2008 Official Carnival Result

 

Here is the full 2008 Trinidad Carnival Result.

ROAD MARCH 2008

1. Faye-Ann Lyons – Get On (331)
2. Blaxx – Breathless (127)
3. Machel Montano – Blazin D Trail (72)

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BAND OF THE YEAR 2008

George Bailey Award – Large Band of the Year
1. Earth: Cries of Despair, Wings of Hope – Brian Mac Farlane (1350 pts)
2. Viva Mexico – Trini Revellers (1308)
3. Passages – Legacy – (1277)
4. Love – D Krewe (1110)
5. Color of Imagination – Evolution Carnival (1078)

Harold Saldenah Award – Medium Band of the Year
1. The Gulf – Ronnie & Caroh
2. First Dimension – D’Midas
3. Caribbean Splendor – Masquerade
4. The Story of La Brea – Image Nation
5. Nautica – Trevor Wallace & Associates

Lil Hart Award – Small Band of the Year
1. Cock Flying – Belmont Original Sailors (1243)
2. The Gathering – Tribal Connection (1015)
3. A Sailor is a Sailor – Mt Hope (1133)
4. Tribes of Bonio – Rampage (1071)
5. Nautica – 1054

J’Ouvert Band of the Year
1. Aloha Hawaii – Patsy & Friends
2. Sweeeping Time Again
3. AaJab – Mas Jumbies
4. Nature gone wild – East side plaza and assoc
5. Pitrates – Mas lovers

Junior Band of the Year
1. Wings of Hope – Rosalind Gabriel & Friends
2. Romancing the Stone – Carnival Players
3. In Shape – Walter Village Childrens Band
4. Color Me in T&T – Arima Boys RC
5. Better Than That – Owen Hinds Carnival Production

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DIMANCHE GRAS 2008 RESULTS

National Calypso Monarch
1. Michael Osuna (Sugar Aloes) – Reflections (438)
2. Weston Rawlins (Cro Cro) – Respect for the Fourth King (435)
3. Karene Asche – The Recipe (433)
4. Dexter Parsons (Stinger) – Voices from the Van (430)
5. Hollis Liverpool (Chalkdust) – St. Joan of Arts (426)
6. Walter Tayler (Tayler) – Sorry (419)
7. Leslie-Ann Ellis – Our Nations Heroes (410)
8. TIE – Kurt Allen – Last Bad John of Kaiso (409)
8. TIE – Brian London – A Song For We (409)
10. Singing Sandra – I Stand for Trinbago (406)
11. Skatie – Reasons (402)
12. TIE – Versatile – Shadow Reloaded (393)
12. TIE – Edwin Ayoung (Crazy) – A Positive Message (393)
14. Francine Edwards (Singing Francine) – De Irony (386)
15. Sekon Alves – When We Meet (380)

King of Carnival 2008
1. Jhawhan Thomas – Pandemic Rage (Brian Mac Farlane) (431 pts)
2. Curtis Eustace – Chromatic Chaos (Evolution Carnival) (427)
3. Earl Thompson – Man (Island People) (416)
4. TIE – Wade Madray – Dingkaka De Lion Heart (400)
4. TIE – Glen Turnbull – Amazula (400)
6. Ronald des Vignes – Cocoa in the Sun (390)
7. Glenn Dave Lakhan – Master of the Wind (382)
8. Theophilus Simmons – D Great Tribal Warrior (380)
9. Roland St. George – Obsession (378)
10. Aaron Kalicharan – Bongo Beat (363)

Queen of Carnival 2008
1. Susan Low – Yemanja-Orisha, Goddess of the Seas (Trevor Wallace & Associates) (413 pts)
2. Lenore Caterson – Daughter of D Chief of Kitwanga (401)
3. Tamara Alleyne-Gittens – A Splash of Scandal (396)
4. Gloria Dallsingh – Makeda D Warrior Queen (395)
5. Peola Marchan – Matilda-Who Gathers the Flowers of Life and Sings its Virtues (385)
6. Alana Ward Mike – Coatlicue-Yucatan Goddess (373)
7. Savatri Holassie – A Brighter Way of Life (370)
8. Ann Marie Quammie Alleyne – Jewels of Marakesh-The Ancient Berber Tribe (355)
9. Inez Gould – Goddess of Fertility (348)
10. Pamela Gordon – D Devine Queen of Worship (342)

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NATIONAL PANORAMA FINALS 2008

Large Conventional Bands
1. Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove – 481 pts
2. Neal & Massy All Stars – 480
3. Sagicor Exodus – 474
4. Witco Desperadoes – 471.5
5. Silver Stars – 463
6. BP Renegades – 460
7. RBTT Redemption Sound Setters – 459
8. Tropical Angel Harps – 454

Medium Conventional Bands
1. Courts Sound Specialists – 465.5
2. Steel Xplosion – 459.5
3. Clico Sforzata – 444.5
4. NLCB Buccooners – 441
5. Sangre Grande Cordettes – 437
6. Arima Angel Harps – 437
7. HCL Valley Harps – 436
8. Carib Dixieland – 433.5

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SOUTH KING & QUEENS 2008

South King of the Bands
1. Owen Hinds Jr. – Jewelled Lobster (428 pts)
2. Zainool Mohammed – Aztec Worshipper (426)
3. Aaron Kalicharan – Bongo Beat (407)

South Queen of the Bands
1. Peola Marchan – Matilda-Who Gathers the Flowers of Life and Sings its Virtues (452)
2. Gloria Dallsingh – Makeda D Warrior Queen (439)
3. Rose Marie Kuru – Sequoia-Priestess of the Back (407)

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TUCO CALYPSO COMPETITION 2008

Extempo
1. Joseph Vautor-Laplaceliere (Lingo)
2. Llewellyn MacIntosh (Short Pants)
3. Hezekiah Joseph
4. Sheldon John
5. Phillip Murray (Black Sage)
6. Mark John (Contender)
7. Wendell Ettienne
8. Leslie Ann Bristow (Lady Africa)

Political Commentary
1. Karene Asche – The Recipe
2. Michael Osuna (Sugar Aloes) – Reflections
3. Anthony Hendrickson (All Rounder) – What Trinbago Needs
4. Winston Scarborough (De Fosto) – Write It Off
5. Michelle Henry – Kan

Soca Chutney
1. Heeralal Rampertap – Ayee Oh
2. Derrick Seales (Dr Seales) – Debe Experience
3. Shalleika Hazell – Carnival Time Is Chutney Time
4. Lynette Steele (Lady Gypsy) – Patodiah
5. Wendy Scantlebury – Lonely Wife

Social Commentary
1. Dexter Parsons (Stinger) – Voices from the Van
2. Brian London – A Song for We
3. Hollis Liverpool (Chalkdust) – St Joan of Arts
4. Kurt Allen – Last Bad John of Kaiso
5. Francine Edwards (Singing Francine) – De Irony

Humourus Commentary
1. Cuthbert George (Wizard of ID) – 2 at 25
2. Fitzroy Joseph (Brother Ebony) – Two Round Things
3. Tammico Moore (Spicey) – D Signs
4. Stephen Lewis (Super Lou) – High Prices
5. Victor McDonald (Mr Mack) – Me Too

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TUCO/SUNSHINE SNACKS JUNIOR CALYPSO MONARCH 2008
1. Megan Waldron (Barataria Sr Comp) – Remember Me Not
2. Tenaj Smith (St Augustine Sr Comp) – A Vote of Thanks
3. Shinesse Simmons (Holy Faith Convent) – Bitter Fields
4. Victoria Cooper (Cowan Hamilton) – TV Control
5. Ezekiel Yorke (St Mary’s College) – Dancing
6. Kesi Bennett (St Xavier’s Private School) – Mommy’s Mouth
7. Dinessa Nelson (ASJA Girls College) – They Confusing Me
8. Sharadha McIntyre (Arima Gov’t) – I’m Not Leaving My Priorities
9. Leah Richards (Scarborough Sec) – My King to Be
10. T’Keiah Alleyne (Bishop’s High) – Mix the Bitter With the Sweet
11. Reena Rajkumar (Parvati Girls Hindu College) – Educate Yuh Self
12. Tenisha Weeks (Melville Memorial Girls AC) – Bring Back the Slate
13. Jaylana Bryan (Bishop Anstey) – Success

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bmobile INTERNATIONAL SOCA MONARCH 2008

Power Soca Monarch
1. Bunji Garlin (Firey) – 259 pts
2. Iwer George (Over Yuh Head) – 257
3. Faye-Ann Lyons (Get On) – 254
4. Nadia Batson (My Posse) – 250

Groovy Soca Monarch
1. Shurwayne Winchester (Carnival Please Stay) – 266 pts
2. Patrice Roberts (Mo Wuk) – 262
3. Kerwin Du Bois & Shall Marshall (Gal Farm) – 261
4. Farmer Nappy (Chippin) – 259

 

 

 

 

2008 Int’l Soca Monarch Reviews

Shock, anger and distress were the emotions expressed, especially by the thousands of women in the audience, when it was announced that Faye-Ann Lyons had placed third at Friday’s final of the International Power Soca Monarch competition at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.

The fury escalated when the MC revealed that Iwer George had beaten Lyons, placing second in the standings; but upon the announcement that Bunji Garlin had regained the coveted title, cheers erupted throughout the venue.

Performing his cover version of the late Maestro’s classic “Fiery”, Garlin worked the crowd of over 10,000 into a frenzy with his lyrical wizardry that was juxtaposed with pyrotechnics, acrobatics and other dramatic props. As the Asylum Band prepared to accompany Garlin, a gutted vehicle was hoisted over the audience at the left flank of the stage, leaving people to wonder if the car would be lit afire during Garlin’s performance.

A person wearing white was then seen rapelling from the car just seconds before the stage was lit and the crowd saw a silver cocoon in the centre. From within this came Garlin with silver wings, symbolic of the rebirth of the spirit of Maestro manifested as Garlin. One of the major highlights of Garlin’s presentation was a giant replica of the front page of the now defunct Express evening paper, The Sun, which reported on Maestro’s accidental death.

Garlin then invited Maestro’s cousin, a DJ known as Scientist, and nephew, Christian, to join him on stage, much to the delight of the audience. Garlin turned to the photograph of Maestro on the article and chanted, thanking Maestro for paving the way for artistes such as himself and promising the legendary artiste that he would carry on the calypso/soca legacy with honour, dignity and pride.

This sent the crowd into an even higher level of lunacy, as they screamed while jumping up and down and even crashing into each other. Garlin was then hoisted via a winch above the stage, from which he completed the remaining verses of the song before descending and finally exiting the stage to the sound of people shouting, “Bunji, Bunji, Bunji!” for several minutes as the DJ began to play several of Garlin’s hits through the years in quick succession.

His wife, Faye-Ann Lyons, received a very warm welcome as she entered the stage in a lit-up “big music truck” that was, in fact, cut out from board and adorned with tube lights. With a troupe of dancers and her sister, Terri, singing alongside her, Lyons had the audience at her beck and call as she commanded them to “wave and hold it” in her song “Get On”. Lyons then told the audience that she had two friends to bring out to them and from the side of the stage came Peter Minshall’s immortal mas characters, Tan Tan and Saga Boy.

Lyons told the audience that she had been hearing people saying that the battle for the Soca Monarch title was between Bunji, Iwer George and Blaxx, at which she took offence, declaring, instead, that this year would see the first female Soca Monarch being crowned. She then did a freestyle verse, telling Garlin that although she loved him dearly and greatly admired his talents, she was going to put a severe cut-tail on him. The crowd reacted to this with raised hands and screams.

