Coming right on the heels of last weekend's Tribe ICE Fete and Zele Cooler Party, the fete agenda really gets going this weekend when Trinity College holds its 18th annual Soka in Moka all-inclusive on the college's basketball court in Moka, Maraval, at 4 pm.
This all important fund-raiser has over the years become a major event to generate funds for school projects to enhance a well-rounded education for the college's students, since the school does not receive 100 per cent funding from the Ministry of Education.
For the third consecutive year, the price remains at $750, due to the current economic climate, making it one of the cheapest parties of its kind this Carnival season. And although stringent adjustments have been made, the music is still tops, with Dil-e-Nadan featuring Richard Ramnarine, Dereck Seales, Stephen Marcelle and Renuka Mahabir; Roy Cape All Stars with Ricardo Drue, Blaxx and Tizzy; plus special appearances by International Soca Monarch Voice, Orlando Octave, and many more surprises.
The environment at Moka contributes to an enjoyable event complete with an enviable ambience, especially when the courts are illuminated as darkness falls. The food flavour remains international with a large variety of Chinese, Creole and Indian dishes, and as usual a premium bar. Parking is not a problem as a shuttle service will once again be provided to take patrons to and from the event, where an enhanced security service ensures the safety of patrons.
 For the past 17 years, the Soka in Moka Foundation has contributed significantly to the development of the college. It has provided computers for the lab, and extensively refurbished the Sixth Form areas, offices of the principal and vice principal, and the staff bathrooms. In an effort to strengthen security, the basketball courts were fenced/repaved and gates installed at the entrance and exit areas, and a 16-camera system has been installed at various points and security lights constructed around the perimeter of the college Also, a staircase was constructed to allow for easier access between the college and the basketball courts.
The Soka In Moka Foundation also contributed to the college's cultural and sporting activities which included production of Derek Walcott's Ti Jean and his Brothers at the Little Carib Theatre; support of the football and dragon boat teams; and funding of the Explorers' Club and the Foreign Languages department on overseas trips. The most recent project has been the repainting of the college, particularly the exterior, at a cost of over $345,000.
So as you party, please think of your contribution to the education of the youth in this country.
 
For further info contact Ann 760-9714; Janice 755 1636; Rhy 469-0000;  Tony  753-1390; Dale 731-7892; Sean 681-5842; Dexter 685-4112; or Trinity College 629-2073. Advanced booking is also available on line via Ticket Federation.
London comes to town
With so many changes taking place in calypsodom, it's a challenge to keep pace. A major move in the casts of calypso tents is that of popular young southern bard Brian London coming to Port-of-Spain to perform at Tuco's Klassic Ruso tent, expected to be housed at Port-of-Spain City Hall on Knox Street. Already a South Calypso Monarch, Extempore champion and National Calypso Monarch finalist, London will sing alongside giants like Crazy, All Rounder, Contender and Humorous Monarch Brother Ebony, as well as sisters Lady Wonder and Shirlaine Hendrickson.
Though elated to join the cast at Klassic Ruso, London is disappointed about the rule change in this year's National Calypso Monarch competition which mandates contestants sing one song instead of the traditional two, and perform only the calypso registered for the competition. Pulse has heard two of London's calypsoes and I think they are of the substance deserving selection to the monarch final.
The Klassic Ruso calypso tent opens on January 26, until February 24. This year, Shirlane Hendrickson hosts the tent's programme, with the chorus by Klassic Ruso Gems and accompaniment by Klassic Ruso Orchestra.
Kaiso Karavan, the Tuco East Zone flagship tent, is also ready for Carnival and opens its season on January 28 at Eric Williams Auditorium, La Joya Complex, St Joseph. The tent's cast includes Johnny King, De Original de Fosto Himself, Cardinal, Karega Mandela, The Stinger, M'ba, Singing Francine, Dirty Curty, Sheldon Nugget, Eunice Peters, Young Creole, Bro. Alpha, Lady Paula, Anthony Johnson, Supriser, Blk Czar, Singing Sonia, Eric James, Sweetheart, Erphaan Alves, Walter Taylor, Slick, Kid Callalloo, Archie, Jerrisha Duncan-Regis, Rene Charles and Trevor Louis.
With Godfrey Pierre as the show host this season, musical accompaniment will be by The Ruiz Bros and background vocals by Karavan Gems.
 
KLASSIC RUSO TENT CAST
Anthony Hendrickson–All Rounder
Edwin Ayoung–Crazy
Mark John–Contender
Fitzroy Joseph–Bro Ebony
Dorril Hector–Versatile
Carlton Collins–Manchild
Hamidullah Wahid–Hamidullah
Dianne Hendrickson–Lady Wonder
Shirlane Hendrickson
Kenroy Smith–Black Prince
William Bannister–Dr Will 'B'
Robert Deene–Comrade Deene
Lloyd Cupido–Quiet Prince (QP)
Shawn Mc Intyre–Dr Rude Kaiso
Patrick Lewis–Revealer
Stanley Adams
Kenneth Mc Conney–Kaiso Mac
Michael Brown–Mechanic
Jermeeka Mundy
Rannie Peters–King Soul
Cuthbert Blacket–Typher
Derek Jones–Benny J
Gierre Hercules–Gary Hercules
Edwin Brown–Stockings
Asten Issac–Guidance
Kyle Cowie–Kyle
Naheelah Kojo–Nefta
Garth St Clair
Brian London
 
 
Stars of Tomorrow
In other calypso news, the National Youth Action Committee (NYAC) will stage the Stars of Tomorrow Competition at Daaga Hall, UWI, St Augustine, tomorrow, Saturday. Among the finalists are a few young calypsonians who have already been drawing attention to their performances, like Ezekiel Yorke and Meguella Simon.
All finalists are asked to contact NYAC offices, 40 Duke Street, Port-of-Spain, Tel: 623-5470, immediately.
 
STARS OF TOMORROW FINALISTS
Aneka Collins
Curlissa Charles
Ezekiel Yorke
Garve Sandy
Jhevon Jackson
Keishon Jack
Kerine Williams-Figaro
Kevin Dodds
Kyle Cowie
Mark Eastman
Meguella Simon
Natasha Edmund
Nicholas Ashby
Sasha Ann Moses
Wendell Goodridge