Quick Update

I have a couple more fete reviews and my wrap-up review of Carnival 2012 to do still...yessss ah sticking I know.

Anyways, hope you have recovered, or are recovering from the Carnival Tabanca...and from the nasty flu that's been going around post-Carnival.

My reviews and wrap-up post will be done soon.


Hope Carnival 2012 was good to you :-)

Review - Yuma's NEON

Event: Yuma's Neon

Location: Queen's Park West was stated on the flyer. The ticket had Queen's Park West as well. The actual venue was Queen's Royal College Courtyard. No complaints...BUT if that's the venue, advertise as such nah!


Date: February 11th 2012


Ambience/Layout: Loved the lighting...neon lights lit up the QRC facade and entrance. Lights were still being strung up when we arrived, or maybe they were fixing things, but guys were on ladders/scaffolding fixing things near the entrance when we got there at close to midnight...not cool.
LOVED the elevated stage/DJ booth in the middle with the bars setup around the stage area. Everyone, and I do mean everyone in attendance could have gotten a good view of the stage/DJ area. Only issue is that because the courtyard area was used, the actual paved area was limited...made for a slightly more intimate feel than most fetes have.

Food/drinks: At the price of the ticket, we were slightly sceptical of drink quality..but those fears were laid to rest upon arrival. Patron shot booth just to the right of the entrance. NUVO at the bar, also noticed Bailey's and the rum cocktails booth...but personally I saw Nuvo available, nothing else really mattered :-) The guy in the group complained that Johnny wasn't provided...sooo Yuma, next time Johnny please and thanks. Those that had the rum cocktails said that the ones they sampled were yuck...guess it's a matter of taste (I don't drink rum so it all tastes the same to me). Food had to be purchased, as this was semi-inclusive. I only saw gyros on sale, but there was also a cold-stone cart with free mini-containers...yum!


Performances: ALL of the advertised artistes performed, and performed fabulously...the exception Sherwayne. Unless we missed him by arriving when we did, Yuma owes us for false advertising, cause when we left (when it was done!) we still hadn't seen him. The artistes that performed were FANTABULOUS...I don't know if it was the drinks that were flowing, the vibe of dancing in rain or what...but the energy off of the crowd and performers during the performances was contagious...it was impossible to remain unmoved.


Bathrooms: Porta potties so bleh. But there were facilities to wash hands, with soap and mirrors sooo it wasn't too awful. Men used the school bathrooms...make note it's an all-boys school, so imagine the condition of those washrooms.

The Crowd: Guess we arrived at a great time. Peeps who got there earlier said people weren't dancing much. We were late, yes yes admittedly a lot was my fault...but by the time we found a parking space (about 3 blocks away!) and get in it was almost midnight. We had made up our minds to enjoy ourselves, especially since for a couple of the crew this was last fete)...WE HAD a BLAST. the crowd when we got there seemed to be enjoying themselves, there were a couple groups that seemed to be hearing other music, 'cause we totally lost our timing when we glanced over at them. Rain started, some folks headed for shelter, we didn't bother...we partied in the rain *grin*

Rating: 4...lack of flushable bathrooms, poor advertising re venue and lack of Johnny caused the loss in points. Fix that and this will get a 5. Think I can do this again for 2013.

Review - Army Fete

Event: Army Fete...d safest fete

Location: Queen's Park Savannah


Date: February 10th 2012


The promo: Take a read and check the FB page
Ambience: I was in the SIG section (Specially Invited Guests)...to the left of back stage.


Layout: SIG was to the left of backstage, VIP was to the right of backstage. General was HUGE!!! Only downside of the setup was that it rained earlier so parts of the ground was quite muddy. Other than that there are no complaints.


Food/drinks: SIG is food and drink inclusive. One bar though sooo as the night proceeded the line to get drinks got longer and longer. Food was provision and stew pork/chicken, bake and roasted pork, corn soup, pies...zero complaints!


