Carnival Monday with K2K - The Aftermath

Hmmm..is so long I eh do a blog post...it feeling weird...where to start, where to start? Well lemme start by wishing everybody a Happy Carnival! Hope it was a safe and enjoyable one.

Right. So despite their problems in their first year, I choose once again to play mas with K2K Alliance and Partners. There is no need to say how gorgeous the costumes were, that is understood.

Costume Selection and Registration
When I saw the costumes at the launch, I immediately picked my section. The pink section (Skeptic). Upon further examination at the mas camp and photos, I then decided no, I playing in the black and white section (Knowledge). And what happens when you take too long to decided on your section? Well naturally other sections catch your eye and then I said, nah, I playing in the green section (Conformist).

With 2 weeks or so to go before Carnival I finally made it to the mascamp to pick my section. By this time I had finally decided on the red section, Victory. When I got there I told Mrs. Norman that I wanted to register for the red section to which she said that unfortunately they had no pieces for me to try on in that section yet, but I could try on the other sections.

Excuse me?
TRY ON? 
You mean like BEFORE I get it? 
You heard right. Persons were allowed to try on the costumes they were interested in before they registered for it!

I tried on Skeptic, FanFare, Dreamer and Challenger.
From the time I tried on Dreamer, that was it! Love at first wear! Plus it was my favourite colour too. After trying on, I went and signed up and paid my downpayment. Past masqueraders also received a $300 discount. The entire process including trying on of the costumes took about an hour.

Costume Collection
I collected my costume on Carnival Thursday and was in and out of the mas camp in 20 minutes. My costume was even more gorgeous than I remembered, and it was exactly, if not better than the prototype. I was very happy with the complimentary goody bag that we received.

Carnival Monday
The band was scheduled to meet at 10:00 am on Monday. We got to the meeting point just about that time and the persons waiting looked beautiful in their tailored jackets.

We did not moved off until about half 11 though as there was an issue with the bar truck not having the right permit, and the Transport commissioner was not allowing the truck to move off until it was sorted out. The issue was eventually resolved and the band moved off.

It was smooth sailing on Monday and we hit all the judging points, Adam Smith Square, Victoria Square, Independence Square and the Queen's Park Savannah stage. We also crossed both the Coca-Cola and Synergy mini stages on Ariapita Avenue. 

We had no official lunch stop on Monday and ate on the road as we headed to Independence Square. Apparently trucks cannot be taken off the road without jeopardising their position in the route (I think R.E.A.C.T has to get involved or something so, if this happens), so our music trucks went ahead while the drinks truck and food van stopped. This almost made us miss crossing the stage downtown, but thankfully most of the masqueraders made it back to the band as our music trucks reached the stage.

While the band made its way to the Savannah, I choose instead to head home with my mom and aunt, as my aunt wasn't feeling well at the time. And I don't ever mind finishing off my day early on Monday as the day on Tuesday is longer. Plus I almost always have things to do with my costume. This year that included doing my boots, bag and adjusting the length of my dress so it wouldn't drag on the ground.

Monday ended well and I was left looking forward to Tuesday.

Yeah! - The 10 point (or less) review

Well since allyuh enjoyed the condensed 10point review that last time I figure I'll do a next one.

So at the 99th hour... I ended up with a Hyper Inclusive ticket to Island People's Yeah! at O2 Park. (Remember I said I wasn't going anywhere else for the rest of the season right?). Chanting my usual mantra of "But I have NOTHING to wear!" I headed to Yufe's Saturday morning, channelled my inner Anya and created a fab mini dress a mere two hours before the fete! And hear nah...de dress look pretty decent if I do say so myself and I do *pats self on back*

This was another fete that I decided not to walk with my camera. But this time though, it was because I couldn't find the cable for my camera to transfer my pics and the camera have no more room.

Okay, here's the 10 point review.

1. Layout
I can only speak for the layout in the Hyper Inclusive as I did not venture in the Inclusive side of the fete. The layout was good. My only observation was the main bar on the slope could be dangerous if navigating with heels and some drinks in yuh head. The elevated sponsor area gave a great view of the stage and the crowd.

2. Food
I had a plate (or two, maybe three, I wasn't counting) of the sushi and that was really good. Best dish of the night. I also tried Flair Restaurant's beef, with the pineapple salsa...yummy! I also did take a taste of the stewed oxtail from Mango's and that was tasty as well.