Lyons said, “Bunji is the Fireman and Iwer is the Boss. I am the Silver Surfer,” and she put on a silver headpiece while heading for the barrier separating the stage from the crowd. A huge silver surfboard materialised and Lyons climbed onto it, surfing over the audience while singing. She went as far as midway into the audience before the board was turned towards the left of the stage, Lyons singing her way out as as the people waved while shouting, “Get on, get on.”

As the band struck up the music for Iwer George’s hit single, “Over Your Head”, the people began to look for him on stage. They were then instructed by hype man, Super Jigga, to look over their heads, where George was stationed in a cherry picker moving above them. Iwer’s two sons sang from the stage while , from the basket of the hydraulic lift, he instructed the audience to wave. George, eventually, was deposited on the stage. After hyping the crowd from the stage for several minutes, George returned to the cherry picker and as he moved over the crowd, Iwer threw bottles of water for them.

The patrons were chanting, “Breathless, breathless, breathless” even before the music for “Breathless” by Blaxx was struck up by the Roy Cape All Stars. A winged moko jumbie appeared on stage encouraging the people to keep chanting. When Blaxx failed to show up after a while, the crowd began to get tired and some people shouted, “Just start the song, nah.” Blaxx then came from under the moko jumbie’s wings, but things began to fall apart for him as his vocals were garbled and he actually seemed breathless.

Blaxx went into the crowd on a board bearing him and a man carrying a large Spanglers flag. He went to a platform in the middle of the crowd, from which he continued to dig a deeper and deeper hole for himself while constantly calling on the patrons to declare him the Soca Monarch. There was then a long lapse where only the music played without any vocals from him until he reappeared on stage to end his presentation. A few people standing near the stage continued to chant, “Breathless,” for some time before the DJ began to play.

Article & Photo: www.trinidadexpress.com

Shurwayne wins the Groovy

Delivering a convincing performance of “Carnival Please Stay”, Shurwayne Winchester wrested the International Groovy Soca Monarch title away from Barbados and returned it to its birthplace, saving face for Trinidad and Tobago.By the time Winchester had completed his presentation, which featured a Savannah scene following Las Lap and incorporating street sweepers, masqueraders, a coconut vendor and a police officer ordering Winchester to go home, there was hardly any doubt that he was the winner.Taking second place was Patrice Roberts, who sang “More Wuk”, accompanied by the HD Family, including Kernel Roberts. She too went all out with her presentation, which included a troupe of dancers and mas characters. Kerwin Dubois and Shal Marshall showed up on stage riding horses for their performance of “Gal Farm” on a set that featured an entire farm scene, barn and all. They took third place.Farmer Nappy brought with him an entire roadway for his rendition of “Chipping”, for which he earned fourth place. Defending Monarch Biggie Irie, of Barbados, delivered a half-hearted rendition of “Band On Fire”.

Seeming to have accepted that he would not retain the title, Biggie cut his song short and invited fellow Bajan act Peter Ram to the stage and they did a duet of “Pumping”, which made the audience very happy.

Article & Photo: www.trinidadexpress.com

2008 Int’l Soca Monarch Bunji Garlin!

King Bunji Garlin is truly back delivering one of the most powerful performances of his career. Quintessentially the “Fireman” as he is known. Former king Iwer George had to settle for second place and third Fayann Lyons.

In the Groovy category, Sherwin Winchester moved a quiet crowd like no one could. Patrice Roberts came in second and Kerwin Dubois third. Bajan Biggie Irie, 2007 groovy king did not place in the top four.

 

 

Power Soca Monarch
1. Bunji Garlin (Firey) – 259 pts
2. Iwer George (Over Yuh Head) – 257
3. Faye-Ann Lyons (Get On) – 254
4. Nadia Batson (My Posse) – 250

Groovy Soca Monarch
1. Shurwayne Winchester (Carnival Please Stay) – 266 pts
2. Patrice Roberts (Mo Wuk) – 262
3. Kerwin Du Bois & Shall Marshall (Gal Farm) – 261
4. Farmer Nappy (Chippin) – 259

Keep updated on Carnival Events on bajanfuhlife.com Radio Cast 24/7. Click the radiocast logo to listen live!!

Listen LIVE to the B-Mobile Int’l Soca Monarch

Listen LIVE to the 2008 B-mobile

International Soca Monarch tonight!

Hear who the winners are in the Power Soca and Groovy monarch categories.

The power and groovy soca monarch finalists are as follows:

2008 Groovy Soca Monarch Finalists
Tizzy (Antigua)
Skhi
Mr Dale (Barbados)
Kerwin Dubois
Patrice Roberts
Shurwayne Winchester
Farmer Nappy
Tony Prescott
Peter C Lewis
Biggie Irie (Barbados)

2008 Power Soca Monarch Finalists
Ricky T (St Lucia)
Pelf
Nnika Francis (Grenada)
Problem Child (St. Vincent)
Luni and Electrify (Grenada)
Nadia Batson
Shurwayne Winchester
Faye-Ann Lyons
Bunji Garlin
Blaxx
Iwer George

2008 Trini Carnival Carnival Fete Update

 

 

Trinidad Carnival 2008 Fete after Fete!!

One more week to go and as Iwer says “Fete After Fete“. This week will be pack with major fetes including Glow and the International Soca Monarch Finals. See the result on our blog every week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAST LAP CARNIVAL 2008 EVENTS LISTING

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Tuesday January 29th, 2008

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A.W.O.L - Tucker Valley (Chaguaramas).

