Party Room Squad - Interview

Monday, July 30, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

I was able to have a little interview with Party Room Squad's Band leaders who provided a little insight into the band. Quite an interesting read.


1. Who is Party Room Squad?

The Party Room Squad is an organization that not only participates in the Miami Broward One Carnival but also is very involved with many worthwhile projects year-round.

Immediately following the carnival we jump right into a food drive to assist many in celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Last year, with the assistance of our masqueraders and a few of our sponsors, we supported over two hundred families to enjoy the holiday celebration.  

After Thanksgiving we proceed to our Holiday Toy Drive.   Last year we donated over three hundred toys to a host of churches and police departments.

We also provided some back-to-school supplies to our adopted elementary school.

We participate in other functions to enhance and showcase our rich Caribbean culture.

2. Who is your niche market?

Party Room Squad does not have a specific niche; we rather refer to ourselves as an INTERNATIONAL BAND.  Everyone is welcomed to join.  Any and all flags participate with the Party Room Squad.

3. How hard is it to bring a carnival band continuously for carnival?

The band is not an issue – It’s the constant changes in requirements, venue and rules.  We have lost not only masqueraders but also sponsors.  Many of our past sponsors have stated that the Carnival in South Florida does not do anything for their exposure so therefore, they would rather donate/sponsor to other events.  Business is business, so I understand and can’t fault them for their decision, but that creates a burden on the band to fund everything required.

4. Are you an all inclusive band?

Party Room Squad is an all-inclusive band.  We provide Food and drinks on the road.

5. Who are the djs for your band for 2012?

This year, DJ Alex and Deeinspekta D Original will provide the music  on the road.

6. Please give us a little more insight into your theme "Masquerade".

The theme “MASQUERADE” portrays a masked ball for our invited guests which are all in the entertainment industry.  Showgirls, dancers, actors and actresses will enjoy the night as they make their way through the city.

7. If I am interested in playing with you guys for 2012 what is the process for registration?

An interested masquerader can go to the web-site and view the costumes.  After which they can send an e-mail or call us.  We will in turn respond and get the necessary information.  Deposits or full payments can be done via paypal or a check can be sent to cover the expense.

8. Who does the costume design/production? And how early does this start after the last carnival?

Generally, I design and produce my own costumes locally.  My committee and I usually discuss themes around November and I begin the process of creating the prototype of the costumes by mid-February.  The designs are then produced for display on mannequins.

9. Where do you see your band in five years?

Hopefully, the group will increase in size as the years’ progress.  With a larger group, I hope to be able to give more to the community when the need arises.

10. What do you think the Miami Broward One Carnival committee can do to improve the carnival experience for both the bands and the masqueraders?

The committee should attempt to include the various ethnicities in the Miami Broward vicinity to increase the exposure that will be afforded to sponsors.  The region that is focused on I believe limits the outreach capabilities.  Think small, see small and we get small.

11. Is this a profitable venture for party room squad? Or is it done out of love for the culture.

The love of the culture is the main reason for this venture.  I enjoy the experience and look forward to the joyful expressions on the faces of my masqueraders every time we go on the road, at a cultural event or when we provide the needed assistance during the year.

The Party Room Squad's presentation for 2012 is dubbed Masquerade. They have 5 sections:


1001 Nights






Bollywood








Chocolate City

  
Emerald City



Vaudeville


The Party Room Squad can be contacted for registration and more information with the listed methods:


Band: Party Room Squad
Band Leaders: Carl and Micky Montes
Contact number: Mas Camp 305-625-0492
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Party-Room-Squad-Mas/145242755547331?sk=app_106171216118819
Website: http://www.partyroomsquad.com/
Email: partyroomsquad@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/partyroomsquad
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/partyroomsquad
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Pics from Carnival Nationz

Sunday, July 29, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 2 Comments

Here are some pics Carnival Nationz Miami posted on their FB page from their launch last night:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.227764887345965.48889.198834313572356&type=1

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Weekend Activities!!

Saturday, July 28, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

Flamingo Mas BBQ -  

Saturday 28th July, 2012 from 12pm - 6pm Address: 1539 NE 36th Street, Oakland Park, Fl, 33334 $9.00 a box. Includes:BBQ Chicken, Macaroni Pie, Fresh Salad & a bottle of water. Please call 954591 1972 

Carnival Nationz Band Launch



China Mas





Mas Dynasty 






Where ever you go, have fun and be safe!!!


