Jamaica Carnival: Sunrise Breakfast Fete Review

Sunrise Breakfast Fete
April 26, 2014
The Lawns of Hope Zoo
JMD$6000

I think I was excited for this breakfast fete since April 2013.  In fact, I was probably too excited because I wasn't blown away.

This year, the fete was bigger and a true representation of what an all-inclusive breakfast party should look like.  All of the elements were there: easy parking, a food court, an array of breakfast dishes (some of which were catered by Jacqui Tyson), several bars, a coconut water stand, bashy restrooms, but the best part was the chilled rags.

The music was pumping and we even got a fantastic 30-minute performance from Kerwin DuBois.  Machel and Skinny Fabulous also performed.  I really enjoyed these performances.

And can you talk about people; it seemed like the entire soca fraternity came out for this one.  Some people couldn't even bother to change after J'ouvert and came with their paint and all.  Side note: I find allyuh had enough time to go home, bathe, and change eh

My major issue with this fete since has always been the limited bar.  Because it's sponsored by CPJ, patrons  are forced to drink Dewars, Campari, Grey Goose and other CPJ beverage brands.  I can't tell you how much I hate Dewars, which tastes like death and the tears of small children.  But what killed the vibe for me was the heat.  That was a no joke heat even with the chilled rags. So by about 10:30 am, sweat stains were forming on my shirt and I was ready to leave.  Call me bourgie or whatever, but I didn't dress up to sweat like a nun at a cucumber stall....

Bless up Sunnation for those chilled rags

I'm almost sure that most patrons felt that this fete was epic (I know... I know ..we need put that term in the vault), but I didn't get that vibe.  It had everything and more for a great fete, but for me it was just okay....

Jamaica Carnival: I Love Soca Review

I Love Soca
April 23, 2014
Hope Gardens
JMD$2000

I Love Soca was huge this year.  If you see people!  This fete has come a long way and it's safe to say that the Wednesday before Carnival in Jamaica will belong to the  I Love Soca promoters for a long time.

I really liked that they used a bigger part of Hope Gardens to accommodate the obvious increase in patrons.  Man the place was ram...it seemed that all the soca fans came out and then some...Machel, Konshens, Cecile, Chris Martin, Shaggy, Kerwin DuBois, Mr Killa...and a few other celebs were also present...

A Too Real moment (literally)

I walked with my 4 main necessities for a cooler fete: ice, scotch, coconut water, and a cup.  I love cooler fetes because I don't have to worry about bars with no scotch, no coconut water, only Dewars, and small cups with too much ice.  The only drawback is that you may drink a tad too much.  Good drinks combined with a good selection of music from Richie, Dei Musicale, and Nuphoric gave this fete vibes and more vibes. Everyone was clearly having a ball even if they had to go to work the following day.

At a point the music level got so low you could have a conversation easily without raising your voice.  For some, this was a vibes killer, but it is the price we pay for a fete held on weekday near a residential area.  The other complaint is Lil Rick.  As much as I love his songs, he just didn't seem like a good fit because he was so boring.  I just wanted him to stop.

All in all, I Love Soca delivered and was not a disappointment.  See you next year

Jamaica Carnival: Beach Jouvert Review

Beach Jouvert
April 19, 2014
James Bond Beach
JMD$5500

I really did not enjoy Beach Jouvert 2013, but this year I felt it had redeemed itself with Bunji and Fay Ann as its headline act.  If you've been to Beach Jouvert several times, it is clear that the promoters use the same model every year- James Bond Beach, drinks inclusive, paint, and a performance; even the venue is set up the same.  And of course it wouldn't be a Beach Jouvert without the standard wining competition. Even with these elements, there's something about paint, soca, and the beach that lend to an awesome party.

It did take some time for the vibes to pick up, but once the paint was distributed there was a full on party.  Nuphoric from Trinidad and Richie RAS did not disappoint and had the crowd wining to all of the latest and some throwback hits.  Now you all know how I feel about Bambino, so I'm not going down that road again.  I'm just going to say that maybe one year the gods will be good to us and Bambino will lose his voice....

