RAMAJAY MAS RELEASES A DATE AND THEME!!!

LABOR DAY 2016...

" We travel, in essence, to become young fools again
--to slow time down and fall in love once more.
We travel to open our hearts and eyes
and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate.
We travel, initially, to lose ourselves;
and we travel, next to find ourselves..."

 2016 is the year of the passport--Pack your bags, adventure awaits!

For Labor Day 2016, RAMAJAY Mas seeks to explore the beauty, charm and adventure of our wonderful world.  We will visit 12 exotic travel destinations and  reflect the beauty of each through the eyes of Carnival...

We present to you...

"WANDERLUST: Desire to Travel..."
BAND LAUNCH SUNDAY JUNE 5th 

DJUNCTION MAS' BAND LAUNCH AND 2016 PORTRAYAL RELEASE!

SET YOUR CALENDARS!

ONE OF 

THE MOST 

ANTICIPATED BANDS

OF SOUTH FLORIDA 

HAS RELEASED THEIR BAND LAUNCH

DATE!

Rather appropriate in lieu of International Women's Day today.  

A tribute to ROYALTY?! A REGAL PRESENTATION?! Showing IMPERIAL and MAJESTIC costumes?!!!

Let the feathers, long trains and crowns begin! I READY!

FIRST OFFICIAL MIAMI CARNIVAL 2016 THEME!

It's been a while, hasn't it?

After Miami carnival, this blog takes a hiatus and resurfaces shortly after Trinidad carnival unless there is something exciting to report and there just wasn't anything interesting enough.. Well, carnival related anyway cause the news kept comin!  There is no rest in carnival, especially when there is mess.  There are yet again, many, many changes.  Some will interest you and some will not but that's another blog..  Unexpected interview comin soon with ex members of a certain band.   THIS blog post is about who's definitely on the road for 2016.

Giselle 'The Wassi One" finally made her Miami Carnival 2016 presentation public at Armani's birthday celebration bash Friday night at Friday Splash!  Wassi Ones' 2016 Carnival presentation will be: FREEDOM. Thank God cause I wanted to buss!  Wassi Ones I believe has been the first mas band to make their theme announcement HOWEVER, a little birdie made it known that they too are NOT sleeping and they've certainly gotten my attention!

Just awaiting band launch dates!

Reviews on T&T carnival bands and events have come in and just need to be sorted out.  I'll keep you posted.

MAJOR PLAYERS BAND LAUNCH

Miami Broward Carnival season is certainly NOT over!  The Orlando based band Major Players will be launching tomorrow at Style Lounge.  Style Lounge is conveniently located at 7529 West Oakland Park Blvd in Lauderhill, Florida 33319.  The best part of this band launch is that we will be celebrating the life of WILLOW!!!  The last encounter I had with Major Players was for Orlando Jouvert were I discovered my "Soca Powers". The music and vibes were great so I imagine the band launch to be nothing less.

Come out, enjoy a great time with deejays Wizard, iChunes, So So, Kevin Steel and Victorious.  Tickets can be purchased at both Singhs and Joys Roti Shops! Hope to see you there!

SSHHHHHH, JUST IN FROM EUPHORIA MAS!

When I got to the Miami Broward Carnival Band Launch on Saturday, I noticed that Euphoria Mas was NOWHERE to be found.  A little after 11pm or so, in walks just a couple of Eurphoria Mas committee members.  Mind you, there was nothing in hand.  There were no registration forms or costumes.  The only thing they walked in with were pictures.  Not all, just a handful and not the one that I'm in lust with, my Soca Birds of Paradise.  Out of character for this committee?  Yes it was, as they're usually up front, early and ready for this launch.  After doing some inquiries, I was told that it didn't make sense to show off costumes because "additional costumes are not available" and that the band was "COMPLETELY sold out". This came as no surprise to me as I was present to see not one but TWO INDIVIDUAL costumes sold right off the backs of 2 models the night of the band launch.   