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Ascension Mas - Odyssey

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

Ascension Mas launched on July 21st with their theme for 2012 "Odyssey - Discover our World". Unfortunately, Euphoria's was also on that same night and I opted to attend theirs. I finally found some proper pics of costumes and sections on their facebook page.

Ascensions presentation has 6 sections each with frontline, backline and male options:

AFRICANA







BALADI





BHANGRA


HULA




MAIKO





SAMBA



I headed to their website to get some more information on pricing etc but their site still contains information for 2011. So don't be worried with the SOLD OUT sign on the costumes. For updated information keep checking their website: www.carnivalascension.com

You can also check out their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/CarnivalAscension

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Soca Paradise & Euphoria Mas - Karma

Monday, July 23, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

So Euphoria Mas won out to the band launches to attend on July 21st. Truck stop was RAM!! I got there about just after 1am a bit concerned that the costumes may have gone on earlier than the usual 2am we have gotten accustomed to but as I pulled into a parking spot I realized that the models were still dressing. 

Sometime before carnival launches even started someone asked me about truck stop and band launches and I said I would not want to have a band launch there, just because of the set up. Soca Paradise is always a ram out fete session but for a band launch I didnt see it. It lacked something, IMO that a band launch needed to have. They said I was spoilt. lol. So when I realised that Euphoria was having their launch there I was a bit skeptical of how, for the viewers, it was going to pan out. And it was a feat.

The models came on stage about after 2 sometime. I'm not sure. I was a bit delirious at that time from the heat. It is usually very hot at that venue but Saturday it was exceptionally hot and it was packed. Attempts to get closer to see was a bit futile. They did a nice extension of the stage I must add that allowed the models to walk off of the stage into the crowd a little. I would have preferred that the stage come down the middle so that people could have seen from either sides. At one point people were standing on tables blocking out the back part of the crowd from seeing anything. Seeing the costumes on display was hard and I felt like it wasn't necessarily the main focus of most of the patrons who more came to fete than see the presentation.

Now to the costumes. Euphoria Mas' presentation for 2012 is dubbed "Karma". They have 6 sections: Insidious, Violet Flame, Spiritism, Envy, Tranquilty and Rebirth. On stage my favourite was the white frontline Rebirth. It looked good from the distance we were at. I really liked the look the backpack gave on the model. But I'm not seeing that FL pic on their site for registration. Looking at their pictures online though I am liking the belt of Insidious. I'm not too sure of Violet Flames belt at all or that flower on the leg piece. I like envy for a basic costume. I especially like the horn in the headpiece and the detail of the snake in the male's chest. Overall the costumes didn't wow me into excitement but additionally I wasn't turned off by them. Well except the flower belt in Violet and the leg piece lol. I can see Euphoria getting their sections filled.



I am very pleased that they have their website up and ready for registration the next day (or it may have been the night of). Costume prices are very good for all inclusive Females $170 and Males $165. I am going to assume that these are base prices and requests for boyshorts, tankinis, monokinis which are offered and Front Line costumes which are not shown on the site (wonder why) are going to be additional.

Take a closer look at Euphoria's Costumes: euphoriamas

As to Soca Paradise, it was the usual back yard jam that everyone enjoys. The rain came down a while after trying to help abate some of the heat. It didn't succeed and I left not long after.



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Custom Made Carnival Supplies (CMCS)

Saturday, July 21, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 3 Comments

We found another SBTC (Something Besides the Costume) supplier.

I randomly ran into Custom Made Carnival Supplies while browsing as usual. From their facebook page, they "offer a wide range of carnival services all in an effort to enhance your carnival experience.  No matter where you may be we're here to serve you :"

It appears like they supply both wholesale and retail a host of carnival accessories and services. Including:
- Decorated wire bras done to your taste
- Custom made corsets
- Decorated regular bras
- Monokini's
- Monokini (with wire bra)
- Collar - small, medium and large
- Backpacks
- Tiara
- Boot (decorated and undecorated)
- Carnival underwear (Hot shorts and panties)


What I saw from them that I liked that led me to search some more was a wire bra that they had done, but they also do collars and boots!!

Check out their facebook page for more information: http://www.facebook.com/CustomMadeCarnivalSupplies






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Weekend Activities!!

Friday, July 20, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

Initially there was a heavy schedule for July 21st, but that has since dwindled for a number of reasons. Check out what is lined up for the weekend and have a safe one!!

