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Steelpan In New York

Date: 10.11.06             

Caribbean and South American countries
take center stage at Carifesta IX

 

Scenes from the Grand Market - in Pictures

 

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad - On any given night, a myriad of pulsating sounds and rhythms, activities and side events, as well as booths filled with attractive wares from participating countries, all vied for the attention of Carifesta visitors to the Grand Market.  The history, culture, and way of life of neighboring Caribbean and South American countries found expression through their music, dance, drama, art and culinary dishes from September 22 - October 1, at different locales throughout Trinidad and Tobago, of which the Grand Market was the main venue.  People were thus given many ways to 'visit' with their regional neighbors without actually traveling to the respective countries.

Of the many sights and sounds, every night visitors to the Grand Market could enjoy the music of the steelpan, the national instrument of the host country.  As attendees stopped to stare at the 'blue devil' characters portraying an integral part of the Carnival culture, the sound of the St. James Tripolians steelband lured people away to look up at them on the elevated platform, where they were housed for the Carifesta festivities. 

The band was amplified, and their sounds would travel with people as they drifted from one booth to another.  When Steel Talks (WST) is of the opinion that had St. James Tripolians (pictured) been more opportunely positioned  - many more people could have been privy to their musical endeavors.  As it was, they were almost hidden from the view of general passers-by.  But when they were heard, people would make their way through racks from another orchestra, to the small open clearing where Tripolians were situated.  Of the nights WST dropped by the Grand Market, there appeared to be only a handful of people listening and/or dancing to their music at any point in time.  But it is hats off to the musicians who performed with as much professionalism and dedication whether there was an audience of one, or many more.  Their manager, Keith Simpson was on site, educating those present not only on the history of the orchestra, and the time period relevant to the selections which they played, but also about key moments in the history of carnival and calypso.  Mr. Simpson's historical notes were supported by a large 'jumbotron' showcasing carnival footage of years gone by.

Other steelband groups set out almost in the middle of the thoroughfare on alternate nights, such as Merrytones Steel orchestra from Diego Martin, Woodbrook Playboyz and the national youth orchestra from Antigua and Barbuda (pictured) - attracted far more people and crowd interaction when they performed.  Carifesta visitors going past, and on their way in and out of the booths representing the various countries, also stopped by to take in the pan music.

Vendors who were on hand included Suriname's Norine Bolman-Brank (pictured below left) , who showcased her indigenous art products including jewelry, costumes and pottery.  She has been in the handicraft business for ten years, with her sons and other members of her family assisting in her line of work.  Alongside in the same booth was her countryman Bongo Charly (pictured below center) who specialized in Handmade percussions.  Charly said he had participated in many Carifesta events, but this was his first at one held in Trinidad; [for the record, 2006 marked the third time that Trinidad and Tobago hosted the Carifesta extravaganza].  The craftsman went on to say many people were curious about the unique instruments, and asked a lot of questions about them, but not many bought items.  "The money remains in their pockets; people hardly support artists anymore" was the wry comment from Charly.

Booths were usually shared by two, sometimes three representatives from a country. In another Suriname booth, one woman was offering various items for sale, but what captured the attention of one visitor in particular were the eye-catching wraps.  As she tried on the wrap, the vendor explained that they were made by different native tribes in Suriname, and the specific designs on the wraps were unique to and characteristic of each tribe.  Also with her, was a lady of Japanese descent, and as she brought her colleague across to be introduced (pictured above right), she proudly said that Suriname was the only country in the Caribbean which boasted its own Japanese population.  With her fellow vendor acting as interpreter, the vendor of Japanese heritage explained that many of her people had been brought to Suriname, decades ago.  Now their descendants were a distinct part of Suriname life.  In parting, WST asked the first vendor if she knew of any steelbands in Suriname, to which she replied "No," but added that she had many Guyanese friends, and that she was very familiar with the artform through them.

Along the way there were more booths from Guyana, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands and more; all had their share of bustle as the Grand Market crowd checked out the offerings.  Many showcased clothing lines in addition to other craft.  Among those from Guyana were Anthony (pictured below left) of Anthony's Creations who dealt in beautiful handmade jewelry; in the high-fashion world, the ladies of Nathalie's Fashion featured the exclusive tie-dye, batik and hand painted works of designer Nathalie Ward.  Artist Nyota Killikelly (pictured below center) also stood proudly alongside her handiwork when WST  visited her booth, explaining the concepts of womanhood visualized and brought to life through the particular piece she was photographed adjacent to.   The British Virgin Islands' Cheryl Maggiacomo enticed onlookers with a unique line of handmade dolls, as part of her varied collection of craft for  sale.

Antigua & Barbuda was well promoted by Annette Michael, the Ministry of Tourism representative (pictured above right) who explained the unique formation of the pure coral that was part of the attraction on the twin-island country's beaches; and at the Grand Market there were miniature bottles filled with coral sand on sale, among other mementos.  Together with her counterpart, Ms. Michael took time out to detail the reasons that made her country a first-class vacation destination.  On the night Antigua and Barbuda was scheduled to showcase its talent and culture for Carifesta, some members of the national youth steel orchestra, others from their contingent, and Ms. Michael were all present and ready for their turn under the lights on the main stage.

While there was music emanating from many areas in the Grand Market, including the stageside steel orchestras - it was usually the goings-on on the 'main stage' that grabbed the attention of many patrons of Carifesta IX.  As WST  went past, it was the turn of the Bahamas contingent to display the talents of their country.  And sharing the spotlight with fellow artists from The Bahamas was a gospel (pictured right) band with a great frontline vocalist, as well as a full choir.

But it is not only those performances taking place at the Grand Market that were laudable.  The performers took their talents and culture up and down the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago, to share with people who came out to be part of the experience that was - Carifesta IX.

Scenes from the Grand Market - in Pictures


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