Just Friends launch mas band
The month of August has many days to go and no fewer than ten mas bands have already launched their presentations for Carnival 2014. The latest of these was Just Friends which unveiled Ziegfeld Follies last Sunday in St James.
With a core committee including popular DJ Earl Crosby, Ann Marie Placide and veteran masman Chris Humphrey, the group attracted a packed Brunton Road venue, likely comprising masqueraders of all ages. The launch also attracted two former national King of Carnival winners in Peter Samuel Jnr and Tony Alleng; former Wayne Berkeley individual Rosemary Stone; former Minister of National Security Martin Joseph; and, junior Carnival bandleader Dune Ali.
The Ziegfeld Follies were a series of elaborate theatrical productions on Broadway in New York City from 1907 through 1931. They became a radio programme in 1932 and 1936 as The Ziegfeld Follies of the Air.
Inspired by the Folies Bergères of Paris, the Ziegfeld Follies were conceived and mounted by Florenz Ziegfeld, reportedly at the suggestion of his then-wife, the entertainer Anna Held. The shows’ producers were turn-of-the-20th-century producing titans Klaw and Erlanger.
Models displayed some beautifully designed costumes by Marion George, Janelle Greaves and Devon Jerome. Nine sections were showcased, including Bert Williams, Ziegfeld Girls, Fanny Brice, Showgirls, Tableau Vivants, Rio Rita and Ziegfeld.
In a twist to other all-inclusive mas band launches, Just Friends served exclusive Indian cuisine at its launch, delectably prepared by Sandra Mahadeo and a team from Freeport.
The menu included saheena, pie, doubles, bhaiganee, kutchoree and other Asian goodies. Completing the fare was a well stocked bar by Stellar Executive Services.
Just Friends, an amalgam of ‘friends’ who’ve played mas with prominent mas men like Peter Minshall and Wayne Berkeley, brings pedigree to the mas landscape. Next year marks the band’s sixth year on the circuit and it has already gleaned a Band of the Year (Medium) title in 2012, and placed fifth in this year’s competition. Placide feels that her production crew has the know-it-all and experience to return to winners’ row again next year.
Costumes can be viewed at Crosby’s Music Centre, on Western Main Road, St James, or online at the band’s Web site: www.justfriendstt.com
King meets King
Cro Cro celebrates 40 years in kaiso
The man hailed by his fans and even those who fear him as ‘the Mighty Midget’ will on August 28 and 29 celebrate his 40th anniversary in the kaiso arena with a grand concert at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa), Port-of-Spain. Titled King Meets King, the concert will see the four-time National Calypso Monarch sharing the stage with reigning International Power Soca Monarch and National Road March champion SuperBlue.
Legendary music producer and band leader Pelham Goddard will, along with his Roots Calypso Orchestra, provide accompaniment throughout the evening. Also in the line-up of artistes with royal claim is 1982 National Monarch Scrunter, as well as other calypsonians, soca artistes and other acts the names of whom will be released in the weeks leading up to the show.
Cro Cro won four National Calypso Monarch titles—1988 (Three Bo Rats; Corruption in Common Entrance); 1990 (Political Dictionary; Party); 1996 (Dey Look for Dat; Support Commentary Calypso); and, 2007 (Noboby Ain’t Go Know). He placed second in the Calypso Monarch competition in 2005 (Oh Grenada; Chop Off They Hand); and, 2008 (Respect for the Fourth King).
Hailing from the village of Buenos Aires, Cro Cro defines himself as a true calypsonian who composes all of his songs himself and sings on behalf of the common man. He sings what most people are afraid to say in regards to political and social issues, many times incurring the wrath of politicians and those involved in the political arena with his no holds barred lyrical style.
The bard has been known to anger even fellow calypsonians because he calls it as he sees it, but everyone will agree that when Cro Cro sings we all have to listen.
It wasn’t me.
Before responding to the many folk who commented on this column last Friday, pertaining to the Top 50 calypsonians of the 20th century, let me say that I am NOT the author of the list published. In fact, the list was compiled by Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), the legally elected umbrella body of the calypso art form in T&T.
Pulse readers, like Geoffrey Dunn of Calypso Dreams fame, Harold Moylan, Gail Beharry-Marchan, Nasser Khan and US-based disc jockey Mike Andrews, I have taken note of your suggestions of calypsonians who ought to have been included in the list, like Houdini (Frederick Wilmoth), Caresser, Brynner (Kade Simon), Bro Superior, Striker, Sugar Aloes (Michael Osouna), Mighty Gabby and Red Plastic Bag. I’d like to also point out that the list pertained to T&T calypsonians and not bards from beyond our shores, so singers like Swallow, Short Shirt, Mighty Gabby, Ajamu and Red Plastic Bag could not have been included. But, I thank you all for your spirited participation.