FOAM........THE AFTERMATH.

So.

I want to believe that I am the only person in South Florida who has never been to a FOAM party prior to Sunday, so I kept that bit of information to myself. It took a while for me to write this review because I had to wrap my mind around what I took part in on Sunday evening.  It was very different for me and you (my readers) know that I am a creature of habit and don't do well with change.

I never shy away from my age and for that reason alone, I've just never made it.  FOAM targets a much younger crowd that I'm used to but with me doing this whole revamp of the brand and blog, I decided to give it a try and to experience this event as a patron not a critic.

The line was long and discouraging at a first glance but it moved quickly.  Thank God.  I asked for no favors or comps.  I wanted to experience the wait.  I'm glad I did it this way, that way I was able to tell from experience that the wait wasn't long. It wasn't until I was almost inside that Itchi Baba saw me lol.

Win.

Once inside, to the far right was a foam machine and drenched people alongside it.  We slid quickly to the far left and stayed clear from it for the balance of the night. Although it didn't look like it, we were inside yet still outdoors....  Wait.  We appeared covered but somehow weren't....  It was the outside portion of Revolution Live yet partially covered so you felt like you were indoors but weren't.  Listen man, that is literally the ONLY way that I could describe it.  The set up was genius and something that you'd have to experience yourself.  It was everything I never imagined because I had a whole other setup constructed in my mind.

The crowd. It wasn't mine but there were enough familiar faces and age appropriate people for me to mix with for the night to feel comfortable.  It was mixed well.

The music was great!  From the old school to the new was played and from a variety of genre.  I even got to represent Brooklyn with the old school hip hop/rap and it was just the right amount of everything.  I don't hate but seriously dislike modern day music and who knew? I enjoyed it as it played for the little time it did.  I expected more of it but nothing was played long enough to get annoyed with it and the dj's felt it. (In my mind).

All in all, FOAM pleasantly surprised me.  It was nothing I expected and it was enough of a 'turn up' for a Sunday evening when having to work the following morning.  As a critic, I can not judge any event based on just what I'm used to or prefer and need to see it simply for what it is.  Each event on it's own merit and I'd say that FOAM was damn good.  Although the fete is named FOAM, it gives the option of getting wet (with foam) or not. That's a winner for me!

PLUNGE..... THE AFTERMATH

PLUUUUUUUNGE

Plunge baby, Hurricane Matthew tried to stop you?  Like they didn't know how serious this thing called carnival is to we as a Caribbean people?  Despite all the warnings and category 4 they claimed on you; you didn't expect for the locals to secure their homes, buy their water, then dress an come to the fete anyway?! 

Everyone held their breath, glued to television sets just waiting to be updated hourly on the status of Hurricane Matthew.  After all, Plunge was an advertised outdoor event.  Up until Wednesday evening flights were delayed and cancelled coming into Fort Lauderdale and Miami International Airports.  People were doing everything short of selling body parts to fly standby on Wednesday.  The urgency to get here by Wednesday was put in place by the news/media outlets as they scheduled to close all South Florida airports on Thursday. GASP! 

While every carnival junkie watched the weather, I was smiling. Call it what you want, gut or intuition, I was right. I've said it repeatedly over the carnival season that I believe firmly in what David Rudder said about God being a Trini and he wasn't going to allow a total shut down of the Miami Carnival nor all the fetes associated with it.  When Thursday morning approached. as expected the airports closed and all flights coming in and out of Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach were cancelled.  It didn't stop my momentum or discourage me, I got dressed as if it were a regular Thursday morning.

My guests from Trinidad, along with my husband were hesitant but they trusted my judgement and we were off. We drove from Broward County to the venue (Miami) with NO TRAFFIC, it was wonderful.  When we got to the venue and saw all the cars parked outside we felt better.  It was confirmation that we were not the only crazy people attempting to party with a category 4 hurricane at our doorstep.

Again, no line.

Winning!

Upon entry, we were given our signature Plunge cups and were on our way.

Once 'inside' (because the fete was outdoors), I started looking for my curry crab and dumplin' as that was more than half the reason I purchased a ticket! *If you haven't figured it out by now, I absolutely LOVE MY BELLY! Anyways, I didn't see any. Off in the distance I did see some food set up but the rain was falling off and on and didn't want to venture in it to be disappointed and the liquor was sharing where I was so.... the liquor won, I stayed put.

