What are the ingredients for a good fete? Good venue; reasonable admission; good music; good food; nice people. Fanfare Associates got an A in each category when it launched its J’Ouvert 2016 mas band on Sunday.
It was an all-inclusive at the Royal Air Force Association Club, Queen’s Park East, Port-of-Spain. Admission of $40 included music (DJ Cutting Crew with a guest performance by veteran artiste Michelle Alleyne); food (ochro rice and saltfish, hops and gheera gizzard, and more); and some wonderful patrons.
Next year, Fanfare, led by National Carnival Development Foundation (NCDF) PRO Peter “Blues” Reynald, is playing Tribute to Trinidad All Stars. Fanfare is the reigning J’Ouvert Band of the Year.
At Sunday’s launch, DJ Cutting Crew kept patrons on their feet dancing until late into the night to non-stop soca hits from yesterday, this year and Carnival 2016. All had a great time.
The right ingredients were also evident on Saturday night when newbie to producing a Carnival band, Simone Edwards, launched her Carnival Monday night band—Angels of Light—at the Queen’s Park Oval.
An innovative idea aimed to restore mas on a Carnival Monday night in Port-of-Spain, the band will parade through Woodbrook and will eventually cross the stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
All seemed delighted by the idea and the costumes. Guests included Grenada ambassador to T&T, Dr Patrick Antoine; deputy Port-of-Spain Mayor, Kerron Valentine; former mayor, Louis Lee Sing; George Aboud; Anthony Fifi; Richard Saunders; former parliamentarian NiLeung Hypolite; and attorney Carol Bernard. Keeping guests entertained were DJ Kaotic and performances by 5Star Akil, Snakey and K-Rich.
Belmont Exotic Stylish Sailors (Bess) also launched its Carnival 2016 mas presentation on Saturday night.
Its launch of A Touch of Nature was held at the Police Mess on Long Circular Road, St James. This launch was kept lively with some great fancy foot work by costumed masqueraders doing the fancy sailor steps. Guests also showed off their best fancy sailor routines at a competition.
Long before there was a Trini Posse Stand at the Queen’s Park Oval, when the formation of this crew was but an idea, Sean “Gruff” Grosvenor used to provide music for a group of friends who would gather under a Samaan tree at the north-eastern corner to watch cricket at the venue.
I have fond memories of Gruff as he would keep the “posse” entertained by playing calypso, reggae and rock hits on his little music box. Each time Brian Lara struck a boundary, Gruff’s signature tune to herald the stroke would be Under the Sycamore Tree.
Unfortunately Gruff passed away four years ago but he is remembered regularly by the members of the Posse. This is year 27 of Gruff Parang, an annual event originally held by friends at his aunt’s home in Westmoorings. Eventually it grew and went from a house lime to Under the Trees at The Nomandie for a few years.
Friends of Gruff have carried on his legacy by organising the annual Gruff Parang. Attendance grew up to 1,200 patrons and is probably the best-value all-inclusive party and Christmas lime.
Aside from being attended by many of the “Who’s Who” in the land, music and entertainment are supplied by DJ Kern Crosby, DJ Hi Fidelity Less Than Zero, Scrunter and other parranderos.
The “Gruff” foundation has donated all proceeds from the party to many organisations, including the Just Because Foundation; Reach for Recovery; Finbar Ryan Geriatric Home; Immortelle Children Centre; It’s to the Kids Foundation; Love Movement Outreach Programme; and the Princess Elizabeth Home, over the last four years. Funds also support education expenses for Hakiyah Neptune, and medical expenses for Rohan Khalawan.
Friends of Sean “Gruff” Grosvenor Foundation will hold its annual parang party tomorrow, from 6 pm, at St Andrew’s Golf Course, Moka, Maraval.
Come celebrate Gruff’s life and legacy with his family, including his mother, sister, brother and aunt.
Kaiso Blues Cafe & Lounge, formerly Martin’s Piano Bar on 85 Woodford Street, Newtown, subsequently named Tiffany’s, has gone back to its original form with Carl Jacob at the helm. Jacob said he was happy to have the popular showplace return to its original purpose, providing a space for local artistes to express themselves.
“We originally wanted Kaiso Blues to be a place where the public was exposed to their favourite artistes and to see some new, upcoming ones. We are back and intend to regularly feature quality performances, with our prices set at an affordable rate,” Jacob said.
Popular artistes including Pelham Goddard, Patti Rogers, Roger George, Robert Munro, Relator, KV Charles, Chuck Gordon, Brother Superior, David Boothman and Dougie Redon have performed at Kaiso Blues in its short existence.
Last Sunday, Juliet Robin showcased Juliet Robin De Band, attracting Clive Zanda, Chantal Esdelle, Natasha Joseph, Faye Husbands, Michael Boothman and Louis Nurse to the launch. Featuring a scaled-down version, Robin says the full band will be on stage, powered by an imposing horn section for Carnival 2016.
Tonight, Kaiso Blues features Relator and Los Vikingos de San Jose. Tomorrow, Black Rose takes spotlight and then, for Groovin’ on a Sunday: Dean Williams & Friends.