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 21^st. 

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 21^st, 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.