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Memorial Weekend 2016 Review
Is it just me, or was this past Memorial Weekend a real disappointment? I used to abandon sleep and sobriety for four full days in order to take advantage of the kickoff to the summer party season. This time around, I actually had two nights of deep sleep as this was one of the tamest Memorial Weekends I've ever experienced.
Why Are You Not Here, My Dear?
P.C.D. (Post-Carnival Depression) Party
You know you have a problem when you have a P.C.D. tabanca. If you were inside Stage 48 on Sunday for P.C.D. (Post-Carnival Depression) then you understand. ShorBlu Events, Back2Basics Ent & Live By The Henny teamed up to bring us a party that was meant to assuage our nostalgia for Trinidad Carnival, but has instead become the annual event that we can't stop talking about afterwards.
Do you remember when...?
Trinidad Carnival 2016
A lot can change in 4 years. That's how long it has been since I've been to Trinidad for Carnival. I had been to Carnivals before, but I remember a palpable excitement in the city. That same excitement was missing this year. I landed one week prior to Carnival, but there was no buzz, no cacophony of music in town, and no visible evidence that it was Carnival season. What could cause this lack of enthusiasm among Trinidadians?
Soca Monarch 2016
The annual soca competition kicked off with a notable absence. Machel Montano, who has won the crown several times before, decided that last year would be his last time in the competition. This allowed the competition to be anyone's game. During the semi-finals, the artists would have to win over the live crowd with a song and stage show that would propel them to the finals. 20 artists made the cut.
Despite a great lineup and strong performances, there was one clear favorite from the moment the show started.
Leh We Make a Memory
MACHEL MONDAY 2016
Fete prices in Trinidad have risen to an average of $100-600 USD (a high of almost $4,000 TTD). Many local patrons have opted to sit out a few fetes this year. However, those who decided not to attend Machel Mondayare probably regretting that decision today. Although the event was broadcasted live for $9.99 USD, nothing could compare to actually being in the Hasley Crawford Stadium on February 1st.
We Does Party Plenty
DysChick Picks the Top 5 Events of 2015
Every year, I embark on a mission to find the wickedest soca events. Whether it's a party, a carnival, or an experience, I am always on the hunt for a "can't-miss" event. Although I was blessed to experience some great events, here are my Top 5 for 2015.
We Come Out to Fete
Elevation DMV Weekend
Miami Carnival is usually the last big soca party weekend in the United States. Socaholics are forced to wait until February for Trinidad Carnival. Since I was unable to go to Miami, I was thrilled when Full Stop Entertainment intervened and provided DysChick with one more fete-portunity (sure, that's a word now). The weekend consisted of a kickoff, main event, and cool down party that brought top artists and deejays from around the world to the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia area).
We Ramajayin'
Brooklyn Labor Day Carnival Weekend 2015
Labor Day weekend in Brooklyn is the culmination of the summer season of partying. The annual celebration includes parties, boat rides, and lastly, the West Indian Labor Day parade on Eastern Parkway. The summer season of partying was restricted due to the loss of large venues like Pulse 48. With fewer venues, promoters ventured into Manhattan and Queens.