NICKI MINAJ: POUND THE ALARM VIDEO

BOOM!!!

CARNIVAL FACES VVIP SECTION

Carnival Faces celebrates  diversity, life, beauty and strength through the Ultimate in Make-Up and Costume Artistry. Each of these custom-made VVIP costumes captures all faces and colors ofRibbons For The Cause in a vibrant myriad bursting out of the most luxurious of  silks. The spirit of movement and beauty merges with luxurious, jewel toned wings, and costuming allowing you to let go and get lost in the moment as you revel in the Celebration of life with Carnival Faces.
Carnival faces....... we celebrate our fifth year as a VVIP front of band section for Miami/Broward Carnival.   Celebration encompasses all the facets of Ribbons for the Cause - Big & Strong One Island Band......the costume is a collaboration of the talents of Jacqui Koon How (House of Jacqui, Trinidad), NerKeda Jones (silk fabric design - daughter of Heather Jones) and Trudy Young (Carnival Faces).  The bikini top and bottom can also be used on it's on for a fabulous day at the beach.   
Celebration is a  limited edition all female section catering to 25 masqueraders only...... personal security detail in addition to what is supplied by the band is also included.  For the DIVAs of the section accessories and a fabulous gift pack with everything to complete the experience will be supplied. in addition the members of the VVIP section will be able to use their costumes once more for Orlando Carnival 2013, Memorial Day weekend.   (Carnival Faces Vacation) Value for dollar.   There are two options available for the section in terms of costing $275. Costume and $300. which includes costume and Carnival faces Artistry.  (a $25 saving)  Make up is $50 for Miami Carnival with Carnival Faces for all other masqueraders of other bands.  Everyone in the section however receives a gift bag.  Registration is now open feel free to contact us with questions.
Trudy 561 445 7966  
Zondell 561 542 2051.

VIP 500 CANCELLED

To our Chosen few:
In the best interest of you our patron; VIP 500 has been postponed until further notice due to circumstances beyond our control. Our Highest Priority is making sure that we do not compromise the integrity of this brand. Unfortunately the officials of the fine town of Freeport were misinformed of the vision and quality of what VIP 500 brings. Sometimes these are the obstacles that we encounter when trying to maintain the standards of such an elite event.
We will continue on our quest to identify a suitable venue and date that can accommodate the brand that you have allowed us to establish and come to appreciate.
Distribution of monies collected for all sold tickets starts on Monday, July 30, 2012. Please contact your respective VIP 500 committee members for said refunds. We would like to complete the reimbursement process within the next 30 days.
Once again we thank you all for your continued support.  We will keep you informed of a future date for VIP 500.
With Sincere Apologies,
The VIP 500 Committee Members

WASSI'S 25th BAND LAUNCH DATE!!!

FINALLY!!!!!

Wassi Ones is celebrating 25 years on the road... WOW!! We did it!!! The only band who has ever made 25 CONSECUTIVE years!! We officially launch on Saturday August 18th from 4pm-midnight at Destination Blue Sky. Look forward to seeing you there!

CARNIVAL NATIONZ OR BACCHANAL ON THE BEACH?

This is the second weekend in a row that South Florida will have to choose an event to go to. We have Bacchanal On the Beach that people have known about for a little under a month and then we have Carnival Nationz Band Launch that just announced their launch quite abrupt. At the band launch will have your normal mas jumbies but even I who profess to love off carnival and everything pertaining to it, is finding it a bit hard to make it to the launch. I will work my magic and try making it to both!!!

YUMA HAS RESURFACED!!!!

I an all was beginning to worry with the silence from YUMA! The silence was a bit eerie because they were once very, very vocal.  They went from having big vocals on their Facebook Fan Page to having it pulled/deleted all together with not even so much as an explanation to their masqueraders. Well KUDOS to YUMA for 'reinventing' their Facebook Fan Page that seems to be a brand new page all together seeing that they only have 125 'likes' and we all know YUMA was in the 10,000's. Guess its back to the drawing board for their facebook page. No worries where that's concerned, cause that number will multiply by this weekend (IF so long). 