3. Drink
Now I am not a drinker by any means. My usual fete drink of choice is Coke on the rocks, I MAY have the occasional vodka and orange juice or Bailey's and das about it. However, the people at Fair Restaurant inveigled me into trying a drink of theirs called "Canal Water". I ended up having about 6 of those sample cups of canal water. Hear nah...dat was the best drink of the night oui!

4. Performances
Denise Belfon - a bit tedious.

JW and Blaze - I love me some JW and Blaze, and to me they brought the low key vibe up a few notches. (JW and Blaze ah waiting for the Power Soca song...allyuh stickin! )

Kes the Band -  Enjoyed his performance from start to finish! He has a great repertoire this year, he sang my favorite song from him this year "Stress Away", but all of his songs got a reaction from the crowd.

Swappi -  I love love love Swappi! He sang the tune that brings out my inner jammette, Bubble on a DJ, as well as 4D Gyal and Bucket. I love them ALL!

Machel Montano - I think Machel could give his girls a rest and bring back the Powerpuff girls yes. His dancers did give their usual energetic performance though. Machel seems intent on pushing "Pump Yuh Flag" for Road March, for me though...it kinda meh. I am certainly not feeling it. Machel I think you should go with Revelling as your Road March pic.

Patrice to me was underwhelming, loved her catsuit, did not like her dancers though...I could do without them. And was it just me or did Patrice forget the words to "I Am Soca"?

Enjoyed Farmer Nappy's performance.

5. Crowd - The crowd was REAL low key for the most part. Especially when it came to the newer songs, it seems to me that they were unfamiliar as they were more responsive to songs from previous years. The vibes were me and my crew were liming was real hype though. We had a time.

6. Bathrooms - Up to now I eh find the Hyper Inclusive bathrooms eh IP. The cleaning staff  send meh ALL OVER de place. I ended up using the facilities in the Inclusive area and that was up to par.

Other than a small incident with one of the security guards, I enjoyed this fete, and overall I would give this fete 4 wine out of 5.

Soca in Moka 13 - The 10point review

Who: Soca in Moka
What: All-Inclusive
Where: Trinity College, Moka. Maraval
When: Sunday 8th January 2012
Cost: $600 (last year $550)


I told Saucy that I wasn't going to be doing any review this year yuh know. I went to Moka with my two hand swinging...no camera, no Blackberry, nothing, which I thought was a good idea given all the rain and thing. But wouldn't you know it...this would be the year Moka made some changes to their layout...Steups.

Anyhoo...I still don't really feel like doing a full review, so here is Soca in Moka in 10 points (or less) :

1. Layout - The most popular food has always been the Chinese food, this year that booth was elevated (dem stairs was lil rickety eh Moka fix dat nah) and was under two tents this year. That did not make the lines any shorter. Line. for. days!

Uncle Max booth was also elevated, not that he was in there for any length of time, cause he's a man like to be in the middle of the crowd with his security jostling paying patrons.

2. Roy Cape - Blaxx cut his ras and say he was going to talk less, but didn't, they now have Ricardo Dru on the frontline, he wasn't too bad and Rita Jones is an even bigger dragalicious mess than she was last year. (Matter of fact that's an insult to the drag queens I've seen yes. My apologies queens!) She needs an intervention ASAP! Somebody...anybody...PLEASE HELP HER! Yes Roy Cape, ah glad allyuh realise people wasn't feeling allyuh non-soca set and allyuh went back to the soca.

3. Kerwin Du Bois - Bachannalist. Big Tune. My choice for Groovy Soca Monarch HANDS DOWN! (Sorry Mr. Fete, but I'm a bachannalist to meh heart, just read de blog to see why)

4. Dil-E-Nadan - *yawn* unimpressed for a second or is it third (?) year running. The best part of DEN's performance was when Ronnie Mc Intosh came out and mash up de place.

5. Ronnie Mc Intosh - Yes, his performance was so good he get his own bullet point here! Ronnie performed  How It Go Look, Ent and On The Road in his trademark fedora and a white track suit and MASH UP DE PLACE! Like it was 1998 all over again oui! From front to back and all the side of the fete was jumping up with dey umbrellas in the air. Well done Ronnie!