Ascension Mas and Pandora


Euphoria Mas and Karma




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Carnival Nationz new date

Friday, July 20, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

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With or With out U!! - SocaVivor Ultra

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

 
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Makeup...Carnival Faces

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

I have been asking around for MUAs that do sets for Miami carnival. I didn't get much answers cause most people that I asked did their own makeup. In my search this week though I ran into a tweet that directed me to Carnival Faces.



From their website seems like they are not based in Miami but also work in Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbados and they hold the title of "leader in Carnival Artistry along with the champions of having a darn good". Trudy Young started Carnival Faces in 2004 for Miami carnival and since then it has crossed the waters to many other carnivals.



They do work by appointments and bookings can be done on their website: Carnival Faces

Check out their facebook page and keep up to date with when they start booking for Miami 2012: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CARNIVAL-FACES/91002763658

Have you used carnival faces before?? What was your experience??






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Check this out: Flamingo Mas BBQ

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

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Miss Miami Broward Pageant 2012

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

Miss Miami Broward Pageant, a pageant that grooms, builds self-confidence & presents an opportunity for that special young lady to become an ambassador for the Miss Miami Broward Carnival is looking for YOU!!

Females between the ages of 17 - 25 interested in entering this year's competition can call 786 356 0869.

Check their website out for more information and past winners. www.missmiamicarnival.com





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Wire bras & Mas Exquisite

Monday, July 16, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 1 Comments

I always wonder where someone could get a wire bra in Miami. I know of a couple people who do them but are based in NY. And last weekend at an event there was a young lady in a wire bra and I was wondering where she got it. While browsing around today I ran into this page: Mas Exquisite.She specializes in wire bras and carnival accessories.

I especially liked this bra (not brave enough to do that underwirewear there.


She has a few more selections on her page. And I think she's also looking for models. Check out her page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mas-Exquisite/350371638354001


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Generation X Tremors Brochure

Monday, July 16, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

Finally was able to get a Gen X brochure. Prices are pretty standard as it applies to Generation X, and as I thought, those costumes displayed at the launch with the extra wasn't just Front Line but are individuals. Apparently they had this brochure at the launch (which is a great idea and very professional) but with all the rushing in I wasn't able to get one.

My favourite is Avalanche. I like the headpiece for Hurricanes though. And am I the only person that thinks that earthquake looks like something from Indulgences last year???

Click on flyer for larger view.





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Fun Generation 2012

Monday, July 16, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

I didn't know about Fun Generation's band launch on Saturday until Sunday.  I guess not having a facebook account really has me out of the loop.

Their theme for this year is "Garden of Angels". I checked out their website but it hasn't been updated yet with anything for this year. And no pics are around anywhere yet. Keeping my eye out.

This theme can have some amazing costumes!!


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Carnival Nationz Miami - Important Information

Monday, July 16, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

So Carnival Nationz issued an "Important Information" bulletin this morning.

Monday		Jul 16th
A MESSAGE FROM
CARNIVAL NATIONZ MIAMI, INC.

To our Masqueraders and Supporters

Due to an overwhelming response we have decided to relocate and reschedule our much anticipated launch of Empires. Please stay tuned for information regarding the new date and location via email blasts, our Facebook page – Carnival Nationz Miami – and Twitter. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you when we launch EMPIRES Nationz Miami Style.

So that leaves only two bands launching on July 21st instead of the four.

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Euphoria Mas - Sneak Peak - Karma

Thursday, July 12, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

Check out this Euphoria Mas sneak peak!!












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Band Launches!

Thursday, July 12, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 0 Comments

So we are still waiting on majority of bands to launch for carnival and we are 86 days away.

Initially it seemed like four bands had opted to launch on the 21st of July, but since then we have seen updated information for China Mas group which I like. They are now launching on July 28th at the Clevlander on Miami Beach. Even though their website is still stuck in 2011,  keep checking: http://chinamasgroup.com.

So that leaves just Carnival Nationz, Ascension Mas and Euphoria on the 21st of July.




On August 11th the Dominican band Riverland Mas will be launching their presentation for "Peppa Pot". Not sure yet where their launch will be but we will update as we get more info.

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Updates... or not!!

Friday, July 06, 2012 Drunk or Sober Mind yuh Bizness 2 Comments

We are less than 100 days away from One Carnival 2012:

*Where is Fun Generation, Party People, Break Awae Kru, Major Players, Wassi Ones??

* Why hasn't Generation X updated their website yet? We not playing Indulgences this year

* When is One Miami going to say when the official launch date is??

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