I saw many familiar faces as well as some new ones which is always good.  The crowd wasn't thick but there were way more people than expected considering the circumstance.  Again, I didn't pay much attention to who played what or when but I do remember Eruption High Power and Eternal Vibes.  

Army Boyz Clem (WFYG Bandit)

DCARNIVALBABY, Josya and Sue (WFYG Bandits)

The rain.

Water fell from the sky but it was a mere drizzle.  It drizzled off and on and because I was prepared for it, didn't mind getting wet.  The rainfall actually added to the excitement and the majority of the attendees enjoyed it.  There were the few that hid under the shelter but the majority handled the rain like bosses. 

The bottle service was a nice touch.  Along with purchasing bottles, sexy bartenders stayed for a while and mixed drinks.  I don't know if this service would have been any different with a larger crowd but it was certainly a nice touch and I appreciated it.

While inside the fete, the news spread quickly that Broward County had closed all roads....

Wait. 

What?

Broward County officially closed ALL ROADS AND MAJOR HIGHWAYS in Broward County!

Do you remember where I said we drove from?

We needed to get home! 

When the news got to me, I decided to stay.  I mean, whether I left now or in the next hour the roads would have still been "closed" and I would just have to take my chances with the law.  What's done is done, the roads were already closed so whether we stayed or left at that point we were already defying the law and hell, the vibes were nice so......we stayed.  

When we did leave, we were adrenaline filled so I recorded a Facebook Live! In the live feed our vibes can be seen, I briefly showed the 'closed roads' as we drove through them and there was definitely some crazy commentary.   Plunge had a vibe that we didn't want to end so (as stated in the video) we headed to Joy's Roti shop to continue the bacchanal. 

All in all, I'd definitely do Plunge again.  So far, I was having a wonderful Miami carnival season and my fete/party choices were the right ones!  To watch our Facebook Live video, you can click 

HERE! 

CIN CITY ENTERTAINMENT'S BON AMI.....THE AFTERMATH

Bon Ami
Bon Ami
Bon Ami
What can I say about thee...

When the idea came to Cindy (the creator of this event and owner of Cin City Entertainment) to do this event, the word had been spread that Bacchanal Wednesday was cancelled, so she thought this would be a great alternative but she quickly learned how things change in a matter of moments. With Bacchanal Wednesday actually still on and 'Hurricane Matthew' lurking there were many challenges.

Signature cups were advertised to be given away upon entry until the supply last. Needless to say, I never received a cup.  I'm not too sure if they went fast or if I was just that late.  We will not 'discuss' how or why I got to the event a little past half past 1 am but I did and by that hour,  they were gone.... Poor me, I was still expecting one.  I walked through the fete literally giving people I saw drinking in them the side eye.  I know to get there earlier next year.

There were friends waiting for me in front of the venue so I had to be dropped off as the hubby parked the car.  Now, I don't know if where he parked was more crowded but from the looks of things where I was standing, it didn't seem like there were many people inside.  There was no line (which is always a plus for me) and a couple of people outside loitering.  As I approached the front door, I became confused.  The music was playing yet I didn't hear the echoing sound one would hear from the inside of an empty fete.  The ticket and wristband exchange was done quickly, I'd say less than a minute and inside I went.  Once inside, the fete was packed! Not shoulder to shoulder, sweat box, Brooklyn basement packed but comfortably packed.

The crowd was spirited.
No boring people.

Clem of The Original Army Boyz and DCARNIVALBABY

Cindy of Cin City Ent and Clem of Army Boyz

It felt like everyone was there to have a good time and free up themselves.  Drinks were priced right and not watered down like I've been experiencing lately and the vibes was just as the party was named....  A party with good friends.  Everyone knew everyone and and who didn't know you came with someone who did.  No one was leaned up on the wall waiting for the next person to dance, dancing without judgments nor a care in the world and that's how I like to party.  The absolute worst 'fete feeling' [for me] is to be in a fete and feel to dance and can't/don't because no one else is dancing because the minute you step out, everyone begins to watch like you're crazy.  It's really High School.  What else does everyone go for? Not to dance?  Thankfully there was none of that there and those are the vibes I'd like to see more at some of these parties in South Florida.


