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Due to the recession, this summer became the summer of the all-inclusive for me. Why waste money paying a separate entrance fee and for each individual drink, when you can combine them and get more bang for your buck?
I have combined the boat rides with the fetes this edition. (pics courtesy of NYCV & Caribbean Mecca.)
June
Greenlight All-Inclusive Undisclosed Location, Queens
I was looking forward to this one from Memorial Day weekend, and it did not disappoint. Something that the NYCV crew seems to understand: when you get “gussied up” to step out and have a good time, you want to be sure that you get your money’s worth. Greenlight was all that and more.
It took place in a beautifully decorated backyard in Queens. The bars were easily accessible, spaced throughout the venue and a good distance from the food. There was a special tequila bar with an ice shot slide and margaritas. The food was very good, and I walked around with a plateful of chinese chicken for a good part of the evening. I was one of the first people to arrive and the fete started off slow. The vibes picked up as more and more people arrived. All in all, this was a good time and a nice vibe for the grown and sexy.
The only complaint I have had to do with the patrons. Why oh why must grown men be told not to pee in yards? I mean really! The DJs soon became exasperated because they were forced to make constant announcements about urine! Make no mistake: if it weren’t for this snafu, the fete would have gone well into the morning. It is just so inconsiderate. Is it really that serious that you couldn’t wait for the port-a-potty? The line was less than 10 minutes long at any given time. Please men, get it together!
July
Radica All-Inclusive Vol II Mas Camp, BK
Now I must admit, I was a bit nervous about this one. I am not a big fan of Chutney Soca (to each his own) and so I dreaded an evening listening to music that I was not that excited about. But thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised.
The Indian theme was strong with the decorations. And of course, you know how West Indians love a theme: everyone came out in their Indian wear, some even in full saris, accessorized with bangles and bindis. There was a henna tattoo station set up and the tassa band that came through really augmented the vibes later on in the evening.
But I must say, what I remember most about this fete was the food. Oh the food! The various types of curry and rice. The roti! The shrimp! Did I mention there was curry shark? Yum, yummy, yum, yum!
High Noon Boat Ride The Paddlewheel Queen, 23rd Street Manhattan
I had so much fun this year, as I usually do on this boat ride. The rhythm section was on point, the DJs were vibin and people were ready to party. I spent a good amount of time taking in the sights on the rooftop deck of the boat. But soon, I was on the first floor, shoes off, having a ball. I even tried to walk off the boat barefoot! LOL. Loved the rum soaked sugarcane and watermelon!
August
Silent Morning Boat Ride Atlantica Yacht, South St Seaport, Manhattan
Hands down, the best boat ride of the summer!!! Please see the Trini Jungle Juice review for more info, I don’t think I can add anything to what was already written there!
Maracas Bay Style Cooler Fete Vol II Mas Camp, BK
Was it the fact that you could bring a cooler (we all know how I love a cooler fete)? Was it the coconut water? The swimsuits and beach wear modeled by the patrons? The lovely time experienced at Silent Morning that very same day? I don’t know. But here’s hoping that this fete comes around next year. But this time, bigger venue! You soon could not move, there were so many people in attendance!
September
Basic Sundaze Breakfast Edition Sheryll Princess, Brooklyn
I’m seeing a pattern here…is it something about having to get up at 5am for a boat ride that makes it especially good? It was something because this year’s Basic Breakfast boat ride was even better than last year’s, and that’s saying something.
The boat was packed, but not uncomfortably so. Everyone just found their little place on the boat and had a wonderful time! Drinks were flowing and everyone was wining everywhere! I tried to take a break several times on the lower level, but found myself running back upstairs as “my song” came on…again, and again and again!
And so ended another fun-filled BK summer! Here’s looking forward to 2010!
I arrived in Miami very early on Friday morning. After taking a long nap at a friend’s house (thanks Cliviaalana! LOL) I was truly ready for some fun in the sun in Miami!