Performances: KES was the opening act. Then Shal, TC, Iwer,  Bunji & Fayann and Asylum , 3Suns, Tallpree all came on...I left around just after 3...I missed Swappi siigh!


Bathrooms: The porta-cools, air-conditioned, kept clean throughout the night. Just that some ladies seem to not realise the bathrooms could be flushed...ladies, ladies please please try to be a little appreciative of the amenities provided.

The Crowd: The general crowd for Army fete has to be experienced. People were stripping, the fence shook, a cloud of dust rose over the crowd...that crowd is huge. Bucket, Iwer's Jab and Fayann's drop on the ground and roll were the favourites. Bucket seemed to be hte absolute favourite though...followed closely by Iwer's Jab... Crazy experience

Rating: 3.5...we couldn't get across to the VIP area, even though SIG was supposed to have access to all areas. Other than that had a blast at Army.

Notes: Why oh why do people even attempt fighting in Army fete. You're dealing with soldiers who have to work while others are feting...you're just looking for trouble #justSaying

Review - KES in concert

Event: KES in Concert @ Normandie Under the Trees

Location: Normandie Hotel, St. Ann's


Date: Fenruary 9th 2012


Ambience: Under the gorgeous trees in Normandie's courtyard...


Layout: Chairs were available for those that wanted to sit, lots of folks went up in front the stage. It had rained earlier so there were spots of soft ground...but all in all the ground was pretty firm.


Food/drinks: Food and bars were set up to the back. A separate bar for beers. Food was available for sale, corn soup, bake and shark. Drinks were available right up till the end.

Performances: KES in concert ...he brought on Nelson, David Rudder, JW &  Blaze, Shal and TC and Michele X. This was a very very good performance.


Bathrooms: Normandie's bathrooms ...decent. The line was just looong!

Rating: 3.5

Review - Hott 93's 'Inferno'

Event: HOTT 93's Inferno

Location: Pier2


Date: January 27th 2012


Ambience: Bleh! That about sums it up.


Layout: Before I go further let me just state that I'm glad we paid for VIP quite simply because VIP was to the front i.e. right in front the stage. General was just beyond VIP separated by a fence.


Food/drinks: Food and bars were set up around the perimeter...ok, to be fair I did not taste anything eh...but read on. Gyros, fries, fried chicken, bar-b-que chicken all unappetizingly set up upon entry and had to be purchased! WTF?! Drinks in VIP included rum, Black and White Scotch, Skyy 'nasty' vodka, beers, and water...in flipping VIP?! No thank you!


Performances: Fantabulous...this saved the night from being awful. Kees, KRich, Swappi,Shal, TC, Kerwin, Machel, Patrice, Farmer Nappy. No complaints at all. Dil-e-Nadan however, needs to go back to rehearsals...they were horrible!


Bathrooms: Four, count them 1, 2, 3, 4 porta-pottie units for the entire female population of the VIP audience = absolute failure! The smell alone ick! We resorted to using one of the few units setup for the men, cause the men were using the fences...NASTY!

Rating: 2.5 ...without the great performances from all but Dil-e-Nadan this would have failed miserably!

To the organisers: when initially advertised this was not a cooler fete. We called, you confirmed that. Then during the few days before the event it was switched to a cooler/bucket event for general admission ticket holders ONLY. Just note that you have lost MAJOR stripes for doing that...and 'cause VIP was such shit I doubt we'll go back next year.

p/s:- my friends and I walked with our own drinks and were well sauced before we even got inside...so the shitty bar did not mar our enjoyment one bit!

2012 Costume Distribution Schedules

All released yesterday, and beginning on Thursday 9th February for TRIBE and YUMA, Saturday 11th February 2012 for BLISS.

Additional info for TRIBE's collection:

If you have purchased a costume from someone OR you are collecting a costume for someone, please ensure that you walk with:

·          A letter signed by the costume owner authorizing you to collect.

·          A copy of costume owner's picture ID with signature.

Costumes will NOT be released to persons without these documents.

 

TRIBE's Mas Camp will be closed for costume transactions from

Monday 6th February - Saturday 18th February to facilitate Costume Distribution at the Cascadia Hotel.