$350TT Premium All Inclusive. 4pm to 10pm.
Call Ian 868-766-5078, 461-0212. Wendell 868-678-9378, Pixi 868-741-6185
Just Friends All Inclusive - Frankie’s Place, Diego Martin
Eyes Wide Shut Carnivale - Queens Park Oval
Island Style Glow’08 “The Rebirth” -

Zen nightclub (POS). 868-623-2378
“Baron & Friends“ @ Under The Trees - Normandie Hotel. St Ann. 8:30pm
Bishops Junior School All-Inclusive Fete

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Wednesday January 30th, 2008

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S.O.S. Lost In Paradise All-Inclusive - Bay View, Maracas Road. $350TT. 868-468-
3024 or 868-685-1068
The Ranch Fete - Home Farms (Cunupia). 3pm-Midnight. Gerry 868-678-1497
“Bring Dat Back” @ Under The Trees - Normandie Hotel. St Ann. 8:30pm
Bacchanal Wednesday - The Hanger (Chaguaramas)
Fete’n with the Stars - The Harvard Club

(St. James). 9pm
Custom Boys Fete - Hasely Crawford Stadium (Port of Spain). 9pm. Infoline: 735-1412,
(683-8071, 739-3436

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Thursday January 31st, 2008

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S.S. Wassy Boatride - Treasure Queen. Pier 2, Chaguaramas
Michael Headley’s All Inclusive Fete - Salybia
Beach House Carnival - Ortinola Estate (Maracas). For Info & Tickets Call: Wayne
Small-868-685-9571 Curtis Popplewell-868-740-9153 Walt Lovelace-868-684-1288 Matthew Dasent-868-799-9419 Che Lovelace -868-772-5859 Michael Escalante-868-684-7140 Kerry Gibbons-868-686-1586
TRIBE IGNITE Carnival Thursday Fete - Queens Park Oval. TRIBE Mas Camp 868-
625-6800 or 868-353-7983. 9pm
“Machel In Concert” @ Under The Trees - Normandie Hotel. St Ann. 9pm. $200TTD
Blanchisseuse All-Inclusive
UWI Splash - Chaguaramas
Melange Cruise 2008 - Sea Prowler. Pier 1, Chaguaramas. $175TT. 11pm
T&T Police Assoc. Annual Carnival Fete - Police Training College

 

Friday February 1st, 2008

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Silver Mist Carnival Boat Fete – Treasure Queen. Pier 2, Chaguaramas. 4-7pm
Break Biche Premium All Inclusive Affair - Tucker Valley (Chaguaramas)
Options All Inclusive – 4 Elizabeth St. St. Clair (POS). 9pm – 2am. $350. Sprang International, DJ Syndicate, Live Performances. Kevin Crosby, scrozz@gmail.com
ISLANDpeople Girl Power’08. Tel 868-628-9474
Blue Range Cooler Fete (Red Ants) - Diego Martin
“Kitchener Come Back” @ Under The Trees -Normandie Hotel. St Ann. 8:30pm
Rise All-Inclusive - Moka. 9pm
Pier 1 Cooler Fete – Chaguaramas
Fantastic Friday (Bmobile International Soca Monarch Finals) – Venue: Queen’s Park Oval, Time: 9pm to 4am

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Saturday February 2nd, 2008

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“Eclipze” Exclusive All Inclusive – The North Deck (Maraval). 4-10pm. $475TT
The Ultimate One - Valsayn South Poolside. Machel Montano HD. 4pm-midnight
Atlantis Ultra All Inclusive - Pier 1 (Chaguaramas) 4pm-11pm
Trini Posse 2008 – The Hanger (Chaguaramas)
Insomnia 2008 Fete - Mobs 2 (Chaguaramas)
Euphoria All-Inclusive
Panorama 2008 Finals
Dawn, Sunrise In The City
Lions All Inclusive Fete – Lions Civic Centre (Port of Spain)
“Monarchs Back to Back” @ Under The Trees – Normandie Hotel. St Ann. 8pm
Sunrise – San Fernando Hill. Midnight – 10AM. $30US/$175TT Gen | $85US/$500TT All Inclusive VIP. Krosfyah, Alison Hinds, Van B. King, Anslem Douglas

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Sunday February 3rd, 2008

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Diamond Vale Breakfast Party - Diamond Vale, Diego Martin
Sunny Side Up All-Inclusive Breakfast Party - Palm Ave W, Petit Valley
T&T Involvers Social & Cultural Assoc Annual Carnival Sunday All-Inclusive Boat Ride – Treasure Queen. Pier 2, Chaguaramas. 3pm
Headley All-Inclusive – Valsayn North
Hilton Poolside – Hilton Hotel (Lady Young Rd, Port of Spain)
Moka Explosion All Inclusive 2k8 – St. Andrews Golf Club – Moka, Maraval. 12pm
Brian Lara All-Inclusive Fete – Chancellor Hill, Queen’s Park West (4pm)
Harvard Club All-Inclusive Fete – Harvard Club, Port-of-Spain (4pm)
Mania 2008 – Trinidad Country Club, Maraval
Canboulay “The New Carnival Sunday” – Boy Scouts Association, St. Ann’s
Squeeze All Inclusive – 35 Rajnauth Street, La Puerta Ave (Diego Martin). 6pm-12am
Is Just A Fete (TASA) - Queen’s Hall, Port-of-Spain
Cotton Tree Foundation All Inclusive Fete - Spanish Acres

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Monday February 4th, 2008

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Playtime All Inclusive J’Ouvert’08 (J’Ouvert Morning)
Red Ants J’Ouvert’08 (J’Ouvert Morning)
Cocoa Devils J’Ouvert’08 (J’Ouvert Morning)
Yellow Devilz All Inclusive J’Ouvert’08 (J’Ouvert Morning). www.yellowdevilz.com
Section Eight J’Ouvert’08 “800 Strong” (J’Ouvert Morning)
Jouvert Fun Lovers J’Ouvert’08 (J’Ouvert Morning)
Lilibud Jouvay J’Ouvert’08 (J’Ouvert Morning). Contact Che Lovelace 868.362.6263 or Ravin 868.362.6261
Insomniacs Premium All-inclusive J’Ouvert’08 (J’Ouvert Morning)
Exotic Essentials All-inclusive J’Ouvert’08 “From D Sheets to D Streets” (J’Ouvert Morning). Call 868.709.9606, 307.8492, 309.0743. $300TT
CARNIVAL MONDAY 2008 - Parade of the Bands
Hilton Carnival Jump Up Poolside - Hiton Hotel (Lady Young Rd, Port of Spain)