Here's were it gets goooood!  

There were many upset masqueraders who have emailed, called, texted, Whatsapp'd, Facebook'd, you name it they've done it.  The masqueraders expressed rather loud just how dissatisfied they were to have missed their opportunity to register in Fantasy, I mean Euphoria Mas.  Apparently they have listened because I was contacted by someone within the camp just a moment ago.  I was told to get all of my friends (who are not yet registered for Miami Carnival) together and have them ready for tomorrow as Euphoria Mas has a mind blowing announcement to make and everyone needs to stay tuned.  

So tomorrow, stay tuned as I will be dropping A BOMBSHELL!!! 

They never said 'which' friends, they said friends and I consider all my readers, my friends.

~YOU'RE WELCOME ~

MOST IMPRESSIVE COSTUME AT THE MIAMI BROWARD ONE CARNIVAL LAUNCH

I've seen all of the costumes in person prior to this launch with the exception of Major Players who will be launching on the 25th of July at 7528 W Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill, Florida 33319 and Island Gems Mas.  Island Gems' costumes actually look better in person than their website shows.  They too tell a story. Their story is of the ancient ancestors of the Caribbean however inspection of these costumes nor close up pictures were not done due to personal circumstance.  Party Room Squad is celebrating their 20th year on the road this October and elected to not have a band launch.  Instead they are focusing on their masquerader's road experience as this band has their own crowd and a heavy following.  As the costumes graced the stage one after the other, the one that caught my eye is called "Great Wall of China" from their portrayal "WONDERS".  This costume has answered my call.  Everything about this costume says CHINA!  As time goes on, I will make it to Party Room Squads mascamp for further inspection and close ups.

Without having the entire kimono this costume is as close to a kimono as carnival can get!  There are cutouts of the shoulders which leave the lower arms covered in the traditional look of the kimono.  The upper arm areas are still decorated beautifully. The  neck is bare but nothing's needed with the yellow feathers coming out of the right breast area, it isn't needed.  It would have been overkill.  The midsection/belly is left out to satisfy the 'nakedness' along with the shorter hemmed 'skirt'.

I AM IN LOVE!

The skirt is made of what I'd call the traditional Chinese fan.  In growing up to now, each painting that depicts the Chinese culture includes in some way or another that fan!  Designing at it's best!

(Letara Ingraham, designer )

Letara Ingraham of Vindi Dynasty

Male

The Chinese straw hat, the use of the color red *which is VERY symbolic in the Chinese culture and the emphasis on the made up eyebrows took me all the way back to childhood watching Kung Fu on a weekend with my cousins.  

These models are born Black but when I saw them at the launch, all I saw was Chinese.  They both acted as if they were born Chinese and displayed the Chinese culture well as they became the costume,  the costume wasn't lost in either of them.  The models, in costume was a perfect example of mas portrayal!

For any and all inquires Party Room Squad can be located at 5138 NW 194th Lane, Miami Gardens, Florida 33055.  I'd advise calling any of the numbers displayed below for hours of operation.

• Micka or Carl (305) 625-0492
• Mimi               (305) 342-6988
• Jerry                (305) 213-3440

www.partyroomsquad.com

facebook/group/partyroomsquad

Twitter/partyroomsquad

partyroomsquad@gmail.com  

WASSI ONES BAND LAUNCH

Have you gotten your tickets yet? This Sunday July 12th, we inside the Warehouse for the launch of Wassi Ones' presentation of "Dey In It" and Something Jouvert! 2 bands, 1 launch ALL WASSI! Can't wait to see you. Get your $15 advance tickets right now through a committee member, contact one of the phone numbers listed on the flyer posted below or purchase online by clicking HERE.  

Miss it? Yuh mad or wha?!

This launch promises to be pure vibes and pure love so all negativity and stress need to be left at the door! Wassi Ones needs all patrons to turn your "wassiness" and your inner Lucy's on!!