After the mess that was Shurlame Shurwayne last year, Bacchanal was smart to book Bunji and Fay Ann and the Asylum Vikings.  In Trinidad I was really disappointed with their performance which was very boring.  I assumed it was just at that particular fete and reserved judgment until I saw them at other events.  However, they didn't show up to the 3 events I attended where they had been scheduled to perform, so I was glad to see them in Jamaica.  The performance was good with Bunji and Fay Ann belting out tune after tune.  The most memorable aspect was seeing the entire crowd clapping and singing Carnival Tabanca.  Another aspect was Fay Ann telling the general section to move the barriers to the VIP. I really couldn't help thinking "that good fuh bacchanal" because there's absolutely no need for a VIP section at Beach Jouvert or at any Jouvert party in fact.



Photo credit: Bacchanal Jamaica's facebook page

At $5500 for drinks only, this party was overpriced, but it continues to attract patrons because the formula works...but hey, you can't go wrong with thousands of drunk people on a beach wining to good soca....

Jamaica Carnival: Red Conquest Review

Red Conquest
April 4, 2014
Mas Camp
JMD$3000 (vip)

Red Conquest was the only night I've been to Mas Camp this season.  It was strategic for Bacchanal to leave this night up to Island Vibes who made sure that there wasn't the typical mas camp feel.  The music from Richie R.A.S and Nuphoric from Trinidad did not consider the typical mas camp 12 songs which was a huge relief, not only for me but for a lot of the non regulars as well.

I'm glad that I opted for the VIP which included drinks and food.  I like that the VIP area was set up like a fete within a fete and not just a cordoned off area. I had no problem obtaining drinks directly from the bar or from the assigned servers throughout the night.

The highlight for me was Skinny Fabulous' performance.  It is difficult for a performer without a band to command a huge venue such as mas camp, but I think Skinny did well.  The crowd reception, however was lukewarm mainly because his songs are not as popular among the mas camp crowd when compared to Destra's offerings.  I will leave my comments on Jamaica's love affair with Destra for another post...



Skinny Fabulous
Photo Credit: Bacchanal Jamaica's facebook page

I've said many times that Bacchanal is out of touch with what's happening in the contemporary soca scene in Jamaica.  The problem is that they have a huge following who are content with their current offerings and not really open to a non-palance. On the other hand, there's a group of soca lovers who are fed up of the same ole at mas camp and want something more which is what we had on the night of Red Conquest.

Picks for Jamaica's Ministry of Fete

The Jamaica Carnival Schedule shows that there are way too many events and it is impossible to attend all especially if you are living paycheck to paycheck.  And if you haven't been saving, unfortunately, there is only one paycheck to carry you through the majority of the carnival season.  So if you don't get comps or an alternative source of income, you may find this post useful when making your fete decisions...

These are my picks for the next couple weeks:
Red
April 4, 2014
$1500 (general) $3000 (vip)*
I'm so over Mas Camp, but if I had to chose one night, it would be Red, which will feature Skinny Fabulous and music by DJ Richie R.A.S. and Nuphoric from Trinidad.  This night will be organized by Island Vibes, the lastest group of Carnival promoters and I have no doubt that they will do an awesome job that night.

Soca vs Dancehall
April 6, 2014
$2500 (early bird) $3000 (presold)
If you were lucky to get the early bird tics for $2500, this is a good deal for a drinks inclusive event.  The selling point for this fete is DJ Private Ryan from Trinidad (yay!).  The theme is Carnival at Night so I am curious if patrons would actually wear costumes.  But the one thing I've learnt is that Jamaican party-goers will stick to a theme.

Beach Jouvert
April 19, 2014
James Bond Beach
$5500

OR

Canboulay Breakfast Party
April 21
Rodney Hall Estate, Portland
$4000
I predict that these will be the top two events on the Easter weekend, but the choice will depend on what you are looking for in a fete.  Beach Jouvert has its loyal followers, especially those who love the paint experience.  You may have noticed that there are very few live performances this season, so the addition of Bunji and Fay Ann is a big selling point here...

