Save the Date: Xtasy Mas
Xtasy Mas band launch for the 2012 Miami-Broward One Caribbean Carnival
PERFORMING LIVE Benjai, Sizwe C & Big George
700 S. Dixie Highway
Hollywood, FL 33139
Saturday, June 23rd, 2012
Doors Open at 9:00pmThe People's Champion, Benjai, will be performing live for the first time in South Florida in 2012. Also performing will be Miami's very own, Sizwe and Big George. Music provided by DJ Redz and the Xtasy Mas DJs.Limited advance tickets are $20 - prices increase after June 1st.Ticket locations: Joy's Roti Delight and Tropical Feast.
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Band Review - Party People Mas 2011
Hello TBGIR,
This year Miami Carnival has certainly been different, from the costume collection down to the weather. Last year after a dismal crossing the stage with Party People, I still decided to give them another chance this year and I played with them again, only of course to face another dismal crossing of the stage. I understand all revelers want to cross the stage, but when you have people that pay extra money to have a more elaborate costume and play in Frontline, they should have been given their one or two minutes of shine. Not also give them their shine, but also to display the beauty of the costume since it is more elaborate than the others and let the costume be judged for its beauty. From the time we got into the staging area, I took it upon myself to gather up the few FL’ers but alas we were bum-rushed and got shoved on the stage together. Personally, I felt that the organizers should have given the DJ that was reading the sections a list telling him who to call first and who not to call. Even that was chaos because we were changing sections close to the judging point….Seriously.
This year Miami Carnival has certainly been different, from the costume collection down to the weather. Last year after a dismal crossing the stage with Party People, I still decided to give them another chance this year and I played with them again, only of course to face another dismal crossing of the stage. I understand all revelers want to cross the stage, but when you have people that pay extra money to have a more elaborate costume and play in Frontline, they should have been given their one or two minutes of shine. Not also give them their shine, but also to display the beauty of the costume since it is more elaborate than the others and let the costume be judged for its beauty. From the time we got into the staging area, I took it upon myself to gather up the few FL’ers but alas we were bum-rushed and got shoved on the stage together. Personally, I felt that the organizers should have given the DJ that was reading the sections a list telling him who to call first and who not to call. Even that was chaos because we were changing sections close to the judging point….Seriously.
But it looks like I am getting ahead of myself…Let me back it up to costume distribution L. Initially I was told that costume distribution would have been the Friday, but like I said, I have had a rapport with Party People from last year and I knew better than that. So I got a message the Thursday saying that my costume won’t be ready not until Saturday but my husband’s own was ready for pickup as well as the backline’s. Ok no problem, got to the mas camp which wasn’t too far from my home to pick up my husband’s costume, everything looked intact until I got home and noticed on their website they showcased a yellow pants for his costume only to find a teal pants in the bag. At this point, I am shaking my head, so I called a committee member who confirms the pants is indeed teal and not yellow…smh…if you make changes you should let people be aware of that before-hand, because my husband was close to buying yellow shoes to match his pants and just didn’t have the time…what if he did? Steups!!
Now fast forward to after 12 the next day when I should have collected my costume, called the committee member to see if they were ready for me, and of course as expected they were not ready for me. Took it upon myself after being promised a call to go to the mas camp to look for meh costume. So around 2:00 pm we went to the mas camp only to end up helping them make costumes and finish decorating some bras. We left the mas camp at 11:30pm with my unfinished back-pack. The designer had already bend the wire but he also had to finish other backpacks because somehow all front-liners costumes were done last. You would think that the people who paid the most money would have been taken care of first. So anyway, my husband and I took the feathers that were given to us and we went home to do my backpack, which we finished off in the morning after making a quick run to Walmart to get some braiding.
