Ebuzz News
This Band Is Bringing Brass on the Road Again in 2024. That Is Vibes!
It’s not a spanking, new concept as some contemporary bands may try to sell. In fact, it’s as traditional as carnival concepts are. The need to revitalize an age-old carnival experience, refreshing the thrill of the road on Carnival Monday in particular, sits at the core of an experienced team’s efforts as they prepare to deliver yet another year of true Trinbagonian Carnival revelry in 2024.
Stepping confidently into the oncoming season, Brass 2 The World- one of Trinidad and Tobago’s respected brass bands, is unleashing, yet again, its carnival mas project, Blow Mano Blow. Since its introduction in 2017, interest in the band’s offering for Carnival Monday revelry and fun, has remained high. Riding the wave of its 2023 ‘Band of the Day’ win at the Queen’s Park Savannah on day one of the two-day parade of the bands, ‘Blow Mano Blow’ will reveal its 2024 presentation at a band launch on October 21st.
Already, plans are underway, as patrons attending the launch of ” McCarthy Party,’ at Estate 101 in Maraval, will be excited to know that there will be live band accompaniment to the T-shirt mas presentation. Together with live performances by well known and loved entertainers like Austin ‘SuperBlue’ Lyons, Viking Ding Dong, Bitts, Snakey, Sanell Dempster and others, the event promises to be a distinguishable band launch experience.
The theme of next year’s presentation, ‘McCarthy Party’ shines light on the musical prowess of Tobago’s very own, King Wellington – an artiste who was born into music and has contributed immensely to the calypso artform. Wellington’s, ‘McCarthy Party’ was the last song played by Mano Marcellin’s Brass Orchestra. Sadly, Marcellin passed away in 2017, but the euphoria of his brass band engagement lives on as Blow Mano Blow pays homage to this great musician and band leader, annually.
Marcellin’s son, Burt Marcellin spearheads the organization of this dynamic and culturally rich symbol of Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival experience. For him, and those who’ve committed to the cause, it’s more than business. “This is important for not just the act of keeping Mano Marcellin’s name and legacy alive, but also, the legacies of so many creative geniuses who’ve played a pivotal role in the history of our carnival,” said Charlene Clarke, marketing liaison for the band.
The experience, while still in its embryonic stage, provides an alternative to the typical near- nude carnival showcase that plasters the streets of the capital, annually. “There should be something for everyone in our carnival. The live brass on the road is a part of our tradition that should have never faded away. The live music, complete with stringed and horned instruments is necessary as we present our uniqueness, to the globe, albeit, amid a smorgasbord of carnival copies, around the hemisphere,” said one member of the outfit.
On October 21st, the sound of brass and now, steelpan, compliments a strong alliance with the Woodbrook Playboys Steel Orchestra, will emanate behind the walls of Estate 101 from 8pm to 2am. “We can guarantee a truly exciting fusion of contemporary ideas and traditional mainstays- all of which define the beauty that is Trinidad and Tobago,” said Clarke.
For details on the band launch, CLICK HERE.
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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.