#PureVibes

#B.O.S.S.

#WassiOnes

#SomethingJouvert

#ColoursMasBand

#Unstoppable

#DeyInIt

#July12th

#CatchMeIfYouCan

#PURELove

#Foundation

#WassiHouse

This isn't the best picture but Wassi World Entertainment, LLC has launched in June of 2015.  The first project to launch (with her business partner DJ Stephen) was "Colour Me Crazy" a Carnival Mas Band that debuted in Los Angeles, California.  The project that immediately followed the Mas Band was the debut of "The Run Down" on the TEMPO network.  This talk show gives the 'run down' on all things Caribbean including artists.  Tune in as TEMPO has an app for that!

Giselle has successfully held and holds numerous titles such as Band Leader,  Radio Personality, TV Personality, Breast Cancer Advocate, Promoter, Soca Artiste, Cultural Ambassador, Sister, Mother, Wife and Confidant.  Many of her titles had to be left out due to time and space but even with all titles mentioned, she manages to have enough time to be a true Friend!

NEWS FROM ISLAND PEOPLE MAS!

Here we go guys, my favorite mas band in all of Trinidad!!  Some may disagree with me on it being the best but I wasn't put on this Earth to care about their feelings or opinions.People are sadly confusing customer service with pampering. When 'I' play mas, I am not looking to be pampered as if I'm in some blasted day spa, (there are day spa's for that)! There are those who go off on things like that for two reasons. They are either not used to things like that and I call that NEVER SEE COME SEE OR they are a little too used to that and warrant that kind of pampering throughout the year leading up to and including carnival. Well, to each their own.  My belief is that there is a time and a place for everything. Carnival time is a time to free your mind, body and soul. A time to let go, to exhale their inner leggobeast.  Anyway lets.....
 Get ready to Summon the Guardians!

Carnival 2016, experience the new IPmas as we present 'Pantheon.'

Launch details coming soon…

#ExperienceTheNewIPmas #Carnival2016 #Pantheon #SummonTheGuardians 

#BestThenBetterNow #BandLaunchSeason

They seem to have a  new catchy logo as well....

A LITTLE EUPHORIA MAS UPDATE

I received quite a number of queries regarding this launch and I didn't think so many people were waiting for it.  I'm kidding, I DO know how many people are waiting for it but there is just so much that I can do. Let me first begin by apologizing to you as my Euphoria Mas launch isn't completely ready.  There was so much going on Saturday night and so many close ups that I have taken that it is taking a little bit of time to organize everything.  Let me assure you that it is worth the wait!!!  Just so you know, all those who are considering Euphoria Mas as your carnival mas band, these pictures will confuse you just as I was.  I went in to the launch loving one costume in particular but after seeing the costumes in person, inspecting how they were made, how they flowed and glittered I got confused instantly!  If you can be patient with me, I assure that you will be pleased.  You all can expect to see my review for "Uncaged" on WEDNESDAY.  Until then, enjoy these 

 

  and stay calm...

D'CARNIVALBABY 

SNEAK PEEK FROM EUPHORIA MAS!

I'm so sick of Euphoria Mas!  They have been dropping subtle hints but I find the hints to be a little too subtle lol.   For those of you who do not have a Facebook account, I apologize.  Euphoria Mas hasn't uploaded their video teaser to YouTube and without a YouTube link, I can not embed it for you on the blog.  I said all that to say this:  If you'd like to see the video, you'll have to watch it on Facebook by clicking HERE!

(teaser picture that was circulating on Monday)

I don't know about you but I've seen not only feathers but feathers AND FUR!  Do you see it?  I want the carnival God's to just come with a color wand and stick a little color on these pictures.  Saturday can't come fast enough!!  I want to remain being a good girl for this band launch season but the anticipation is killing me! The last of the 3 exclusives sent to me is the following.

