Ultimate Carnival (UC) succeeded in pulling off a merged but airtight stage presentation of its Carnival 2014 costumes from its mas brands Tribe and Bliss for the public launch held at the paddock area at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, last Saturday.UC is the parent for both brands (Tribe/Bliss). Knowledge of this, however, is not very common among the fun-loving masses.Following a decision by principals of the band to mount a joint showcase of its portrayal Tribe Ten�A Celebration while its sister band Bliss depicted Tribute�A Tribute to Tribe, they unveiled an exciting 21-piece collection.Word about the band's plan sounded crazy to many in the mas fraternity, but ultimately it worked.
Tribe's 2014 costumes were inspired by the traditional fancy Indians: Tribal Warrior, Sioux, War Chant, Dreamcatcher, Comanche Sunset, Mohican, Rain Dancer, Spirit Seeker, Cheyenne, Silver Mood, Hawkeye and Apache.The tribute themes from Bliss were: Tribal Fantasy, What Lies Beneath, Ole Time Something, Myths and Magic, Birds of a Feather, Secret of Silk, The Way of the Warrior, Take Me Too...and Butterflies...Beast and Bacchanal.Bandleader Dean Ackin and his team must have known they were taking a risk with the double launch. Continues on Page B15
Therefore, the key from all appearances was to simplify the offering without one: cheating die-hard fans of a good show; and two: spoiling the anniversary event, by delivering a showcase that would veer from the quality stage management tradition the public had grown accustomed to. They succeeded. Kudos were in order for the executing team, for yet another memorable production that was over in just under 45 minutes.The thousands who made the Tribe/Bliss presentation their event of choice over the weekend did not seem disappointed. In fact, it was fun and excitement.
Earlier that evening, President Anthony Carmona and his wife Reema, as well as deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas Philip Davis and his T&T wife Ann-Marie joined local and visiting government ministers at the Grand Stand at the Savannah for the media launch and private viewing.There the VIPs got a sneak peek of the creations and listened to Ackin's summation of the band's bitter sweet journey, from being a section in the now defunct Poison to becoming a well-oiled and much envied institution in T&T Carnival.It came as no surprise that the organisers seized the opportunity to introduce the 20 finalists in this year's Miss T&T Universe contest before the band leader surprised and delighted the gathering with the unveiling of Tribe Kids.Unlike the public launch which was dominated by DJs, guests at the private viewing were treated to a feisty performance from reigning Junior Soca Monarch champion Jeremy Rodriguez who sang a tribute to Tribe.