3Canal show returns to Little Carib Theatre

After four years of presenting their annual Carnival show at Queen’s Hall, 3Canal announced at their launch on February 4, that this year, the musical spectacle will return to its original home at the Little Carib Theatre. Singer Wendell Manwarren boasted that the rapso group would have the honour of “christening” the newly-renovated theatre space, established by dance grande dame Beryl McBurnie and considered holy ground for T&T theatre-goers.

The band presented a taste of what’s in store for the show, at their launch at 33 Murray Street in Woodbrook, including songs from Re Evolution Time, their new nine-track album, and two new videos. Fans of the band have been noting a new energy in the its offerings this year. And indeed, the vibes ran high at the event, which featured 3Canal live, with their band Cut and Clear.

Manwarren introduced their new video for Run de Riddem/I AM, shot two weeks before, outside their base downstairs Veni Mange restaurant on Ariapita Avenue. The video, directed by Walt Lovelace, was projected on a large screen at the back of the stage. The high-contrast, colour-saturated piece featured fans enjoying a live 3Canal performance. Its speedy cuts captured the energy of the band and the people.

The band Gyazette was up next, after it was announced that they would be part of this year’s 3Canal Show. Band members heated up the crowd with blistering renditions of their songs Little Millionaire, Down and Captain. They now have an exciting, big sound, mixing calypso, rock, reggae and funk, while still remaining unmistakably Trini. The event also launched 3Canal’s J’Ouvert band, I AM the ReEvolution. This year marks their 18th year of mas and their 15th in music.

They took the stage before a packed yard and performed their new tracks, as the crowd partied hard. Their set included We Coming Again, I AM, After the Battle, Do the Right Thing and Trodding On. The revolutionary theme was evident, with Manwarren hailing po  litical shifts taking place in Egypt, Tunisia and Sudan. He said: “Revolution Time is about celebrating change.” He declared, “This is J’Ouvert morning,” and called the audience forward, before the group performed Over Me. I AM T-shirt-clad fans obeyed, crowding the space before the stage and letting loose.

When they started perennial favourite, Blue, next, those in front began a choreographed routine and it was only apparent then that they were in fact dancers from the 3 Canal show. They added visual appeal and joyful vibes as well. The show continued with old favourites like Talk Yuh Talk, Heat in de Place and Good Morning, and after the performance, fans stuck around and partied.

Schedule

The Little Carib Box Office opens on February 15. There will be a children’s show on February 20, and a gala opening on February 21. The show will run from February 22 to March 5. Registration to play with 3 Canal’s J’Ouvert band is ongoing at 67A Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook. Additional information is available at at 623-7411 cutandclear@gmail.com.