Come Carnival Sunday we got out there at 11:30 for the 12 noon start since we were the first band, we didn’t get to cross the stage not until after 4 (crossing the stage experience has already been discussed, lol). So we will talk about the music on the road. Now everyone that knows me, know I like my carnival and soca and I truly believe that I have more soca music than the dj’s that were on the music truck (Eternal Vibes and Crown Prince) and I should have handed them my phone to play instead of the shite music they were playing. Miami Carnival is an international carnival; therefore all island music should have been played and not no 90% trini soca and then the rest of the islands. I heard Pressure Boom once (how old is this song again)…I can count the amount of new bajan songs (4 of them) that I heard, 2 vincy and how much old old music…
When" It’s Carnival" by Destra came out it was de tune, this song needs to be put in the soca vault, there is too much new music out there…Why I am still hearing 2005 music is beyond me (Dead or alive by Shurwayne Winchester)…I have gone up to some dj’s and told them why don’t they play any small island music and some have said they can’t find it, yet still my husband and I are no dj’s and we have all the island music without no taglines in them, so how comes I can find it and they can’t?????
Personally, I think Party People International has the potential to be a great band and have less angry revelers and trust me there were plenty angry revelers…the finger food that they served on the road should not have included the mayo (not everyone can eat mayo) but the walking around to serve people instead of them rushing to get it was a nice touch and I really must compliment them on that and also the fresh cold fruits that was very good. The actual food at the end of the crossing of the stage could have been better, cole slaw should not be an option carnival day at all, again not everyone can do mayo, the rice portions were good but some of it was cooked and some wasn’t. Again all that can be fixed up for next year!! The drinks truck team was pretty good although there could have been a better selection of drinks. I was drinking orange juice and some bajan rum that my husband had in his bag (why did we have to bring our own rum, is beyond me, but after last years’ experience, we knew to come ready with our own rum). I am willing to give them a try next year if they fix their organization because despite it all, I did have a pretty good time on the road but at the end of the day revelers spend their money and they do not like to be taken for a fool. Personally I think the whole Miami-Broward Carnival need to fix their organization. Miami Carnival is one of the biggest international carnival and have so much potential if the right people takes it in the direction that it should go and not let it be about money or greed but more about our culture!
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Band Review - Carnival Nationz 2011 - Unicorn
Hi TBGIR,I decided for the second year to play with Carnival Nationz Miami. After the launch I was very excited and wanted to get into Unicorn.
Registration was pretty much hassle free. Much easier than actually finding the mas camp to do the actual registration. It is also quite annoying to call someone and they can't properly direct you to their OWN camp. After viewing the costumes close up, people decided really what sections they wanted to play in, application filled out and down payments paid.
Collection wasn't quite as easy. Some bags were missing items. Some of the gems were already falling off of the costumes. Some bras didn't fit as well (as is expected with the U bras). Eventually everyone was sorted out as best as can be. The atmosphere at the mas camp was at times too hectic and I think a little bit more organization is needed for distribution. Atleast music was playing, drinks were selling so if you had to wait you were a bit entertained.
Fast Fwd to Sunday for parade. It had already been a different type of Miami with all the rain that was falling but we were still hyped to be on the road. We got to the meeting point at around 10am. That map provided by One Miami Carnival committee was quite ahm... dumb. We eventually found the bands though after much "U see the bands" as we walked. CNZ had already started sharing out breakfast (aloo pies) and the bar was already running. Those pies were the worse things ever. I don't know who thought that those tings were a good idea for masqueraders to get in the morning. Anyway, that was minor. Most people were in high spirits besides the rain. Some were covered in plastic wraps trying to preserve their costume a bit with the rain, others didn't care. Some of my crew were loosing gems as we walked though. We didn't hit the road yet. Eventually bands started lining up in the order we were to proceed. Unfortunately CNZ picked 3 I think and that was something of an issue for masqueraders who didn't want to cross too early. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
From playing last year I know CNZ always has vibes on the road. Their drinks are ALWAYS flowing. There is no limit to the amount of drinks you can get, masqueraders are very friendly and welcoming. You feel like you're playing with family. This year wasn't really much different. My issue was MUSIC. 2011 was a great year for Soca. There was a plethora of songs to be played. Seems like some of our DJs didn't get that memo. At times you would hear "but we just heard that song". At times you couldn't even hear the music to tell the truth. When you did try to go up front to the music truck to hear the music louder, you were accosted by security (who for the most part did an excellent job) who informed you "Only the king, queen or individuals can be up here". So what? we can't hear music too? I know of a few people who eventually left to go to other bands to hear music. I don't know. They need to work on their sound truck and their Djs need to learn to miz it up.