MACHEL'S GOING FOR GOLD

PROUD

IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!!!

EUPHORIA INVADES TRUCK STOP!

Saturday night was the band launch of Euphoria Mas (Miami). I will not get into the fact that it was also the band launch of TRIBE. I had the pleasure of conducting an 'interview' with Mr 'Ravi Rav' who happens to be the Executive Board member of the band.  I tried to think of basic questions that any typical masquerader would ask but with this extremely witty and charismatic individual, being serious was extremely hard. Questions asked were.

• How many sections are there within the band?

There are SIX sections presented here tonight and we have a Mystery section for the road.

• What is the price range of the six sections? 

Females start at $170 *backline.  Prices can/may go up once extra pieces are ordered ie bigger head piece, wire bra, back pack, etc.

• What was the inspiration behind Karma? What made Euphoria come up with Karma?

"What goes around comes around." We thought it was a great way to portray our bacchanal and party spirit. Most concepts are over used in this industry while Euphoria remains fresh with a cutting edge.

• What are the names of the sections?

INSIDIOUS

The Insidious whisper of the bad angel, who acts in an evil way to carry out something with no intentions of the outcome being good. Characterized by treachery and deceit; lest we forget, what goes around, comes around....

REBIRTH

It has always been seen as transcendence, pure, the triumphant of spirit over the flesh.  It is new, leaving behind the previous life and we must have a spiritual Rebirth in order to be redeemed by God the Spirit.

SPIRITISM

In Spiritism, karma is known as "the law of cause and effect", and plays a central role in determining how one's life should be lived. Spirits are encouraged to choose how and when to suffer retribution for the wrong they did in previous lives before being born to a new life.

VIOLET FLAME

The Violet Flame is charged with the light of divine freedom. It is used to burn off karma from other lifetimes on all levels.  It refines our nature so that our judgment is clear and we are able not only to see what is true, but to express ourselves with understanding and beauty.

TRANQUILITY

Blue is the color of truth, serenity, harmony and Tranquility, by helping to soothe the mind. It is good for cooling, calming, reconstructing and protecting.

ENVY

Culturally, green has broad and sometimes contradictory meanings. In some cultures, green symbolizes hope and growth, while in others, it is associated with death, sickness, or Envy. For whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap.

• It appears like you have a section dedicated to Breast Cancer again, is there anything we should know about that?  Does any of the money go to a particular foundation?

Yes.  We are working with various charities and haven't gotten this information locked down as of yet. As soon we have everything finalized we will release that information on the website and I will forward it over to you.

• Who designed your sections?

We have a designer out of Toronto who designs for many of the top bands around the world. His name is Ross, we like to keep Caribbean talent and inspiration in this industry, Caribbean. You want a good costume go to an 'Islander' or 'South American', you want a good gas friendly car go to China. I'm just sayin'.

• With that being said, where are your costumes made? I'm seeing many band leaders having costumes made in China, is that also the case with Euphoria? I know what you just said, but I have to ask.

That's not a problem, I good! A portion of the 'mas' is made in Toronto and the rest is done here by the Euphoria committee members within the mas camp.

• When can we expect to see an updated website running and ready for registrations?

Euphoria Mas' website is always up and running. The website should be fully functional for our 2012 registrations by tomorrow. I am responsible for the website, so tell me if you like or love it when you go home to register LOL The website is Euphoriamas.com and there are 3 simple steps to register.

• Tell me, how much influence is there from Trini Mafia in Euphoria Mas? I'm asking because I see the heavy support from the Trini Mafia family down here.

Well the crew is actually a bunch of our personal friends. Funny story, they've all played with all the other top bands in Miami. We approached them to play in Broward Carnival a few years back. They said the moment Euphoria switched to Miami they would come play with us. Just so happened, that year both the Broward and Miami Carnivals joined and the rest is history. These guys an gals know this community well and supports all cultural events its a no brainer that they are appreciated society leaders and play with Euphoria!!

• Is this an all inclusive band?

All inclusive as in Premium full liquor bar, yes. All inclusive, all day long!!! Drinks, Breakfast and Lunch on the road (probably in that order).

