, at Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain. The fun continues on Sunday when Trinity College holds its fund-raising Soka in Moka in Maraval.

This past week, the radio frequencies, including retro Music for Life 107.7FM, have been bubbling with the new soca releases. As usual, some of these releases are trite and repetitious, but there’s a lot of good music to fuel this year’s Carnival. 

Among the tracks that have perked my interest thus far have been Benjai’s All, Machel Montano’s Pop ah Bottle, Iwer George’s Last King, Bunji’s Cheers, Fay-Ann’s Rave, Farmer Nappy’s My House, Ah Feeling Mehself by Patrice Roberts, Outta de Box by Shanaqua, Snakey’s Cyar Rhyme and Ricardo Drue’s Vagabond. Olatunji and Benjai released some of their material early, Ola and Phenomenal respectively, and have maintained their momentum and popularity, as well as the Bajan single Ah Feeling ah Feeling (Lead Pipe & Saddis).

Also maintaining their longevity and consistency in the business have been David Rudder (Move); De Original DeFosto Himself (Kasamh Se T&T Style and Pan on de Road); and, Crazy (Respect the Elders).

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Panorama gets green light

Waving aside invitations from Pan Trinbago executive committee members not to pay the $100 admission fee charged, National Carnival Commission (NCC) vice chairman Don Sylvester insisted on purchasing a ticket, emphasising that he was doing so to show his support for the national instrument last Sunday evening. The event was the launch of Pan Trinbago’s Panorama 2015 competition at the carpark of the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. 

Also in attendance and addressing the gathering were Minister of Arts & Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas, NCC chairman Lorraine Pouchet, and Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz. TUCO president Lutalo Masimba (Brother Resistance) was also in attendance. A Pan Trinbago trustee said that Sunday’s launch was much bigger than last year’s, attendance seemingly touching the 1,000 mark.

On a picture-perfect Sunday evening, the sun setting in the west with blue skies overhead, patrons were entertained by Fuzion Steel, Pan Elders, Pan Jammers, Supernovas, bpTT Renegades and Massy Trinidad All Stars.

Following the playing of the national anthem by Pan Jammers and a short invocation by Pan Trinbago’s Cecilia Zena Moore, show host Allan “Pablo” Augustus got proceedings underway with reigning Single Pan Panorama champion Pan Jammers setting the pace and a high standard of panmanship for others to follow. The Santa Cruz band performed a one-hour repertoire of mixed selections including Sparrow’s Education, Michael Jackson’s One in a Million and Baron’s This Melody Sweet.

Up next was south’s Pan Elders, its set, embellished by vocalists, included Kitchener’s Mas in May, Benjai’s ‘low Mih, and Farmer Nappy’s Big People Party.

During the programme Augustus invited pan arrangers in attendance on stage to speak of their hopes for Panorama. Among those speaking were Robbie Greenidge (Witco Desperadoes); Duvonne Stewart (Renegades); Robert Tobitt (Pan Jammers); Earl Brooks (Brimblers); Amrit Samaroo (Supernovas); Darren Sheppard (Fonclaire); and, Barry Mannette (Tokyo). 

Opening its performance at 8.15 pm, Supernovas, of Surrey Village, Lopinot offered a full bodied sound and a repertoire which seemed to animate most as the band was ringed by dancing patrons. Supernovas’ repertoire included well known hits like Muchacha, Besame Mucho, Organiser’s Doh Tell ah Soul, Sparrow’s Statue, Carnival is Over and a Lord Blakie medley.

In the wake of Supernovas, the night of excellent pan music ended after midnight, on Monday morning, with performances by Renegades, All Stars, Roy Cape All Stars, featuring Blaxx and Darnella Simmons, and Iwer George.

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Stars of Tomorrow final

Over the Christmas season the National Youth Action Committee (NACC) announced the finalists for the Stars of Tomorrow Competition which takes place on Sunday, January 11 at Daaga Hall, UWI, St Augustine.

The 20 finalists, in alphabetical order, are: Arnold Jordan; Elizabeth Paponette; Ezekiel Yorke; Helon Francis; Ife Alleyne; Jesse Stewart; Jhevon Jackson; Jumaane Cox; Kerine Williams; Khadja Antoine; Kyle Cowie; Megan Waldron; Natifah Phillips; Phil Browne; Rondell Greaves; Rosemary Mitchell; Sergio Francisco; Shradah Mc Intyre; Sonja Lucy Guevara; and, Vornique Benjamin.

Eyebrows were raised on Sunday night when Roy Cape All Stars performed at Trinity College’s “Soka in Moka” and the celebrated bandleader Roy Cape was not seen on stage. 

Yesterday, the veteran musician explained why, saying he was diagnosed with prostate cancer 12 weeks ago and decided to sit out the first 2015 school all-inclusive fete. 

Speaking from his Oropune Gardens home, Cape assured he was much improved healthwise and would return to the stage as early as Saturday when the band is billed to perform at Queen’s Royal College’s “Fete Royal”.

He told the T&T Guardian: “Three months ago my doctor, Winston Welch, sent me to do a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test and this is how cancer was detected. 

“I also did bone scans, which revealed that, because of age, there is a little degeneration in my knees. But all my organs are in perfect working order. The cancer is restricted to the prostate and hasn’t spread anywhere. 

“Dr Andy Bhagwandass, who has my son how he is today, referred me to Dr Darren Bison, a urologist at Westshore in Cocorite and he recommended I do a biopsy, bone scan and CT scan. I went to St Augustine Medical Complex and did the biopsy.”

Cape, a national award recipient and holder of a honorary doctorate from UWI, added:

“I have been reading a lot about cancer to learn about various treatments. Dr Dylan Narinesingh, an oncologist at St Joseph Medical Complex, arranged for me to go to St James Infirmary and I have started on a regime of hormone injections to be followed by radiation. 

“It’s a process I have to go through. With the treatment I am being given I should be able to rid myself of this ailment.”

Asked about his frame of mind, Cape said: “When I was uncertain I was quite worried. Now that I know what the facts are I am in a very good frame of mind. 

“I am prepared to face any eventuality. The doctors have all been very good to me in letting me know exactly what I was up against. 

“God is the creator of everything and whatever He wills it shall come to pass.

“I want to say special thanks to Drs Winston Welch, Andy Bhagwandass, Darren Bisonand Dylan Narinesingh for the confidence they passed on to me and helped me to be in a comfortable position today. I have been treated very gently and very professionally by these doctors.”

Calypso tents open on Sunday 

The race is off and running as far as 2015 Carnival fetes are concerned. The first weekend of the year saw three mega parties in the north—Fantasy Blockbuster, Tribe Ice, Soka in Moka XI—each well-patronised and enjoyable. 

Fantasy Blockbuster, held at the Queen’s Park Oval on Saturday night, was headlined by Machel Montano, his entourage inclusive of new personnel. That same night, Tribe Ice was held at Jean Pierre Complex, with Bunji Garlin, his wife Fay Ann Lyons and The Asylum Vikings having star billing. 

Sunday’s Soka in Moka XI, held at Trinity College, Maraval, and hosted by JW and Nikki Crosby, fielded Dil-e-Nadan, Roy Cape All Stars and The Asylum Family, as well as a number of guest performers including Olatunji, Ricardo Drue, Farmer Nappy, Erphaan Alves, Shal Marshall, Lyrikal, Jaiga, Sekon Star, Chow Chow and Benjai. Kerwin Dubois also made a guest appearance. 

The first of the schools all-inclusive fetes, it was a good opening to the season. The food court, stalls strategically erected on the perimeter of the school’s spacious courtyard, offered a wide variety of delicacies with the fruit stalls being really over the top. 

In the music department, Dil-e-Nadan didn’t produce its accustomed tight, full-bodied performance and the band’s horn section was somewhat reedy in sound. For a first outing, the other two aggregations held their own and can be expected to be in better knick as the season progresses. 

The All Stars accompanied all the guest artistes but was special when Farmer Nappy performed Big People Party, embellished by a scintillating saxophone solo by Garvin Marcelle, who took the lead with Cape also on stage lending support. 

On the night, all of the female frontline singers—Esther Dyer (Dil-e-Nadan); Darnella Simmons (All Stars); Fay Ann Lyons (The Asylum Vikings)—were of excellent voice. 

People seem to be arriving at parties earlier than in previous years? Soka in Moka was scheduled to begin at 4 pm and by 4.30 pm the public car park, located on the sporting field, was almost packed to capacity. From as far away as the gas station junction leading to Paramin, the scalpers were already out in full force, hawking their tickets. By 5 pm, just over an hour before the first performance, patrons were already well into the fare in the food court with almost every available table occupied. 

Apart from a couple sprinkles from the heavens, Soka in Moka was held with nary a hitch. 

The parties continue unabated every weekend until Carnival Sunday. Tomorrow evening, Fete Royal will be held at Queen’s Royal College, Hayes Street, St Clair at 4 pm. Music will be by Olatunji, Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons & The Asylum Vikings Band, Kes the Band, Karma, DJs Jus’ Jase and Barry Perryman. Note that Roy Cape All Stars is not billed for this fete but will be at Hilarians all-inclusive next week Saturday, along with The Asylum Vikings and Dil-e-Nadan. 

Also on tomorrow is Stumped, at the Queen’s Park Oval, Elizabeth Street, St Clair. Victoria’s & The Goodmen Crew are also holding their Soca Back-in-Times Animal Print Party tomorrow night, at De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp), Woodbrook, with music by DJs Sensational Noel, Special Delivery and Cutting Crew. Very early on Sunday morning, from 3 am to be exact, UP Soca and Sunrise will be held at Pier 1, Chaguaramas. 

It is good to see the level of co-operation that is practised between the schools that seek to raise much needed funds through Carnival all-inclusive fetes. For instance, when St Mary’s College Past Students’ Union (PSU) holds Fete with The Saints at a new venue on January 24, QRC will assist by opening up its Hayes Street gate for secure parking for patrons. 

