The flag of T&T is expected to fly high come September 17-20 when Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex’s Carnival is held in Dallas, Texas, USA. Bandleaders/designers Melissa Stephen and Marie-Térese Syé are the principals behind TTTEvolution, the foremost Dallas mas band. TTTEvolution was founded in 2014 by Stephen, a Trinidad native and Dallas resident. The band participated in the first Dallas Caribbean Carnival parade, held on September 28, 2014, at Lynn Creek Park, Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie.
Stephen said: “We are proud to say that we created history as the first and the only costumed band at the parade, and were well received by the revellers and onlookers alike.” In November 2014, Syé, also originally from T&T, and residing in Dallas, signed on as creative and artistic director. Together they are a cohesive executive force that will ensure TTTEvolution goes forth and brings mas year after year.
Stephen said last weekend: “As pioneers and lovers of our heritage and infectious culture, we look forward to its further development here in the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex, and to future parades.” This year, TTTEvolution will hit the street with a presentation titled Jewel City.
Stephen explained: “The concept of our band and designs is to show off the richness of colour blends and beauty that radiates from within us as Caribbean people. We are the gems of the world so to speak. Our costumes are designed to dazzle in daylight or at night, just like jewels would, and are made by us.”
The two sections of Jewel City are Ravishing Ruby, Sapphire Bling, with each sub divided into three male and female sections.
You can visit TTTEvolution’s website at tttevolution.club