• What can we expect from Euphoria Mas on the road? From how you answered the last question I see liquor will be a TOP priority lol. But I mean like perks, amenities, maybe bathroom on the road, etc.

We have some surprises like I said before with the mystery section and a couple of other things I can not yet reveal. We have approached a rap star or two who expressed an interest in playing mas with us.  Last year we also shot not 1 but 2 music videos on our truck (reggaeton and soca), you will have to come play mas with us to find out.

• Maybe I'm asking answers but who will be the DJ or DJ's on the road with Euphoria Mas?

TP Sounds *who placed as best local DJ on de road 2011

DJ Ryan Sayeed

Milo Mile (New York)

Kelz D Mad Man (MC)

Dj Sinstar (GemStone)

• Are there individual options for any of the sections?

Yes yes yes, we will have individual options for every section, contact us for special request.

• Where is the mas camp located?

North Lauderdale, Florida. If that is too far for some, the Internet will be up by the time they wake up from tonights festivities or they're eating their Sunday lunch.

• What would you like EVERYONE reading this blog on Monday to know about your band?

Euphoria's Mission statement: To enhance each masquerader experience one wine at a time.

Euphoria prides ourselves on quality and experience of our revellers. We encourage feedback and inspire bright young minds on our staff. Cassie and Mariano Sealy have based this band on family and friends. If you like diversity and beautiful people this is your band. Come and see why we have grown and tripled in size over the past few years. Miami is looking for the next trend and more bang for their buck, we are it. We are Miami, the beauty the colors the music and the Mas........

With that said, I gave him a hug and exited backstage on the left.  

*I'm not a professional at 'critiquing mas costumes' by what material looks good together or proper placement of beads or headpieces. I've also never professed to be one. What I am an expert in is what I can see myself in, what I like, dislike and love. I know........I feel what I can jump, prance, drop on the ground and roll repeatedly in. My personal favorite for the second year in a row is the section dedicated to Cancer awareness.  For the same reasons as last year, I just love the idea of it and the fact that proceeds go to a greater good has me sold. The way it was designed this year, I liked better than last with the additional shoulder side pieces, hanging beads and wider/bigger headpiece. As for the rest of costumes, I think Euphoria stepped it up this year. There was more of a thought process and looks closer to theme. A pet peeve of mine is to see a bands theme on a banner but not see it portrayed in costume. That has become a problem with these bikini, bead and feather bands. I can see how the Violet Flame's yellow represents the 'flare', just like I can see how the horns 'fit' in Envy and so on. There is no costume within the band that I don't like but if one just had to be chosen I'd say Tranquility (the blue). Only because there is just so much of it and blue just doesn't POP on a completion as dark as mine.  Overall, I don't see Euphoria having any problem selling out quickly with their pretty costumes, updated website and their registration process starting almost immediately after their band launch. Costume prices are right for the recession, the DJ's are great and the band has reportedly NEVER run out of drinks. Sounds like Euphoria Mas is good to go!!!  

Pictures from the launch will be up shortly on Island Gems' website. 

Keep checking!

CARNIVAL NATIONZ MIAMI LAUNCH

So I'm guessing August was too long a wait for Carnival Nationz. They have their new launch date and it is NOT in August! Lovely venue!

NEW WORLD ORDER!

The original video is shown below, then there are different 'breakdowns' that are shown right after. Whichever one you may agree *or disagree with, they're both pretty much saying the same thing. How prepared are you mentally or spiritually?

THE COMPLETE BREAKDOWN OF THIS VIDEO: 

PART TWO OF THE VIDEO

After seeing these explanations, you can NOW look at the explanation given by the maker of the film HERE. 

WHICH OF THE TWO DO YOU BELIEVE?

BLESS...

TRIBE'S VIDEO TEASER

The original airing of the video was only seen by a couple hundred people before it was pulled.  I don't know what the reason was why TRIBE pulled down their 2nd teaser video but they've decided to repost it.  My suggestion, watch it fast before it gets pulled again.

MIAMI CARNIVAL MAS BANDS

The latest rumor in the Miami Carnival world was that Carnival Nationz Miami was considering cancelling their Empires Band launch this weekend and looks like the rumor is true. This was sent via email AND is posted on their Facebook Page.  Some believe it had EVERYTHING to do with the other band launch scheduled for that night (which would be Euphoria Mas). I'm hoping that THAT is also a rumor because my sources tell me it's rescheduled for some time in August and if the scheduling conflict actually was the cause of the cancellation, they will ALWAYS have that problem.

I just hope that the day in August that they decide upon isn't the same day that Wassi Ones decides to do their launch!!!! *As of now, all we know about Carnival Nationz Miami and Wassi Ones is that they're both scheduled to launch some time in August.

Due to an overwhelming response we have decided to relocate and reschedule our much anticipated launch of Empires. Please stay tuned for information regarding the new date and location via email blasts, our Facebook page – Carnival Nationz Miami – and Twitter. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you when we launch EMPIRES Nationz Miami Style.

NEWS FROM CARNIVAL TRADER

I guess Carnival Trader is new and improved seeing as I got this in my inbox recently:


I wanted to let you know that CarnivalTrader is now officially LIVE, and no longer in Beta Test Mode.

You will have to register again.  If you have Facebook, Twitter or Google, this should only take a few seconds.  You can do that HERE

There are a lot of Free features that I think you would be interested in, like free Product Listings in the Carnival Market, and Free Business Listings in the Carnival Directory.

Of course, if you need anything, or have any questions at all please don't hesitate to ask me.


Hope to see you soon!


~ Mogul

http://www.CarnivalTrader.com

RACISM HITS SOCAMOTION

There was a situation over the weekend that saddened a friend of mine Onya West. She is a co founder of SocaMotion and this was the email she sent to me on Friday night/Saturday morning. 
"We had an incident this morning/late night of racist comments used by Lifebooker in their online marketing of Socamotion classes to new clients. After offering "$7 Socamotion dance fitness classes" they used the tag line ~
'Shake what Aunt Jemima gave ya." 

Lifebooker called this morning to explain that they were referring to the fattening pancake syrup that you would shake off to lose weight but the reference is tenuous and still offensive for a marketing company that has represented Socamotion twice before yet still fails to understand the brand. They have changed the offensive wording on their website to something that is much better, but it already has been sent to their thousands of followers. 
Read the post on Macafouchette for full details and I will keep you posted as things develop ~"

TORN BETWEEN LAUNCHES!!!

I understand that the Miami mas bands will parade in full costume on the same day but do we have to launch on the same day as well? If any masquerader had to choose this would be hard. We have Carnival Nationz, Euphoria Mas, Ascension Mas Band and then relax in your own home and watch TRIBE via Internet.  *Rumor has it that if you attend the Ascension Band Launch you get a free ticket to attend Truck Stop (the place where the Euphoria Band Launch will be held). I will look into it and update this entry.

SNEAK PEEK AT EUPHORIA MAS

Euphoria released a sneak peek of things to come in the next 

10 days!!!

SIZWE: H.I.A. VIDEO RELEASE

A few people were invited by Sizwe to view the video of H.I.A. on Sunday July 8th, 2012. He told us to come with an open mind and be ready to mingle. Sizwe has a vision of people becoming more personable, of actually meeting, greeting and talking to one another. I loved the idea of that and decided to go. Naturally I got there a little on the late side but at a decent enough hour to enjoy a drink and enjoy the scene. While there, I must admit, I only mingled (if so much) with the people I knew and didn't do as he asked. *Listen, I said that I liked, even loved the idea of it but I'm a shy girl and a creature of habit. It takes a lot for me to just start talking to people I don't know. He DID say that this was just the first of many to come, so the more I go to, the better I hope to be at it. We did get to see the video. Now you can too. Hope you enjoy........

KES 360, SIZWE AND NO SWAPPI

This blog entry is a WEEK LATE but an entry that I tried to avoid because I enjoy the music of all involved Kes the Band, Sizwe and Swappi. You will get to understand how Swappi came into play as you read.

