Ebuzz News
Blow Mano Blow Launches Tribute To Lord Kitchener, This Saturday.
The legends of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival are remembered annually by Burt Marcellin and his dedicated team at mas enterprise, Blow Mano Blow Mas. With just a few months before the revelry of another carnival season unfolds, Marcellin has revealed that this year’s presentation, ‘Mama Dis Is Mas,’ is a special one. He highlights the welcomed involvement of veteran mas maker, Chris Humphrey.
On Saturday, September 28th, the Carnival Monday mas band launches its 2025 presentation, which pays tribute to Aldwyn Roberts – the Calypsonian known world over as, Lord Kitchener. Gone, but certainly not forgotten, Kitchie’s music remains a tremendous source of inspiration for much of today’s Calypso and Soca artistes. “I believe we must keep the legacy of these artistes alive,” said Marcellin, recalling that out of the seven Brass-O-Rama titles won by his father, Mano Marcellin, six of these were accomplished by playing songs sung by Lord Kitchener. The elder Marcellin was the man responsible for incorporating live music on music trucks in T&T’s carnival. “This is our way of carrying on tradition, ensuring that carnival and the elements that make T&T’s festival a unique one, are not forgotten,” said Burt.
Ahead of 2025, the band launch at Quties- One Woodbrook place, will see an unveiling of four sections. On welcoming Humphrey to the Blow Mano Mas operation, Marcellin said, “It’s an honor to have Chris Humphrey involved with us this year. He is a legendary mas maker – a stalwart in the industry.” Doors opening at 8pm, those attending are in for a treat, with live brass music being delivered by Brass 2 The World, accompanied by Sanelle Dempster, Snakey, Sekon Sta and KC.
“We’ve been involved in a revolution since 2017 when it comes to this type of mas and experience. What we offer is truly an experience on the road. Our musicians are not stationed on the trucks. They are in the crowd, playing their instruments and engaging with our masqueraders,” Marcellin shared, adding that last year’s Monday presentation won the band the title of Most Original Band of the Day- Carnival Monday at the Savannah. “What I can say is that we’ll be stepping it up in 2025 with something very, very different,” he teased, assuring that masqueraders choosing Blow Mano Blow receive tremendous value in a band that is cost effective and safe. “It’s all about giving people another option when it comes to experiencing T&T’s carnival – those people who don’t want to pay exorbitant costume prices, those people who do not want to play in oversized mas bands and those music lovers who really want to experience live music on the road,” said Marcellin.
Security, Fun, Live Music – All Top Tier
Security of his masqueraders, a focal element of Marcellin’s planning, he has teamed up with the professionals at All Pro Security, to ensure everyone in Blow Mano Blow Mas, enjoys a safe Carnival Monday 2025. “We’re discussing adding cameras to our trucks, for that added bit of comfort next year,” he shared. A maximum capacity crowd of 600 its goal annually, Blow Mano Blow Mas is trailblazing in a culture that is usually punctuated by the concept of evolution. “The history of our culture is rich and diverse. We offer a bit of both worlds- sharing the energy of our legends in music, while still welcoming contemporary systems on Carnival Monday. Our masqueraders enjoy a drinks and food inclusive experience. We also offer portable washrooms and our cool-down buses for convenience and overall enjoyment,” he highlighted.
In this its 5th presentation, ‘Mama Dis Is Mas’, the Blow Mano Blow Mas family is excited to once again bring its vision to life on the road. “Last year, masqueraders were very happy with the inclusion of The Point Fortin Iron Giants’ on the road. They played from the hospital to the Savannah and the masqueraders enjoyed that element,” he recalled.
For Marcellin, this is more than just playing mas. It’s preserving the legacy of Mano Marcellin- his father, and certainly, the musicians and artistes who played a pivotal role in T&T’s Carnival product.
For more information on Blow Mano Blow Mas, follow @blowmanoblowmastt on Instagram, @blowmanoblowmas on Facebook or call 286-6819.
Ebuzz News
Dîner en Blanc Set to Bring Parisian Flair to Port-of-Spain on November 14th.
Dîner en Blanc is making its highly anticipated return to Port- of -Spain on Saturday, November 14, 2026, once again bringing its trademark magic to a brand-new secret location. Building on last year’s successful return, this iconic Parisian-inspired pop-up picnic continues to be one of the city’s most beloved social events – an evening where fashion, fine dining, and community come together under the stars.
Always dressed head-to-toe in white, guests will assemble to create the breathtaking tableau the event is known for. From the iconic Napkin Wave, which signals the official start of dinner, to the Sparklers Moment, which marks the end of the meal and the opening of the dance floor, Dîner en Blanc Diner promises a night filled with gourmet delights, vibrant conversation, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the city.
To be among the first to reserve tickets when Phase 3 (Fan List) opens, guests are invited to join the exclusive Port of Spain Fan List at portofspain.dinerenblanc.com.
beginning of the celebration and the magic that is Dîner en Blanc.