On the other hand, Canboulay is for the pretty people in pretty outfits.  Portland will be a nice venue for a breakfast fete but only if you will be staying there for the entire weekend because going to Portland from Kingston in wee hours of the morning is no easy task. I do feel, however, that the Portland weekend of events will also attract those in the over 30 age group who are finished with the Ochi Weekend and Beach Jouvert.

Dusk
April 21, 2014
Beverly Hills
$2500
I enjoyed this fete a lot in 2013, so hopefully I can attend again this year.  The poolside venue is a nice touch and the music will be provided by Dei Musicale from Trinidad and Richie R.A.S (yay! x 2).  The $2500 drinks inclusive cost is also a plus.  This fete is a good choice for those who will be in Kingston for the holiday weekend and looking for a no-fuss event....

I Love Soca
April 23, 2014
Cost: $2000
Venue: TBA
Kudos to Andrew, Ian, and company for owning the Wednesday before Carnival. I Love Soca has become a staple in the last week of Carnival events.  By this time, everyone is pumped and ready for the weekend. This year it will be more than just a cooler fete with performances by Farmer Nappy and Lil Rick...

Pandemonium
April 26, 2014
Cost and Venue: TBA
All I'm going to say here is WE WANT M.O.R.!

Now..it gets sticky on Saturday April 26...A.M.Bush Jouvert ($4500)? or Sunrise Breakfast Party ($6000)? or both? From my biased position as a Trini, I would opt for A.M.Bush because it has a record for being one of the best jouvert fetes in Trinidad (even Jamaicans would admit to this). But then...Sunrise Breakfast was BESS last year, hands down one of the best fetes I've been to in Jamaica. If you have the money then go hard and do both...


*For now, we could work with US$1=JMD$110

Jamaica Carnival 2014 Schedule

WOW! The Jamaica Carnival schedule is packed for 2014! There are so many events to choose from within March and April, so good luck to all you feters.
Keep in mind that this list is not complete and will be updated as soon as the information becomes available.


Dusk 2013

Ongoing Events:
Bacchanal Fridays
March 7, March 14, March 21, March 28, April 4, April 11
Venue: Mas Camp
Cost: $1500 (presold) $2000 (gate) $3000 (vip) $3500 (vip gate)

Tabanca Tuesdays
March 11, April 8, April, 22
Venue: CRU
Cost:

Soca Chippin
March 20,-
Venue: Mahogany tree bar
Cost:$500

Carnival Central
March 16,-
Venue: Ribbiz Acropolis
Cost: free

French Lyme
April 2, 9, 16, 23
Venue:The Deck
Cost: free

E.P.I.C.
Every Thursday from March 27- April 17
Venue: Regency Bar
Cost: free

Fetes:
Sunday March 16, 2014
SOS Carnival Madness
Venue: The Lawns of Liguanea Club
Cost: $2500 (presold) $3000 (gate)

Saturday March 22, 2014
Sunset Cocoa Jouvert
Venue: Hope Gardens
Cost: $4000 (presold) $4500 (gate)

Soka: The Spirit of Carnival
Venue: Lime Golf Academy
Cost: $1500 (presold) $2000 (gate) $3500 (vip)

Sunday March 23, 2014
Army Fete
Venue: Jojos
Cost: $500

Carnival Catamaran Cruise
Venue: Sandals Resorts & Spa, Montego Bay
Cost:

Saturday March 29, 2014
Soca Overdrive
Venue: Hope Gardens
Cost: $1500

Sail Away (Boat Party)
Venue: Boarding at 1 Port Royal Street
Cost: $3000 (drinks inclusive)

Friday April 4, 2014
Red
Venue: Mas Camp
Cost: $1500 (presold) $2000 (gate)

Saturday April 5, 2014
Soca vs Dancehall: Carnival at Night
Venue: Hope Gardens
Cost: $2500 (early bird) $3000 (presold) $3500 (gate)

Sunday April 6, 2014
Enamel Cooler Fete
Venue: Water Commission Sports Club
Cost: $1500 (presold) $2000 (gate)

Saturday April 12, 2014
Sundown Cooler Fete
Venue: Victoria Pier, Kingston Waterfront
Cost: $2500 (presold) $3000 (gate)