This picture seems insignificant to you but this picture tells me that the professional photo shoot has been conducted and the website has also been possibly updated.   Registrations will probably be up the same night as the launch just as they did last year!  Stay tuned and get your money up masqueraders cause Euphoria Mas launches Saturday night! 

D-JUNCTION MAS BAND LAUNCH!!

"We led you to the discovery of the world's Lost Treasures; taught you how to Unleash your inner animal. 2015 we will take you on a sweet escape to your Blissful Dreams. We will drift off on Saturday June 13, 2015, narrated by the heavenly Vanessa James. D-Junction Mas takes you a land of joy and color. Where will your dreams take you"? - D-Junction Mas.

I don't think I'll ever forget the animal they unleashed in me last year.  Talk about costume envy! This is where you need to be on Saturday night if you're band/costume shopping for Miami carnival.  For those of you who can not make it, you can always wait until Monday morning when my blog comes up.

Until then, have 'Blissful Dreams'.

INFO

Saturday June 13th, 2015 | 9:00pm - 3:00am
The Warehouse Ballroom

3500 Nw 15th St, Lauderhill, FL 33311

HOSTED BY VANESSA JAMES

DJs: Ryan Sayeed, Majestic(DC), SoundRev

ADVANCE $20 PURCHASE ONLINE AT 
WWW.DJUNCTIONMAS.COM

Info: 954.478.6873

J'OUVERT BAND LAUNCH!

Are you ready for the madness?

Are you ready for the mud?

Jamdong Management has got you covered!  

This Saturday, the 13th of June Jamdong Management promises a jouvert band launch like no other to hit South Florida.  Let me just say that getting dressed in your Sunday best is NOT recommended. Do NOT go in "Mudd Maddness" dressed to kill because there is a good chance you will be leaving covered in mud.  Jamdong's intent is to give their patrons a preview of the mud they'll be chipping in come October 10th. 

Let me give you some suggestions:

• Dress accordingly, expect to leave M&J Auto the same way you'd leave a typical jouvert.  If you do not get mud on you, at least you were prepared for the worst.
• Expect to register at the launch Saturday.  If mud mas is what you'd like to play, this band is your way to go.  It is the only band that is completely mud.   
• Walk with a change of clothes.
• Walk with large garbage bags to protect your car seats.
• Come with an open mind, ready to party and leave the stresses at home.
• Purchase your advance tickets because time is running out! Ticket locations are posted on the flyer below.  

GENERATION X'S BAND LAUNCH, I'VE RECOVERED!

Let me just get right down to what you logged on to read especially since I posted nothing yesterday. We got to the Miami Fairgrounds around 1 am after circling around for a bit. Although this was the location of the Miami Carnival last year, you have to keep in mind that I did not attend so finding the correct entrance was a bit of a task. Once you actually found the correct entrance, everything else was smooth sailing. The line wasn't too long and it moved quickly *thank God.  At the entrance, we were greeted by two women dressed in full carnival costume.  At least 5 people before and 5 people after me were greeted and thanked for coming to the band launch.  Nice touch.  Despite the distance hundreds of people showed up.  Over the years I've been to Generation X band launches and the crowd this year was noticeably smaller.  I don't believe it was due to any lack of interest but more the distance of the venue that affected the attendance but overall, there were lots of people and it was just right (for me).

About a half hour of me being there, it was showtime.  We were asked to clear the lighted walkway as there would be a little presentation before the costumes were presented.  The presentation was supposed to put us back to the 18th century. How plantation owners began the tradition of organizing masquerades and balls before the fasting and abstinence of Lent and how that evolved to Carnival as we know it today. I saw none of it because I was too short and just wan't to see costumes right away. The anticipation was killing me!