With the 2015 Fete with the Saints fete being held for the first time at St Mary’s grounds on Serpentine Road, there will also be parking at nearby Queen’s Park Oval—entrance on Elizabeth Street; and the car park facility of the Nelson Mandela Tennis Courts of the Port-of-Spain City Corporation—at the corner of Hayes Street and Elizabeth Street. A free shuttle service is also available to take patrons from the car parks and back, but the driver must present an admission ticket to gain access to the car park. 

Tickets for Fete with The Saints are available at the Past Students’ Union Office (624-8468); South Trinidad from Felix Montenegro (684-5839); East Trinidad from Gregg Mannette (668-7555); Enrico Rajah, Trini Revellers Mas Camp (745-4391); Central Trinidad from Louis Ramdhanie (371-9193); and from all members of the Management Committee of the PSU, including John Allum, Joe Hadad, Brevard Nelson, John Hadeed, Matthew Leach, Rudy Balwant and Nestor Lambert. Tickets can also be purchased online at urbanisle.com. 

There is a notable absence of the traditional public fetes this year. Normally, at the turn of the year, the Fire Services would have already erected its mammoth billboard on Wrightson Road to advertise its fete. We are already nine days into the new year and the sign has been conspicuously absent. The party’s promoters confirmed this week that there will be no Fire Fete in 2015. 

Also off the 2015 fete calendar are Customs and WASA fetes, as well as the ONE fete. However, one popular public fete that has remained is Army Fete, scheduled for February 6, at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. 

Calypso is also in the spotlight this weekend and on Sunday evening, at 7 pm, TUCO will premiere Kaiso House in South Trinidad, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, corner of Todd Street and Rienzi-Kirton Highway. Star acts on this year’s cast are reigning National Calypso Monarch Chucky, former national monarchs Singing Sandra, Karene Asche and Duane O’Connor, Twiggy, Explainer, Brother Resistance, Mista Shak, Black Sage, Snakey and Bro Valentino. 

Also on Sunday evening, beginning at the same time, the National Youth Action Committee (NACC) will hold the final of its Stars of Tomorrow Competition. 

Black Stalin speaks 

One of the best gifts I got on the final day of 2014 was actually hearing the voice of Black Stalin (Leroy Calliste) on the phone, after almost four months of not hearing him. The former national calypso monarch has been convalescing at his southern home after being struck down by an ischaemic stroke on September 21, which affected both his speech and movement on the right side of his body. 

“I am fine,” assured Stalin. “My Christmas was nice and I am looking forward to 2015.” 

Speaking from his bedside, Stalin’s wife Patsy said: “Leroy began speaking again about a month ago. He had a wonderful Christmas, especially as he was visited on December 28 by Brian Lara. He is getting stronger every day and his speech is improving. It’s better you buy clothes than food for Leroy because his appetite is fully back.” 

Last Sunday, at Trinity College’s Soka in Moka, it was announced that a benefit concert would be held for Stalin on February 22. Stalin’s wife, though appreciative of the gesture, said on Monday, “Leroy will definitely not be appearing on any show in a hurry. He needs a lot of rest and time to regain his strength.”

The 2015 National Junior Panorama competition is in dire straights, says Pan Trinbago Youth Arm chairman Rudo Forteau.

In an interview yesterday Forteau said this year’s competition was in jeopardy because monies have not been paid to schools and service providers by the Ministry of Education.

He said: “To date no payments were made by the Ministry of Education, the agency which funds the competition.” 

He said approximately $1.4 million was outstanding. 

Forteau explained: “Before the event a note has to be sent to Cabinet for approval. That approval was given, that is how the 2014 competition was staged. 

“Right now, we are being tossed around between the Education Ministry and the permanent secretary Jennifer Daniel. The other person involved is Bruce Roberts, the project co-ordinator of the ministry’s Multicultural Music Programme Unit, Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain. He is supposed to be the main person acting on behalf of the ministry.”

He said: “The first prize for the non-schools category was paid by National Petroleum Company of T&T (NP) last year.”

Contacted yesterday, Roberts said: “The files were submitted and some of the primary schools were paid.” 

Referring the T&T Guardian to the ministry’s communications specialist Alicia Busby, Roberts said: “I cannot say when the other schools will be paid.” 

Efforts to contact Daniel and Busby proved futile. 

Forteau said: “All we want is some form of reassurance that the ministry will keep its end of the bargain and pay 2014 monies to enable us to proceed with the 2015 competition.

“On behalf of the Pan Trinbago Youth Arm and participants in this competition, it is unfortunate that young people have to go through this kind of thing. 

“You don’t see this kind of thing happening with the senior Panorama as they are presented with their prize cheques on the same night of the finals. I really hope that the Ministry of Education will rectify this situation expeditiously.”

The defending champions of the National Junior Panorama competition are St Paul’s Anglican School (primary schools); Providence/QRC (secondary schools); bp Renegades (non secondary bands). (PRB)

Jevanni Clairmont, 14, grandson of Massy Trinidad All Stars pioneer Hugo “Big Sarge” Pechier, and one of the young stars in the movie PAN! Our Music Odyssey from Belgrade Street, Laventille, is among finalists of the recently held Scholarship Competition of Talented Teenagers (Scott) competition. 

He played pan in the competition which was held on January 11 at Bishop Anstey High School, Port-of-Spain. The young, talented Massy Trinidad All Stars pan musician has qualified to represent T&T and compete in the international competition in Hollywood, USA but is having difficulties in raising the US$7,850 needed for airfare, ground transport and hotel accommodation for Clairmont, his mother and grandmother.

The local competition has been held for the past 13 years, organised by Lee Princess Keith, head of the Women Federation for World Peace, an affiliate of the United Nationals and arm of the Family Federation for World Peace (FFWP). Rehearsals for the competition are held at the FFWP headquarters in Diego Martin.

Speaking from her Belgrade Street home in Laventille, Clairmont’s mother, Takeisha expressed “extreme pride” in her son’s achievement and described the St James Government Secondary School student as “an inside-the-house boy child.” 

Clairmont added: “Jevanni has been playing pan since the age of ten. His talent comes from my backbone. Aside from my father, my big son, Jevon, and daughter, Jeanille play pan with All Stars, as well as my nephews and nieces, my family is full of serious pan people.”

Clairmont continued: “Outside of mastering pan, there is very little else that interests Jevanni. He used to run for Memphis Athletic Club but gave that up to focus entirely on pan. He will start studying music when he gets to Form Four. Jevanni’s mentor is his tutor, veteran All Stars musician Johann Popwell.

“Jevanni is an easy child to please. He doesn’t like eating vegetables but loves pelau. Jevanni lives in the panyard. Beside school that is his life.”

About Jevanni going to compete in Hollywood, Clairmont said: “We don’t have the necessary money so we are sourcing sponsors and intend to have donation sheets to raise the money.”

Keith has an excellent track record at identifying talented, youngsters who excel after participating in her competition. Former Scott achievers have been Darnell Brandon Thomas, Rozelle-Anne Polydore, Celes Bhola and Denilson Gulston.

A former student of Bishop Anstey High School, Polydore is currently a Music and French professor at Clark University, Atlanta, Georgia. 

Thomas is a former St Mary's College student. Playing the steelpan, he won the 2008 local competition and went on to Hollywood to win the world junior grand championship. Thomas subsequently enrolled at Toronto’s York University where he obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He is currently the musical director of the ARAS Musical Theatre Company, Toronto, Canada. 

A Naparima Girls College graduate, Bhola won in 2009 as a dramatist and was awarded a scholarship to the New York School for Film & Television.

Gulston’s father, accomplished All Stars musician Dane Gulston, said when his son participated in the 2013 Hollywood competition, the experience enhanced his son’s development as a musician and lauded Keith’s efforts.

To get Jevanni to Hollywood, a deposit of US$500 is required by March 1, with the balance due by May 1. The tour commences on July 8 and the contingent returns on July 19. Lee Princess Keith can be contacted at 482-4592 or 365-9178.

UWI Fete 2015, one of the biggest fund-raising events on the entertainment calendar, takes place on January 18 on the grounds of the university principal on the St Augustine campus. 

Organisers of the event known to be sticklers for punctuality, say that gates will be opened promptly at noon, with brunch served until 2 pm. This will be followed by a sumptious and delectable lunch from 2 pm—6 pm.

The brainchild of Professor Max Richards, then principal of the Campus, started in 1990 and has been hailed as “the first public all-inclusive Carnival fete.” Contribution to the fete 25 years ago was an admission fee of $100. Patrons were greeted with the welcome drink of Brandy Alexander, socialised with colleagues and feted on the tennis court to the music of one band and one DJ.

UWI Fete prides itself on its eclectic, international menu and huge spread of local gastronomic delights. With the passage of time its menu has been expanded to include gluten-free, vegetarian and lactose-free dishes. For the non-drinkers, bartenders will serve special non-alcoholic cocktails, with an edge.

Organisers claim that the UWI Fete is the cornerstone of the UWI Development and Endowment Fund. The Fund also organises the UWI Golf Challenge which is held on September 24 each year.

UWI Fete and the UWI Golf Challenge provide the funds necessary to grant bursaries to deserving students. Over the past 23 years more than 3,000 bursaries have been awarded by the fund. In 2010, to celebrate 20 years of awarding bursaries principally earned through the UWI Fete, the fund distributed 200 bursaries valued at $1 million.

Regarded by many as the the most prestigious Carnival all-inclusive fete there is, UWI Fete has spared no effort by having only premium artistes perform on Sunday, including Machel Montano, Roy Cape All Stars, featuring Blaxx and Darnella Simmons; KI & JMC 3Veni; Dil-e-Nadan, featuring Raymond Ramnarine; St James Tripolians; Rhapsody NG and popular disc jockeys. 

