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.