Held on Thursday night at De Nu Pub in Woodbrook, Calypso Stories was an overwhelming success. Organised by Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco) as part of the ongoing obervation of Calypso History Month, the event was a talk forum at which veteran calypsonians reminisced on the art form and their careers. Among the bards "telling stories" were Black Stalin, Bro Valentino, Allrounder, Brigo, Contender, Brother Mudada and Explainer. Popular actor/comedian Dennis "Sprangalang" Hall also sat on one of the two panels.
With the venue filled to capacity, the programme was hosted by "singing emcee" Short Pants (Llewelyn Mc Intosh) of Tuco South Zone's Kaiso Showkase. One consistent thread which ran through most of the accounts was the invaluable contribution made to calypso and artistes by former Carnival Development Committee chairman Ronnie Williams; calypso icons Lord Melody, Mighty Sparrow and Lord Kitchener; musicians Art de Couteau, Frankie Francis and Roy Cape; and, administrators "Jazzy" Pantin and Sonny Woodley.
With several members of the audience expressing pride and satisfaction by this Tuco initiative, Tuco president Lutalo "Bro Resistance" Masimba disclosed that it was the brainchild of Tuco executive member and popular calypsonian Ann Marie "Twiggy" Parks Kojo. The venue assumed the apparence of a Who's Who in calypso and seen in attendance were NJAC/NACC official Aiyegoro Ome; Prime Minister Best Village Trophy administrator Norvan Fullerton; Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project director Akilah Jaramogi; Theodora Ullerie; calypso tent owner Rudy Ottley; Sam Lewis; Mervyn Telfer; Diane Dupres; Ras Kommanda; King Luta; Devon Seale; Dr Will B; Lady Wonder; Shirlaine Hendrickson; Bro Akil; and, Karega Mandela.
At the end of a most enjoyable three hours, a cake was brought on stage to celebrate the birthday of Allrounder, joined by his wife and daughters.
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