Giselle 'The Wassi One' hosted the event and the DJ's were Powerhouse, Code Red, Trini D Fyah Truck, Platinum Sounds and Eternal Vibes. Survivor Sounds was carded but I never saw him.  As I type, I've only now paid attention to the list of DJ's and I'm in awe...with the exception of Platinum Sounds, Cindy managed to not only pull off a great fete but she managed to do so with a local cast. Impressive.  Promoters, take note.

The music was nicely mixed.  One thing that grinds my gears is to hear the same music from each DJ and with the amount of them carded for the night, it would be easy to repeat a couple.  Surprisingly it didn't happen and it didn't happen because each DJ knew that if this played already, to play that or maybe even those. I won't lie to you and speak on what happened before 1:30 because I wouldn't have a clue but after that, was great.  No credit can be given to any DJ in particular because after getting there, drinks and dancing was a must and I had to make up for lost time.  I didn't pay attention to who played or when.  The one song that did play multiple times was Angela Hunte's Bon Ami.  Considering the fete is named Bon Ami, I think we could give Bon Ami (the fete) a pass.  As it was the theme of the fete, I believe it was done intentionally.  The last time that chune played, I grabbed my good friends and we danced in a circle...that is feting. That is an amazing time with true friends.  Especially as these friends came all the way from New York and Trinidad.

What few people didn't get a chance to experience closer to the end was Peter Wildfire (I guess that's how you say/spell it), Lyrical, Voice and DJ Stephens. There were performances and photo ops because none of them came on any superstar status, they came to fete with their good friends.  What "I" didn't experience was the food.  There was inclusive food.  Yes,  food included at that price!!! There was rice and peas/peleau, geera turkey and chicken catered by Sweet Hand Kathy and Sybil's Bakery provided jerk chicken, veggie lo mein and pone.  From what friends told me the food was warm as well as tasty.  I've eaten from Kathy already so that was a given and Sybil's Bakery is Jamaican owned so I know that jerk chicken was boss.  If only I could have experienced it....

This party was up against many odds and it turned out to be the success I hoped it would be. So if you want a party with a cool scene, mad vibes, no fashion parade, overly flashy clothing or 5 inch heels, Bon Ami is your best bet.  Two things I know for a fact is that 1, next year once God spare life....I'm in Bon Ami and 2, I will be there at a reasonable hour to receive my cup!

Bless.

PARTY ROOM SQUAD'S RARE, THE AFTERMATH

First let me begin with an apology.

I'm usually on time with my blog posts but life happens and when dealing with death, especially of a loved one....nothing, not even blogging about carnival costumes excited me.  Since you come here for brutal honesty, that's exactly what it is.  I just couldn't bring  myself to do it.

Party Room Squad impressed me but not for the reasons some may think.

Let's get on with it.

I don't remember the exact time I got to the venue but I got there just in time to see the show begin.. YES.  There was a SHOW!  The program that I was actually given reads: 2016 "RARE" Costume Extravaganza Launch Program.  I mean, this thing was well thought out.  That is what impressed me. For whatever the price was to enter their Costume Launch Extravaganza Launch, it was worth it. It wasn't a fete.  It was a sit down, family friendly affair that displayed costumes for the children, beating of steel pan, singing, a couple dance routines and a swimwear fashion show.  I loved and welcomed the additional entertainment.  Something different from the norm. Well received Party Room Squad!

Themes. I believe all bands should have one.  I believe I've said this thousands of times.  The generic themes bore me along with generic costumes but "RARE" has a story. Story and theme in one band! LOVE.  Although the 'name' RARE is in itself generic (as far as themes go) but the story is genius.  I just hope what the creators and I visioned is what's transpired on the road.

There are 4 sections in the band.  

Of the  sections, 1 has 3 phases and 1 has 2.

Let me explain.

RED MOON

• Phase 1
• Phase 2
• Phase 3

THE RED SEA

• Orange
• Red

THE RED CORAL

THE RED DIAMOND

Party Room Squad is trying to portray the joy, the beauty and the pleasures of things that are both rare and permanent.  