 

TRIBE Customer Service Hot lines

(during distribution hours ONLY)

  (868) 350- 5670

  (868) 357- 0284

  (868) 357- 0293

 

The Mas Camp will be open for TRIBE IGNITE ticket sales ONLY. 

Tues - Fri 12-6pm

Reviews - times two (HNC Vintage and ONE Fete)

Yep folks, two reviews.
One of a Carnival show and the other of a fete.

First up: HNC's "Vintage Fuh So!" on Friday January 20th
Anyone who knows about secondary schools in PoS, already knows that HNC is always different. So many schools doing all-inclusive fetes, what does HNC do? A Carnival show, a VINTAGE Carnival show at that.
This was the 7th year that they've been having the show, first couple years it was at the school compound. Past few years it's been at Queen's Hall.
Location:  Queen's Hall.
Ambience: On arrival, we were greeted by blue devils and fire-breathing characters to get one in the spirit of things.
Food/drinks: Corn soup and doubles booths were setup for some pre-show munchies. On entry, we were handed a slip of paper with instructions on how to pre-order eats at the intermission if so desired (no eating in the main part of the hall during the show nah!), and then there were wine booths, the main cafeteria and a couple others. Didn't do much wandering around in the lobby, chatted a bit and then went in to find a seat.
Performances:
MC this year was Nicki Crosby, a welcome change from Black Sage.
Live music supplied by 'The Soca Unit', comprising former members of Blue Venuters, Xtatik, Sound Revolution etc, lead by Vincent Rivers (hope I got the name right).
Performers were, in order of appearance:

• Baron - never been a fan. Not a bad performance, just seemed to go on for too long
• 3Canal - I have never witnessed a performance by them that I haven't liked. This was no exception. Personally they should have been in the second half, but they had to go to another show...awww well!
• Ricki Jai - 1st time I've ever seen this guy perform outside of a competition or fete. Not too bad. Possibly not the best audience for this performance but not too shabby
• Ronnie McIntosh - loved the energy and hype of this performer.

After-show: When the show ended, the lime moved outside and ended to the sounds of Tripolians. Patrons were invited to be flag wavers if they so desired.

Show started at 8pm and ended just about 3 hrs later...tight performances, only one hiccup with the band. Not a bad show, they have had better shows in previous years.

Rating: 3 out of 5. The performances just did not have the sparkle of previous years.

Next event: ONE Fete on Sunday January 22nd
Location: Queen's Park Oval. As always parking was an absolute bitch! However, an enterprising homeowner offered parking in an empty lot of land, with security, for $40...parked there.
Ambience: From the packaging that the ticket came in, I guess the theme was desert-ish. Walking in there were Morrocan/middle-east themed displays, and belly-dancers. There was a guy twirling fire-sticks as well.
Layout: Food court was to the left of the entrance. Bars to the left-front, in the middle and then to the right. Stage was in the middle, set well back. Good view from most everywhere. Ohhh there were also a couple VIP/VVIP elevated sections on the sides. My only issue with the layout was the entrance...smallish, and then there were champagne/dewars booths so the lines made an already limited space feel unnecessarily congested.
Food/drinks: no complaints here, lots of variety. I did a little reconnaissance, before joining the lines. And yes the lines were LONG, especially for Arabian, chinese and Bake & shark. I had the chinese, sushi and grilled options...quite tasty, no adverse reactions. Drinks galore, rum cocktail booth included. Lots of Nuvo for the fans, cocktails and champagne...did not partake of much, had to drive after all.
Performances: I don't know his name, but he's the guy from the morning show on107.1 fm...he was the host I guess. He filled in the times between the bands. Kees performed first, with quite a few guest artistes in between. Let me just say it now: something seems to be lacking from Kees' set, it just seems off. Otherwise it was a good performance. Guests included: Kerwin Dubois (fabulous), JW & Blaze (good), Michelle X...then Iwer came on stage and the crowd went wild. That man, love him or hate him, can move a crowd!! Machel and band came on just around 11 and performed until it was done when it was close to 1am...Patrice I am soo glad that you can hold your own in that melee. Machel's performance as always is high energy, and even made me start liking that 'Pump yuh Flag' song.
Bathrooms: these were set all the way to the front of the fete on the right of the stage area. Big area, tonnes of mirrors, staff keeping things clean throughout the night. A Treseme truck/booth where people were getting their hair styled on the spot, and soap, tissue and hand cream throughout the night...no complaints despite the facilities being porta-potties