THE THEME: Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque
For 2026, Dîner en Blanc Diner celebrates an era of Paris defined by elegance, artistry, and refinement. Guests are invited to embrace an elevated all-white aesthetic, where fashion becomes a form of expression. Tables, styled in pure monochrome, echo the sophistication of historic salons and café culture, while the dining experience draws on the traditions of French gastronomy where cuisine, conversation, and ambiance come together as one.
Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach, hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain, shared their excitement for this year’s edition: “Port of Spain has embraced Dîner en Blanc as one of its signature social experiences. We’re excited to build on that legacy with an evening that’s elegant, inclusive and unforgettable,” noted Meagan.
How the Experience Works
To preserve the event’s tradition and maintain its elegant atmosphere, every guest plays an essential role. Participants must follow a few timeless guidelines:
Dress code: A chic, all-white ensemble is mandatory. Elegance, originality, and creativity are encouraged. Table setting: All table elements like décor must be white to uphold Dîner en Blanc’s signature visual identity.
Secrecy of the location: The venue remains a surprise until the last moment. Guests will meet at designated departure points and be escorted by Dîner en Blanc Diner volunteers to the final location. Leave No Trace: In keeping with the event’s commitment to sustainability, guests must bring home everything they arrived with, leaving the space spotless.
What Guests Should Bring or Choose an almost Hands-Free Option
• A gourmet picnic basket packed with a gourmet meal and proper stemware and white dinnerware. Those who prefer not to pack their own meal may pre-order a catered picnic through the Dîner en Blanc D e- store for onsite pickup.
• As a French-inspired celebration, Dîner en Blanc only serves wine and champagne. However, guests are welcome to bring their own selections; however, for added convenience, wine and champagne can also be pre-purchased through the official Dîner en Blanc e-store, ensuring an effortless and stress-free experience.
About the hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain
At the helm of the 2026 edition of Diner en Blanc – Port of Spain are Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach. Meagan Monsegue is a lifestyle enthusiast and avid global traveller with a natural flair for personal styling and hosting. Her journey with Dîner en Blanc Port of Spain began as a Table Leader in 2016 and has evolved into her role as Co-Host today. Driven by a genuine passion for bringing people together, she brings her distinctive style, energy and love of creating unforgettable moments under the stars to every soirée. Nigel Roach is passionate about bringing together his love of music, fashion, exceptional food and drink, and unforgettable experiences. A natural connector, he thrives on bringing people together, building meaningful relationships and creating elegant events where networking and community come together in a unique atmosphere.
About Diner en Blanc
Dîner en Blanc is more than an event. It’s a global cultural phenomenon that brings friends, old and new, together to celebrate life, food, fashion, and community with a touch of mystery and a sense of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed in white, guests gather at a secret location for a chic, mass picnic, bringing their own tables, chairs, and gourmet baskets. The location remains undisclosed until the very moment of arrival, creating a sense of anticipation and delight. Over the course of the evening, attendees dine, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, all while sharing an unforgettable, magical experience in some of their city’s most iconic public spaces.
Today, Dîner en Blanc has grown into an international movement, celebrated cumulatively over its history in more than 120 cities across 40 countries. While Dîner en Blanc Diner International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, each event is hosted locally by passionate organizers who bring their own flair to the original Parisian concept. Together, these gatherings unite communities worldwide in a celebration of gourmet cuisine, extraordinary entertainment, and the joy of connection. For more info, photos, and videos from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.
Ebuzz News
Stevie Wonder Joins KestheBand On Stage at DC Jazz Fest – A Big Moment for Caribbean Culture.
Internationally loved and embraced Soca band, KesTheBand delivered yet another unforgettable moment for Caribbean music last Saturday, September 5th – this time at the DC Jazz Festival. It was there, in the midst of the enjoyment that a special opportunity presented itself – Kees Dieffentaller would meet the global music icon, Stevie Wonder.
The surprise appearance marked a continuation of a weekend that placed KestheBand and Caribbean music at the center of some of the most significant cultural moments of Labour Day weekend. The set included an uptempo lyrical mashup of “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and “Savannah Grass,” which received thunderous applause from adoring fans.
Crediting his parents in an emotional social media post following their debut at DC Jazz Fest, lead singer, Kees Dieffenthaller shared that the Stevie Wonder hit “was the first record I had on repeat as a child.” The moment was a powerful one as Soca music and a Trinidad and Tobago band that dedicatedly promotes the genre along with their country, came face to face with one of the most influential global artistes in music history.
Just one night earlier, on Friday, September 4th, KesTheBand electrified Soca Fest at Brooklyn museum in New York, where the band was introduced by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. The appearance brought together Caribbean music, culture and community in one of New York’s most prominent Labor Day weekend celebrations and venues.
Kees went on to serve as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the West Indian Day Parade. The honor was shared with dancehall and reggae superstar, Buju Banton.
Kes the Band with New York City Mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani
