The Epic of Monk Monte

The reigning seven-time National Road March Monarch and five-time International Power Soca Monarch, Machel “Monk Monte” Montano on Ash Wednesday in Tobago presented a sneak peek of his Epic Mas band’s 2015 presentation. This is Montano’s global mas production entity.

Local promotions outfit, Candy Coated Events hosted the Wine Down Cruise and the EPIC team, where

SIMPILY EPIC: Caesar’s Army will host a section in EPIC MAS Band.
 The costume is designed by Janelle Forde aka designer J Angelique,
 second from left, with models Kandi King,
Soowan Bramble and Leah Marville

Montano treated guests to a presentation of costumes and music set against the sunset backdrop.

Scores of patrons showed up to the event ready to lime and unwind after Carnival, but had no idea that they would be treated to a show with the reigning Soca Monarch himself. Montano treated them to a surprise performance that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

As Montano worked the audience, several models debuted the costume designs for the Caesar’s Army (another local event production outfit) section in the Epic mas band. Needless to say it was quite an impressive display that left everyone talking about the upcoming Hollywood carnival out in Los Angeles in June later this year.

Epic began as a section of 80 masqueraders at The Los Angeles Culture Festival’s Hollywood carnival in 2014. The presence of legendary masman Peter Minshall’s world famous puppets, Tan Tan and Saga Boy along with celebrity masqueraders such as Anya Ayoung Chee, Leah Marville, Damien Dante Wayans, Eva Marcille, and promotional group Caesar’s Army, Epic left an unforgettable mark on the three-year-old Hollywood carnival.

For 2015, Epic is expanding its footprint in Hollywood by becoming a full-fledged mas band with four sections.

They are aiming towards 300 masqueraders, more celebrity guests and the inclusion of popular section partners from Trinbago and Los Angeles. Epic Mas Band will have a full premiere at the launch of the Los Angeles Culture Festival on March 13, while the Hollywood carnival officially takes place on Saturday June 27.

Even as they are set to expand, the Epic team has already set their sights beyond LA, committing to participate in Saldenah’s Mas Band presentation “The Chronicles of Machel Montano” at Toronto’s Caribana festival in August 2015. The section will be titled “Like Ah Boss.”

Central to the success and impact of Epic is the involvement of international Montano as the band’s ambassador. Montano spends part of the year in Los Angeles and through Epic and Hollywood carnival, he is committed to exposing the West Coast of the US and the world at large to Caribbean culture and music.

Said Montano: “Hollywood carnival 2014 was a dream come true for me. I was inspired by its potential in 2013 and began working with the LACF to spread the word on a global scale about the infectious feeling we’ve created by lighting up Hollywood Boulevard.”

Early supporters of Epic and the Hollywood carnival, Jules Sobion of Caesar’s Army and designer Anya Ayoung Chee were also full of praise for the T&T invasion on Hollywood carnival.

“From chipping down the Hollywood Boulevard alongside Tan Tan & Saga Boy to the showcasing of our amazing culture to the throngs of spectators that lined the streets, the overall experience was amazing… The Romans will definitely be there in full force for 2015,” Sobian said. Ayoung Chee added, “LA Carnival and the entire Epic weekend were fantastic... It is a great honour to be part of a movement bringing Trinidad Carnival to the world.”

The Epic costumes are being designed to be reused as club wear, beach wear and even for other carnivals.

This duality of purpose of the products is key to the new approach to mas.

The costume designers are all from Trinidad and Tobago and includes, Anya Ayoung Chee, Janelle Forde, Sandra Hordatt and Marie Collette.

source:Express

Machel’s new crew

LA-based outfit takes charge...

 

When Reigning Soca Monarch Machel Montano made his debut performance at Fantasy Carnival’s Secret Saturday event, eyebrows shot up immediately and speculation arose regarding the absence of his original HD Dancers and the appearance of a seemingly all-new cast of “foreign-looking” dancers.

Even as patrons enjoyed themselves in the rain at the Queen’s Park Oval, bloggers and Facebook lovers questioned the apparent “substitution” of “Wining Jade”, Brittany Dookie and company. However, the truth about the new cast is far less sinister than some of the hypotheses presented online.
Montano has been working with a Los Angeles-based creative arts production team called Zen Arts for the past three years. Run by fashion designer Susie Culini and creative director Doug Miller, Zen Arts is described by Miller as “an artist collective of performers, musicians and designers specialising in acrobatic performance routines”.
The company has worked with industry giants like Madonna, Lady Gaga and is currently working on the 2014 Grammy Awards Show.

“My partner and I started about seven years ago as performers,” Miller explained in an exclusive interview with the Express, “and we both worked for another company, but then decided to form our own company. Since then, we’re no longer performing, we’re creating and producing and we’ve worked in over 15 different countries for a lot of high-end celebrity events, private events, theatre shows and corporate events for clients like Google, Adobe and Facebook, for example…
“What we’re doing here is we brought performers and we’re doing choreography for and with Machel, as well as creating all the costumes. We started working with Machel three years ago—he called me when he was doing the Return show and ‘Advantage’. He wanted to collaborate and add some elements for his Soca Monarch performance. Of course, I didn’t know who he was at the time, I had never heard his music and he sent me the song and I was like: ‘my God, what is this?’ Because it was 180 beats per minute and I wasn’t sure how we could work at that tempo, but he called me back a few days later and flew me in for a show he was doing at the Licensing Office place—and that was the first time I ever saw him perform and I was blown away by the energy, by the crowd, by his level of showmanship… and that was the start of our relationship.…”

Of course, Montano won his first Soca Monarch title in 2011 with “Advantage” and worked with Zen Arts again last year, as he levitated and flew through the sky for “Float”. During this time, Miller has come to understand and appreciate soca music, as well as the Trinbagonian culture and our annual Carnival festival.
“We didn’t want to just throw ourselves into this amazing culture,” said Miller. “We had to take the time to understand it and get familiar with all the nuances and traditions and the way things work here. So we talked about how we could use technology and our technical and acrobatic experience to take things to another level—and from last year, we also started doing more production work with him: we did all the audio-visual, graphics and design for pretty much the entire Machel Monday, as well as RAMA and all the bigger ones. So we started getting more involved and developed a really good relationship…”
Montano called upon Zen Arts again more recently, as he filmed his soon-to-be-released music video for the 2014 single, “Happiest Man Alive”, in Los Angeles with Trinidadian-born director Damian Marcano.

“That video is not out yet,” Miller explained, “but we worked on it about a month ago and that was the first time we got to use our dancers and choreography with him—and that video went off so well in terms of the dancing and the choreography that it really gave us some momentum to talk about what we could do for Carnival. Then, a couple of his dancers left for personal reasons and I think he was in a position where he had to figure out and fill the void in terms of his dancers…”
Enter Amanda Bartolomeo, Danielle Hendrix, Mariah Murray, Tiffany Payne and one of the original HD Dancers, Zulema Charles.
The LA-based dancers have quickly become friends with each other and are working with Charles and renowned choreographer Jason Young to integrate their highly technical dance moves into the wining culture of T&T. Young has performed on tour with Madonna, Britney Spears and Ricky Martin and now works as a choreographer for some of the top acts in the music industry. He is excited about the opportunity to work with Machel and soca music.
“I’ve been dancing my whole life,” said Young, “and after we worked on the HMA video, Machel was impressed and wanted to do more. I grew up in New York, so I’ve known soca and dancehall and Caribbean music all my life and I’m excited about where it’s heading now. I think Machel’s music is changing in a way that’s giving it great crossover potential and I’m thrilled to be a part of the team…”

The Zen Arts dancers are all new to the Trinidad/Carnival experience and expressed great excitement about working on this project. As the only local dancer in the midst of the contingent, she is challenged to keep up with their technical expertise and coordination, while introducing them to and instructing them in the local and Caribbean styles of dance.
“It is definitely challenging for me,” Charles admitted. “My body is protesting loudly, but my mind is strong and I’m learning so much from them. It’s a different level of intensity and concentration and professionalism as well because you know our mentality in Trinidad is more laid back, but it’ll pay off because I’m taking my skills and experience to the next level, while adding to Machel’s performance and image.”
Look out for the all new HD Dancers next big performance coming to a fete near you.

SOURCE: Nigel Telesford

With help from Minshall, ‘Big Mike’ SuperBlue goes after Machel’s Power crown

Veteran soca artiste SuperBlue has confirmed that legendary masman Peter Minshall as well as Mike “Big Mike” Antoine will assist in his presentation at the Play Whe Power Soca Monarch competition on Friday. The T&T Guardian was informed last week that the mas legend would assist Lyons with his presentation. 

SuperBlue, whose real name is Austin Lyons, confirmed this in a brief interview after yesterday’s draw for positions for both the Play Whe International Power Soca Monarch and Digicel Groovy Soca Monarch, held at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain. He is among 11 competitors vying to take the Power Soca Monarch title from Machel Montano. 

SuperBlue, whose real name is Austin Lyons, confirmed this in a brief interview after yesterday’s draw for positions for both the Play Whe International Power Soca Monarch and Digicel Groovy Soca Monarch, held at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain. He is among 11 competitors vying to take the Power Soca Monarch title from Machel Montano. 

Nine-time Soca Monarch Austin Lyons (SuperBlue) hugs Elizabeth Montano,
 mother of defending champion Machel Montano,
 after the draw for the Play Whe International Power Soca Monarch
and Digicel Groovy Soca Monarch competitions at the
Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, yesterday. Photos: Kearra Gopee

The competitions will take place on Friday (Fantastic Friday) at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain. Lyons is expected to perform in position 11. Defending champion Montano is performing in position nine in both Power Soca and Groovy Monarch. Destra Garcia will perform in position seven in both categories. Many artistes present for yesterday’s drawing said they were prepared for not only the show but also for the eventual outcome. 

Darryl “Farmer Nappy” Henry who will perform in the sixth position in the groovy category with his popular hit Stranger said: “I am honestly ready for it because for the past seven years my music has been drawing mature people. “The Carnival is groovy heavy and I believe I have a very good chance of winning it,” he said.

“The more you put out, the better your chances of winning. Someone might take $5,000 and get some props and whatever. I looking to spend $50,000.” Patrice Roberts, performing in the eighth position, said she was ready to perform in the groovy competition. Veteran chutney soca singer Drupatee Ramgoonai, who is performing in first position in the groovy category, said she is ready to take first.

“I am loving everything and lapping up everything,” she said, when asked how she felt to be back in competition after all these years. Montano’s manager James Walton said the soca star, who has been in the news recently after his suspension as an endorsee for the bmobile brand, is prepared for both the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch competitions.

How they will perform

Groovy
1. Drupatee Ramgoonai
2. Nadia Batson
3. Saucy Wow (Denise Belfon)
4. Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar)
5. Benjai (Rodney Le Blanc)
6. Farmer Nappy (Darryl Henry)
7. Destra (Destra Garcia)
8. Patrice Roberts
9. Machel Montano
10. Iwer (Neil George)
11. Blaxx (Dexter Stewart)

Power
1. Lil Bits (Shivonne Churche)
2. Fya Empress (Lornette Reid)
3. Tallpree (Wilt Cambridge)
4. Devon Matthews
5. Shurwayne Winchester
6. Benjai (Rodney Le Blanc)
7. Destra Garcia
8. Jason Williams and Ancil “Blaze” Isaac
9. Machel Montano
10. Swappi (Marvin Davis)
11. SuperBlue (Austin Lyons)

SOURCE: Melissa Doughty

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Carnival launch described as the best ever

taking the lead: Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism Winston "Gypsy" Peters
 led by example as he paraded in front of the traditional characters.

The official launch of Carnival 2011 came off with great fanfare and in glorious sunshine at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain on Sunday.
A production of the National Carnival Commission, the event was billed as Trinidad and Tobago The Home of Carnival…Back in D Savannah.
It featured a parade of traditional Carnival characters by various regional Carnival committees which showcased “real” Carnival costumes such as the Bookman, Pierrot Grenade, Indians, Fancy Sailors, Dame Lorraine, Baby Doll. Jab Jab, Stick Fighters, Gorillas, Blue Devils, Bats, Midnight Robbers, Surri and Plymouth Warriors.
There was also a parade which featured children and adult mas accompanied by DJs as well as steelband music.
Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism Winston “Gypsy” Peters led the parade of traditional characters before the official launch.
NCC Chairman Kenny De Silva welcomed the spectators and masqueraders before Minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters addressed the savannah audience which included Minister of National Security Brigadier John Sandy, Chaguanas Mayor Orlando Nagesar and Caricom Ambassador Makandal Dagga.

Prime Minister Kamala Persad-Bissessar entered the savannah during Gypsy’s speech and was immediately called upon to say something to the audience.
The PM welcomed all and challenged the NCC commissioners to make Carnival 2011 the best ever before both she and Gypsy declared Carnival 2011 “opened”.
After this everything turned “ole mas” as people gathered in front the stage did not move for the parade to continue.
Trinidad All Stars tried its best to pull the crow in front the stage with them but was unsuccessful. What followed was a quick passing of costumed individuals. Down the track, behind All Stars, Laventille Rhythm Section had worked those fortunate enough to be on spot to hear them at the precise moment, into a frenzy with some drum cuts that were really special.
On stage the Midnight Robber “ramjayed” as Dil E Nadan prepared to perform. Lead singers Raymond Ramnarine and Derrick Seales had the crowd going with their rendition of several of Machel Montano’s hit songs and their own hits.