6. Rain - This was the first year EVER in my 12 years of going to this fete that rain fell. When we got the fete around 5:45pm, the place was good empty eh. So I say well yes, people eh coming this year ah go have room to move. Eh heh? Well look how by 8:00pm place pack like is nobody business, people come with dey umbrellas to the fete (not me eh) and jamming, jumping and wininig with dey umbrella in hand. I party in  de rain and dat made the fete even sweeter for me. Mind you on Monday I reach to work feeling lil sniffly and real mash up eh.

So das it really, Soca in Moka in 10 points or less. My low point for the night was losing a gorgeous bling ring my mom bought me for Christmas :( I took it off in the Andy Loos to wash my hands and forgot it by the sink, time I realised and went back, some bandit done ninja the damn ring. Bastards.

Soca in Moka is the only fete I have planned/budgeted to go to. If anything else drop in my lap though *hint hint* I'll be ready and more than willing to go!

(Photo: Triniscene.com)

D'Krewe Band Launch in Pics

Check the link to my photos on Facebook HERE

Review to follow.

TRIBE and BLISS Band Launch – The Aftermath

Date: Saturday 24th July 201

Venue: Queen’s Park Savannah

Cost: $260 (free rum, beer and vodka)

I got home at half past 4 this morning after a long, but fun night at TRIBE’s band launch. Last night TRIBE presented their costumes for 2011 in the form of "The Way of The Warrior" (TRIBE) and "The Warrior Within" (BLISS).

If yuh missed the BLISS boat, BLISS is TRIBE’s second "intimate" option for its masqueraders, there will be a separate route, mas camp, website etc.

The night started early for me as I was attending the media launch and working for Triniscene as their resident tweeter for the night. I met up with Saucy and her hubby Prince Namor and we made our way to the Savannah at about 7:45, and we were actually the first visible media persons there.

We were able to set up, have some drinks and take in the layout a bit beforehand. The actual media launch was scheduled to start at 8:30pm, and while it did not start on time we were able to take in the TRIBE video that was being aired on a loop and get a look at some of the costumes.

The media launch eventually began and we were treated to Capoeira and African dancers, then Adrian Raymond came on to start the ball rolling.

I was totally shocked when at the beginning of his speech, Adrian (or whoever wrote his speech) took time out to acknowledge “the bloggers who promote Carnival 365 days a year” (aka Saucy is the only blogger I know who does exactly that! LOL). I was literally like WOW! Total shock. Bloggers didn't get much applause from those present though.

Up first was one costume from BLISS and then 13 from TRIBE as well as Miss T&T Universe’s Latoya Woods National Costume “Calypso”.

We were asked to not post any photos form the media launch online until after the full launch at midnight.

After the media launch we made our way backstage to set up for the actual launch. We took the opportunity to use the bathroom (D’John with air condition putting Andy Loos in the shade), go get some drinks, upload pics and get familiar with the costumes in the booklet.

At this point my instant and clear favourite was Xi’an. Gorgeous, innovative, fierce and not a feather in sight!

As the minutes ticked down to midnight, expectations were high and there was a lot of action happening backstage with the Capoeria dancers practicing, the Triniscene crew tweaking the live feed and costumes starting to line up.

When the show finally got underway at a few minutes past midnight, I was tweeting based on the backstage lineup and what I was seeing on screen. From what I could hear over all the drumming it seemed as though the crowd “oohhed” and “ahhed” more for TRIBE than BLISS.

At the grand finale fireworks were launched, and from backstage this sounded SUPER LOUD! One of the fireworks that exploded overhead “escaped” from its pattern or whatever and made its way straight toward me with a hop, skip and a jump. I got up and scattered so fast, the guys were calling me Bolt. I could care less I wasn’t going to have no awol fireworks burn my ass. (remember the first Alternative Concept? Oh ho) LOL.

Once the launch was over, it was time to respond to feedback on twitter, take a bathroom and drinks break, and start uploading pics. Because of my position backstage I have very few pics except those that Prince Namor took backstage which you can see here.

Overall I would give the costumes in TRIBE a solid 8 out of 10, and BLISS gets a generic 6 out 10. I liked Caprika with the similar headpiece to Iroquois and the all white elegance of Titans in BLISS, and among my favourites in TRIBE are (in no particular order): Xi’an Warrior, Amazon, Iroquois, Massai Tribal Warrior (male and female), Mayan Eagle and Mongol Warriors Individual.

