>> View Carnival Nationz Band Launch 2010 Gallery

On Saturday May 1st, 2010, The Sound Academy came alive with rhythm and colour as Carnival Nationz launched its costumes for this year’s Caribana celebrations. This year the band’s portrayal of ‘Sparrow D Legend’ celebrates the life and achievements of calypso great, The Mighty Sparrow.

The DJ kept the soca vibes going as the crowd which was a mixture of Nation’z long time supporters and more recent enthusiasts eagerly awaited the arrival of the models. The display of costumes began with a video tribute to the Mighty Sparrow by other musical greats including Destra, Kes, Calypso Rose and the Palance kings, JW & Blaze.

Each of the 12 sections displayed represents one of Sparrow’s legendary songs with titles including long time favourites Saltfish, Obeah Wedding, Jean and Dinah and SasaYea. The beautifully adorned models mesmerized the crowd with their colourful feathers, dazzling jewels and beads.

CROWD:
It was mainly an older crowd (surprisingly) - could have been mostly the theme of the band that brought them out "The Mighty Sparrow". It took a while for the venue to fill up but by the end of the night it was comfortably filled, we could still move around without having to push through people . The front, by the stage, was (obviously) more difficult to get around because people had been holding their places to see the show, so we didn't get a great spot to take pictures of the models on stage.

VENUE/ACCESSIBILITY:
We think the venue was great for a soca fete because it's similar to Kool Haus with that "warehouse" feel to it. The stage was really big and perfect for the models to walk down (in a 'T' shape) and that left more space for more people to crowd around it and see. We liked that it wasn't too hot and sticky inside and that there was plenty air circulation..then again, not many people were dancing. The venue was very clean.

VIBES:
The one thing we didn't like too much was that the DJs were going from new 2K10 soca back to 2003 soca or older. When we were in our 2010 soca zone, that's all we wanna hear and we wanna hear MORE... we don't wanna be cut off and start hearing an old song.

Most of the sections came on to the stage with ENERGY and excitement, some (Saltfish (the silver) and the Purple section)...well...didn't. Seus-say (sp.?) came out and had the audiences full attention with the male costume & front line. They also continued dancing (which we think people love to see) unlike some of the other sections who just walked out and walked back in. The audience, on the hand, weren't really dancing at all. We were able to move through at any time of the fete to get to the other side & back.

FOOD & DRINKS:
Bought a breezer and it was $6.50 - pretty cheap compared to most places.

SERVICE:
The bartender who served us was very sweet, he helped us decided what to drink, the other waved and smiled at usme (maybe he thought he knew one of us? ... lol)

COST/VALUE:
We think the regular for all bandlaunches are $15/ticket, so it was reasonable. Show + music.

The make-up artist at this event was SPECTACULAR. We don't think we have both ever been so amazed by someones talents.

The costumes that stood out were: Seus-say (light blue, turquoisy, lime green) and the burgundy costume. HOT.

Other bands definitely have to look out for Carnival Nationz!

Alizé & Empress Esi

Did we forget anything? Add your 2 cents below...

>> View Carnival Nationz Band Launch 2010 Gallery