(Reporting by Peter Ray Blood)

UWI Fete lunch menu:

Daube du jarret d’Agneau: Braised Lamb shank cutlets, caramelised in olive oil and red wine, tossed with red onions and bell peppers.

Vindaille de poisson: Salmon fillets in mustard sauce, turmeric oil and vinegar, blanched with crunchy onions and Chilly peppers.

Lintilles Ragout: Stewed lentils simmered in smoked olive oil and cilantro, with baby carrots and coconut milk.

Legumes Ritz: Well seasoned “tossed up“ long grain rice in olive oil with vegetables.

Salade Verte: Torn lettuce leaves with water cress and diced purple onions arranged with croutons, served with olive oil, wine vinegar and black pepper.

After some uncertainty, the popular Fire Fete is on tomorrow night at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. Perennially a crowd-puller, this fete, billed this year as Fire & Foam, will be served by the Asylum Vikings, KI & JMC 3Veni, Olatunji, Iwer George, Lyrikal, 5 Star Akil, Ricardo Drue and DJs Ryan Spartan, Tech, Socks and Sheriff. Also on the cast is emcee Sonny Bling of Slam 100.5FM.

A much improved and better co-ordinated Fete Royal all-inclusive was held by QRC in St Clair last Saturday. The cuisine was a unique and varied one, inclusive of Jamaican delicacy mannish water, stewed horse, Kay’s fish broth from Rampanalgas, Edghill’s geera pork and Ellerz Cafe’s seabass fish n chips. QRC went over the top with its Asian stalls as well, served by Rassam, Ghazal, Tandoorie Hut and Passages to Asia. There was also an exclusive vegan stall and an immaculate fruit stall, complete with fruit carvings. Now a staple at most premium all-inclusive parties, popular bake and shark was done by the women of Garden Kitchen, although having to also supply their fare at Stumped!, also in progress at the nearby Queen’s Park Oval.

The food stalls, erected on the college’s football field, were easily accessible with no long lines. This was also that way at the bar, fuelled by premium liquor brands.

Karma, featuring Ravi B and his sister Nisha B opened the live performance segment and set the tone for ensuing bands, Kes the Band and The Asylum Vikings. Nisha B has certainly improved in her vocal quality and stage craft.

Kes the Band, fronted by vocalist Kees Dieffenthaller, offered an energetic performance. Guesting with the band were Ricardo Drue and Olatunji. In the wake of Olatunji performing his infectious Ola, Kes did a wonderful rendition of Benjai’s Phenomenal.

After an interlude of DJ music, the Vikings were introduced just before 11 pm with Fay Ann Lyons opening her 2015 hit Raze. Her husband Bunji Garlin then took over the lead mic and the Vikings proceeded to give another of its well-rehearsed, compact sets. Making a surprise guest appearance, much to the amusement of all in attendance, was 2015 International Soca Monarch semi-finalist Hott Mouth Granny to do her single Go Granny.

Fete Royal was closed off by World Wide Steel Orchestra escorting patrons out of the venue. This year’s edition of the fete was a marked improvement to preceding ones. There was the noticable increase of a more youthful attendance and the DJs and bands played more music that catered to a younger clientele.

Popular soca artistes and bands are not necessary to rock a Carnival party. All that’s needed is one good disc jockey. Belmont’s DJ Cutting Crew did just just this when he played last Sunday at a J’Ouvert band launch at Rafa clubhouse, Queen’s Park East, Port-of-Spain. Cutting Crew had the party swinging non-stop from mid-afternoon to Sunday night.

The band A Fan Fare for the Kings & Queens of Carnival 1959-2014, is being produced for the second year by veteran mas man Peter “Blues” Reynald under the banner of West Indian Roofing Fan Fare & Associates. The party was a semi-inclusive and for an admission fee of $30, yes $30, patrons were treated to hops and buljhol, hops and chicken gizzard, bake and shark, split peas and rice cook-up, and other cuisine. Premium drinks were also on sale at reasonable prices.

To play in Reynald’s band, which will be all-inclusive, masqueraders are being charged $150. This guarantees drinks and breakfast on J’Ouvert morning. Music will be by DJ Cutting Crew on a 40-foot trailer. Before Carnival weekend, Reynald will be hosting a “blow out” at the band’s camp, located at 22 Belmont Circular Road, on January 30.

The schools’ all-inclusive fund-raising itinerary continues tomorrow with the equally popular Hilarians fete, at Bishop Anstey High School, Abercromby Street, at 5 pm. There will be no Destra and her band Bakanal at the party this year but it will be adequately fuelled by Roy Cape All Stars, feat Blaxx and Darnella Simmons; Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons & The Asylum Band; Dil-e-Nadan, feat Raymond Ramnarine, plus guest artistes.

Calypso Monarch pick

This week I heard my first contender for National Calypso Monarch honours. It’s reigning Young Kings Monarch Stephen Marcelle’s If it ain’t one thing, it’s another. 

A cabaret singer managed by Roxanne Browne-Phillips, Marcelle has been knocking on the doors of calypso for quite some time. His song was composed by Nigel Davidson and arranged by Junior Ibo Joseph.

Browne-Phillips said this week: “This is a big song that has a lot of potential. The opening bars of the song isn’t a sample of the original song. It’s by singers Ibo got together in his studio. Stephen is consistent and has been working really hard in calypso. He isn’t even in a calypso tent this year as he was writing exams when auditions were in progress. He auditioned for one tent but its management rejected the song, maybe because of its political nature? We in his camp know that he has the ability to be a deserving monarch but, at the end of the day, it’s all up to the people who judge the competition.” 

A calypso and pan weekend

After a fortnight of fetes, calypso tents and panyards move into the spotlight. 

With Kaiso House and Divas Cabaret calypso tents already opened, this weekend sees Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco) premiering three tents under its umbrella, and Panorama 2015 preliminaries being held in the north and east.

The sweet, infectious sound of steel commences this evening at The Paddock, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, at 6 pm, when Pan Trinbago holds the National Panorama Single Pan preliminaries (North Region). The Panorama competition continues tomorrow evening, at the same time with the East Region preliminary being held at The Velodrome, Arima. The South/Central Region preliminary is scheduled for Sunday evening, at 5 pm, at Petrotrin Sports Club Car Park, Guaracara Park, Point-a-Pierre.

Calypso music from years gone by is the preferred selections of the majority of the steelbands participating in this year’s Single Pan preliminaries. Less than five bands have opted for current releases inclusive of Sound of Music of Morvant with The Holy Grail, composed and sung by Thecia Rodriguez.

Selections from the repertoire of Kitchener, Becket, SuperBlue, Tambu, Shadow, Arrow, Lord Nelson, to name a few, are some of more popular choices of the bands. In fact, Aldwyn Roberts has the most plays to date. These include Ka Ka Roach, No Wuk For Carnival, Pan In A Minor and Rainorama.

The Kalypso Revue, under the management of Sugar Aloes (Michael Osouna), will host its traditional opening this evening, at The Velodrome, Arima, at 8 pm. This year, the tent’s cast is expected to include former national monarchs Pink Panther, Chalkdust and Sugar Aloes, defending Extempore Monarch Brian London, Skatie, Devon Seale and Ninja.

Also opening his Icons calypso tent this evening, at 8.30 pm, is former national monarch Cro Cro (Weston Rawlins). Once again, Cro Cro’s tent will be pitched at Ambassador Hotel, Long Circular Road, St James.

Perennial crowd-pleaser All Rounder will once again headline the cast at Klassic Ruso when the tent premieres its season this evening, at 7 o’clock. After years of being housed at Port-of-Spain City Hall, the tent has shifted venue and will be base this year at ISSAS Restaurant & Pub, 130 Henry Street, Port-of-Spain. All Rounder will be joined by his daughters Shirlaine Hendrickson and Lady Wonder, Crazy, Contender, Sergio Francisco and others.

It’s eastbound for calypso lovers tomorrow evening when Tuco opens Kaiso Karavan at Eric Williams Auditorium, La Joya, EMR, St Joseph, at 7 pm. The tent’s cast includes reigning Humorous Monarch The Incredible Myron B, De Original de Fosto Himself, Cardinal, Stinger, Singing Francine, Erphaan Alves, Johnny King and Eunice Peters.

There were no formalities or speeches when Kaiso House hosted its Port-of-Spain opening on Monday night. 

Held at the huge, well-appointed tent on the southern perimeter of the Queen’s Park Savannah, the opening attracted a large audience and was attended by new National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Lorraine Pouchet, former chairman Allison Demas and National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) chairman David Lopez.

Several calypsonians from other tents, including Sugar Aloes, Skatie, All Rounder, Brian London, Contender, Devon Seale and Karega Mandela, supported the tent’s opening night. 

The programme commenced at 8 pm, emceed by Pelf and with Cummings & D Wailers providing musical accompaniment. 

The first performer, veteran dance choreographer cum calypsonian Gene Toney, started proceedings on a high note as he got an encore for his song My Name is Calypso. 

A well-composed number, Toney had the articulation of a seasoned and experienced singer. He was followed by De Guru who sang Journey of Life is Yours.

Another encore followed Guru, won by the immaculately attired Bro Musa singing Wake Up and Smell the Coffee. If a prize was up for grabs for “one of the best-dressed performers” in any calypso tent Musa would be among the top three.

Perennial crowd-pleaser Lady Aiesha won an encore for her humorous Plus Size Lover. She opened the way for the tent’s co-host Tommy Joseph who was at his comical best. 

One of last year’s most entertaining calypsonians when he sang Soil Technician, Allan Welch won a well-deserved encore for his clever and well-composed Confused Global Warming. He had patrons singing the song’s refrain, “gone cold,” even as he exited the stage after his encore.

The programme’s first half fielded 20 singers and among those also receiving encores were Black Sage (Banditism); Snakey (Cyah Rhyme); Gypsy (Black Man You Crazy); Duane O’Connor (Stand Strong); Bunny B (Multi Crisis); Mr Chucky (The Rose); Bro Valentino (Queen of the Carnival); Karene Asche (Every Knee Shall Bow) and Lani K (Engine Room).