Food. Food. Food. Now Miami's route is not that long, but people are drinking a LOT for majority of the day, especially too from the long weekend, so good food is needed. And they did provide some tasty food but it was surely served a bit too late. I understand that they may have wanted to wait till we got into the park (An issue I hope that One Miami works on because I don't see why masqueraders have to be let in one by one into the gates. IT makes NO sense and as hinders masqueraders route time. Suppose bands were 5000 strong? It would take all day to get in the park?...Steups) But then for us to have to rush down the truck to get some food to sit on the side watching the band continue around the bend to cross the stage? Please don't think I'm expecting a rest spot stop, but a bit more strategic serving of food. I mean CNZs committee should know the route and what is expected when so that they can better guide their masqueraders.
All in all I would give them a 9 out of 10 for my experience. No let's make that an 8.5. The Djs is a really important issue. I especially liked that after we crossed the stage "early", it was actually late in the evening and I think a good time, they parked the truck on the side way and continued the party with drinks etc.I had no issue with drinks. They had mine. I know they are a lot of people who were not satisfied though. Costumes falling apart etc. and are looking for a new band.
Based on my experience I would gladly play with and recommend Carnival Nationz to anyone else. Especially if they do better with the Djs. (Majestic was good) and with costume distribution.
One Miami Carnival need to organize their dam selves though. Some of the logistical issues need to be worked out ASAP. I mean by now this thing should be seamless. Steupsssssssssssssss
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Band Review - Generation X 2011 - Indulgences
Hello,
Generally my experience was a good one, the highlights included the music industry personalities such as Private Ryan aboard our trucks, setting the tone for the masquerade.
My costume was satisfactory in design, but well constructed, for which I was thankful. The men's pants, however, were disastrous: they all split open in the back, which made for great heckling and picture snapping entertainment.
My only gripe is the drinks situation. I was rationed 6 alcoholic drinks for the day. 6 drinks? For the whole day? Nah man. I would have been willing to pay extra for unlimited drinks, if only for the peace of mind, nothing is worse than budgeting how many drinks you can have per hour while masquerading.
Otherwise, thank you for a great experience.
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Take a Listen: Spanish Fly Riddim - A little Wine - Patrice Roberts
Really loving this song!!
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Miami Broward One Carnival 2011
Did you play mas for Miami/Broward One Carnival last year?Who did you play with?
How was it?
Send us a review. It will be anonymous unless otherwise requested (Don't be scared!!)
Email us at kaiserballco@gmail.com!!!
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A lil rumble...
Well there's some kind of movement coming from the Carnival Nationz Miami camp. Seems like they're sending out feedback emails to their past masqueraders. So if you were a part of CNZ Miami last year check your email!!-Disclaimer-
Memorial Weekend - IsleofRhumb - Sunset Cooler Fete..
Isleof Rhumb Promotions and NOBBIE & FRIENDS
Sunset COOLER Fete
……The First Annual Cooler Fete
@ The BLUE SKY
An Outdoor Venue
5870 Davie Road Extension, Davie, FL 33314
Sunday, May 27, 2012
MUSIC BY
Dorenzo, Sound Rev, Eternal Vibes
Take 595 East or West to Davie Road Extension, Go South on Davie Road Extension. Venue is on your left just before Stirling Road.