It drizzled off and on during the entire fete, and other than one occasion when people scampered for what limited shelter was available, most people stayed put and partied in the rain (and some folks had their umbrellas)

Rating: 4 out of 5. Parking issues and a relatively small entry area made this event lose points.

Hopefully I'll post more reviews in the weeks to come.

Less than a month to go...

Just about 28 days to day till Carnival Monday 2012

I made an impromptu visit to Wonderful World yesterday. If I didn't know better I would have sworn Carnival was next week! If yuh see people...buying glittery stuff, makeup galore, and d giveaways..papa yo.
One of the giveaways was a 'lookbook' (received with purchase of $99 and over)...this was essentially pages and pages of items sold in Wonderful World, with pictures of several costumed young ladies accessorized by the items advertised on other pages. Bands represented included: TRIBE, BLISS, Harts, Island People, Spice and Fantasy. (yes a noted band is missing...why?!)

I love sooo many of the accessories, and just hope that people remember that this was just a 'lookbook' with possibilities...it is not meant to be followed down to the last stone, and false eyelash!

Anyways, this post was a reminder to myself: go make that last payment on the costume, make my list of items to be packed (take some notes from Saucy's 2009 post...it's still relevant) and then find myself to wherever to get mentioned essentials.

Who feting this weekend...have fun, and ah hope none of allyuh guilty of these fashion don'ts


Laters all...time is waiting for none of us!

Happy New Year 2012

Sooo what I'm a couple days late...better late than never!

Hope your Christmas was Merry (we still in the Christmas season btw...thus gifts are still welcomed!!)
Hope your Ole Years into New Years celebrations were as expected, and best wishes that '...the worst of 2012, is better than the best of 2011..' to paraphrase a greeting I received

So anyways, that's two countdowns done...two to go.
The birthday is exactly 8 days away...What do I do this year?
Some thought is required for this...I generally don't do the massive celebration thing...but somehow I feel the need to do something, I doh know, special, this year.
We'll see what pans out.

And Carnival, that ohh so lovely time of year is all of 46 days away...take a deep breath.
Yes...46 days...a month and a couple weeks...a mere 6 weeks and a couple days away.
Typing that made me feel both excited and slightly panicked at the same time.
Costume still has to be paid off, what fetes am I going to...am I feteing at all?!!!
Monumental things, that I still have to determine...siiiiigh!

Bring it on 2012...let's see what you've got in store :-)

The Countdown is ON!

It is December 20th  2011...


CHRISTMAS
There are 4 days, I repeat, FOUR DAYS, till Christmas 2011!
Go finish Christmas shopping now!
Finish clean the house, baking still has to be done...
Who delivering pastelles for me?

OL' YEARS 2011/NEW YEARS 2012
Whether you celebrate the ending of the year, or the ushering in of the new...there are 11 days left to get there.
You celebrating at home, at a friend, in Church or at one of those parties?
I'm a bit undecided still, but I will attend Mass, either Ol' Years night or early New Year's morning.

MY BIRTHDAY
My birthday is in early January.
Thus folks are usually still broke as hell from the Christmas season and/or skimping and scraping every penny to fete/play mas for Carnival by the time my birthday rolls around.
I am therefore not too picky regarding gifts...a great Christmas gift (which can meet the requirements of 2 gifts in one), a fantabulous birthday gift (thus making up for the non-receipt of a specific Christmas gift), a couple fetes tickets OR pay off my costume.