Of the lot, 2011 national calypso monarch Asche seems to be well-poised to a second title with a well-composed ditty. She was encored three times. Gypsy (Community Development Minister Winston Peters), resplendent in a silk, floral-embossed jacket, held the audience captive with his perfect pitch and diction and commanding stage presence throughout his thought-provoking calypso. 

He won a double encore and in each extempored on the two NCC chairmen in attendance. Snakey, who thrilled last year with Dhoti too short, was again engaging and also won a double encore.

Intermission was taken after a very energetic performance by young Lani K (Jalani Kojo), son of Tuco trustee Annmarie “Twiggy” Parks-Kojo.

The programme resumed at 11.30 pm and listed to perform in its second half were Dee Diamond, Calypso Kerr, Brown Boy, Mistah Shak, Genelle Bharat, Wolde Dawit and Bro Lasana.

Kaiso House is home-based nightly for the remainder of this week.

Larger Than Life is the theme for this year’s International Soca Monarch competition staged by Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts (CPF). 

As usual, the competition takes place in the Lotto Plus Power Soca and Digicel Groovy Soca Monarch categories and the real action starts on Sunday at the semi-finals. This year, the semifinals will be at the Northern Greens, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, a change from the regular venue, Arima Velodrome. 

With gates scheduled to be opened at noon, the Digicel Groovy semifinal gets going at 2 pm with Destra opening proceedings.

This category is reflective of the growing improvement of groovy soca songs and among the contestants are several artistes whose songs have been the favourites on the airwaves and in the parties. 

Joining former groovy soca winner Biggie Irie and certain to have the judges scratching their heads are Crazy, Tim Tim, Leadpipe & Saddis, Fadda Fox, Benjai, Olatunji, Nadia Batson, Iwer George, Farmer Nappy, Sekon Sta and Ricardo Drue. 

The Groovy Soca semifinal will include 47 participants. 

The Power Soca category sees the return of KMC in the soca arena and among the 37 contestants in this category are multiple past winner SuperBlue, former champions Iwer George and Shurwayne Winchester, defending Chutney Soca Monarch KI, Grenada soca star Mr Killa, and his compatriots Luney Sparks & Electrify, and Skinny Banton, St Vincent’s Skinny Fabulous and Fya Empress, Destra, Snakey and Blaxx. Making her debut in this competition will be popular comedienne Nikki Crosby, singing under the monicker of Granny. J Angel (Jenelle de Leon) of Slam 100.5FM is also among the Power Soca semifinalists.

CPF CEO Peter Scoon said this week: “This year’s event is larger than life because of many innovations, especially technically. We are also enhancing branding and visibility, placing more emphasis on the artistes, our ambassadors. By going to the Greens for the semi-finals, we are moving to a bigger and better venue, hoping to pull a larger crowd. For the second year, the semi-finals are a cooler event.

“At the end of the day it’s all about the major improvement in the technology and making the artistes feel special. This week, life size standees of artistes will be erected across the country.”

Soca Monarch POSITIONS

Digicel International Groovy Soca Monarch
Semi Finals Draw for Positions

1 Destra
2 Leadpipe & Saddis
3 Fadda Fox
4 Fireman Hooper
5 Shal Marshall
6 Blackie
7 Crazy
8 Lil Bitts
9 Kerlz
10 Young Voice
11 Umi and Makamillion
12 Preedy
13 Lyrikal
14 Tim Tim
15 Saucy
16 Sasha
17 Jahmoun
18 Orlando Octave
19 Benjai
20 Chow Chow
21 Ola
22 Ravi B
23 Darnella
24 Nadia
25 Iwer
26 Zan
27 Kitch
28 Shurwayne
29 Erphaan
30 Skinny Fabulous  
31 Dev
32 Farmer Nappy
33 Blaxx
34 Tallpree
35 Jo Jo
36 Faith Antoine
37 Biggie Irie
38 Sekon Sta
39 Menace (M1)
40 J Angel
41 Patrice Roberts
42 Chucky
43 Patch
44 Oscor B
45 5 Star Akil
46 Syo
47 Ricardo Drue

Lotto Plus International Power Soca Monarch 
Semi Finals Draw for Positions

1 KMC
2 Shal Marshall
3 Preedy
4 Patrice Roberts
5 RKG
6 Sekon Sta
7 Saucy
8 Fireman Hooper
9 Erphaan Alves
10 Mr. Killa
11 Andrew Hitz Phillip
12 J Angel
13 Shurwayne
14 Skinny Fabulous
15 K.I
16 Snakey
17 Iwer King George
18 Ann G/ Myron B
19 Destra
20 Pelf
21 Kitch
22 Blaxx
23 Jaiga
24 Prophet Benjamin
25 Jelani
26 Swappi
27 Skinny Banton
28 Ricardo Drue
29 Fya Empress
30 Granny
31 Luni Spark & Electrify
32 Eddie Charles
33 Squeezy Rankin
34 Super Blue
35 CJ & Ronnie
36 Devon Matthews
37 Nadia Batson.​
 

This time, in one month, Carnival 2015 would have been done and dusted, and most of the post-festival events, including Pan Trinbago’s Champs in Concert, would have been held. In fact, Catholics would have already gone to church and had ashes crossed on their foreheads. 

Having given some sobriety and reflection to this weekend’s column, allows me to plunge you in the headiness of the ongoing season of revelry and abandonment. 

With a mere three weeks left before the reign of the Merry Monarch, with a whole lot of stuff squeezed into the period, what does a Carnival peong do?

For starters, the fund-raising all-inclusive fetes hosted by educational institutions continue to be successful. Tomorrow evening, Machel Montano stars at St Mary’s College Grounds, Serpentine Road, St Clair when St Mary’s College Past Students’ Union holds Fete With The Saints 2015, at 5 pm. Following an awesome performance at last Sunday’s UWI Fete, Montano, his band and quartet of male dancers are expected to push the envelope even further. Also on the billing are Roy Cape All Stars, featuring Blaxx, Ricardo Drue and Darnella Simmons, and DJs Nuphoric and Private Ryan. 

Girl factory at Bishops

Last Saturday night, Old Hilarians maintained the high standard its fund-raising event has become renown for. At the 19th edition of the fete held at Bishop Anstey High School in Port-of-Spain, it seemed that the Hilarians had a factory churning out beautiful and elegantly-attired women. 

Women outnumbered the men at this affair, opened by Barbados Road March champion duo Leadpipe and Saddis, formerly Porgie & Murda. Their hit single Ah Feeling set the tone for the rest of the evening.

A rejuvenated Dil-e-Nadan followed with frontliners Raymond Ramnarine, Dr Seales and Esther Dyer lifting their previous game, generating a healthy and infectious synch with patrons assembled in front the stage. This energy was continued when Roy Cape All Stars hit the stage, fronted by vocalists Blaxx, Drue and Simmons. In fact, they worked up the crowd to the point that women began tossing money on the stage to get Drue to shed his clothes. He obliged but only removed his shirt. Not to be outdone, Blaxx followed suit.

With DJ Duchess keeping patrons in a bouyant mood, The Asylum Vikings made its entrance with Fay Ann Lyons’ Raze. Both she and husband Bunji Garlin were elegantly attired, she in black lace and Garlin in a black suit, complete with slim tie. Making guest appearances with The Vikings were Crazy, Ataklan and Granny (Nikki Crosby). As usual, The Vikings outfit sounded well rehearsed and maintained a lively rapport with its audience.

Apart from hot soca items like Ola, Phenomenal, and Like ah Boss, Ducking is another party-pleaser, complete with its unique dance. Raze, whether its performed by its originator Fay Ann or any of the other popular band female frontliners like Esther or Darnella, is also a mega hit, especially for women.

The Old Hilarians party ended just after midnight, but, intrepid youths, still bursting with energy went to Soaka at O2 Park in Chaguaramas and Fire Foam Fete in the Queen’s Park Savannah.

The best of UWI

I will stick my neck here and boldly state that Sunday’s UWI 25 fete was probably the best organised and produced all-inclusive fete I have attended for some time; compliments to Dennis Ramdeen and his team of hard workers and the UWI volunteers.

Celebrating the 25th year of this fete, every artiste payed tribute to Black Stalin who had graced the party almost every year.

At 2.30 pm, Veerendra Persad’s JMC 3 Veni gave the party a good start, featuring Chutney Soca favourite KI and UWI engineering graduate Nishard Nehroo on vocals. 

These two vocalists are blessed with good voices and know how to engage an audience.
Compared to its first performance at Soka in Moka, Dil-e-Nadan has improved by 150 per cent. 
On top if its game on Saturday at the Old Hilarians fete, the band was even better at UWI. 

Songs that underscores the band versatility and effect are Dr Seales’ cover of Crazy’s Respect Yuh Elders, Ronnie Mc Intosh’s On the Road, and Fadda Fox’s Ducking; and, Esther Dyers amazing delivery of Lyons’ Raze and Destra’s Lucy. Overall the band is awesomely powerful, especially when performing On the Road.

Attired in all black and accompanied by four male dancers, Machel, this year as Monk Montae, had patrons eating out his hands throughout his two-hour-plus performance. 

Showing magnanimity, he congratulated Bunji Garlin on winning a Soul Train award last year.

In constant communication with fans who surged forward, Montano warned rumour mongers: “I am on to top of my game and I have no shame.”

The defending NLCB International Power Soca Monarch sang most of his 11 new original compositions. 

Performing Pop a Bottle, Montano made a brief exit off stage, introducing Barbados’ soca diva Alyson Hinds and Farmer Nappy.

At 6.30 pm Roy Cape All Stars occupied the stage vacated earlier by 3Veni. The aggregation continued the high intensity, full bodied performance established since January 4 at Trinity College’s Soka in Moka. 