Let us start at the beginning. That night started off as nothing short of torture. My friend's car died on the way to meet me. Unknowing to me my heel fell out my car and I drove over it. No one in the car realized the shoe fell out until my hubby (from in the car behind) called to inform us that he picked it up and would bring it to the venue. I felt defeated but insisted on going.

I got to the venue (it was enormous), got my car to its 'spot' then walked to the venue *after I was given the other side of my shoe.  Shortly after getting in, the models finished their last jump on the stage then Barry Hype introduced Sizwe.  He sang two versions of the same song but the performance was explosive.  In the middle of the original H.I.A. Sizwe stopped to introduce the Miami Street Marching Band (who people usually mistakenly call the Miami Heat Marching Band) and let loose some confetti.  The crowd went crazy and then he started to sing the H.I.A. remix. DJ Genesis played a track and the band played alongside the track and Sizwe. He kept the crowd entertained further by having one of the band members 'Bruck It Down' for the 'caribbean people'. It was powerful and exciting, just the kind of opening act needed for Kes The Band!

When Kes arrived on stage, the initial hype was there, the excitement of the crowd was there and by the third song, it just wasn't. It was an advantage for me to see the show from the 3rd floor as I was given a chance to see and compare the overall crowd reaction during all acts. I could remember thinking that people were dancing and enjoying the songs being sung but not really enjoying the performance of the band and it looked like it didn't make too much of a difference if Kes was performing or not. There was no WOW effect for me and evidently a LOT of people in the crowd.  Besides the costumes Kes was supposed to be the main event of the night and it was lacking. The feeling I was closest to at this point was disappointed.

All in all, the event experience was GREAT!! I was happy that Generation X's costumes were a huge success as I saw people hustling to the registration desk before the models could even get their costumes off.  Proud to see how our local Sizwe outperformed international Kes!!! A little bitter however at how things went down concerning Swappi. Swappi was in town for the cricket match earlier on that day and was going to do a little 'pass thru' in Kes 360. From what Im understanding, there was an okay from the promoters for Swappi to perform and actually encouraged. Sizwe was performing/already performed, so who again had a problem with Swappi performing? Guess we wouldn't know huh? Or maybe, just maybe at the last few minutes of Sizwe's performance, it was said, flat out NO because 'someone' did not want Swappi performing so Kes wouldn't be out shined TWICE in one night. Talk about egos. Isn't it supposed to be about the happiness of the patrons? Guess I would have done the same thing. Who wants to be embarrassed twice, by people who supposed to be 'beneath you'. Wonder who the person/persons were. Hmmm, who would have something to lose by Swappi giving a passerby performance? It was a cool scene, we got to 'drink whatever we like' during our private 4D performance on the 3rd floor.

Now that I'm actually reliving that night through the writing of this blog entry, Im even more excited to see Sizwe and Swappi for Miami carnival, cause if this is what Sizwe can do in a little under a months time as a preview for Kes, imagine what he could bring to Girl Power and R.A.V.E. with 3 months of planning!! Mr excitement Swappi himself needs just needs to perform to make up for last weeks absence. Maybe even TOGETHER!!! At the end of the day, TEAM ISLANDS UNITED, ANYTIME you have an event, I'M THERE!!!

(The audio is bad but this was the only video we could find)

UTOPIA MAS' VENUE 'REVEALED'

Callaloo Company 

Western Main Rd

Chaguaramas

GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY!!!

*its a ticket only event*

SPICE'S SPICY ANNOUNCEMENT

Announcing...

Spice Carnival Band Launch 2013

Hey Spicequeraders,

Carnival 2012 was an amazing experience for us at Spice and based on your feedback we know you had a great time too!

From the entire team, we say "thank you" to every one of you for making it a success and an extra special thank you to our masqueraders who have supported us in the past four years.

You guys have made each year special to us and have helped to create memories that are going to last a lifeime.

With another great season under our belts we take great pleasure in being able to officially welcome you all to the beginning of Spice Carnival 2013!!!

Get your dancing shoes ready cause its that time of year again!!!