Ah giving allyuh options...muah!
 :-)



CARNIVAL
Carnival is on February 20th and 21st 2012...61 short days away from now!
Are you registered? Have you switched bands/sections?
How far are you from paying off that costume?

Are you getting in shape? Cardio, Strentgh training, endurance training?

How' your cash flow situation?
It's a short season...fetes piling up two and three to a night.
Don't believe me, check out Ticket Federation's schedule
Now seriously...how many fetes can you attend?
Financially, how many is it even possible to pay for?


tick, tock, tick, tock...time is not waiting...get a move on!

Stuff

Sooo, have I mentioned how much I like to get emails from TRIBE?
Well, let me correct that now:
I love these little emails...make me smile almost always. First there's this one

About 2 weeks early, but much appreciated.
Also in that email was this lovely lovely little gem:

I doubt that I'll be paying off my costume before December 31st 2012 (Fast Track collection is sooo cool though), but WOW what incentive. That pass must be worth at least $1000, and the individual cost of tickets to those fetes could probably add up to about $1800 or so.
Siiigh...

btw I will be accepting Christmas gifts in cash if anyone was wondering :-)

Then I got this in email:
Blah, blah, blah gym* wishes to advise its members and the public that in addition to the Aerobic Class that will be held on Christmas Day at 10 a.m., there will also be a Spin Class at 10 a.m. 
Really? Like really?? People go to the gym on Christmas day - In Trinidad and Tobago?!!!! For a serious workout? Seriously????!!!
OH.MY.WOW!!!
Talk about dedication!


*gym name changed to protect the innocent

 Anyways...it's about 60-some odd days till Carnival.
Keep working out and preparing for the days on the road.

That extra touch of Glamour for Carnival

From TCD's blog today I saw this great post.
This is soooo adorable and glamorous...



Great addition to your Monday wear to make it special.
Or as someone on FB indicated, a great touch for their wedding ensemble.
Contact the artist on her Facebook page.

Pic is from www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com

Carnival 2012 Countdown is on...

It's just over 100 days till Carnival Monday 2012!

Some things to ponder:

• Have you registered in that section/band of your choice?
• What are ya waiting on?! 
• There are soooo many options to choose from, bikini and beads bands, traditional-mishallesque, alternative and haute coutre. Lots and lots to choose from
• Started looking at, or already purchased your boots? 
• Are ya going boots, or some other footwear option?
• Gonna get them decorated to complement that gorgeous costume?
• Talking bout boots...are ya gonna go diva with anything else? 
• Cups, bags, Monday wear, accessories, stockings...going down that route? How far?
• Started that 'carnival body' programme
• enrolled in gym
• bought those P90X or Insanity DVDs
• started walking...it's not all about best body, if you can't last the entire day!
• monitoring portions, cutting back on the junk (nooo i will NOT eliminate it completely!), cutting back on carbs and flour (sigh...this may make be cry!)
• scaling back on soft-drink intake, increase the amount of water you drink
• Those overseas: 
• have you booked that flight to T&T?
• where are ya gonna stay? 
• By now, both of these things should be booked...or at least reserved awaiting final downpayment
• T&T residents
• planning to stay at one of the hotels/guest houses/apartments in and around PoS?
• Have you booked yet?

Above all this...have you determined your budget for carnival 2012? Are you planning to stick to a budget?

• Costume cost
• Costume accessories including boots
• Fete options...planning to do all-inclusives, public fetes only, or budget-friendly. Or are you gonna forgo feting altogether? And if ya feting...what are ya wearing? 
• Accomodation
• Transport
• Other Carnival limes

Hope I've given you some food for thought and spurred you to get a move on if you've lapsed anywhere.

The countdown is on...tick, tick, tick!

K2K Alliance 2012 Presentation "The Waters – Seas of Consciousness”

This band launched a while back and can be found at their website and on facebook
Their concept to seems to be haute coutre of the marse-style bands.

The depiction of the prototypes on the models all link to the theme and the section names. Should be interesting to see this translated to a full band on the road.