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Tuesday February 5th, 2008

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CARNIVAL TUESDAY 2008 - Parade of the Bands

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Wednesday February 6th, 2008

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Flip Flops Premium All Inclusive Carnival Cooldown – West Palm Hotel (Chagaramas) 4pm – 11pm. Penny 706-7273, Aisha 787-7273, Roelle 781-7273, Danika 783-7273
indie bleu - St. Clair, POS. Drinks Inclusive. 5-12 midnight
Beach Lime – Maracas Bay, Las Cuevas, Blanchisseuse Bay
Wild Meat Cool Down – Balandra Bay
Ash Wed Boatride - Treasure Queen (Pier 2, Chaguaramas)
3rd Annual Ash Wednesday River Lime - De Freitas Ranch, Valencia

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Friday February 8th, 2008

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Caribbean Wet Fete – Tobago

 

Soca Monarch Finals Announced

The twenty one finalists have been announced to compete at ‘Fantastic Friday’ (Int’l Soca Monarch Finals) to be held on Carnival Friday February 1st at the Queens Park Oval.

The Current Groovy Soca Monarch title holder Biggie Irie will defend against fellow Bajan Mr Dale [2007 crop over road march king] and other competitors from Trinidad.

In the Power Soca Monarch category, Iwer George defends against old time rival Bunji Garlin, his wife Faye-Ann Lyons, plus several other island representatives; including Problem Child (St Vincent, Ricky T (St Lucia), Nnika Francis (Grenada) and Luni and Electrify (Grenada).

The power and groovy soca monarch finalists are as follows:

2008 Groovy Soca Monarch Finalists
Tizzy (Antigua)
Skhi
Mr Dale (Barbados)
Kerwin Dubois
Patrice Roberts
Shurwayne Winchester
Farmer Nappy
Tony Prescott
Peter C Lewis
Biggie Irie (Barbados)

2008 Power Soca Monarch Finalists
Ricky T (St Lucia)
Pelf
Nnika Francis (Grenada)
Problem Child (St. Vincent)
Luni and Electrify (Grenada)
Nadia Batson
Shurwayne Winchester
Faye-Ann Lyons
Bunji Garlin
Blaxx
Iwer George

2008 Int’l Soca Monarch Semis Announced

And it’s ON! Sixty-two artists have been announced to compete at the 2008 Soca Monarch semi-finals. However, twenty (10 power/10 groovy) will move forward to ‘Fantastic Friday’ (Int’l Soca Monarch Finals) which will be held on Carnival Friday February 1st.

Bunji Garlin is back to battle currently power soca champion Iwer George. Also making a return is the 4 time Soca Monarch winner, Superblue.

In the Groovy Soca Monarch category, Biggie Irie will defend against some veteran talent as well as the likes of new-comers Kees Dieffenthaller and Zoelah to the competition.

The 2008 semi-finals takes place on Friday January 25th, and the finals will take place on Friday February 1st at the Jean Pierre Complex.

The power and groovy soca monarch semi-finalists are as follows:

GROOVY SOCA MONARCH SEMI-FINALISTS
1. Ainsley King
2. Brent Anthony
3. C’Donnia
4. Cassi
5. Devon Matthews
6. Eunice Peters
7. Farmer Nappy
8. Gary Cordner
9. Jamesy P (St. Vincent)
10. Kees Dieffenthaller
11. Keegan Taylor
12. Laura Pereira
13. Mr Dale (Barbados)
14. Michelle Sylvester
15. Mr Chucky
16. Nadia Batson
17. Patrice Roberts
18. Peter C Lewis
19. Peter Ram (Barbados)
20. Skhi
21. Shal Marchall
22. Shurwayne Winchester
23. Terry Seales
24. Teddison John (St. Lucia)
25. Tony Prescott
26. Tizzy (Antigua)
27. Third Bass
28. Tracey D
29. Zoelah (St. Vincent)
30. 3Suns
31. Marie Anne
32. Faye-Ann Lyons

POWER SOCA MONARCH SEMI-FINALISTS
1. Allan Piper
2. Blaxx
3. Bunji Garlin
4. Crazy
5. Dawg-E-Slaughter
6. Denise Belfon
7. Eustace and Phive Pound
8. Fireball
9. Kurt Allen
10. Keisha Stewart
10. Lil Rick
11. Lil Bits
12. Luni and Electrify
13. Nadia Batson
14. Nnika (Grenada)
15. Ms Alysha
16. Olatunji Yearwood
17. Patch
18. Pelf
19. Problem Child
20. Ricky T
21. Rootsman
22. Rita Jones
23. Shurwayne Winchester
24. Sanelle Dempster
25. Sean Caruth
26. Super Blue
27. Tizzy
28. Young Marcel
29. Blazer
30. Faye-Ann Lyons

Trini-CarnivalFete Update

2008 Trini-carnival fete listing. Note events are subject to change so please contact promoters to make sure events are still on schedule, or listing to your local radio stations for further details.