Spice Carnival will be unveiling our 2K13 presentation 'Let's Dance' and celebrating five years of carnival excellence with you on July 14 @ Pier 1 featuring Kes the Band!

So Come see some of our most gorgeous costumes ever and celebrate our 5th anniversary with us, and dont forget to wear white and bring your coolers!

Get your limited early bird tickets only from committee members

Limited Advance Tickets start at $225

TICKET OUTLETS:

Woodford Cafe - Chaguanas and Port of Spain
Off Rodeo - Grand Bazaar

Caribbean Jewelers - Gulf City & Trincity Malls
Mystique - Trincity Mall

All Spice Committee Members

SPICE LET'S DANCE HOTLINE - (868) 222-0475

See y'all on the dance floor!!!

Best Regards,

The Spice Team

TORONTO LIME IS BACK!!!

Last week Toronto Lime relaunched their popular AND MISSED website. Hope you enjoy it as they're back and claiming that there are 5 reasons we would like the newer Toronto Lime over the old.  As I clicked the Toronto Lime link, I immediately saw that I don't have to go through 1,000 fliers to get to the home page of the site. THAT in itself is a huge plus for me. They also have a new Facebook and Twitter link on the Home page. It looks like Toronto Lime is back and in full effect!!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY GUYS!!!

EAT WISELY

Today is a day FOR MOST (as there are so many people in this country that have migrated) to just PIG OUT! I myself, have NO shame in saying that I am NOT cooking today and intend on crashing every backyard, front yard and kitchen but my own. Down to deliveries I'm taking. Just remember, from today you have EXACTLY 222 days until carnival Monday in T&T ok. *just sayin.

NICKI MINAJ'S T&T VIDEO SHOOT

“Ever wanted to be an extra in an international video? Here’s your chance…. Nicki Minaj will be shooting her latest video right here in TnT

If you would like to be a part of this amazing opportunity, please send an email to nickiminajvideo@gmail.com, with a picture of you in your full costume. You will have to bring it with you for the shoot”

N.B. Please note that all queries and comments should be sent to nickiminajvideo@gmail.com

For more facts about the video shoot visit the 

Trinidad Express Online.  

ISLANDpeople Mas Rebrands

Island People’s theme for Carnival 2013, Rehumanise, is also a campaign designed to rebrand the popular mas and events company. Over the next year, Island People will roll out several events and concepts around the theme which is aimed at encouraging more face to face interaction rather than conversations on a cell phone. “With all the speculation that the world will end in December, we are saying what happens when we wake up in the New Year to realise that nothing happened? People have lost the essence of human interaction so in 2013 let’s restart, let’s re-ignite the basics of humanity,” said Colin Greaves, the newly appointed General Manager of Island People Mas. Greaves, the former IP Communications Manager, told Metro exclusively that the company has already begun to implement the concept through various events such as a house lime at which random people were invited to hang out and meet new people, and the Victory Games at which IP invited the girls from their chosen charity, Angels on Earth, to enjoy the day’s activities.

The organisation will launch a series of merchandise inscribed with the words Put Down Your BB and Wine as part of the concept. The theme will also extend to the service IP Mas extends to its customers, said Greaves. “People will see a new level of organisation. The band launch will be followed by the website launch and the opening of the mas camp.
Masqueraders wouldn’t have to wait as before,” he said. Greaves said they also plan to introduce Customer Service Reps to offer masqueraders a more individualised service. After Carnival 2012 when IP was forced to redesign many of their costumes following a public outcry against the original designs, there was a lot of internal reflection in the company. The rebranding exercise was as a result of this introspection as was Greaves appointment. “The management structure has changed to make everything more efficient to allow for faster decisions,” he said. As for 2013 costumes, Greaves said the design team has held critiquing sessions where some masqueraders were invited to attend. He said over 18 costumes have been critiqued and that number will be whittled down to about 10 to 11 before the official band launch on August 17. A new concept for the launch will be revealed next week. Greaves said the company’s intention is to show masqueraders that they really do care about them and he intends to continue the initiatives that reflect this such as the Fit to Play workout on Chancellor Hill in the weeks prior to Carnival and the rest stop at the Oval on Carnival Mondays and Tuesdays. “My aim is to continue doing these things and fix the things that need fixing such as costume collection. We are working to make that quicker and faster.”

