Ebuzz News
An Epic Guide to Everything That No Promoter or Event Planner Will Share, Until NOW.
The big guns in the entertainment and promotional space in the Caribbean hold close, the keys and secrets to the event landscape. According to super event planner, Brendon Brathwaite of Buzzconcepts, expecting them to share those secrets is delusional. Brendon says he understands exactly why they won’t and while it may make some sense, he says he feels it’s necessary to pay it forward as an event planner in an industry that has built him from the ground up.
A new desktop resource called, EPIC, Event Planning in the Caribbean, written with event planners in mind, but certainly not exclusive to event planners, is available on Amazon and for local delivery this July.
EPIC was written by Brendon, with the encouragement of his sister, Tamara. Pre-Covid, he had begun an Instagram series, sharing short tips on the do’s and don’ts of Event Planning, to his followers. The idea seemed like one that should be expanded on, his sister had shared, and with that, the journey to creating the perfect resource for Caribbean event planners and business people, started.
Dyslexia Just Can’t Stop Him.
Brendon Brathwaite was diagnosed with Dyslexia when he was a child. He’s the Marketing and Public Relations go-to at the Trinidad and Tobago Dyslexia Association. “One of my good friends asked me if he’d have to read the book backwards,” he recalled jokingly. He makes it clear that his superpower is not writing but says, thanks to his sister’s writing and editing abilities the finished product, which delivers 11 chapters of informative, region- specific, solid answers to questions that every event planner needs, was completed in June.
It’s his first time on this side of the marketing fence. In fact, Brendon’s mastered the art of executing events with his BUZZconcepts brand over the past 20 years, securing major corporate jobs and employing over 60 people – all of whom he thanks for their support as he took the necessary time to get the book done. “I’m using this book as a catalyst to firstly, wake up the event industry so that we can form one community of associated people. I hope this can trigger us, so that we can pull together as local event planners, and possibly have an active voice, in the space” he explained.
Highlighting that while there is an active promoter’s association in Trinidad and Tobago, of which he is a part, event planning companies focus on much more than promoters do. “There are corporate events, private events, government events, civic events, annual events, bi-annual events, and so many other categories. When we think of promoters, we think about major entertainment events for the most part,” Brendon rationalized, highlighting that event planning goes hand in hand with the Tourism and Hospitality industries.
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.