Tuesday January 1st, 2008 (New Years Day)
* Trinity College’s Soka In Moka – Trinity College, Maraval – 4pm
* Yorke Inc. ‘Start de Carnival Back-a-Yard Dutch Party’ – Ann Ave, Diego Martin - 6pm

Thursday January 3rd, 2008
* NACC Top 20 Calypso Awards 2007 – Cascadia Hotel, St Ann’s – 7pm

Friday January 4th, 2008
* St Francois Girls College Annual All-Inclusive – St John’s Hall, Wrightson Rd, POS – 4pm
* TUCO North Region Klassic Ruso Calypso Tent – City Hall, Knox St, POS – 8pm

Saturday January 5th, 2008
* QRC Outta de Blue VII All-Inclusive – QRC Grounds (St. Clair) – 4pm
* Chutney Soca Monarch Semi-Finals
* Blazin’ Fire Fete

Sunday January 6th, 2008
* Friends Forever (formerly Friends of BPTT) All-Inclusive – 2pm
* Kabuki Sweet Soca Stew ‘08 Premium Affair – 4pm
* Island People Amnesia Fete – Pier 1, Chaguaramas – 4pm
* One Fete – Queens Park Oval

Thursday January 10th, 2008
* TUCO South/Central Region Kaiso Showkase – Palms Club, San Fernando – 8pm

Friday January 11th, 2008
* Soca All Stars
* Legacy Cooler Fete
* Citibank All-Inclusive

Saturday January 12th, 2008
* Evolution Carnival All-Inclusive (Valsayn)
* Wicked in White
* Pearl Glow All-Inclusive -Pearl Gardens, Petit Valley- 9pm
* St Mary’s All-Inclusive – St. Mary’s College (Pembroke St, POS) – 4pm
* Hilarians’ All-Inclusive – Hasely Crawford Stadium, Wrightson Rd, POS – 4pm
* Courts Staff Talent Show – Centre of Excellence, Macoya (5pm)
* Chutney Glow 2008 – 8pm
* WASA Fete – St. Joseph
* Youth Fest
* Bishop Anstey All-Inclusive – Bishop Anstey Grounds, POS
* Licensing Fete – Licensing Office Grounds

Sunday January 13th, 2008
* Yorke Inc Annual Carnival All-Inclusive – Windsor Road, Valsayn – 2pm
* TTARP Annual Carnival Show & Dance – The Mas Camp (French St, Woodbrook) – 2pm
* Lions All-Inclusive Fete – Lions Civic Centre (Port of Spain)

Wednesday January 16th, 2008
* Carnival Under The Trees (Kick-Off) – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm

Friday January 18th, 2008
* Central Bank All Inclusive (Nautica – Eric Williams Plaza, POS – 9pm
* Ladies Night Out 5 – Jean Pierre Complex, POS – 8pm
* Bazodee Friday – Pier 1, Chaguaramas – 9pm
* Barbarossa Cooler Fete
* National Flour Mills Fete

Saturday January 19th, 2008
* Chutney Soca Monach Finals – Skinner Park – 8pm
* NGC Sports Club All-Inclusive – Country Club – 8pm
* O’ Farrell’s All-Inclusive – Mobs 2, Chaguaramas – 8pm
* Republic Bank Fete – Pier 1, Chaguaramas
* Blue Range All Inclusive
* South Cancer Society All-Inclusive
* Royal Bank All-Inclusive – Pier 1 (Chaguaramas)

Sunday January 20th, 2008
* Pan Trinbago Panorama Semi-Finals – 11am
* Kiddies Carnival, St Anthony’s College – Westmoorings – 1pm
* UWI 17th Annual All-Inclusive Carnival Fete – UWI Grounds (St Augustine) – 2pm
* Friends of Blood Bank Fete All-Inclusive – 2pm

* Mc Leod Annual All-Inclusive – 2pm
* US Embassy All-Inclusive – Chaguaramas Golf Course – 2pm
* Maritime All-Inclusive

Wednesday January 23rd, 2008
* Carnival Under The Trees (Pan Gone Mad 3) – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm

Friday January 25th, 2008
* International Soca Monarch Semi-Finals
* Carnival Under The Trees (Jumbie Bead) – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm
* Army Fete
* Misty Ridge

Saturday January 26th, 2008
* Red Cross Kiddies Carnival, Jean Pierre Complex, POS – 1pm
* Fatima College All-Inclusive – Fatima Grounds, Mucurapo Rd – 7pm
* Carnival Under The Trees (Kitchener Forever) – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm
* White Oak Chutney Brass 7 – Guaracara Park (Point-A-Pierre) – 9pm
* Machel’s Alternative Concept 6 – Haseley Crawford Stadium, Wrightson Rd, POS – 10pm
* Kama Sutra VII – Country Club, Maraval – 10pm
* AS Brydens 9th Annual All Inclusive
* Victoria Gardens All Inclusive

Sunday January 27th, 2008
* Jamboree Sunday – Jamboree Park, Valsayn – 2pm
* CAREC All-Inclusive – Federation Park (St. Clair) – 2pm
* Nestle Annual All-Inclusive – Churchill Roosevelt Hwy, Valsayn – 2pm
* Hearts on Fire All-Inclusive – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 5pm
* T&Tec Soca Shoka VIII – St John’s Complex
* Georgian Jubilation VI All-Inclusive – St George’s College’s (Barataria)
* UNC All-Inclusive Fete
* Heart Beat Hilton

Monday January 28th, 2008
* Link Up Cruise V – Chaguaramas
* PNM Fete – Balisier House – 9pm
* Mardi Gras 2K8 – 10pm
* Mad Hatters Ball
* Smile All-Inclusive

Tuesday January 29th, 2008
* A.W.O.L. – Macqueripe Rd, Chaguaramas – 4pm
* Tranquillity 2K8 Boat Cruise – Treasure Queen (Pier 2, Chaguaramas) – 7pm
* Carnival Under The Trees (Baron & Friends) – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm
* Eyes Wide Shut CARNIVALE – Queens Park Oval – 9pm
* Island Style Glow ‘08 – 10pm
* Bishops Junior School All-Inclusive Fete

Wednesday January 30th, 2008
* S.O.S. – Maracas – 12pm
* The Ranch – Cunupia
* Carnival Under The Trees (Bring Dat Back) – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm
* Custom Boys Pan-o-Brass Fete – Hasely Crawford Stadium, POS – 9pm
* Fete`n with the Stars – The Harvard Club (St. James) – 9pm
* Bacchanal Wednesday – Chaguaramas – 10pm