Expected to be the best Cooler Fete party for the year
Men & Women: Wearwant yuh want
Ticket Outlets
Caribbean Delight 305-254-6606
Coal Pot
Tropical Feast 305-652-8648
Joy’s Roti Delight 9 954-587-7700
Dorenzo
Coconut Wine & Spirit 954-968-6565
Doors open at 5:00 PM To 11 PM
Admission: Advance Tickets $25.00
For more info call 954-205-1787 or 305-984-5532
Sunset COOLER Fete Sunset COOLER Fete Sunset COOLER Fete 
Memorial weekend well heating up!!
-Disclaimer-Genx X... AGAIN!!..Model Search!!
I mean what else can we talk about since they seem to be the only band making some kind of movement at the moment. Not even One Miami Carnival itself website updating!!They're looking for models....as per their twitter account...
So get on it if you're interested!!!
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More Info on Gen X Launch
So we got an email with some more info on their launchGeneration X
Invites you to
Our Band Launching Presentation for Miami-Broward Carnival 2012 .... another Gen X–perience
KES THE BAND – Performing Live
Saturday June 30th 2012
@ Hialeah Race Track
2200 East 4th Ave., Hialeah, Florida 33013
Costumes on Display – Live Models
Admission: From 10:30 P.M.
Limited Specially Priced Advance Tickets only until May 30th available online @ www.GenerationXMiami.com
General Admission $20
VIP (Preferred Entrance & Location) $30
Ultra Exclusive (Preferred Entrance, Prime Location, Food & Drinks) $50
18 to Party 21 to Drink
The biggest Band Launch ever in Florida with 45 Models
Music by: KES THE BAND, Genesis, Ryan Sayeed, Rebel, Dorenzo
Directions:
From Palmetto (826), exit on N.W. 74th Street, go east to E 4th Ave., make a left (north), entrance is on the left.
Our Sponsors:
Sea Freight Agencies, USA Trans Equipment, Guinness, Laparkan Shipping, Caribbean Airlines, Diageo, Carnival Faces, Red Stripe, Aalia Ali-Make-up Artist, Red Bull,
45 Models???!!! Can't wait to see
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I'm quite surprised that this video hasn't been posted as yet. I mean doesn't the resident Machel groupie reside here???
Check out Ian Allyene nah!! What do you think??
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Save the Date... WAIT... It's already saved!!
So I was just about to post this flyer, thinking Kes the Band making a wave in Florida for the month of June. Generation X Band launch on June 30th then Soca 360 on June.... ah.. 30th?????? Wait.. it's the same event/party!!! Sooo does that mean that Gen X and Soca 360 (Party People) are combining forces? Or am I just too into some kind of conspiracy theory here?? Real TREMORS!!! Lol. Anyway...
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Check it out: Flag Fete (Orlando)
If you don't mind making the trek to Orlando for Memorial weekend (which is also their carnival time) Machel and Xtatic will be there along with Patrice and Nappy!
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Save the Date: Generation X!!
Finally. Some movement!! Generation X has started the ball ah rolling (As far as we can see) with them launching on JUNE 30th!!! Seems like their theme is TREMORS!! Excited to see what they do with this for costumes. AND they have KES the Band performing too. *Excited*
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Check it Out: Motion in the Ocean
A must not miss, unless you're going to be out of town :). An amazing boat ride with Nuff vibes!!
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Come Play ah Mas... We Ready!!!
With all the carnival talk going on, Caribana bands launching, Barbados bands launching, Jamaica carnival gone, the hype for Miami carnival is growing. (Or is it just in my head??)By now bands SHOULD be designing and putting plans in place. I mean it's already May. We are five months away and I'm sure I'm not the only person anxious and hype and looking forward to launch times.
Rumor has it that Gen X might be the first band out of the gates with a launch carded for June. Their website shows no sign of movement though. Checking a few other websites and it seems MOST are still stuck in 2011. Fun Gen, Carnival Nationz Miami, China, Somebody???!!! Sigh!!
Can we get some movement please!!!
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