This costume appeals to me the most

Something about it...just calls my name :-)

My only issues:
1. OMG those prices...they average just around $4000. Yes, they're all-inclusive, but they're a NEW band. They still have to prove themselves on the road.
2. '...snap-crouch bodysuit...': that phrase was repeated for many of the section descriptions. I have never ever professed to be an English major but I do believe that should have read '...snap-crotch...' It bugs me because of the number of times it's repeated.

I wait to see how this band delivers on the road.

2011-11-02 edit:- The '..snap-crouch..' typo has been changed. Have they read my blog post...hmmm!

2012 Registered...and more

Got that official receipt email the other day..I am registered to play in TRIBE 2012. Section will be revealed at a later date though.

These are my fav TRIBE costumes

TRIBE - Cyprus (Fl)

TRIBE - Ibiza (Bl)

TRIBE - Sun City (Bl without collar)

TRIBE - Vegas (Bl, collar is standard)

As usual, I am not playing with a 'crew'...too many people, too many variables, too much, too muuuch. The 'crew' is in YUMA. There are my fav YUMA costumes...

YUMA - Call of Duty (Fl with Collar)

YUMA - Angry Birds (Fl)

YUMA - Tyris (Fl)

YUMA - God of War (Premium Fl)

YUMA - Luxor (Bl)

TRIBE costume pics are from TRIBE's FB album, whilst YUMA's pics are from Triniscene and T&T Carnival Costume Photos. 

On to Island People...we all know that IP launched and presented some serious wtf costumes. Then they did a redesign/revamp. The result has been some of the sexiest costumes I've seen in a while. Here are some that I like.

IP - Ki (Fl)

IP - Sun Re (Bl),
Throw in a fab headpiece and this would be gorgeous!

IP - Element (Bl with collar)

IP - Xenon (Fl)

IP - Azula (Fl with Backpack)

IP's pics are from their FB album

Hands down my absolute favorite costume this year between TRIBE, YUMA  and IP is Azula's Frontline WITH the backpack.

Hmmmm...notice a trend?

Next time I'll post my favs from another three bands.

Carnival customisation services 2012

Over the past few years reading Sauce's blog I kept seeing post after post on decorating boots, bras, Monday wear options, blinged out cups etc etc. Other than boot decorating I was not even aware that people did all these things for Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

Yep, I was a Carnival Diva n00b!.

Last year was the first year I even wore boots to play mas...this year I had my boots decorated to complement my costume.

Mayan Eagle boots

The question now arises: do I have my boots decorated again for 2012? Do I do anything else?
My answers: Yep...gonna go the route of boot decorating again for 2012, already signed up. Not sure about the other.
In general I tend to be one of the many vest and hot shorts Carnival Monday masqueraders, and cups to me need to be more functional than anything else. The one thing that matters quite a lot to me is having a decent bag to carry stuff on the road...Giving this some thought.

Carnival customisation services currently available from Afro Chic and Carnival Divaz...check 'em out! If you know of others feel free to share links in the comments.

June too soon...HA!

It's June 2011 and here in T&T the rainy season has begun with a bang.

Almost every single day in T&T has had rain, in some part of the country...take today for example, I fell asleep to rain, woke up to rain, and it's been raining on and off... more on than off...since about 8am!

I.LOVE.rain

Anyways, onto other things.

Band launching season began last Saturday with D'Krewe's launching of their 2012 presentation 'Panache'.

Check out the pics over at Trinidad Events and in their FB album.

Other bands are poised to launch their 2012 presentation on the dates indicated:

• Spice - July 9th at Pier 1. It's a cooler fete and the same night as Island People's Caution.
• TRIBE - July 23rd
• Dream Team - August 6th
• Harts - August 12th at Anchorage
• YUMA - August 13th

Still to announce dates are: Island People, Legacy, Ronnie & Caro, Oasis and others. Wonder what'll happen with all the 'new' 2011 bands?!

Sooo enjoy the remainder of rainy June and bring on the band launchings!