Thursday January 31st, 2008
* Headley All Inclusive Fete – Salybia – 11am
* Beach House Carnival – Ortinola Estate (Maracas) – 11am
* Alternative Thursdays, Down the Islands – 11am
* Blanchisseuse All-Inclusive – 11am
* La Flor’s ‘Melange’ Carnival Cruise – Pier 1 Marines, Chaguaramas – 12pm
* Machel In Concert - Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 9pm
* TRIBE Carnival Thursday – Queen’s Park Oval – 9pm
* UWI Splash – Chaguaramas – 9pm
* T&T Police Assoc. Annual Carnival Fete – Police Training College
* Island People Carnival Event

Friday February 1st, 2008
* Blue Range Cooler Fete – Diego Martin
* Break Biche Premium All-Inclusive – 12pm
* Fantastic Friday (Soca Monarch Finals) – 7pm
* Carnival Under The Trees (Kitchener Come Back) – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm
* IslandPeople Girl Power – 9pm
* Rise All-Inclusive – Moka, Maraval – 9pm
* D’Cooler Fete – Pier 1, Chaguaramas – 9pm
* IMAGINE Drinks Inclusive

Saturday February 2nd, 2008 (Carnival Saturday)
* Jamboree – “EUPHORIA” All Inclusive – Valsayn – 2pm
* Atlantis 4—D Ultra All-Inclusive – Pier 1, Chaguaramas – 4pm
* Pan Trinbago National Panorama Finals – Skinner Park, San Fernando – 7pm
* Carnival Under The Trees (Monarchs Back to Back) – Normandie Hotel, 10 Nook Av, St Ann – 8pm
* Chutney Survivor Cooler Fete 2, Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre – 9pm
* Island Style Insomnia Fete – Mobs 2 (Chaguaramas)
* Trini Posse Fete – Chaguaramas
* Dawn, Sunrise In The City
* Lions All Inclusive Fete – Lions Civic Centre (Port of Spain)

Sunday February 3rd, 2008 (Carnival Sunday)
* D’Original Breakfast Party – Diamond Vale, Diego Martin – 1am
* Sunny Side Up Breakfast Party – Palm Avenue West, Petit Valley – 1am
* Sanctuary (Headley All-Inclusive) – Windsor Road, Valsayn – 11am
* Atlantis Booze Cruise – Chaguaramas – 11am
* Brian Lara All-Inclusive Fete – Chancellor Hill, Queen’s Park West – 2pm
* Moka Explosion All-Inclusive – St. Andrews Golf Club – Moka, Maraval – 2pm
* T&T Involvers Boat Cruise – Treasure Queen, Pier 2 (Chaguaramas) – 3pm
* Harvard Club All-Inclusive Fete – Harvard Club, St. James – 4pm
* Dimanche Gras, Jean Pierre Complex, POS – 7pm
* Mania – Country Club – 9pm
* Hilton Poolside – Hilton Hotel (Lady Young Rd, Port of Spain) – 9pm
* Is Just A Fete (TASA) – Queen’s Hall, Port-of-Spain
* Cotton Tree Foundation All Inclusive Fete – Spanish Acres

Monday February 4th, 2008
* J’Ouvert (4am)
* Parade of the Bands
* Carnival Jump Up – Hilton Hotel (Lady Young Rd, Port of Spain)
* Monday Night Mas – Paramin Hill

Tuesday February 5th, 2008
* Parade of the Bands

Wednesday February 6th, 2007
* Beach Lime – Maracas Bay, Las Cuevas, Blanchisseuse Bay
* Wild Meat Cool Down – Balandra Bay
* Ash Wed Boatride – Treasure Queen (Pier 2, Chaguaramas)
* 3rd Annual Ash Wednesday River Lime – De Freitas Ranch, Valencia
* Annual Lagniappe – De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp), Woodbrook – 9pm

Thursday February 7th, 2008
* Annual Lagniappe – De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp), Woodbrook – 9pm

Saturday February 9th, 2008
* Pan Trinbago Champs in Concert 2K8 – 8pm

Sunday February 10th, 2008
* Anyhowers’ Annual After-Carnival Boatride to La Tinta – 10am

One More Section Sold Out in Harts

Despite being one of only two large bands that are NOT offering their masqueraders that all-inclusive package (Mc Farlane is the other) Harts is steadily selling out sections like no body’s business! This time the section 300 is sold out bringing the total count to seven sold out sections.

I have to also add that Prince of Egypt female costume is priced at a whopping $3735.00 for the section leader! As gorgeous as it is that costume is pretty expensive, especially as it is costume ALONE at that price.

source: www.saucytrini.blogspot.com

Evolution Carnival’s website

Today is supposed to be the launch date for Evolution Carnival’s website . Albeit I have tried many times to contact someone affiliated with the band for more information on where the mas camp is, when it opens and if prices are really $2200.00 for backline and $2500.00 for frontline but I kept being greeted with the same voice message “yeah, this is Curtis, leave a message”. Okay then!

Eventually I found out from someone else that the address for the mas camp is 73 A Ariapita Avenue (opposite El Pecos) and the camp is supposedly opened from 5pm to 8pm. Of course now all I need is to confirm this officially and check out the camp myself!Here is hoping the website does indeed get launched today and at least some of my questions shall be answered.

source: www.saucytrini.blogspot.com

The launch of La Brea

2007 Medium Band debutantes Image Nation will launch their 2008 Carnival presentation “La Brea” on October 14th at the Creative Arts Centre, University of the West Indies. The Launch is scheduled to start at 5 pm and admission is by invitation only.2007 masqueraders can collect their invitation from the mas camp which is located on the corner of French and Buller Streets Woodbrook.

source: www.saucytrini.blogspot.com

Genesiscarnival, website Up

Finally, the website is up which means I can put a name to the 7 sections that were shown at the launch and from the labels such as “Fairies” and “Witches & Centaurs” Genesis is also doing a whimsical myths and magic theme with their 2008 portrayal “Tales”! On a side note it is interesting how several bands this year are doing similar themes and even have costumes with the same section names.