Calypso followed with the recently crowned Best Village Queen/second place Junior Calypso Monarch Victoria Cooper, and the reigning Calypso Monarch and Calypso Monarch Queen Kurt Allen and Kizzi Ruiz respectively.
Ruiz hit the spot with "Class Language" and Allen impressed his audience with two very compelling songs in the social commentary category “Where are they Now” and “Give Them a Chance”.
Rikki Jai followed and had the crowd singing along with "Barman (give me a Guinness and puncheon)" and he promised that he had another special potion coming for next season, but it was six-time Soca Monarch Superblue who stole the hearts of the audience as he rolled off “Soca Baptist”, “Ethel” and “To Love Sombody”. The audience could not get enough of him and called him back. He then performed “Get Something and Wave” to the delight of the audience.
Roy Cape All Stars should be commended for the superb musical backing of these artistes. The show continued to climb to a peak with Black Stalin as he performed “Come With It” in which he had the audience singing more than he did, he continued with “Black Man Feeling to Party”.
Shadow created quite a stir as he came on stage with “Feeling The Feeling”. The experience of Roy Cape All Stars cannot be understated as the music supplied was immaculate with clean and clear horn lines.

Gary Cardinez

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PALAANCE, PALAANCE!

Masqueraders turned Port-of-Spain, San Fernando and venues across the country into a “palance party” as they gave Soca Monarchs JW and Blaze’s hit “Palance” a runaway victory in the Road March race.

Although, the Road March is still to be officially declared, there is little doubt that it is a sure bet for the title and prize of a car from the competition’s sponsor Vibe CT 105FM.

“Palance” enjoyed a heavy rotation from the start of the Parade of the Bands at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain at about 8.20 am when the large band Harts crossed the stage with their presentation “50”.

Since then, for every successive band, the DJs on music trucks played “Palance”, mostly alternating between the original version and the “road mix” made to be played especially for Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

The song echoed across the country to other main Carnival venues, such as Arima, Chaguanas, San Fernando and Tobago where it was undoubtedly the people’s song with its energetic melody, catchy refrain and accompanying dance as masqueraders swayed in a spontaneous choreography.

It’s the first time since Nigel and Marvin Lewis’ Road March “Movin” in 1996, whose instructions to move “left, right, down south and up north” were obediently followed by revellers, that a song has had a similar unrehearsed effect.

Masqueraders enjoyed every moment and took every opportunity to lean and stagger from left to right when the chorus of “Palance” was heard. One DJ on a music truck playing for Tribe masqueraders, took the opportunity to involve spectators in the revelry by encouraging those in the stands at the Savannah to stand and do the dance as well.

At Adam’s Smith Square, it was clear that “Palance” was the runaway favourite for masqueraders.

When the Belmont Jewels arrived at the square with their 2010 offering Pirates and Plunderers, one band member became visibly upset when the DJ stopped playing “Palance” in favour of another song. As he gesticulated to the DJ, urging him to play “Palance”, another band member tried to calm him down.

Even the steelbands got into the act with Sagicor Exodus playing “Palance” as they rolled past the square on their way to downtown Port-of-Spain.

At High Street, San Fernando, masqueraders, almost on cue, leaned from side to side, whenever Palance played. A few contrasting melodies floated through the overpowering refrain of “Palance”, such as Groovy Soca Monarch finalist Rikki Jai’s chutney soca hit “Barman”.

Several traditional bands chose to go with songs to reflect their portrayals such as Belmont Jewels which played three-time Road March winner Christopher “Tambu” Herbert’s hits, such as “Play Mr DJ”, a song of a much slower tempo than the frenetic “Palaaance, Palaaance” chorus.

The late Road March king Lord Kitchener’s “Sugar Bum Bum” also enjoyed moderate air-play. So too did, “Wining on anything” by Buffy, Fay Ann’s “True Lies”, Destra Garcia and Machel Montano’s previous hit “It’s Carnival” and Shurwayne Winchester’s former Road March “Dead or Alive”. The popularity of “Palance” surged over the Carnival season as the song has been used in several commercials, the most high-profile of which is the humorous KFC ad, featured the heads of JW (Jason Williams) and Blaze (Ancil Isaac Jr), who are also radio and television personalities, in cartoon-styled characters.

Palance - JW and Blaze from ForceFed Blog on Vimeo.