Primarily hyped by Blaxx, the All Stars has a danceable and infectious repertoire.

I must mention the work done by DJ Alicia D Duchess for two successive nights, and the hosting of the UWI stage shows by radio personality Jus’ Jase.

This Sunday’s two big music events are the International Soca Monarch semi-finals and Yorke Inc’s Masquerade at Trinity College East, Trincity. This well loved all-inclusive will be served by Roy Cape Stars, The Asylum Vikings, Dil-e-Nadan, Olatunji, Benjai, Kerwin Dubois, Leadpipe & Saddis, Point Fortin Engine Room, DJs Private Ryan, Kabuki and King Int, tassa and more.

Gates to the Soca Monarch semis, being held for the first time on De Greens, Queen’s Park Savannah, are scheduled to be opened at noon with the first performer in the Groovy Soca category facing the judges at 2 pm. 

Panorama this evening

Outta De Box, composed by Mark Loquan, Sion Gomez and Gregory “G (B” Ballantyne and sung by Shanaqua (Rachel Fortune) is the Panorama tune of choice of six steel orchestras in the National Small and Medium Conventional categories scheduled for this weekend. Competition will commence with North Region bands appearing at The Paddock, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, from 6 pm.

Outta De Box will be played by Pandemonium, UTT La Horquetta Pan Groove, Valley Harps, Tokyo Steel Orchestra, Nu Tones and St Margaret’s Super Stars.

Others opting for 2015 selections include Humming Birds Pan Groove and Tunapuna Tipica (King Birdie); Laventille Serenaders and Highlanders (Chords); Merrytones (Steelband Coming Down); SupaNovas (Dr Samaroo); Belmont Fifth Dimension (Rave); Siparia Deltones (Ola); and Tamana Pioneers (Ah Feeling). The rest, which is the majority, have chosen music of yesteryear from 1973 to 2014.

Fifty-four small steelbands and 25 medium bands will be competing in their respective categories. Judging of the two categories will be conducted by separate panels on the same day.

The National Panorama preliminaries continue tomorrow with East Region bands facing the judges at the Velodrome, Arima, at 6 pm. 

The South/Central Region steelbands compete on Sunday, at Skinner Park, San Fernando, from 4 pm. Tobago Region bands will compete on Monday, at the Parade Park, opposite D#1 Hardware, Bacelot, Tobago at 7 pm.

Tickets cost $75 and are being sold at the regular outlets, Regional offices and on the day of the event at each venue.

Patrons attending the National Panorama Small and Medium Conventional Bands Preliminaries can use one ticket to any one of the same advertised competitions at any of the four venues.
 

Twenty-three calypsonians getting encores on one night extended last Thursday northern opening of Kalypso Revue to 1 am. 

A mere six singers were not called back by the sparse audience at SWWTU Hall, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain. 

Overall the tent has an entertaining programme though a lot of its cast sang compositions which dwelled on politicians who have fallen from grace.

Hosted by 105.1FM show host and disc jockey Derek “CG” Silman, the programme was opened by a short prayer by Anglican canon Knolly Clarke, followed by Minister of Community Development Winston “Gypsy” Peters who officially opened the proceedings. The tent had a premiere on January 16 at The Velodrome in Arima.

In his address, Peters made a poignant plea to the public to desist from purchasing pirated CDs and DVDs. He said: “I wish to remind citizens of their role in the development of the Carnival product and to specifically reiterate the need for us, as citizens, to willingly and consciously purchase only original material and not copies of music and Carnival-related memorabilia.” 

He added: “As a calypsonian myself, I am aware of what it takes to produce a song and this effort must be duly compensated.” Gypsy also reminisced about calypso tent pioneers including Chieftain Railway Douglas, and Revue founders the late Kitchener, Jazzy Pantin and Sonny Woodley.

Of the cast of 27, while half a dozen didn’t receive encores, some of those who did were probably as surprised as I was when they were called back. Fluctuating inconsistencies of the sound system prevented one from actually discerning what some of the calypsonians were articulating but they all weathered the challenge of intermittent sound problems.

Two of the best compositions I heard on the night were Leave the Children Alone by Original Tempo, and Put Dem Up by Brian London. 

I found though that the band accompanied London at too fast a clip. Also strong was Devon Seale singing My Humble Plea, his song’s catchy refrain of “go nah” encouraging patrons to join him in song. Pink Panther, mimicking Black Stalin, paid tribute to the former national monarch in Wait and was very entertaining in his delivery and performance.

Adorned in well polished gold jewellry, Sugar Aloes was his usual solid self singing I Believe and Bounce Back. Also typically well prepared for opening night was Chalkdust when he performed Reparation and Gypsy go get vex, his first “serious” political commentary in four years.

Blessed with a sweet voice, similar to Baron’s, Saint Nick performed a very melodious ditty named Perspective In Black and was deservedly ancored. Also impressive on opening night were Skatie (The Band); Dr Whitty (Compassionate); Rev (Fire Bu’n Fuh So); and, Ninja (Level the playing field).

Sharing emcee chores with CG was Sprangalang who seemed subdued in comparison to some of his previous performances. One of the pluses at the Revue is its quartet of chorus singers – Cindy, Dahlia, Abba and Michelle. They really harmonise beautifully and are visibly into every artiste they accompany.

Special guests on the show were former Grenada national monarch Ajamu and the pride of Antigua Swallow, reprising his popular Fire in de back seat. Going retro were Starr George, singing a cover of Kitchener’s Dr Kitch, and Baron who rendered Words, his classic of yesteryear.

This week Kalypso Revue is at its home base nightly with Tuesday and Wednesday being Ladies Night.

Son of Tobago soil but based in Trinidad, Oscar Benjamin (Oscar B) will have star billing when the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is held on Thursday, at Trelawny Stadium. In spite of his heavy Carnival schedule, Benjamin has managed to carve out space to share the stage with a number of popular reggae artistes with his band Vibes.

Benjamin is no stranger to Jamaica and soca fans over there as he was a frontline singer of Byron Lee & The Dragonaires for many years, producing several hits including Do the Bogle. Among the artistes on the billing with Benjamin are Errol Dunkley, George Nooks, Judy Mowatt, Cornell Campbell, vocal group The Tamlins and DJ Josey Wales, accompanied by Lloyd and Parks and We The People Band.

Organisers of the event have tapped some of the best roots rock reggae stalwarts to present a Tribute to the Late John Holt on Thursday night. Few singers have influenced generations of reggae acts than John Holt, the consummate lovers rock artiste. 

Holt died in October in London at age 69, leaving a remarkable catalogue of music. That legacy will be recognised on opening night of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival on January 29. Each artiste will dedicate part of their set to Holt.’s enduring career and massive cache of hit songs influenced the selection of acts on opening night. Holt hailed from Greenwich Town, a fishing community in Kingston with a rich music heritage. He set the pace for other singers from the area by winning the Vere Johns Opportunity Hour contest multiple times in the 1950s while still a student at Calabar High School. He had numerous hits in the rocksteady era with harmony trio, The Paragons (On the Beach, The Tide is High and Danger in Your Eyes), before going on to an even more successful solo career.

The 2015 staging of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will actually be held over three nights, ending on January 31. This year’s festival will feature extraordinary acts such as the multi grammy-award winning vocalist Mariah Carey, the Pointer Sisters, 2014 Billboard Chart toppers Magic, former lead singer of Chicago and soloist Peter Cetera, R&B soul icon Charlie Wilson, North American-based Reggae band Soja, acclaimed Barbadian saxophonist Arturo Tappin, Roots Reggae group Morgan Heritage, Reggae Crooner and Richie “Ska Teck” Stephens. 

This weekend the national instrument is on the frontburner as Pan Trinbago holds the semi-finals for four categories of the National Panorama competition. 

The semi-finals for Single Pan and Small steelbands will be held tomorrow at the Queen's Park Savannah, from noon. On Sunday, at the same venue and time, it will be the turn for medium and large orchestras to face the judges.

Competition is expected to be keen and fierce in each category, especially among the large bands, especially with eight past national champions among the 15 semi-finalists.

This year, its rivals will also be making a determined effort to deny defending champion Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove from achieving a hattrick, a feat that is rare in the competition. In fact, since 1963, only one steel orchestra—Renegades—has ever secured a hattrick of victories in the National Panorama competition.

Sunday’s show, branded as Savannah Party, is also expected to be a music feast as just two bands are playing the same selection, also a rare occurence in Panorama in the large band category. They are Tobago’s RBTT Redemption Sound Setters and NGC La Brea Nightingales who are playing De Fosto’s Pan on de Road. 

This category has always had bands playing the same tune of choice, especially in the 1975 final when seven of the eight finalists played the same selection—Kitchener's Tribute to Spree Simon.

Come Sunday, expect to hear some of the sweetest melodies composed in any category of calypso this year. Falling into this ranking are De Puna Band, composed by Pelham Goddard, recorded by Farmer Nappy, and played by Republic Band Exodus; Robert Greenidge’s Pan Hoo Ray, recorded by SuperBlue, and performed by Witco Desperadoes; and, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe’s Happiness, recorded by Olatunji, and performed by Phase II.

It would be interesting to hear how some arrangers and musicians cope with compositions that contain a number of chord changes, like Shanaqua’s Outta de Box, to be played by Harmonites, with arrangement by Seion Gomez, and Clive Telemaque’s Unquestionable, sung by Sheldon Reid, and to be played by Massy Trinidad All Stars.

Sunday also promises to be a showcase of the best pan arrangers in the land as they pit their skill against each other. Among them are previous winning national competition arrangers Leon “Smooth” Edwards, Goddard, Greenidge and Sharpe, while 11 have never copped a national title. 

Big fete with the Saints
​

Fete With The Saints was big. Big venue; big stage; big sound; big music; big food bar.