I left the venue just after 4, just in time too, as Hypa Hoppa took to the mike. What I really did NOT like at the launch was the music. I doh care what anybody say…if it’s a Carnival band launch, I want to hear strictly soca. I doh wanna hear who is de general in de hot gyul army or where anybody get dey Clarks from or if anybody have a feeling, save dat for 51 or Zen.

Other than that, the drinks were flowing freely, the bar staff were efficient, the bathrooms backstage were great and kept clean all night, and were an excellent place to cool off. I hear de doubles real lash too. I didn't have any as I am not a fan of doubles.

I didn't get a media kit, but I did get a booklet at the end of the evening so I was cool with that. If had a TLC, I would have no qualms about playing in TRIBE.

Let the battle begin!

Soca in Moka 11 - The Aftermath

Who: Soca in Moka
What: All-Inclusive
Where: Trinity College
When: Sunday 3rd January 2010
How much: $500 (last year: $475.00)

Well yes...

Allyuh believe dis is Soca in Moka 11?!?

Allyuh believe is a DECADE now I going to this fete?!

Allyuh eh find I should at least get a free ticket or exclusive parking or a free glow stick or something for patronising this fete so long? Lemme see if I could call and organise a lil space in Form 1 for meh chile yes.

Anyhoo...Soca in Moka 2010.

Now it doh even make sense to ask me, "You going Soca in Moka?" Cause all I will do is watch yuh cuteye and steups. Asking me if I going Moka is like asking me if I playing mas, cause my answer will ALWAYS BE "God spare life, yes."

Alright, so de ting start.

After a leisurely day spent getting the boys ready for school the next day, colouring my hair and making one pair of earrings, I was scrambling to get ready and eventually left the house at half 6. There went my plan to reach earlyish.

Passing through Santa Cruz, I got to Moka in no time at all really (by the way whoever is the representative for that area, allyuh need to put some lights up there please eh), and by 7:00pm I was making my into the venue where Dil-E-Nadan was already on stage, and the place was already packed!

Btw, it was on my way to the venue when I realise that I completely forgot to pack my camera. (blame that on my new Blackberry Curve that I got for Christmas, which btw takes awful night photos).

Dil-E-Nadan feat. Raymond Ramnarine, Derrick Seales and Candy Hoyte

Honestly if I had never been to this fete before and saw that the line up included Dil-E-Nadan, I would not have gone. That being said, I thought the band sounded a little too loud and they had too much people on stage like it was a rap concert or something. Too much people jostling for attention.

The fete patrons seemed to be into the performance which included soca, disco (huh?) and some chutney. I thought they spent too much time on stage which later affected the other bands who were scheduled to perform.

By the way, what was going on with that fella in that silver jacket? Jeezan.

Dil-E-Nadan gets 3 palance out of 5

Roy Cape All Stars feat. Blaxx, Olatunji Yearwood and Rita Jones

Yeah, you read it right, Rita Jones is back with Roy Cape All Stars, and boy is she is back with a bang! Now yuh girl (me, that is) was wearing her lil coloured contacts and wasn't seeing too clearly from far nah. When I hear Roy Cape was next I made my way to the front, only to see some stripper on stage with the band, only to realise is not a stripper but is Rita Jones!

Well I nearly dead, cause Rita was looking like she started getting dressed and then clean forget to finish getting dressed and fly out the house! Well is now self I blue vex with myself for not having my camera eh, and I was halfway glad and thanking the Lord above that I was wearing meh coloured contacts and couldn't see too well.

This is an open plea to whoever is Rita stylist/friend/bandmate/fellow Murray Street worker/whatever, put ah hand and help her out please. I not even going to talk bout the ashy looking armpits. *shudder*

Back to the rest of the band now.

Roy Cape sound REAL good.

Even doh Blaxx like to kill us with talk, he sing his tunes, new and old and had the place jumping. When next you see Roy Cape look out for the jazz version of Tusty...it bad!! His new tune Zombie (not Jumbie) was well received by the audience.

Despite the loss of his mom in December, Olatunji was usual energetic self, doing splits, and had the crowd moving. Other than the distraction of their female frontline singer Roy Cape was by far the BEST band of the night.

Roy Cape All Stars gets 4 palance out of 5.

The Iwer and TC Show

Roy Cape was joined by what was said to be the "Iwer and TC Show".

I am not even going to say discuss/describe Iwer performance. Just remember the last time yuh see Iwer perform, whether it was last week, last year, 5 years ago or even 10 years ago and is the same exact ting. Except this time, the crowd wasn't having any of it. Bathrooms were packed and by the time they finished their set the place was empty. They run real people.

The Iwer and TC show get no palance from me

Kes the Band feat. Kees Diffentaller and Nadia Batson

Wait nah, who is dat come out on the stage with Kees? Remember ah tell allyuh bout the contacts eh, so I had to blink couple times to focus. If allyuh see Nadia! My girl went and lost some weight and looking like a different person! All her face looking different! She looking even better than before. Nadia I was real digging them glove thingies yuh was rocking. The style could be a lil better, but yuh looking real good...keep it up.

Kes the Band didn't start off too well I find, like they was tired or didn't practice the set well, cause they was missing a lil something something. Usually their repertoire is clean and well executed, but that didn't happen. They did their back-in-times set which the crowd enjoyed immensely. And Kes didn't even take off his jersey!

Kes the Band gets 3 palance out of 5

Shal Marshall feat. Screws

Shal did Gyal Farm and then the "Police" song he has on the Palance riddim, which I did not like but is starting to grow on me. I think everyone was wondering "who the heck is that dude in the back jumping around?" That's Screws people, he has a couple lines on the track.

Shal gets 2 palance for warming up the crowd

Moving right along, cause when I hear de palance riddim is only one tune I really want to hear and that is by...

JW and Blaze

This was the moment I had been waiting for whole night!

By far far FAR my favorite tune for the Carnival 2010 season, JW and Blaze came out to perform Palance and did exactly what the song said...they palanced and mash up de place.

Watch out for this tune for Soca Monarch 2010. I eh want to say Road March yet because the song REAL fast and my ass out of breath afterwards, den remember too it have the mafia and all dat to study.

JW and Blaze get 4.5 palance out of 5

FOOD

Well after 10 years of going to this fete I could tell yuh what it does have eh, which could be either a good thing or a bad thing depending on how yuh look at it.

Usual fare of Carol's corn soup, outstanding oysters, beautiful bake and shark, heavenly Haagen Das, crab stuffed dumplings, with the main meal of Trinidad creole and Chinese. The only thing I had was the crab stuffed dumplings which were fantastic! I also had a taste of ribs which was just okay.

3 burps out of 5

BAR

The service by B.A.R.S. this year was just aite. Not horrible but not outstanding. I did hear of some instances of Black and White being mixed with Johnny Walker, as well as no coconut water. My staple of Coke on the rocks was decent and always flowing.

2.5 ice cubes out of 5

BATHROOMS

Andy Loos baby!

Running water, flushing toilets, soap and cream, pantyshields, tissue and mirrors!

My only complaint would be the long lines and this could be easily resolved if the Andy Loos which only had one toilet but three urinals (huh?) in the ladies area were switched out for the Andy Loos with the three toilets.

4.5 flushes out of 5

EYE FOOD

Eye food for the men: The usual, is Trinidad yuh know.

Eye food for the women: This fete was like a quarry boy, only stones! I find this year had more men than women. I sure real men steups in dat fete.

Even though it had all dem men though, the gape wasn't all that great.

3 cross eye out of 5

Overall Soca In Moka was a great fete as per usual and yes, God spare life, I will be going again next year.

That's it for this Party Animal...looks like I'll be getting a lot of sleep this season.

This was my only planned fete for the season and in this recession, I only going where I getting comps. So if yuh have any yuh want to share, email meh nah, afro.chic@hotmail.com ;)

EDITED TO ADD:

Here are a few pics from photographer David Wears' Soca in Moka album on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=367933&id=609810286

The Spice Route - The Spicey Aftermath...

Who: Spice
What: Band Launch - The Spice Route
When: Sunday 19th July 2009
Where: Zen

Touted as the band to watch out for in 2010 all eyes were on Spice on Sunday night.
And I mean all! From the TRIBE crew to the left of the stage to the Island People peeps scattered around Zen and everybody in between, they all came out to see if Spice would bring it. And bring it they did!

This rounds I headed to Spice solo as I only happened by one ticket thanks to my bro (but really thanks to me cause I gave him the answers to the questions which allowed him to win said ticket). On reaching the venue I was honestly taken aback by the number of vehicles on the road for the "upstart of a band", as some in the industry were referring to them (not me eh!).

I did not find a park easily and the only thing dem Zen people on the road was good for was nuttin. While I was parking I got a text from The Sauce asking where I was, I replied to her text and she told me she was saving a space for me stage front. SWEET! After FINALLY getting a park, I made my way to the entrance and inside around 8:55pm. The show was scheduled to begin at 9:00pm.

Taking up my saved position to the front of the stage (thanks Sauce!), I took a look around at the decor with the ladders draped from the upstairs area to the downstairs area (people coming down from there or what?) and the big Spice boat on stage. I later found out those were just props cause nobody came down said ladders, anyhoo...

I eagerly awaited the start of the show, cause last year I know they were on time! This year they weren't. The show started at 9:40pm and were heard a narrative about the origin of the theme. Lovely, but let's see some costumes!

Now I telling allyuh up front I not going into no setta detail and ting eh, the pics of the costumes speak for themselves and I will probably give a further review after visting the mascamp and seeing the costumes up close and personal and examining every little detail.

I liked the majority of the costumes and loved quite a few. Everytime one came out I kept saying "Ohgooooodddd, I like dat! Das meh section!" LOL.

On a closer review of my pics, the sections that are just nice enough but doh really drive me wild are the pink section Gates of Petra, the black section Ratnapurta, and the two green sections Merchants of Venice and China. The last two of which I think have the worst male costumes of the lot.



My list of the sections that I like but I would not necessarily play in starts with the burgundy section Rome. I like the frontline headpiece but that colour is just too dark for my liking and I thought it could have been a bit richer. The curtain on the back of the male costume needs to go.



Rubies of Mumbai, again GORGEOUS, but I wouldn't play in it. But that headpiece is to die for! This is also one of my favorite male costumes and I love that necklace for the men.


Ceylon Pearls is absolutely fan-ta-bu-lous. The model seemed to be having difficulty with the headpiece, something which I hoped is remedied for the road. And it was confirmed that this section has no backline, so just imagine this section on the road!


North Star is an Individual costume that again looked difficult to carry, but I love the sheer arm pieces and the leg pieces as well.


One of the first sections to make my pores raise was the bronze section Adulis. That headpiece is GORGEOUS (reminded me of Chutney from R&C), and the beads have that "whip whap" that I love.

Next was Caspian Sea, LOVE LOVE the frontline, and oh my wow that belt skimpy! Love the varying shades of blue.

A next heart stopper was Thailand. Both the backline and the frontline are beyond fabulous and detailed. The super explosive headpiece is to DIE for!

Right after came the next heartstopper and my personal fave Wings of Isis.
A teal costume with a sexy backline and even sexier frontline...look at those beads!! LOOK AT THAT HEADPIECE!!! (I personally would want to do a lil cut a paste here though, give me the backline bikini with the frontline headpiece please and thanks).


But wait doh stop there...kill meh now cause up next is Greece!!
From backline to frontline to Individual (male AND female eh!). The only thing is, I wanted to be on stage to trip Soowan Bramble...where she feel she going with that ridiculous body moggling my costume? Eh?!


Up next was some Moroccan Heat.
I loved this orange costume...matter of fact I love oragne costumes. This section had a lovely backline and frontline. I really like the headpiece detail on the backline, but I could leave or take the frontline backpack.


Make sure and get a FABULOUS pair of shades for the road because these costumes have enough sparkle and bling to blind you.
I enjoyed the varying variations of the liked the variations of the monokini/bonokini/chronokini/whateverkinis.

Some (not the majority) of the models looked very uncomfortable in their costumes especially with the oversized souped up headpieces which hinted at possible issues on the road, or maybe they were just a bit uncomfortable in the high heeled boots. I loved that they modelled the costume in boots and not the usual high heels, I thought this added to the overall costume presentation.

I enjoyed the launch for the most part, but I did not enjoy some of those models. Half of the models did not spend enough time posing and the end of the runway for photographers to take pics and the next half like they were not feeling the Carnival vibe. Put me in a costume in the middle of July and I would throw waist like the world was ending tomorrow. Smile nah man moggles...is Carnival!!

Overall, until I see the costumes up close and personal at the mas camp, I give Spice’s costumes an 8 out of 10.

IP Mas 2009 - The Aftermath...from costume collection to Carnival Tuesday...