Scruples 13th Anniversary Block-o with Kes the Band
Of course we could not truly begin to party until we had made the obligatory first stop at Wet Willies on Ocean Drive. One Call-a-Cab later, and I was ready to get on at Soho Studios.
Block-o was interesting. Not my type of crowd, but I loved Kes and the Band. The bar was hassle free-always good. Soho Studios, which was large and airy in the beginning, became a sweatbox during Kes’s performance. We had planned to head over to Superfriends afterwards, but by 4am we were way too sweaty and tired. I’m glad to have experienced it, but I am not sure Block-o will be my first choice next year.
Vale Vibe Miami
The next night I put on my wedges and headed on over to Vale Vibe Miami at the Bank of America Tower in Downtown Miami. (Pics courtesy of We Lime)
The venue was gorgeous. The rooftop featured long winding paths, benches, waterfalls and pretty colored Vale Vibe lights. It was like being in an enchanted wonderland, surrounded by skyscrapers. The bar was long and easily accessible and the bartenders were making the drinks nice and strong. Waiters walked around offering appetizers and there were large pots of chicken pelau strategically placed throughout the venue. One con: there was nothing really on offer for the vegetarians.
After a rhythm section session, Candice’s bodypaint wild animals came out to mingle with the crowd and really start the fete. It was all the usual Diamond Vale djs in attendance including B2B, Hypa Hoppy and D’Bandit, so the music was going strong. And did I hear that Dwayne Wade was walking about the fete and taking in the sights? I wouldn’t know. I was in a corner, wedges off, dancing with wild abandon! This fete is a definite must for Miami carnival next year.
On the road with Vibrationzz
Finally my favorite part- time to hit the road! We found Vibrationzz, but our music truck had a few issues and soon had to get off the road. But Vibrationzz cannot be stopped- we were able to jump up with Generation X which was a lot of fun. I’m not quite sure they were ready for us! LOL As long as I get to hear Xcalibur and hang with fam, I am good!
The road was long and a lot of fun. It was a hot day, about 93 degrees, sunny and very humid, fluids were a must! We did not hit the stage until after 10pm at night, so there was plenty of time to chip, wine and mingle.
I was able to sample the food in Bicentennial Park- and had some macaroni pie that was to die for. Also had an obligatory jump up with Natural Freaks, a bit of wild fun with my BK massive. Didn’t linger too long though, don’t want paint on my pretty costume. Also got to see Carnival Nationz and One Island Body Paint band on the road in Miami-looking good!!
After we crossed the stage, it was time to go home- another Miami carnival done. Til next year Miami!
Those of you who have been coming here for a while know that my first carnival experience was when I was elementary school age here in NY. Some friends of the family decided to round all the kids up and take us to Eastern Parkway for the Labor Day Parade.I fell in love- I had never seen so many large grand costumes, so many colors, so many sequins. I had a film roll of 36, I think I finished it in a half hour!
Well, to my surprise and delight, I found some of the pics during a recent trip to my parent’s house!
What I love most about these pics is you can tell that they were taken in the 80’s (1986 I believe) by the clothing style of the spectators. I remember as we made our way to the parkway, someone was banging “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and D.J. E.Z. Rock. It doesn’t get better than that. Hope you enjoy my little trip down memory lane.
(Peep his b-boy stance! LOL)
The Labor Day Parade mas band results have been released:
ADULTS LARGE BANDS-2009
1ST Place: Dazzle- Sesame Flyers
2nd Place : Amazonia Unleash Savage- Ramajay
No 3rd place? Interesting….does that mean that no one was worthy or the old standbys didn’t have enough masqueraders to make large band judging? (I spied both Borokeete & Hawks in the medium band list). Hmmm…food for thought!
[If you follow me via Twitter you might have seen my series of tweets regarding NY mas bands needing to upgrade their costumes in order to get younger masqueraders to play...]
D Krewe brought the fire for 2010! Their presentation is entitled “Salvaje”, a spanish word meaning wild. I am blown away by their presentation this year: simply gorgeous! Here are some of my faves (photos courtesy of Trinipulse).
Kindred Spirit
I can not express in mere words how much I love this costume! It is dramatic, it is unusual. I love that it is white, I love the use of wire and fabrics. The male costume is different and stands out without being effeminate. This one is a definite showstopper, and I hope that those who chose to play in this do it justice. This deserves slow animalistic creeping movements across the stage. Simply fabulous!
Zulu
Another dramatic costume. I can easily see the theme in this, but it’s not too literal. I usually like a lot of color in a costume, but this year D Krewe is starting to change my mind. I like the make-up on the model as well.
Tsunami
Love the colors of this one. Liking the headpiece. Not exactly sure how it relates to a Tsunami (LOL) but I like it nonetheless.
Comancheros
A comanchero was a Native American Trader in the U.S. Southwestern region from the 1800s. I will always make room for a big Native American headpiece. And this one does not disappoint.
Good luck to D Krewe in 2010!
I ended up being in town for Labor Day this year. But I chose not to play mas and attended as a spectator instead.
I followed Chocolate City Mas for a bit. The Parkway gets bigger and bigger every year. Maybe it’s time to extend the Eastern Parkway route? Because the crowds are out of control!
I also jumped up with T Vice, the Haitian truck and took a wine with the Irie Jams truck as well. Had a wonderful time!
Some footage of T Vice from Radio Citadelle:
Word on the street is that WIADCA lost Ramajay mas’s paperwork and as a result relegated them to medium band judging rather than large band? I can’t speak on whether Ramajay deserves to be Large Band of the Year or not, but I can say that a band deserves to be judged in the category that they registered for. WIADCA still hasn’t posted official results, so we shall see how this plays out.
Here are some pics of Ramajay on the road, courtesy of Ivybez.
Yasuni Parrot
Ruby Glow
Green Jasper
And I just want to wish a happy and safe carnival to you and yours!
Those of you that have been following me for a while may remember that I went to Miami carnival a couple of years ago and had a wonderful time playing with a new band called Vibrationzz. Vibrationzz has a couple of mas-making years under their belt and is back for more. The vibrant colors are speaking to me this year, I am just imagining how they will look under the hot Miami sun…FIRE! And since TnT costumes seem to be getting skimpier and skimpier, I must make sure I get all the shimmying beads out of my system elsewhere- LOL
Here’s a closer look at Vibrationzz’s colorful 2009 presentation entitled “Vegas Nights”:
BLACK JACK
JACK POT
VEGAS LIGHTS
SHOW GIRLS (“part yellow”)
SHOW GIRLS (“part purple”)
I have already chosen my section, but I find myself strangely attracted to that purple Showgirls costume- & I NEVER like purple. Hmmmmmm…..
Go to the Vibrationzz website for more info. See you on the road!
Last night, Island People launched their 2010 presentation entitled Kutchela. I am always interested in what IP has in store: to me, IP mas is like haute couture- lovely to look at & good to draw inspiration, but impractical on the road (for costumes as well as customer service). That being said, I am loving what they did this year! For more extensive info, critiques & pics, please head over to Saucy’s blog.
Here are some of my favorites (pictures courtesy of Triniscene):
Morgandani: I literally gasped when I saw this one. I love the colors and the way they used different shapes to embellish the headpiece and waistband.
Mudra: Now I have seen variations on this with Tribe, but I love the way they connected the necklace to the bra to the waistband. I can envision this being an annoyance on the road depending on how it is executed, and I am always nervous about jewels next to the skin in the hot Trini sun. But I love it as a concept.
Bindi: Normally I wouldn’t even look at a costume like this, I consider the color too dull for the road. But I looooovveeee that bling, bl bling bling bling!!!
Chutney Bhaav: The overall effect of this one works for me. And I really like this shade of orange. Saucy had posted a preview of this days ago and I didn’t like it then, but I have to admit, it’s definitely growing on me.
Good luck Island People!