Held last Saturday by St Mary’s College Past Students’ Union, it was the first time that this annual Carnival fund-raiser was not being held at the college’s Pembroke Street premises, but on its expansive grounds on Serpentine Road, St Clair.

From the onset the event's organisers seemed intent on making a favourable impression as, for the first time at the entrance to the fete, they personally greeted arriving guests. 

Ushered through illuminated, white, inflated arches, guests were greeted to an immaculate floor plan, its layout and decor done by Ultimate Events which was also responsible for an ultra-efficient clean-up crew the entire night.

The food court was expansive as it was dizzying because of its sumptuous and varied array of cuisine choices.

With a flawless sound system by Rent a Amp, DJ Private Ryan hyped up the fete until Roy Cape All Stars commenced its performance at 7 pm, one hour after the party began. Olatunji, who once was part of the band, guested with the aggregation.

All Stars was followed by guest performances by Kerwin Dubois and Benjai.

Some two hours separated the All Stars performance from that of Machel Montano, reigning International Power Soca Monarch. From his first item, Like ah Boss, it became clear that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for his rivals to take away the title this year. 

He gave a performance of the song that was reminiscent of a final performance, sans props.

Throughout his performance Montano had patrons in the palm of his hand, holding glow sticks aloft, dancing and following his every instruction and singing along with him, even when he didn’t ask them to. Farmer Nappy and Lyrikal guested with Montano.

I understand the organisers had to put a stop to the sale of tickets, denying some 500 additional willing patrons. Next year they will simply have to expand the party space even more.

At the end of the party, patrons chipped on the street to their vehicles to the sweet sounds of Carib Woodbrook Playboyz.

Pan sponsors night

Sponsors night is a relatively new trend in the steelband world. It is hosted by steel orchestras in their panyard for sponsors. Aside from wining and dining specially invited guests, these events provide an opportunity for sponsors to get up-close and personal with the pan musicians in the rustic and pulsating environment of the panyard. It is also an opportunity for band jerseys to be distributed and the band to give sponsors a first listen to its Panorama selection.

Sponsors Night commenced on Tuesday at CAL Invaders panyard on Tragarete Road, Woodbrook, with officials of the national airline attending in large numbers. They mingled with management of the band, including manager Michael Dinchong, PRO Liz Namsoo, arranger Arddin Herbert, George Matthews, Desiree Myers, Jason Ho, Crystal Benthum and Jim Inniss, the longest-serving member of the band. 

Among the CAL officials seen were director Patricia Kong Ting, CEO Michael R DiLollo, CFO Tyrone Tang, VP (commercial operations and customer service) George Reeleer, Alicia Cabrera, Sharon Marquez-Dass and Sherene Boatswain.

Guests were entertained by the band’s stage side playing a 30-minute repertoire, and the full band playing its Panorama selection—Baron’s This Melody Sweet.

The National Gas Company, title sponsor of three steelbands (NGC Couva Joylanders, NGC La Brea Nightingales and Tobago’s NGC Steel Xplosion), hosted its Sponsors Night yesterday, Thursday, at Jaffa, at the Queen’s Park Oval, Woodbrook.

Massy Trinidad All Stars will host its event on Friday, February 6, at its Duke Street venue, the same evening Republic Bank personnel will be entertained by Exodus Steel Orchestra. At All Stars, guests will be treated to Clive Telemaque’s Unquestionable, with a performance by its singer Sheldon Reid. A similar reception can be expected at the Eastern Main Road amphitheatre of Exodus when the former national champion performs Pelham Goddard’s De Puna Band, as well as a live performance by Farmer Nappy.

Tuesday, February 10, is the day that bpTT Renegades will host its event. This is traditionally a lavish affair, attended by politicians, diplomats and dignitaries from the corporate world. Renegades usually distributes its jersey before the event and guests are requested to wear it. As normal, guests will be welcome at Renegades’ Charlotte Street panyard by bpTT MD Norman Christie, to be treated to performances by popular artistes, including Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon, singer of the band’s Panorama tune of choice—Jam Dem Hard. 

Black Stalin live

As you are aware, Black Stalin is recuperating from a stroke suffered last year and will not be performing for Carnival 2015. But, with a little help from his fans and friends, he will still earn an income this season. Since Carnival time is when most calypsonians make a living, the CD Black Stalin Live—Collectors Edition is being re-released for the 2015 Carnival season, with all profits from sales going to Black Stalin.

Stalin is acclaimed and respected as a special T&T artiste. He is a non-partisan patriot and a family man. His calypsoes have enriched our nation's soul, as the good folks at UWI recognised when awarding him a doctorate. He taught us to Love Yuh Own, and that We Can Make It If We Try. The media has benefitted from Stalin's career and this is an opportunity to return the favour. His personal preference is to market his work.

The live recorded CD Black Stalin Live—Collectors edition was produced and first released in 2007, and all copies were sold out. The music and arrangements were done by Roy Cape and the All Stars. Stalin refers to the CD as his “best works.”

Funds raised in this re-release will go directly to Black Stalin, since everyone involved in the project, including Roy Cape, Elton Benjamin, and executive producers 

Eric St Bernard and Sherrie Ann De Leon, have concurred that all profits go to Black Stalin.

Black Stalin Live—Collectors Edition is available exclusively from Crosby’s, and will be sold at all Tuco venues.

Get yours to show your love and support for the Black Man.

Tribute is being paid to Stalin by artistes performing at this year’s edition of Carnival Under the Trees at The Normandie, St Ann’s. Artistes like Chantal Esdelle & Moyenne, David Berreaux and Olatunji will cover Stalin’s hits.

The series of open-air shows commence on Tuesday, February 3.

The National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) is adamant about enforcing Rules 2.1 and 2.4 for Carnival competition which clearly state that all masqueraders must be 18 years old and over. The first 2015 competition where this rule will be tested is the traditional mas parade takes place annually every Carnival Sunday from Picadilly Greens to Adam Smith Square. 

Ronald Alfred, leader of Original Whipmaster Jab Jab band, confirmed that his band was penalised last Carnival Tuesday. He said: “I pulled my seven children out the band before we got on the road last year and had no children in the band in the competition. I was told that children could parade on the road but not on the performance stage. 

“I started playing this mas with my grandfather and father as a child. My younger son who is ten has been parading with me. This is traditional mas and traditional mas is something that is passed down through the generations. If I didn’t learn from my father, when he got sick I would not have been able to continue traditional mas. It would have died.” 

The veteran traditional masquerader added: “The introduction of this rule is a real blow to traditional mas which is very much family oriented and is intergenerational by nature. Indeed traditional mas survives because it is handed from one generation to the next. This rule therefore threatens the participation of most of the bands who take part every year.” 

June Sankar, who has been producing a Dame Lorraines this past decade and has represented the country abroad as this character, said: “Understand that this is not a NCC (National Carnival Committee) rule, it is a NCBA rule. It is a rule and we masqueraders wishing to participate have to follow it. 

“At the nostalgia parade on Carnival Sunday morning I have usually taken my junior masqueraders on the road with us for the past five years. 

“I find the rule is a bit harsh but we have to follow it as the NCBA is the organisation which runs the parade and sets the rules of participation. If we want the children to continue in traditional mas after we’re dead and gone they are now being prevented from participating and learning about the traditional mas.” 

In the face of protestations from traditional mas stalwarts, NCBA chairman David Lopez remained unphased and fixed on the rule. On Friday he said: “The NCBA runs mas competitions, I am the chairman of the NCBA and rules must be implemented to govern all parades and competitions. The rule is clear and explicit. We have competitions for junior masqueraders that are separate and apart from events involving adult masqueraders. 

“On one hand there are people wanting masqueraders under the age of 18 to participate in parades and competitions, on Carnival days as well, with all the revelry and alcohol—and at the same time, also want bans and prohibition for masqueraders under the age of 18 to be implemented.” 

Another masqueraders speaking anonymously said: “This is the only part of Carnival that is truly performance art any more. Those who play traditional mas should be valued as performance artistes, with each portrayal having its own dance, some also have their own songs. I think this is a critical point that is completely lost today. This parade should be a showcase of traditional performance art. It should be developed, promoted and valued as such. 

“Those charged with the responsibility for running Carnival are oppressing the oldest traditions in Carnival through these rules and regulations, very low prize money, and the difficulty of accessing judging points on Carnival Tuesday due to the domination on the road by the mega bands. 

“In short, traditional Carnival masqueraders are in a battle against the superstructure of Carnival for the survival of this most valuable aspect of our culture.”

Last weekend the Carnival focus was on the national instrument with the semi-finals of the National Panorama competition, for medium and large conventional steelbands, being held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. 

This weekend the pulse switches to calypso in the south, with Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (Tuco) staging the National Calypso Monarch semi-final tomorrow, at Skinner Park, San Fernando, at noon.

Branded as Kaiso Fiesta, the competition will see 41 calypsonians, some unattached and the majority from calypso tents in every region, facing the judges. After the competition, a party will be held and its cast includes Roy Cape All Stars, Dil-e-Nadan, Kelly Green & Harmony, Baron, Explainer, Olatunji, Sekon Sta, Farmer Nappy, Ronnie Mac Intosh and Kernel “Kitch” Roberts.

There are few surprises among the 41 singers chosen except that in an unprecedented move that the judges selected more than a quarter of the semi-finalists from Tobago; a dozen to be exact. Some calypso fans, though, have expressed surprise that Kalypso Revue’s Chalkdust and Skatie were omitted from among the semi-finalists.

For the Hendricksons, tomorrow is going to be a family affair as sisters Shirlaine and Dianne (Lady Wonder) were selected along with their father All Rounder (Anthony) from the Klassic Ruso tent. Lady Wonder has been winning repeated encores nightly for her catchy Get Rid of Dem Muckers, the same for Shirlaine for The Hills Thrills and All Rounder with What Maestro Say is True.