Phase 1 of the Red Moon is designed by Massive One.   

"Silver Lunar is an interpretation of the phases of the moon that lead to the Red Moon eclipse represented by the silver sphere throughout the Male and Female costumes".

The Red Moon Phase 2 designed by Carnival in Motion

"As the Earth's shadow creeps across the moon during the Lunar Eclipse.  The moon appears dark before suddenly changing to appear red.  The black and grey shades of this costume represent that dark, shadowy period of the lunar eclipse".

The Red Moon Phase 3 designed by Party Room Squad

"THE RED MOON...what lovers yearn for - Under the RED MOON lovers fall in love and lovers recommit to strengthen their love for each other.  THE RED MOONS' mystical powers have infinite control over lovers through it's mesmerizing and enticing emanated red glow".

The Red Sea Orange designed by Caribbean Fuzion Inc

"As she extends her arms across the west coast of Arabia, her mystical being transcends across the waters and gibing the illusion of red and orange".

The Red Coral designed by Jamboree Mas

"Precious coral or red coral is the common name given to Corallium Rubrum and several related species of marine coral.  The distinguishing characteristic of the precious corals is their durable and intensely colored red or pink skeleton, which is used for making jewelry".

Although this section is designed by Jamboree Mas, it isn't the Jamborii Mas that is based here in Miami.  This section of the band will sell quickly among the younger people.  I will not put my foot in my mouth and say that this section will sell out faster than the others because Party Room Squad has been on the road for about 20/25 years and come second to Wassi One's.  You don't stay on the road for so long without a solid following.  At this point they don't have masqueraders, they have a family.  Trust me, this band HAS THEIR PEOPLE and mark my words, ALL of the sections will sell! What I can say with full confidence is that this is the section that the younger folks will flock to.  It has the bold colors and full of feathers. Everything to excite the eyes.

The Red Diamond designed by Party Room Squad

Party Room Squad thought about all shapes and sizes of masqueraders.  There is something for everyone in this band.  There are some sections that I personally would like to see get some feathers added but they know their clientele way better than I and have been fine so, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

There is a FULL GALLARY of the close ups on my DCARNIVALBABY Facebook Page and you can click the link HERE <----- all.="" div="" nbsp="" see="" them="" to="">

Again, my apologies for the delayed post.  My apologies for the blog in itself but people were waiting and I had to share something.... Party Room Squad, you know you 'got this'! Hope to see how this all plays out on the road!!!

GENERATION X BAND LAUNCH, THE AFTERMATH

First, my apologies.  Blogs don't usually take this long to be posted but with the events that happened in Orlando, the very same night of the band launch... my heart was just heavy.  When I mustered up the energy to finally begin the blog the little I had left was taken by the two year old that was drowned by the alligator.  I do recognize that DJunction's band launch is tomorrow. So it's either double work for myself or get crackin!

The name "Erotica" had me a bit on edge because with the sling shots, dental floss and eye patches that have become a favorite in mas bands, I was afraid of where Generation X was going to take these costumes and then I was told prior to the launch that there would be "little skits" that would be performed before the models' display.  Next was outright fear.  Yup.  That was the feeling.  

I got to the venue around 1am which was early considering I wasn't there to party and the parking was horrendous.  It seems like venues in South Florida with decent parking is becoming limited.  This is not the first place that I've been to with such headaches to park.  In normal Trini fashion, my husband made his own space smh.  Getting inside was a breeze.  There was no line.  The comp tickets by mobile option (that I HATE using) was surprisingly quicker than looking for our names on the list. I'm old school.  Give me a physical ticket please.

Once inside, I was a little taken back.  From the look of the parking lot, I assumed that the party would have been jam packed.  It had a good crowd but just wasn't what I was expecting. Once I got backstage, I saw the models and began my picture taking.

