With T&T in a virtual state of lockdown and restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, artistes are being forced to to earn a living by performing abroad. Several of our soca, pan, mas, and calypso stars, like Lord Nelson, Kes, Iwer George, Blaxx, Bunji Garlin and Voice, recently had top billing as they performed to large audiences in New York at the turn of September.
October is the month of Miami Carnival and, with the exception of the kiddies carnival, all of the traditional soca, pan and mas events will be held, though with a twist. Only vaccinated persons will be allowed to attend events.
The 37th edition of Miami Carnival will be held on the Columbus Day holiday weekend with some events scheduled from October 2. The peak however will be the costume parade on Sunday, October 10.
The majority of events will be held at the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale but the Miami Carnival Parade of the Bands & Concert will be held in the Miami Dade County Fairgrounds.
Igniting the heat on October 7 will be Florida Trini Promotions when they host "Welcome to Miami Jump Start." Billed for this Columbus weekend premiere are Bunji Garlin, Iwer George, Fayann Lyons, Patrice Roberts, Blaxx, Nailah Blackman, Nadia Batson, Skinny Fabulous, Viking Ding Dong and Charlie Black.
On October 7, King Leo Promotions and Islands United are also staging "Girl Power," at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center.
Girl Power" will feature some of the hottest female soca divas on the planet, including Allison Hinds, Nailah Blackman, Patrice Roberts, Nadia Batson, Fayann Lyons, Nessa Preppy, Timeka Marshall and Nisha B.
Also in Miami to perform at Panorama, J'Ouvert and parade of the bands is Massy Trinidad All Stars.
Expected to be a major hit at the Miami Dade County Fairgrounds on October 10, at the Parade of the Bands event is the masquerade band produced by One Island. This year, the band is paying tribute to mas designers and in Miami bringing the T&T flavour to the presentation is multiple champion Band of the Year designer Caroline Mc Intosh, of Ronnie & Caro. Her section, which is already sold out, carries her name.
Up north of Miami, there's more T&T action in the Big Apple. Cancelled locally because of Covid-19, the epic and much-loved "Everybody Loves Raymond" will have a New York edition on October 16, at the NYCEventSpace (formerly Amazura).
Staged by Sanjay Maharaj Events, the show will be headlined by Raymond Ramnarine and his full Dil-e-Nadan band.
Opening for Raymond will be Destra, Rakesh, Ashnie, and the NYC Showcase of Anil Duniya, Randy Ramdin, Ranjeev and Prince JP.