Five former national monarchs made the cut into the semis—Kurt Allen, Karene Asche, Duane O’Connor, Sugar Aloes, Mighty Shadow.

The semifinals will also feature 19 women, including singers like Sascha Ann Moses, Young Rose and Queen Victoria vying for positions in Carnival Sunday night’s final.

Steelband invades US

At least one steel orchestra is planning its post-Carnival tour to the United States. Caribbean Airlines Invaders will be performing at the Festival of Nations at the Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, from March 15 to April 21.

The steelband first performed their live stage show in 2001 which led to CAL Invaders being listed as one of the most entertaining groups which secured repeated contracts with organisers.

The Festival of Nations show is an international celebration of music, dance and song. 

The ten-member contingent of CAL Invaders will be promoting T&T as “the home of the steelpan.” 

Invaders music co-ordinator and tour manager Desiree Myers has selected a repertoire which will appeal to the diverse audience and will include songs like Falling In Love by Elvis Presley, Hot, Hot, Hot by Arrow and Amazing Grace. 

Said Myers: “While all our selections are enjoyed by the audience, there is one song that raises them to their feet and actually causes a tear or two to fall. That tune is Hallelujah Choir. We always receive a standing ovation at the end of this dramatic performance.” 

Throughout the years, CAL Invaders has been showcasing the magic of the steelpan to local and foreign audiences, but in Dollywood they are memorised by the musical sound that resonates from the “steel drum” as they refer to it. 

This year Invaders Steel Orchestra will be celebrating its 75th anniversary with a series of commemorative events. Invaders’ tune of choice for Panorama this year is Baron’s This Melody Sweet, arranged by Arddin Herbert and it earned the legendary steelband a place in the February 14 final. 

Asked why the band didn’t chose one of this year’s compositions, Herbert said: “The choice was made by the players, especially the young musicians. 

“The Baron tune is the one they love so we decided to go with that.”

Fatima fete

The all-inclusive fete train continues to be on track with Fatima College Old Boys’ Union holding its 12th annual event tomorrow evening at the college on Mucurapo Road, St James. 

This year’s fete is brand new and three of the nation’s top DJs will also be in attendance as will be St James Tripolians Steel Orchestra which will be closing off the fete with sweet pan music providing a jump-up for patrons. 

Patrons are assured of sumptuous, mouth-watering dishes as never before, and top-of-the-line, premium liquor. Dinner will again be available in the Grand Central Ballroom which will be appropriately decorated. 

For the women who wish to change from heels to flat footwear, necessary arrangements have been made so that they can leave their heels in the care of the old boys and collect them at the end of the fete. 

The décor this year promises to be something to behold and patrons are asked to wear white, with a touch of blue. They will be dancing under a massive beautiful chandelier. Free parking will be available in the Hasely Crawford National Stadium, Fatima Grounds and Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive, with adequate security on hand.

All proceeds from this fete and other fund-raising ventures are channelled towards education, sport and developmental programmes in the college. In 2011, funds facilitated the construction of a mezzanine floor in the college hall so that the school’s 900 population could be accommodated; in 2012, the college library was totally refurbished. In 2013, a two-storey block, costing over $4 million, was constructed to accommodate Form VI students.

Class is class

Though not an educational institution, but a charitable organisation nonetheless, Lions Club of Port-of-Spain Central will host its 18th annual Class Is Class all-inclusive Carnival dance entitled Mama Dis is Mas on February 14, from 4–10 pm. 

Venue is the Lions Cultural Centre, Fitz Blackman Drive, Port-of-Spain, with music by Roy Cape All Stars featuring Blaxx; Dil-e-Nadan; Samsara D Band; Scrunter’s Pan Groove and DJ Scoobie.

From a relatively small start in 1998, this party has become a “sold-out, must-be-there” affair. To ensure the comfortable accommodation of loyal patrons, the club refuses to succumb to pressure to “oversell” the party. 

Refreshments consist of two premium bars, a cocktail bar, creole and Chinese meals, Kanhai roti, gyros, bake and shark, corn soup, crab-stuffed dumplings, wantons, accras and more. 

Secure parking for patrons’ vehicles round off what is arguably the best event for the season. At a contribution of $600 per patron, this all-inclusive event remains one of the more affordable on the Carnival calendar.

In accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws of Lions Clubs International, all proceeds will be channelled back into the club’s community to assist many worthwhile causes. 

The Carnival dance is the club’s major annual fund-raising event with an anticipated attendance of 1,000-1,200 patrons.

For tickets, contact any member of the Club or call 623-ROAR.

Sparrow comes back home

With respect to Sparrow’s 60th anniversary in the calypso arena, SWCBI has taken the opportunity to present the Mighty Sparrow at the Lumiere Lounge, Newtown, (opposite the Australian High Commission’s Office), on February 12. Also expected to perform are Pelham Goddard & Roots, Dane Gulston, Colin “CJ” Jackman and Poser.

Promoter Dwight “Bodell” Noel said: “I would like to let the record show that the Mighty Sparrow is all well and good and could go to another milestone. 

“I would like the public to come out and support this giant of an artiste who has promoted calypso for over 60 years and did it his way.”

Noel added: “Although some may say that Sparrow should stop singing Saltfish, I would also like to tell your readers that Frank Sinatra sang I Did it my Way for over 25 years, which was placed in his contract by promoters and was given US$1.2 million per engagement. In places like Holland and many European countries Sparrow is always requested to sing Saltfish, a staple in calypso. 

“Of course Sparrow’s money is not like Sinatra’s, but the respect for that song and the man has always been there overseas. I would like to see Trinis give this great man even more respect and support.”

After mas...Jazz on the Greens

Production One Limited will stage the 13th annual edition of Jazz Artists on the Greens on March 2 on The Greens, WASA Grounds, Farm Road, St Joseph, at 5 pm. 

Gates will be open from 3.30 pm and patrons are being advised to come early, walk with their picnic blankets and lounging chairs, sit where they’re most comfortable, and bask in the ambience of a good Trini lime, accompanied by a powerful mix of contemporary Caribbean jazz styles, delivered by some of the most talented performers to grace our stages, at a festival-styled event.

Returning to perform by popular demand is American steelpan jazz fusion artiste Jonathan Scales and his Fourchestra. 

Also on the billing are acclaimed Barbadian saxophonist Arturo Tappin; Trinidadian smooth jazz guitarist Clifford Charles and Tobago songstress Kay Alleyne.

Early Bird Special offers a discounted price of $250 on all tickets booked and purchased by Carnival Tuesday, February 17. Regular tickets priced at $300 will be available at ticket outlets from Ash Wednesday.

It comes as no surprise that T&T Carnival, being the animal of an event that it is, is replete with controversies. Some of these have been amusing, and others, at the time and era, have been serious. 

Most true-blood Carnival people have heard the rumours of judges’ score sheets being tampered with and altered by officials in every segment of the festival. The judges of Carnival competitions can be considered the most stoic of people in the festival. 

Annually, they are accused of dishonesty; some of them are even ridiculed by disgruntled fans and patrons. For many years, especially in steelband competition, it was the norm to have an armed police escort to accompany adjudicators out of venues before results were announced.

De pan

“Dey cheat, dey cheat, we want to see the scoresheet,” sang late calypsonian Maestro in his Boom Bam calypso back in 1976 after heated debate that Panorama judges robbed a steelband.

It is ironic that Maestro, who was originally from Princes Town, south Trinidad, should pen this song in the year Panorama history was created (1975) by two southern steelbands topping the National Panorama competition—Hatters and Fonclaire.

Panorama also had its fair share of bloopers. Coming immediately to mind is the final of the 1972 competition when a change in the band’s percussion section caused Desperadoes to go off track in its execution of Sparrow’s Rope. That year, the band’s leader Rudolph Charles had also introduced a new instrument, the Rocket Pan. The loss was a bitter pill for the legendary Laventille steelband as the band was eliminated from the final the previous year, the first time in the then nine-year existence of the Panorama competition that Desperadoes was not included in the final.

Renegades also had its share of musical bloopers on a Panorama night. At the 1976 semifinal, to perform Sparrow’s Statue, the band came to the Queen’s Park Savannah stage in Port-of-Spain with an actor perched atop a pedestal, the actor costumed as late Port-of-Spain Mayor Arthur Cipriani, as the band sought to reenact the historic moment on Independence Square. A lack of communication between the actor and musicians derailed the band’s cohesiveness, costing the Charlotte Street band a place in the final.

In more recent times, at the 2013 Panorama final, Massy All Stars was on the Savannah stage, tearing up the place with Leon “Smooth” Edwards arrangement of Bounce and Drive, when patrons realised that the Grand Stand wasn’t shaking from the vibration of the music, but from an earthquake measured at six-plus on the Richter scale. Despite All Stars’ earth-shaking performance, the title was eventually won by Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, playing Len “Boogsie” Sharpe’s More Love.

De mas

The masquerade component of Carnival is etched with bacchanal. Having won the coveted King of Carnival for two consecutive years, in 1981 Peter Samuel, portraying Tiger Tiger Burning Bright for Peter Minshall’s Jungle Fever, was physically blocked from venturing onto the Savannah stage to compete by his rivals. Samuel arrived late at the Savannah, after all the other finalists had already crossed the stage. The judges, however, gave Samuel permission to cross and as he moved up the eastern apron of the stage, his fellow competitors formed a human chain preventing him from getting on stage. The only person who tried to bring some sense of reason to this unique and chaotic scenario that Dimanche Gras Carnival Sunday night was bandleader Glenn Carvalho—but he was shouted down by the protesting kings of other bands. 

Samuel had some revenge, though, as his portrayals—The Sacred and the Profane, Man Crab, Callaloo Dancing Tic Tac Toe—won the title for the three ensuing years (1982-’84).

