As far as the calendar of events is concerned, the Carnival 2020 season is already in full swing. With at least a dozen mas bands already launched and Randy Glasgow Productions and the T&T Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA) launching another 25 in November, Kalicharan Carnival kept the momentum going last Sunday with a prelude to its C2K20 presentation—Street Jam—aboard the Liquid Lounge vessel.
A premiere mas band from the South, with decades of history behind it, Kalicharan Carnival hosted the boat ride as a lead up to its big launch on October 5, aboard the boat at King’s Wharf, San Fernando.
Bandleader Aaron Kalicharan announced next year’s theme is in keeping with the title, replicating the unique party culture and trends of T&T from days of yore.
The October 5 launch is scheduled for the Twin Wall Compound, La Romaine, and Kalicharan is optimistic that their seven-section presentation will continue to satisfy their followers.
Despite this year’s judging point fiasco that forced Kalicharan Carnival to take the band away from the main judging area at Harris Promenade, Kalicharan said talks with the bandleaders’ association is necessary and is carded for November. It is there, Kalicharan said he is hoping to trash out all differences and make mas in San Fernando enjoyable again.
“We intend on keeping all activities alive. As we expanded our committee, we have taken a more productive approach for the demographic of our followers. The boat ride was simply a pre-pump.Right now the announcement of the (national) budget is priority, so we will give that the respect. After which we will have a meeting and discuss the plans for Carnival 2020 in San Fernando.”
This year, Kalicharan’s Addictive presentation did not cross the judging point at Harris Promenade, and the bandleader cited “noise pollution, safety for revellers and trailer trucks inaccessibility” as the main reasons for not being going to the judging point.
Kalicharan said patrons can expect, “the blocko vibes, fete, the melee and bacchanal associated with it. How partying used to be, going to a fete in the village, togetherness and the sweetness of the music, but in a safe environment.”
He said for now his committee is continuing work on the costumes for the production. They are moving with the changes of time and the launch will be earlier than usual, expected to begin at 6 pm to 1 am.
Tickets can be acquired at the band’s Harris Street mas camp location.