The Spirit of Carnival

There are 7 sections:

• Bacchanal - Tracy Julien 
• Pan - Tracy Julien
• Soca - David Dewer
• Fete - Tracy Julien
• J'ouvert - Marie Colette
• Mas - David Dewer and 
• Last Lap - Tracy Julien

BACCHANAL

 

 

This is bacchanal.  The models were all over the place getting dressed, putting on make up and getting ready to go on stage so Bacchanal unfortunately was one of the sections I did not get close ups of. The section leader of this section wears a monokini that has what I call "the nannie cutter cut". (I'm pretty sure you know the "nannie cutter cut".  It's the cut that lots of designers are now using. You know, where the bikini bottoms, panties or monokini bottoms don't have a lot of material 'below' or are cut with intent to show part of the labia......yeah, that cut).  That in itself would disqualify me from wearing this costume.  I have a husband to answer to.  That does leave the Frontline and Backline, I'd take my chances in those.

PAN

Have you ever listened to an actual steel band/orchestra and happen to glimpse the pan when light hits it; it's nothing but silver and blinding.  Whether it's sunlight or lights from a stage that shine that you see is exactly what I think of when I see this costume.  It's very, very silver.   On both the section leader and frontline I love the details on the body pieces but I'd need a little more color contrast.  The feathers have a hint of red, gray and white but they don't POP, it's shiny pretty but really bland.

The seller of this section (for me) would be the frontline.  The frontline monokini is fire! It has a 'different' cut.  What I would call a leaning teardrop on the chest area of the monokini, allows one side of the breast to be fully covered while the other has some cleavage showing.  Then there's the side action of the body, it's like asymmetrical has taken steroids!  BRAVO!  My only suggestion would be to add a little more color.

SOCA

SOCA Section Leader

 

What can I say besides I LOVE SOCA! I'd be content in the Section Leader, Frontline or Backline. The colors are loud.  I love it.  It literally screams carnival!

SOCA Frontline

 

FETE

Section Leader

My pictures do not do this costume justice.  In the lighting this costume shimmered, sparkled and s-l-a-y-e-d on stage.  I could only imagine this costume in the sunlight.  Fete just like Bacchanal has that same cut that I previously mentioned. The headpiece was massive and I was told that it was extremely light.  I know some models just say that for the sake of helping their band but not once did I see her hold it up, shift or adjust it so I believe that to be true.

Frontline

If I were to play in this section, I'd play in the Frontline.  The bra alone has me sold.  The support portion of the bra hugs so perfectly that the breasts look comfortable and appear to be supported very well.  This looks like it takes very little effort to look flawless.

J'OUVERT

 

When I heard that there was a section named "J'ouvert", I expected it to have darker colors like the black in Bacchanal but it was neon.  The black would have been nice to show the dark hours of the morning that the jouvert begins but it wasn't.  I like how the now trending neon colors were used in the feathers and beads of this section. This looks like a section that will fill up with all the younger adults and the younger at heart.  It has a youthful finish and I like it.  

MAS

Mas Section Leader

Each piece of this section is hotter than the last.  I saw this section and literally wasn't interested in the rest.  This was the section that 'did it' for me.  If I were to play in Generation X this would be my section.  There isn't an overkill of feathers and not too much nakedness (as far as mas goes) but the placement and type of feathers used gave me that WOW effect.  Nice!

LAST LAP

The last section of the presentation.  Last Lap.  This color combination was a pleasant surprise for me. I didn't expect to see the darker colors mix so well with the light.  The designer had a plan and it was executed well.  

All in all,  I was super impressed with Gen X's entire band launch experience.  From the beginning with the quick and steady movement of the line, the costume display of "The Spirit Of Carnival", which I can see myself in any one of and the end having the crowd placed in the hands of none other than DJ Private Ryan.  Between the costumes and DJ Private Ryan, I was in my glee.  I had so much of a good time my body was sore all day on Sunday.  So, you'd have to blame Generation X and their band launch for me not having this little blog up since yesterday.

Registrations are now open for past masqueraders.  After June 15th, the website will be open to all people willing to register at Generation X's Website.  Check them out now!