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.
Ebuzz News
Culture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
A move in line with government’s commitment to creating balance and encouraging expansion in T&T’s overall cultural experience; This is how the country’s Culture and Community Development Minister responded this afternoon to criticism meted out to government as word spread that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer be used as a fete venue.
Minister Michelle Benjamin, declaring her support for the Prime Minister said residents living in close proximity to the cricket academy, have voiced their concerns regarding the excessive sound levels generated by large scale events. Major carnival fetes have seen patron attendance exceeding 10,000 in recent years, according to promoters.
Opened in 2017, the Tarouba sporting facility is managed by the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago. UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee, speaking on the issue with the Trinidad Express said events hosted outside of the stadium have led to wear and tear of the facility. He explained that annual costs for the overall maintenance of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, exceed $10million.
The Promoter’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile, has condemned the move, saying, the government’s sudden ban on the use of UDeCOTT facilities for soca and other Carnival related events is destructive and short-sighted. Questioning the “real intent behind the move,” the association argues that the move is viewed as a top-down decision, made without consultation with the sector. Arguing that several promoters have already secured the venue ahead of Carnival 2026, the TTPA said, “For all those affected, tickets have been sold, venues advertised, and patrons have made travel and accommodation plans to align with confirmed events.” The organization is questioning how this move benefits the entire country.
Culture Minister Gives Reassurance
In her statement, Minister Benjamin explained that citizens should view the decision as part of the government’s broader vision to not only expand carnival beyond its traditional footprint, but to ensure the wellbeing of all communities. “As part of the expansion of Carnival, we are not saying that we are stopping fetes. What we are doing is working to identify and promote more appropriate spaces that can enhance the experience, while reducing any negative impact that could possibly arise.”
The Minister said the ultimate aim is to ensure that carnival continues to thrive as a celebration of creativity, unity and national identity. She said Carnival must reflect the rhythm of T&T’s people while striking the right balance between culture, community and progress.
Ebuzz News
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad will no longer be a venue option for events other than cricket. This announcement comes as preparations are well underway, by promoters for Carnival 2026.
The decision made by the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDECOTT) now leaves some promoters scrambling, as the decision takes place with immediate effect.
UDECOTT claims that the facility was not meant to facilitate fete events, noting that maintenance costs amount to approximately $15 million annually.
Carnival events like Xperience, Stink N Dutty, and last year’s inaugural MEGA concert headlined by Machel Montano, attract in excess of 10,000 patrons according to promoters, leaving questions as to where such massive audience numbers can be contained, along with parking facilitation.
The carnival events, while staged in the stadium’s car park, has led to significant wear and tear and damage to the facility, according to UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee. In an interview with the Trinidad Express newspaper, he is quoted as saying, “The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is for cricket. That is the purpose of it. It was not built for fetes.” He went on to affirm, “It’s for cricket and we will use it for cricket only. So there are to be no fetes at the stadium.”
For quite some time, there have been concerns raised by carnival stakeholders, regarding the need for viable venues across the country, for the delivery of large scale events.
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Ebuzz News1 week ago100 Days To T&T Carnival – Big Launch, Big Vibes to Hit Port of Spain, this Friday.
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Ebuzz News3 days agoThe Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
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Ebuzz News5 days ago“This Project Come from a Real Place — From Loss, Learning, Faith.” – POPCAAN.
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Ebuzz News3 days agoCulture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