One week ago today…

Carnival Saturday

After collecting only my basic costume the day before (bra, belt, accessories) I ventured to the mas camp today to collect my headpiece and backpack for my section Natural Mystic.

Reaching down to the Island People Distribution Centre (IPDC) the scene before was similar to what greeted me on Friday…chaos.

But like the day before I didn’t go to the main entrance, and I went around to the side and told the girl I came to collect my backpack and headpiece.

What she brought out for me had me in shock. A headpiece with WHITE and not cream feathers was handed to me. I asked her if this was the correct headpiece and she assured me that it was.

I was then told that my backpack was not ready but that they would be delivering backpacks to SOME people ( I was not one of them). The young lady took my number to call me when the backpacks were delivered later that night.

At this point I wasn’t angry or worried, just upset that I would have to again make my way to the IPDC the next day, Carnival Sunday!

On my way to the car I try on the headpiece only to notice that it is the MOST UNCOMFORTABLE headpiece I have ever had in my 18 or so years of playing mas. Grrr…

I got back home and continued my boots.

At about 7 o’clock that night my phone rang and it was the same young lady from the mas camp telling me that up to that point no backpacks had been delivered and I would get my backpack delivered to me the next day.

Again at 8 o’clock my phone rings and it’s the same young lady telling me that she heard that there were NO backpacks…like NONE AT ALL…NO backpacks were made and we would get a refund! At that point I didn’t want any refund, I wanted my damn backpack that I paid my so and so money for! Or I want to be in a next section!

It was at this point the panic started.

I made some calls and then I heard the talk was that Island People forgot to order the material for the backpacks, then they tried to source it locally and it was the wrong colour and after trying to source it externally, the material wasn’t standing p to the hot glue!

After hearing this piece of information, I forgot all about my boots (sorry to my customers who I had waiting) and headed down to the IPDC. Doh ask me what I had plan to do eh, but I wasn’t going to be violent, just to get some answers.

I got to the IPDC and asked to speak with Mr. Marlon Grant aka Hot Dog, cause that’s the only person I know in IP and I had seen him earlier in the day. Hot Dog came out and I spoke with him telling him what I heard. Hot Dog told me to have a seat and he would look into it for me. After waiting for about 40 minutes, and saw neither hide nor hair of Hot Dog, I left.

At this point in time, I was ready to cry. I could not imagine playing mas without my FULL costume, and I was ready to get my money back and go find some other band to play with.

Carnival Sunday

WHOO!HOO! 99% of my boots are done (just have to finish yours Megs) and it’s time for me to go collect my Natural Mystic backpack.

I head down AGAIN to the IPDC at Jean Pierre with my brother. While walking into Jean Pierre I notice a young lady walking out with what looks like a knockoff Natural Mystic backpack. I asked her if that for Natural Mystic, and she confirmed that it was, but they were also giving out some backpacks with wings. (huh?)

I get to the entrance and is more chaos with endless fresh warder Yankees trying to buy costumes at the last minute.

The gates were closed but I told the security that I was told to come back today and he directed me to the mess inside. I stood in the err…’line’ for about 2 minutes before realising that made no sense as there seemed to be no kinda order happening at that point.

My brother then pointed out the self same Marlon Grant/Hot Dog from the night before. I approached Hot Dog and he recognized me and apologised for the night before and promptly went in the back and brought out the knockoff Natural Mystic backpack for me.

My brother watched me, I watched him and we said “Samaroo’s!” I ended up on Carnival Sunday in Tulip and Samaroo’s spending over $500.00 to make my backpack presentable. Forget that I spent $500 extra for my headpiece and $900 for my backpack.

Carnival Monday

How horrible is it that I have to go back to Barataria to find a pair of sneakers cause the boots that I bought to play mas Monday are the wrong size? Tres horrible.

I got home and back to St. James in about an hour though, gave my boots a silver spray and called that lame…I mean George.

How terrible it is to be known as the Boots Woman and have to wear some sneakers that dry rot on you and falling apart on the road while you chipping? Tres terrible.

The band’s designated meeting time was 10:00am and we left home just about 11:00am and caught up with them just in front of Adam Smith Square.

The band was big. I haven’t played with a big band since the one time I ever played with Poison. The band headed to Victoria Square and on approaching that judging point, we were greeted by “Antz! Island People like Antz!” That was the IP tune to cross the stage.