Ill luck also cost Samuel the king title in 1990 when the head of his puppet Saga Boy, king of Tantana, broke on final night. Artisans from Minshall’s band rushed to carry the broken costume to the mas camp at Long Circular Road, repaired it and returned to the Savannah in time for the second parade of kings. Although Samuel danced the repaired costume across the stage, the judges eliminated him from the competition. Realising that no scores were given to him for his effort and performance, Samuel asked an official the reason for his omission. The official replied curtly: “We only allowed to cross the stage so it would be easier for you to get to your vehicle.” That was the last year kings paraded twice on competition night at the Savannah.

It is ironic that the two years Samuel had these mishaps (1981, 1990), the eventual King of Carnival on both occasions was the late Hilton Cox.

​

De Calypso

The calypso arena has also not been devoid of controversies and comical incidents. Crazy provided two of calypso’s funniest situations. One year, singing the calypso Chief Crazy Horse, Crazy actually rode down Frederick Street on a white horse, wearing traditional tribal North American Indian regalia.

Then, in the national calypso monarch final of 1984, making it to the final singing Soca Tarzan, Crazy tried to enter the Savannah stage by swinging off the roof of the Grand Stand on a rope. Both the Fire Services personnel and officials of the National Carnival Commission (NCC) would have none of it, and Crazy made his entrance in a more conventional manner.

Many consider calypsonians as mean people, a belief that is borne out by some of the lengths some of them would go to achieve success in competition. Making the national calypso monarch final in 1983, it was widely rumoured nine-year-old Machel Montano had his diaper tampered with by much older rivals when he ventured on stage to sing Too Young to Soca. Throughout his performance he kept pulling up the falling diaper which didn’t throw off his overall performance.

It was embarrassment for the calypsonian but humorous for the patrons when SuperBlue lost his dentures on the Skinner Park stage, San Fernando, competing at the national calypso monarch semifinal in 1991. Singing Get Something and Wave, the nine-time Road March champion showed his agility by swooping up the offending dentures when they popped out his mouth before they touched the ground, and returned them to his mouth without breaking stride or delivery of his song.

It’s finally here, the weekend to usher in Carnival 2015. The next three evenings are filled to the brim with soca, pan and mas events. 

One of Carnival’s biggest productions, the International Lotto Plus Power and Digicel Groovy Soca Monarch finals takes place tonight at Hasely Crawford Stadium and an audience in excess of 40,000 is expected to attend.

While the Power Soca title seems to be a done deal with Machel Montano retaining the title, competition is expected to be extremely keen in the Groovy Soca race with no clear-cut winner in sight. Every finalist in the Power Soca category is a favourite of Pulse but, taking everything into consideration, Pulse is predicting that the title is a toss-up between Destra (Lucy), Lyrikal (Cloud Nine) and Ricardo Drue (Vagabond).

Last night, Pan Trinbago staged the finals of its National Panorama competition also for Single Pan and small steelbands at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

Tonight, the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain is expected to ignite with colour and spectacle as the National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) holds Big Friday, the finals of the King and Queen of Carnival competitions. 

Bright and early tomorrow morning, children masqueraders are expected to throng Frederick Street, South Quay and the Savannah for the children’s Carnival parade. 

Immediately after the children’s parade, the Savannah will continue to pulsate with the sweet sounds of pan when Pan Trinbago stages its National Panorama finals for medium steelbands and large steel orchestras, at 7 pm.

One of the key points of interest in this competition is whether defending champion Phase II Pan Groove can secure a hat-trick of wins. Another is if Renegades can spoil Phase II’s trick, for the third time, and register its tenth lien on the title, a distinction which has been held by Witco Desperadoes for many years. However, for one of nine bands to secure the victory they would have to get past Massy Trinidad All Stars, playing Leon “Smooth” Edwards’ arrangement of Sheldon Reid’s Unquestionable, written by Clive Telemaque.

It is easier to predict winners in the other categories, the easiest being Pan Elders copping the medium category with Duvonne Stewart’s arrangement of Bally’s Party Time Again, one of the best arrangements in the entire Panorama. Also expected to be on easy street is Lopinot’s Super Novas in the small band grouping doing Amrit Samaroo’s arrangement of Dr Samaroo. 

With a four-point lead over its nearest rival in the semi-final, Stewart should again cruise home victorious with his arrangement of Shaking It for Single Pan band San Juan East Side. 

Sunday’s blue riband event is Dimanche Gras, produced by Carl “Beaver” Henderson, its stellar item being the crowning of the 2015 National Calypso Monarch. Again, interest is keen in this final to see of Chucky can retain his title. On Sunday, finalists will be required to perform two songs but, based on one song judged thus far, the favourites are Devon Seale, Queen Victoria and Tigress.

Hope I am not being controversial here when I say that Sugar Aloes and Kurt Allen should have been selected for Sunday’s final. Aloes, like Queen Victoria, Tigress, Seales and Allen, gave one of the best all round performances at the semi-final. His was a well balanced composition and his delivery of the song was perfect. I think that Allen’s song—King #2—was totally misunderstood, resulting in his omission.

After this crazy weekend, Carnival reaches fever pitch on Monday and Tuesday with two days of masquerading and revelry on the streets of the nation.

Pulse urges everyone to have fun, enjoy the Carnival but be civil and let moderation be your watchword these next five days. You need to be around, healthy and safe, come Ash Wednesday.

Fatima College honours pan

It was a night of firsts for Fatima College and Carnival all-inclusive fetes. At last Saturday’s Dancing Under the Chandelier, hosted by Fatima Old Boys’ Association (FOBA), Dil-e-Nadan performed first and was the first band I have heard to include a pan shoot-out during its set. Contested between Dane Gulston of Massy Trinidad All Stars and Yohan Chuckaree of Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, patrons lapped up this innovation with relish.

The Asylum Vikings and Roy Cape All Stars both performed well-rehearsed and polished sets, although the Vikings, like Machel Montano subsequently, encountered sound engineering problems. Arriving late for its performance, having overcome a problem at an earlier event, the Vikings did a truncated set.

The turnout at Fatima’s Under the Chandelier was huge, with many patrons adhering to the requested dress code of white with a touch of blue. It was attended by president Anthony Carmona and his wife Reema, National Security Minister Carl Alfonso, Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh, Housing and Environment Minister Roodal Moonilal, parliamentarian Donna Cox, former ministers Gary Griffith and Emmanuel George, West Indies cricketer Brian Lara, and former Port-of-Spain Mayor Louis Lee Sing. Protocol for the evening was managed by Fatima alumnus Justice Malcolm Holdip.

The Food Court at Fatima was as expansive as it was elaborate, run in addition to a dozen innovative Corporate Hospitality booths served with ultra-premium service, including from executive chef Debra Sardinah Metivier. Food stations were spread through the entire premises of the college, extending into Francis Lau Street behind the college. A member of the organising committee disclosed that, in addition to the corporate sections, there were 40,000 food servings on the night.

Another first for a school fete was the Security, Safety and Operations Centre, which was monitored by Venue Operations Centre with over 20 camera monitors, plus a Text Messaging Board and radios. Effective security in and out of the venue was expertly managed by TSZ, coordinated by FOBA president Dwight Andrews. The entire sporting ground, transformed into a carpark, was covered by a carpet of vehicles. Cars parked on every surrounding street around the college, too.

The eye-catching decor at the venue was designed by Fatima College old boy Robert Solomon and included chandeliers hung throughout the venue, including 18ft x 14ft chandelier structures in the main area.

Other amenities with patrons in mind included a shoe-check courtesy, for female patrons wishing to swap their high heel shoes for flats, and a masseuse parlour. A welcome first was the Gourmet Food to go service when leaving the fete.

Technical difficulties affected Machel Montano’s set when he performed after midnight. The party ended at 1.30 am.

In the latter half of the year, during rainy season, lawn owners are usually bedeviled by infestation caused by grasshoppers, mole crickets, locusts and other grass-chomping pests. Sadly though, long before wet season begins, in fact in the midst of the dry season, the Queen’s Park Savannah—the most popular green acreage in the nation’s capital—is also invaded and infested by pests: pests with two legs.

At Panorama, the world’s foremost percussion competition, you see them: pan hoppers, more ignomiously referred to as “crackshots.” This breed of pan player is easily recognised by the knapsack worn on the back, containing jerseys of the multiple bands they perform with at national Panorama, especially at the preliminary stage. 

During the competition they can be seen hastening offstage after performing with a steelband, not in the direction where their colleagues leave but in the opposite direction, towards the entrance, to subsequently return on stage to perform with another steelband, or with another few.

Unlike earlier times, when pan folk were loyal to a steelband, mainly one in their community, pan hoppers have no allegiance to any one steelband. Few of them are actually musically astute, and for them pan is merely an instrument of hustle (eat-ah-food), especially at Panorama time.

At this year’s rounds of competition, a media colleague and I observed four young women plying their pan hopping trade right under the nose of pan officials and stage management. 

We also recognised an easily recognisable pan player hopping from bands of the west and east with the fluid motion and skin change of a chameleon.

Pan Trinbago secretary Richard Forteau, admitting that he is aware of the challenge to curb band hopping, said: “Pan Trinbago is addressing this immediately after this Carnival, especially as the deadline for bands to register for Panorama 2016 is March 20, 2015.”

Forteau added that Pan Trinbago and the executive committee for the International Conference and Panorama, headed by Roslyn Khan-Cummings and scheduled for August 4-9, is working around the clock to perfect this event. He said planning will gain momentum from Ash Wednesday.

Pan hopping smacks of dishonesty, especially as pan hoppers displace hard-working musicians who labour nightly in pan yards in the lead up to Panorama learning a band’s tune of choice. 

It also prevents a steelband from having a solid core of players that will make the band efficient in terms of developing a repertoire at Carnival time. 

Without a repertoire of tunes of the season, steelbands cannot attract promoters to hire them to play alongside the conventional calypso and soca music bands. 

A check revealed that a crackshot/pan hopper can command as much as $1,500 to $2,000 per competition.