Who is Colin Greaves?
Greaves, 24, has been working at IP since 1999 as an intern under Communications Manager Penny Gomez. He also interned as an assistant to IP founder Derrick Lewis but when Gomez left to take up a marketing job at Digicel, Greaves assumed the communications post. Born in February, Greaves describes himself as a culture baby. His parents owned the band Showcase and he grew up in their mas camp, spending his evenings after school among the mas creations. His parents, Peter and Marilyn Greaves, were very influential in making sure he and his sister knew every aspect of local culture regardless of origin. An avid pannist, Greaves held the role of Public Relations Officer for Invaders and today plays with BP Renegades.  He has also judged everything in Carnival from traditional mas to the King and Queen of Carnival competitions. Greaves is currently completing his double BA in Carnival Studies and Communications at the University of the West Indies and though holds the title of GM, is still in charge of the Communications portfolio for IP.

*article taken from Metro's Online Magazine

GREGORY ON GENERATION X

What an eventful weekend this was!  This weekend we had cricket on both Saturday and Sunday, live DJ's playing music on the grounds of Joy's Roti Shop in Lauderhill which is conveniently placed across the street from where the cricket games were held. Then there was the band launch of Generation X that featured Florida's own Sizwe and Kes!!!

I got to the venue and had to wait quite a while to get in and after finally getting in, the models were already on stage, modeling the costumes and were walking off!!!  PISSED!!!  From what I saw, I liked.  I wasn't able to see a brochure/booklet until after the live display of costumes and later on placed names to the 'colors' I saw prior.

After the models were off the ground floor, I was escorted to the VERY much needed air conditioned 3rd floor to speak with Gregory.  That's where the explanations of Generation X's Tremors began. . . Gregory, is a very charming person that clearly enjoys what he does.  Full of smiles, hugs, kisses and character during what I would imagine to be a VERY stressful time for him. I asked him a series of questions to get a further understanding of what the masqueraders who played with him should expect for 2012.  Gregory (Antoni) came together with the Generation X committee to find a theme.  The theme they came up with was natural disasters but wanted to stick to the one word effect that they thought would have a stronger impact. That's when Tremors was born.  Tremors has a total of 10 sections, of which will ALL have an individual, section leader, frontline, backline and male.  The booklet/brochure only shows 9 so you'd have to see them all when the website is updated. Prices range from $180.00 *male and $495.00 *individual.  As far as a complete band, Gregory said he will DEFINITELY have a queen and is working on a King. The King isn't definite because there was no incentive for people to play king because the Miami Broward Carnival Committee didn't give a substantial amount of prize money for the king. The amount of money rewarded for king wasn't high enough in previous years to cover the costs of making the piece.  So finding one to play it was slim but the prize money has raised for 2012, so he is hopeful that someone will.  On the road, Generation X will have 2 music trucks.  The truck will have some of the biggest names in the business.  The main DJ's will be Alicia D Duchess, Genesis and Private Ryan. There will be a drinks truck, a food truck and portable/mobile restrooms. I asked about the production of costumes, he said that it was funny I asked because every year, prior to this year, ALL Gen X costumes were designed and produced in Trinidad but for 2012 only the designs and prototypes will be done in Trinidad but the 'mass production' will be done in China.  He explained that Trinidad *to put it plainly, hasn't kept up with the times. That China is more competitive and has a better quality so ultimately both Gen X and their masqueraders would get more for their money by having the costumes done in China.

I got the feeling during this informal interview of ours that Gregory had his masqueraders best interest at heart. So I asked him, what is THE most important thing for him to get out of all this and like expected, he said that he has to put forth endless effort to produce value for his masqueraders' money. That he felt 'sick' that the band consisted of 1,000 people last year and had to turn people away, for that he has catered for 1,500 people this year and believes once he treats everyone with love and respect it will ensure good karma.

The blog on Kes the fete, will come shortly.