Please Carnival Band, charge my Credit Card, Pretty Please...

I recently saw this post by Stacy Romano on Trinidad Carnival Diary's FB page:
Okay ......So for the persons who didn't get in Fantasy Band sorry to hear that, in kartel voice "Nat Nice" .......you kno what i realize if you not begging, paying a fee to get in, jumping through hoops or someone on the committee KNoWS YOU masqueraders just don't want to play in yuh band they just addicted to rejection and LOVE to beg to GIVE their money away .........Ronnie & Caro, Island Peop...le, Dream Team, De Krewe, Trini Revellers, Legacy, Genesis, just to name a few-----> let me tell you how to get in Step 1. go view your costume at the mascamp....Step 2. make your deposit ...Step 3. payoff and collect your costumes on said date AND Step 4. play with a crew that is not stuck up, sucky or party poopers and you will enjoy yourselves on the road..........

My friend brought it to my attention since she had recently told me a story about her Jamaican friend who had paid someone who knows someone on Tribe's committee for a costume (in full). When he got to Trinidad, he could not find the person he paid nor the friend of a friend. It was his first time to Trinidad for Carnival and he had heard that Tribe was "de band" to be in. Without question he paid for the costume AGAIN! I found this difficult to believe until she introduced me to the guy who confirmed the story and proudly exclaimed that he will be trying to get into Tribe again, no matter what it takes.

I do sympathize with this guy especially since I had a similar experience. My friends and I had the same desperation in 2006 and paid a guy who knew "someone on committee" full price for Tribe costumes. We were in constant communication with this person and everything seemed to be in place. He even told us he would deliver the costume to our homes on carnival Saturday. On carnival Sunday, we did not hear from him and contacting him proved to be futile. It took us a while to conclude that we were scammed and ended up with no money and no costume.

Since that experience, I've decided to go through the legit process to register with a band. If the band declares that they are sold out, I will move on to another because guess what? there are other bands. But this year after falling in love with Fantasy's costumes, I almost found myself down that that road again. After realizing that Fantasy had no intention to open registration to the public, I contacted a good friend who had been registered through someone he knew on the committee. He confirmed that the band was mostly sold out and that they will not be doing public registration. Still in disbelief, I emailed Fantasy who responded in a timely manner that they will release information regarding registration. This was one month ago. At this point, I don't think anyone in their right mind believes that they can get into Fantasy without pulling some strings. Unlike other people, I am attracted to the costumes and not the hype surrounding the band, but if I can't get my fave costume, I will have to move on....Sorry Fantasy's Ophanim, I really felt we would have made a good match...

***The pic of Ophanim came from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Costume Photos

Kes the Band for Arthur Guinness Day in Jamaica!

I almost missed this, but Kes the Band will be performing in Jamaica tomorrow!!! Guinness is celebrating Arthur Guinness Day worldwide and Assassin, I-Octane and Kes the Band will be leading Jamaica's celebration of Sir Arthur's life and work. The show will be held at the National Indoor Arena and tickets are not available for sale. In fact, I am not sure how you get the tickets, but I know that Guinness is responsible for its distribution. Oh gosh...if someone know anyone who is anyone at Guinness..hook me up with 2 tickets PLEASE!!!!!!

Ghett'a Life

After all the rave reviews about the latest Jamaican film, Ghett'a Life, I finally decided to see it at the cinema. Please note that I watched it at the cinema and not an illegal download or "copy" sold by a random man in Half Way Tree.
Of course the movie centres around the the garrison politics and violence that seem to be the only topic that film makers are interested in when making a Jamaican film. However, this one introduces a character who is fed up of the "either" "or" political stance; he wants to be identified as Jamaican and not by a political party. Derrick sees his success as a boxer as a way out and also as a means of inspiring the youth in his community. The obstacles are great as party allegiance trumps common sense.
The film boasts of Jamaicans in front and behind the camera which is always good for a developing film industry. The performances by young Kevoy Burton (Derrick) and Kadeem Wilson (Gully Rat) are commendable along with the other cast members. But my fave performance was by Chris McFarlane who portrayed the area don, Sin. I also enjoyed the sound track which featured songs by Buju and Bounty Killa. I just feel like film makers can tackle different subject matters. It's still showing at Carib 5 so check it out...there are lots of discussion points...

