Based on last weekend, it seems there will be no let up in live entertainment and Carnival 2017 events until Ash Wednesday next year.
Thus far, a number of mas bands have launched their presentations, and last Saturday it was the turn of Tribe (Zero Degrees: Life Below Zero); The Lost Tribe (Riddem—See the Music Dance); and, Bliss (Al-Sahra) to unveil their mas at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. As was expected the turnout was huge and some of the costumes were showcased at midnight.
Calypso also enjoyed a special space on Saturday night when Brother Valentino celebrated his 75th birthday at The Auditorium, Central Bank, lower St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain. The “People’s Calypsonian” performed his many calypso gems, including Stay Up Zimbabwe and Life is a Stage. Among his guest artistes on the star-studded cast was Mungal Patasar & Pantar.
Last weekend, pan also had its fair share of events from as early as Friday evening when Pan Trinbago Northern Region held another edition of its After Work Pan Lime at Renegades Pan Theatre, Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain. This show featured bpTT Renegades and T&T Defence Force Steelband, and the launch of Relator’s newest CDs.
On Saturday afternoon, it was the turn of St Margaret’s Youth Steel Orchestra to stage another successful Youth Steelband Extravaganza at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Providing a large audience with some scintillating pan music were MHTL Starlift Youth Steel, Massy Trinidad All Stars Youth, bpTT Renegades Youth and host band St Margaret’s Youth Steel Orchestra.
The Carnival 2017 tempo continues this weekend with the launch of Ronnie & Caro’s presentation tomorrow night on Serpentine Road, St Clair from 10 pm. The reigning Band of the Year (Large) will be playing Fearless 10 next year, a showcase of its winning portrayals this last decade.
Other mas bands due to launch their 2017 presentations over the next few weeks are
Passion Carnival and Fantasy Carnival. Tonight, Passion Carnival unveils its 2017 collection—Spectrum: A Universe of Colour—at the Queen’s Park Savannah, at 9 pm. Band designers said this concept brings to their masqueraders and Carnival enthusiasts “a unique and futuristic presentation of the mysteries of deep space and the wonders of our universe.”
In just four short years, Passion has carved a niche for itself into the Carnival landscape and established a powerful presence across the entertainment industry. A phenomenal VIP experience is provided to all masqueraders across the local and international markets. In 2017, Passion debuts a new fervour and exuberance, with its largest and most progressive presentation to date.
According to bandleader Dr Anthony Harrysingh: “Having worked in various aspects of the entertainment industry in T&T, we understand what masqueraders want from their Carnival experience. We started Passion four years ago with the core principle that this band would deliver the most enjoyable experience in an environment that is stress free, secure and comfortable.
“We are proud to say that we have created something unique with Passion—a large band that has a distinct family feeling, where our members can trust that year after year they will receive top-notch costumes and enjoy every moment of Carnival Monday and Tuesday with their friends and bandmates. This is why the band continues to grow, and 2017 is going to be, by far, our biggest offering to date.”
Passion Carnival now features ten section holders and an enviable team of experienced designers who have collaborated to create a most innovative and futuristic mas collection. The band’s design and creative team is comprised of Fazad Mohammed, its executive and in-house designer; in-house designer Rajin Gopie; Avinash Singh, Jayson Maharaj, Ashvin Bally, Samantha Ramischand, Christian Boucaud and Candice Mohan.
The band’s board of directors includes Anthony Harrysingh, Christian Nath and Asha Brathwaite and under this umbrella there is an executive team, administrative staff and a large and diverse committee.
The Fantasy Carnival launch of 1001 Fantasies takes place tomorrow at Queen’s Park Oval, Elizabeth Street, St Clair, at 10 pm. Tomorrow, as well, Friends of Pan Trinbago will host their Cooler Fete from 6 pm, at MHL Starlift Pan Theatre, 1 Mucurapo Road Extension, St James.
There is also family fun stuff this weekend as well. The Oropune Residents & Friends committee will hold its first Emancipation Queen & Cultural Show—A Nation’s Culture Resides in the Heart & Soul of its People. Billed for the Oropune Recreation Ground, admission is free and there will be entertainment by LH Pan Academy, Sashtri Gosein, Fire Ball, Kareen Williams and DJ Soul.
Police Credit Union honours Black Stalin
Representatives of the T&T Police Credit Union (PCU) recently honoured one of most iconic calypsonians of our time, Leroy Caliste, better known as Black Stalin.
As the Police Credit Union continues to exercise its corporate social responsibility and in commemoration of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the PCU extended its sincerest appreciation to Black Stalin. Born and raised in San Fernando, a token and an honorary award were presented to him on behalf of the credit union.
The San Fernando branch manager dutifully represented the credit union’s south office, bringing warm greetings to both Stalin and his wife Patsy.
Present were credit union president Fitzroy Frederick; secretary, Auldric Neptune, CEO Neil Marquez, south branch manager Karen Charles, credit committee member Ingrid Maxwell and Ras Kommanda, a fellow artiste.
During the visit Black Stalin’s demeanour was one of optimism, true to his form and fashion. He digressed on his many trials but, nonetheless, said his path for success in the calypso arena was stronger.
Frederick said: “While many icons have passed and others may have been forgotten by mainstream media, at the heart of every Trinbagonian The Caribbean Man remains very relevant today and the T&T Police Credit Union thanks Black Stalin for his sterling contribution to our culture.”
Chaguanas Chamber hosts Emancipation Dinner
Emancipation Day will be celebrated on Monday, August 1 and the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) will host its first Emancipation Day Dinner tomorrow at Plaza de Montrose, Main Road, Chaguanas. The feature speaker will be Khafra Kambon, chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC). The event will be held from 7 pm to 10 pm.
The theme for this event is Sirkel Van Die lewe, which means Circle of Life. Joining the CCIC at this first-time event will be Minister of Trade Paula Gopee-Scoon; Senator Avinash Singh, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture; Acting High Commissioner for Nigeria Ganiyu Adekunle Adeyemi; Members of Parliament for the Chaguanas areas and other notable figures.
According to the CCIC: “The event is a chance for us as a business community to honour our cultural traditions and highlight the evolution of our society from slavery and indentureship to a thriving multi-cultural, multi-religious country. As the business and retail hub of the country, Chaguanas has grown and prospered from the support of citizens from all around this twin-island nation and we are inviting everyone to join us and to use this occasion to celebrate the rich heritage of our country.”
Members of the public are invited to attend the event, to feature cultural entertainment courtesy of the ESC. Tickets can be purchased from the secretariat at 671-2242 or 779-8804, or via email the CCIC at gccic@chaguanaschamber.org