Ebuzz News
Archived: No $8K Carnival Costumes in Legacy Mas- Band Leader Says That's Ridiculous!
Masaqueraders will never, in this lifetime spend $7,000 and $8000 for any costume with Big Mike Antoine’s Legacy mas band, and that’s an assurance ETCETERABUZZ.COM got this afternoon from the veteran band leader. Legacy Mas hosts its 2014 band launch this Sunday at the Zen nightclub on Keate Street in Port-of-Spain. Today, Big Mike spilled the beans on what’s to come and by the sound of things, 2014 is gonna be nothing short of sheer excitement!
Big Mike Antoine and Juliet De La Bastide run the show at Legacy. PHOTO: ZOOM Photography.
In 2013, mas man, Brian Mac Farlane took the Band of the Year title for the final time, exiting the big stage with a bang indeed. Peter Minshall who’d made a mark in the carnival industry years prior, had been instrumental to many mas men and masqueraders but those who yearned for Minshall’s carnival splendor, turned to Mac Farlane and over the years, he certainly made them happy. Now, with the exit of Mac Farlane, Big Mike told ETCETERABUZZ.COM that Legacy will be picking up the slack, but the band won’t be forgetting its die-hard bikini and beads lovers, ensuring that Legacy will accommodate everyone in a very special way.
Explaining that a few sections will be dedicated to that type of mas, Mike said Legacy will see the coming together of the young and the young at heart- allowing for a true sense of togetherness on the road. The band pays tribute to Mac Farlane in 2014 with their presentation of ‘Nature’s Touch’. “I spoke with him about it and he was very thankful,” said Mike of Mac Farlane. He however told us that Mac Farlane won’t be in Trinidad for the band launch this Sunday.
The sections dedicated to the Mac Farlane type mas will even be outfitted with riddim sections and according to Mike, the true stories of Carnival will be displayed as the revelers parade the streets next year. With costumes set to be showcased around 10:30pm on Sunday, Mike told EBUZZ that the doors at Zen will open at 8:30pm, with partying set to go on until 3am. Carded to hit the stage for the enjoyment of the crowd are Mr. Renzo, Flippo and the band Traffik.
Now, back to the issue of cost….
Mike, in no uncertain terms says he thinks it is absolutely ridiculous for any masquerader to pay exorbitant costs of $7,000 and $8,000 for a costume. “Trinidadian people like to gallery. They like to tell people how much they spend and in what band, hoping to get a reaction when they call names that are considered the prestige bands,” he said. The mas maker told us it’s sad that people sacrifice their home mortgage payments and take big loans to satisfy that need they seem to have- that need to attain a sense of status. “It’s the same food, the same music, the same road but instead of shopping around, they pay big bucks for the same experience,” he said.
Big Mike’s Legacy travels to various carnival destinations annually. Today he told us the band and its supporters are like a family unit. “People who play with Legacy come to have real fun and that’s why when people ask me which celebrity is coming to play in the band, I tell them, everyone is a celebrity in Legacy!”
Ebuzz News
‘I Am Legend’ Concert Promoter, Glenroy Watson Has Passed Away.
Caribbean Buzz
Destra Delivers Powerfully at Reflections.
“If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.” – DESTRA GARCIA
Trinidad and Tobago received a musical showcase of spiritual awakening yet again this past Saturday, at Destra’s ‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender.” The event took place at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s and proved to be a truly inspiring and uplifting musical experience.
From the onset, the show set a standard that fans of good music with powerful lyrics, would rave about for weeks. David Rudder – a cultural icon of Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the audience as he hit the stage first delivering the very fitting, ‘High Mas.’ It was a powerful blessing no doubt – something that would lead into a seamless spiritual production. He was subsequently joined on stage by Destra, something that created a full-circle moment that drew immediate emotion from the audience.
Known for her unmistakeable vocal ability, Destra took her audience on a carefully curated musical journey, opening her set with Free Again before transitioning into slowed-down, soul-stirring renditions of some of her most beloved songs, including Love Somebody and Fly and with each performance, she revealed a different layer of her artistry, offering vulnerability, reflection, and strength.
One of the night’s most touching highlights came as Garcia shared the stage with her daughter, Xaiya, for a heartfelt duet of The Prayer. Beginning at the piano, Xaiya gently set the tone before joining her mother in song, creating an intimate moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
The production, which was creatively directed by Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased the incredible talent of father and son pan duo Martin and De’jean Cain as well as the Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port- of- Spain choirs, whose vibrant and polished performances brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the stage. Gospel artiste, Nisa joined Garcia for a powerful duet of Bridge Over Troubled Water. She also performed her original composition Make Me Over, adding another layer of spiritual depth to the evening.
As the show built toward its finale, Garcia delivered a commanding rendition of Ella Andall’s Bring Down the Power, followed by classic hymns including A Little More Oil in My Lamp. This climactic segment was elevated by the presence of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, cultural fusion that brought the audience to its feet. Beyond the performances, the overall production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s choreography and Atiba Borde’s costuming, stood out for its seamless execution, immersive ambience, and thoughtful storytelling, reinforcing Reflections as more than just a concert, but a transformative experience.
Reflections certainly delivered a powerful blend of music, filled with deep messages and meaning. In what is a very spiritual season, Destra, through the delivery of ‘Reflections,’ has carved out a space for inspiration and connection within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – something that many would agree, is a necessity more than an option.