Even though “Wild Antz” was not my song of choice (I preferred “Bachannal”), by the end of the day, that was my theme song, complete with the Wild Antz dance. (watch the video that shows on Synergy every other minute).

After Victoria Square we headed down to Independence Square and then up to the Savannah. We crossed the Savannah stage and by 3:00pm we were more or less done.

One quick look at the time had us hustling to get lunch, as our booklet said that the food trucks would be closed off at 4:00pm. Lunch was a mess. My brother had to hang on to the truck with our chits to get the soggiest, most unimpressive pelau ever. I ate because I was hungry and after a brief stop, we went to catch up to the band (who had not stopped).

I took the opportunity to leave the band at this point because I still had to do my Tuesday boots, cover and decorate my corset, and fix my headpiece and backpack.

Headpiece - After

Backpack - After

I got home and from 4:30pm to just after midnight, I spent the time doing my boots, ketching my royal to cut the headpiece (my dad had to use a hacksaw blade to cut the damn thing!), fixing my backpack, decorating my corset, making a bag to match my costume and doing my nails. I got to bed at about 1:00am.

Carnival Tuesday

My mother woke me up at 5:30am and I had my bath, uploaded some Monday pics to Facebook and got ready for my makeup appointment (my aunt does my makeup for me every year).

We got dressed, and left the house at about 8:00am and met the band just in front of Grillers on the Avenue. The band looking pretty…everybody looking nice!! Yours truly looking special…like an Individual! :D

The band on Tuesday was huge-erer than on Monday and with the 16 trucks definitely reminded me of the days of Poison. The band crossed in sections at Adam Smith (again to Antz), made their way to Victoria Square where there were no sections OR judges, then we made our way down to Independence Square.

After having some beautiful sun all day, we were rained upon while downtown. And as the rains came down all hell broke loose, and this thing called sections were forgotten. The first part of the band was kinda in sections but in the back where my section was, we had no music to cross the stage and had to sing “Tusty” to cross. Yes SING, cause by that time the trucks done long gone.

But wait! How I could forget the IP Security/Rope Handlers? What rhymes with hoggish? IP Security.

Being Frontline and walking around with a backpack I tried to keep out of most persons way by standing as close to the perimeter of the band and not in the middle for my backpack to be getting all up in people’s face.

I was shoved and pushed by Security while we were downtown and had to tell a couple of them a few choice words cause a little more again they mighta mashup my backpack that I did done spend my money on.

So after crossing the stage downtown, I attempted to get a box of food. Tuesday was dry Spanish Rice, with Chinese Noodles and Salty Fish.

I paused to eat at Woodford Sqaure, (Stop for your masqueraders to eat? What is that?) and took the time afterwards to use a porta potty and make some fixes to my costume. Chipped to meet the band which was still on Frederick Street and after being stuck their for a while, the hubby and I left the band to go meet our boys who were waiting up at the Savannah to see us. Met my boys and then went back to meet the band.

We reach to the Savannah and again…no sections. It wasn’t until we were nearly up on the stage that any attempt was made to put the band into sections, but there were of course people in between and not in the right section. Frontlines in the band were no different to backline, neither were Individuals. I saw the Dream Section Leader having to fight up with the same hoggish security for them to let her through to lead the section. IP needs to fix that.

At the Savannah stage my aunts and I spread the ashes of my late aunt Margaret, as this was one of her wishes.

After the Savannah it was chaos again with part of the band (first 2 trucks) by QRC roundabout, while the balance of the trucks were spread between TGI and SAGICOR with masqueraders all over the route. When the rest of the trucks caught up with the first two, the masqueraders had to run to catch up with the band like we were Richard Thompson trying to catch Usain Bolt.

The band then made its way around the Savannah, up and around Wildflower Park and down Elizabeth Street.

*yawn* Story nearly done doh worry...I tired too...

At this point the day almost down and the sun is setting. I walk ahead to St. James to drop my backpack and meet the band to chip down to the Savannah for the After Party.

Got back, met the band, chipped down to the Stadium and…no After Party. We tiredly chipped back to St. James while seeing scores of people still heading to the Stadium.

Overall my Carnival with Island People was real jamishness and I had a time despite the Security, lack of special Frontline treatment and the running down of food.

Would I play with them next year? Let me see what Kuchela brings nah, and then we go talk.