Sunday April 13, 2014
Soakin Wet: The Jouvert Edition
Venue: Lime Golf Academy

Wednesday April 16, 2014
Color Coded: Paint vs Powder
Venue: Aisk Parking Lot (2a College Green Ave)
Cost:

Saturday April 19, 2014
Rise up Breakfast Party
Venue: Groovy Beach, Ocho Rios
Cost:

Beach Jouvert
Venue: James Bond Beach
Cost: $5500 (presold) $6000 (gate) $8500 (vip)

Sunday April 20, 2014
Sun Rum Fun
Venue: Ocho Rios
Cost: $2500

Bebida Cooler Fete
Venue: Bayview Eco Resort, Portland
Cost: $1000 (presold) $1500 (gate)

Monday April 21, 2014
Canboulay Breakfast Party
Venue: Trident Castle, Portland
Cost: $4000 (presold only)

Dusk- Soca by the Poolside
Venue: Beverly Hills
Cost: $2500/$3000 (presold only)

Wednesday April 23, 2014
I Love Soca
Venue: Hope Gardens
Cost: $2000 (presold)

Thursday April 24, 2014
Frenchmen Blocko
Venue: Braywick Rd, Jacks Hill
Cost: $3000

Pandemonium
Venue: The Golf Academy
Cost: $5000 (presold) $6000 (gate)

Friday April 25, 2014
Wine UP Cruise
Boarding: Port Royal
Venue: Maiden Cay
Cost: US$95

Bacchanal Jouvert
Venue: Mas Camp
Cost: $2500 (presold) $3000 (gate) $5000 (vip presold) $6000 (vip gate)

Jouvert Truckaz
Venue: Hope Gardens
Cost: Free (with Invitation) $1500 (without invitation)
Packages: $3500 (male) $4500 (female)

Saturday April 26, 2014
Caesar's Army A.M.bush
Venue: Caymanas
Cost:  $4500/$5500 (presold)

Sunrise Breakfast Party
Venue: The Lawns of Hope Zoo
Cost: $6000/$7000 (presold)

Frenchmen Bazodee
Venue: Melwood Ave, Cherry Gardens
Cost: $7000

Glow
Venue: Chinese Benevolent Association
Cost: $2500 (presold) $3000 (gate) $4000 (premium drinks inclusive)

Sunday April 27, 2014
Bacchanal Road March

Carnival Monday with K2K

K2K's 2014 presentation, "Vie: The Rise of the Sanctuary" aimed to use birds to depict a specific life virtue. So it was only fitting that we were asked on Carnival Monday to represent birds of paradise.  The costume consisted of a blue and black chiffon shirt with oversized sleeves to mimic wings.  The shirt was worn with our own black bottoms, whether shorts, leggings, or bikini bottoms. Unlike many other bands, K2K had uniformity. A lot of bands tend to forget that Carnival extends to TWO days; therefore (in my opinion) masqueraders should be costumed for both days. I know I've said this before, but I hate when everyone in a band has on their own "Monday wear".  No matter how fabulous your individual Monday wear might be, it does nothing for the band on a whole which ends up looking like ole mas.

Waiting to cross the downtown stage

I met the band on Ariapita avenue after they crossed the QPS stage.  The numbers were small, but the masqueraders were having a great time.

Some of  highlights of my day:
1.  The shirt was lightweight and very comfortable
2. My makeup was fabulous
3.  Lunch and afternoon snack were provided
4. No problem to get drinks
5. The most vibesy sno-cone man ever
6. The DJ played nice groovy tunes throughout the day
7. The band won in the medium category downtown
8. There's just a nice familiarity among K2K masqueraders that I haven't experienced with other bands

No big complaints but:
1. There was no coconut water
2. We could do with a little more masqueraders
3. I really don't want to hear Nappy's "Big People Party" again....ever

After my first year with K2K, I never thought I would be singing their praises 2 years later.  I'm glad I stuck with them because it's been a lot of fun so far.  In a time where it seems that the bikini and beads rule the carnival, K2K is refreshing balance...