I digress, let me get back to the costumes… Genesis, Genesis, Genesis…. I do not even know where to begin! Firstly they totally desecrated one of my favourite theatre productions of all time, Phantom of the Opera, by making the male costume ludicrous!!

It is SO easy to replicate the distinctive Phantom mask that this garish green goblin gas mask is just infantile! This gets the worst male costume of Carnival 2008 for me !In fact many of the male costumes look like campy Halloween costume that one can purchase online. The only male section that looks halfway decent is the Centaur VIP section (Lord alone knows what the VIP entails) where it looks as if the male costume will be airbrushed!

The female costumes are certainly remarkable; I will give them that the majority are quite unique and one cannot say that they look like anything else out there, Genesis is in a league of their own. The “White Witch” looks as if she regurgitated Island People’s Polar Bear, yet it is one of the better female costumes! Some of the frontlines are missing from the website, such as Mermaid, Snow Witch and Fairies, hopefully they are getting a makeover in the interim. My favourite female costume of the lot is Pocahontas, but with prices of between $2495.00 and $3500.00 for female costumes the pricing is not competitive. Sorry to be blunt but there are other bands with superior costumes, in terms of design and construction, for less money! In a year with so many new bands offering masqueraders costume choices galore this is the time to up the ante folks, not drop the ball!

source: www.saucytrini.blogspot.com

Tribe: Mythical magic

Tribe bandleader Dean Ackin (back centre) stands behind his team of in-house designers, while the women, from left, Lana Nobrega, Gail Cabral and Monique Nobrega lean against Douglas John.

COME Carnival Monday and Tuesday 2008, when the fairytale characters of Tribe’s 2008 presentation Myths and Magic invade the streets of Port-of-Spain, it certainly will not be with the simple wave of a wand.

For while the only thing some masqueraders have to do is wonder where they will find the cash to fork out to pay for their costumes, the four Tribe in-house designers are diligently spinning and combining their creative spells to come up with a web of costume designs for nine of the band’s 16 sections.

United for a common goal

The collaborative effort of sisters Monique and Lana Nobrega together with Gail Cabral and Douglas John has resulted in costumes that would make the mythical creatures of the imaginations of writer Enid Blyton and fantasy movie producer Mark Johnson green with envy. Well, at least those that are not already green.

Costume designing is not a novelty to the awesome foursome, with Cabral and the Nobrega sisters being veteran designers for the now defunct Poison band, and John claiming he was “forced” into his family’s costume designing tradition from a tender age. They agreed, however, that experience in and love for the trade do not mean that it is not hard work, and they liken their united efforts to that of “the knights of the round table.”

A woman’s work

The task of designing the nine costumes were evenly distributed among the three women, while John, the newest addition to the design team and whose expertise lies in the designing of headpieces, worked along with the trio.

“I had the most difficult job,” John said, “The ladies each had different ideas and I had to try to get each person’s personality in the headpieces, especially in the frontline. Also, my style is a little different. Not far fetched, but different nevertheless.”

When Cabral’s vivid imagination and raw talent kicked in, it took her one week to create Titania, Water Nymph and Butterfly Bliss. “I like pretty things and make believe appealed to me. Because of what is happening in our country, I decided to go with light things,” she said.

She said she deliberately chose soothing colours like turquoise blue and green, pink, white and crystal, and light blue sea foam.

Monique, whose designs usually undergo a series of changes, is the mastermind behind Black Magic, Am Althea, and Lady of the Lake.

Of Black Magic she said, “I definitely wanted a black costume and I found some black and silver material I loved.” She said shopping for the right materials for her costumes usually takes a while, so she fully utilises the travel opportunities that come with her job as a pilot.

Lana, the creator of Pixie Dust, Autumn Spirit, and Mystique, was not hesitant to disclose that her designs were usually on the skimpy side.

“I like skimpy. It appeals to me and it enhances my designs.”

In fact, Mystique, the costume in which the least amount of material is used, is her preferred choice to parade the streets in 2008. “I got the concept from a Chinese myth in which a fish would turn into a bird. I used fuchsia pink, purple and gold. It’s skimpy and my choice to play,” she chuckled.

Head of the tale

John’s input in completing their designs and in designing their headpieces, all three women agreed, was indispensable.

“Douglas has a talent for manipulating material and has good design ideas,” Monique said, and Lana admitted that he was instrumental in her decision to design Autumn Spirit. “I have collaborated with several designers, and he is the best. He took my ideas and materialised them,” Lana said. “Using your own ideas alone doesn’t always work. Collaboration is important. You end up with a better product,” she added.

Of his work with the ladies, John said working with them was easy, sometimes. “Lana is able to express exactly what she wants in words. Mystique definitely described Lana. You never know what will come out of that girl design wise or verbally,” he joked.

Cabral, he said, had the ability to sketch whatever she wanted. “Eventually she will design her own headpieces,” was his prediction.

Cabral, however, could not resist the urge to tease him about his first attempt at the unicorn headpiece for one of her designs. “He wanted to put a whole horse on people’s head,” she giggled uncontrollable, prompting a similar reaction from her colleagues. John admitted that headpiece was the most difficult of the lot to design, but they eventually got it right.

Back to bikinis, beads and feathers

The designers are satisfied with the finished products of their creativity, especially after they withstood the scrutiny of the design board. “About ten costumes were discarded because they did not make the grade,” Monique admitted, adding that the existing nine were tweaked to their best.

But how do these costumes measure up to their designs for C2K7? According to Cabral, fantasy characters leaves the imagination free to go wild. “Last Carnival we tried to be culturally conscious and we were somewhat restricted. We were severely criticised but criticism is good. We used it as fuel. As much as masqueraders say they want change, they don’t. They want to be skimpy.”

“2007 was hard, so for 2008 its bikinis, beads and feathers,” Monique chipped in.

The Tribe designing team unanimously agreed that it was all about pleasing the masqueraders, and giving them exactly what they wanted.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/