6th place in the National Costume Competition

Gabrielle Walcott, Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe, congratulations on placing 6th in the national Costume Competition. This version of Tribe's Ibiza was really fantastic. So what if you didn't win...88 girls didn't win either....

My girl, you look good and I would give my big toe to have your body. As a Trinbagonian, I support anyone who repping my country in a positive way....you go girl

Bleu Heroes Weekend

Well after people spend a mint at Kingston's Fashion night out, they now have Heroes Weekend to consider. Frenchmen recently advertised their annual all inclusive party in Ocho Rios on October 15&16 which we know will cost about US$100. This party is consistent with their vibe, food and music and it's always the same crowd. However, I'm excited by their competiton, Bleu, who will be hosting 5 parties on that weekend. But what I am most excited about is Bleu's pool party which will feature KES THE BAND!!!! Well Frenchmen cannot compete with that eh, so if I'm doing Heroes weekend, it will be obvious where I'll be...being wotless!

So Frenchmen, you need to step up and do something exciting because I sense you will lose some regulars... I'm interested to hear what you guys will be doing....

Check it out- Mantra

Mantra recently opened and I have to say it's becoming one of my favourite spots since I've eaten there 3 times in the last week. I was a bit iffy about the location in Barbican Business centre which is located in one of those in between uptown and ghetto areas. But once you are inside Mantra, there's no issue about its location. It's a bit small and the kitchen and dining is in the same space which I'm not a fan of. The decor is tasteful and modern with the combination of lime green and burgundy.

The menu is quite simple with a focus on salads, sandwiches, burgers and wings. But Mantra's twist on these basic dishes are a large part of their appeal. So far, my faves are the lamb burger with sweet potato fries, and the south of the border salad. The lamb burger is topped with egg plant and feta cheese which lends to an amazing taste. The south of the border salad is delish with chick peas (channa), avocado, barbeque chicken along with the regular salad stuff.

You could spend between JA$700 and JA$1000 on a meal which is kind of high for casual dining, but the servings are heavy. There's a JA$50 charge for take out, which I'm not fond of especially since the meal is not cheap.

Mantra definitely gets two thumbs up. Kudos to the friendly and really cool owner, Laura and her chefs. I will be picking up lunch there frequently so they've gained a customer once they keep up the quality of the dishes...

the pic was on twitter

Dear Mas....

Dear Mas,

I know that we've had a longstanding commitment but I'm afraid that I may have to bow out next year. You see it has been difficult to acquire a costume for various reasons. I am not friends with anyone who sits on a band committee so I was unable to engage in committee member registration. I don't know if it's the same as preregistration but I was also unable to do that since I don't know any very important persons who run a band.

I was really feeling Fantasy's costumes but apparently the band has sold out even though they have not opened for public registration. After people started getting anxiety attacks over Fantasy's registration, they shut down the wall on their FB page and have been silent on twitter. Even if Fantasy had costumes remaining, they only offer corsets option for 3 sections; 2 of which I've been told are sold out and the remaining section may not have an available Frontline. Now Mas, you know I love you but all mas is not equal and my belly needs to be covered and sucked in.

After Island People Mas' mess of a band launch, they did a remarkable change after consulting their masqueraders and presented something that looks really interesting. I have one die hard IP friend who suggested that I give the band another chance and at least I'll know 1 person. However, I contacted IP who to my disappointment, only has corsets for Ki and Elements, which I wouldn't wear.

I would know a lot of people if I were to play in YUMA but it's the same drama with committee member registration and past masquerader registration yada yada. I am so not into the big band drama and I know that YUMA will be packed up tight tight since everybody and their tantie will be in this band. Furthermore, these people have the audacity to charge an additional TT$650 for a corset and hear the best part- you have to bring your own corset...what de ass YUMA! So mas, do you understand my predicament?

I know there are other bands such as Spice, Explosion and Oasis but it would be nice to play with 1 or 2 people you know....Since we are on the topic of Explosion; have you seen what this band has done to you? Their costumes are all about breasts and bamsee (the pic is from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Costume Photos). I am one person who can't wait to see the death of the cage bra. I just can't stand to see all the boob fat squeezing through those wires but big up to all de girls who rock the cage bra!

So that's my dilemma and I hope to figure this out by September or you won't see me in 2012...

Regards,

A Masquerader with no Costume.