In alphabetical order we have:

• BONDAGE
• DESIRE
• KAMA SUTRA
• LEATHER AND LACE
• LIME LIGHT
• PLEASURE
• TEASE AND 
• TEMPTATION

BONDAGE

 Frontline

Bondage is pressure.
The use of chains is understandable seeing as whips and chains are used in bondage. *So I've heard lol.  I just thought that the placement of the chains fall a little too long on the sides of the frontline.  If the chains could be shortened on the lower half of the one piece/monokini, this costume would be perfect.  The leg pieces were perfectly designed because I've seen this design fail countless times. Models appear to have their circulation almost cut off because at the top of the leg pieces are tied extra tight just to stay up.  This was made with just the right amount of material so it didn't happen.  The cut of the panty/nanny cutters is for the young people.  That is too revealing for me but I see the young people love it. Give the people what they want GenX, good job!

DESIRE

Desire Individual

Desire Frontline

Desire Male

Desire is a playful and flirty costume.  Not really Erotica but I like it.  The colors are young, playful and bold.  The feathered tips at the end of the elongated feathers are very nice on the eyes and I like. Feather galore.  That's always a plus for me!  

Every accessory worn by the models are said to come with the costume package.  I did not get a chance to speak with Gregory about the costumes as this was my second event for the night and was tired but I am sure that there is some contact information on the Generation X Website.

KAMA SUTRA

Kama Sutra Individual

Kama Sutra Frontline

Kama Sutra Backline

Kama Sutra Male

Although Kama Sutra in itself is Erotic, the costume doesn't look Erotic however, the costume has stayed true to the Indian/Bollywood style of Kama Sutra.  Especially the male.

LEATHER & LACE

Leather and Lace Individual

This was the only picture I was able to get of the Leather and Lace section and I wasn't able to fully inspect it.

LIME LIGHT

I am pretty sure I didn't see this section at the launch and if it was there, forgive me but I don't recall seeing this section.  This section is Generation X's BIM/Cropover section in Krave The Band.  The fact that it is on their website tells ME that this section will be making an appearance on the road for Miami Carnival.  If not, hard luck because this is one of my fav's in the band.

PLEASURE

The model had not yet put on her backpack in the above picture.  This is an incomplete product.  The blue in this costume is genius!

Simple and effective accessories.

 Yaaaassssss, play with your feathers!

Here she is, complete in all her feather glory!!  I believe anything THIS model puts on I automatically fall in lust with.  She has to do nothing but put it on and smile.  It sells!  

This costume is beautiful.  I'm loving everything about it and from all the pictures taken, you can tell that this is the one I think is the best. 

TEASE

Individual

 Frontline

Backline 

shown with collar

*collar not included and must be added

 Male

This panty is really different.  Looks a little hard to get into but yuh cyah play mas if yuh fraid a lace up string panty!

Wings of an angel.  These wings don't have an outward wingspan but the way they hug the model and go downward leaves a sweet taste in my mouth.  I love the shape of these wings! The tip of lilac on the inside of the wing, the part closest to the head is a beautiful touch.

TEMPTATION

Individual

 Frontline

Backline

 Male

This is the last section I have.  Now, everyone knows how much I love Generation X and really hate to do this but I have to be honest.  Right?  This is my least favorite section in the band.  I'm not saying that I hate it because I don't.  I just really dislike the material used for the section. Just look.

This one can get a pass because the bra uses very little of the material but if the panty isn't made to fit the  masquerader well, it will bunch up and give off a cheap look.  This panty will look like a bingo bag if it fits baggy and no one wants to play mas in a bingo bag.  It is decorated well but who ever is doing the production of this section HAS to be extremely cautious.  The fabric is very loose.  I don't know if I'm getting my point across or if loose is the right word but that's the word that comes to mind.

Do you see how the panty looks MUCH better when it fits the model correctly?  I know this material well.  I've had the displeasure of having a costume made of this material.  Different iridescent yet the same and thank God, I was close to the band members and was able to switch my panty for two sizes smaller.  Although the necklace is to gorgeous, the falling beads from the bra to the panty is just too much and looks kind of thrown together.  A seasoned masquerader would just cut all of it off.  It serves no purpose.  Either neaten it up or scrap it to save a few dollars.

Once head, arms and legs are all put together, it's a seller!

Do you see how this "works" without all the clutter in the front?  This costume is pretty and it is screaming to be seen.  With all the clutter to the front, it's just lost.   

All in all.

I'd be happy to wear any of these costumes for the carnival.  Should you like to see my full gallery of pictures and a little video, you can check my DCARNIVALBABY Facebook Page or the fully functional web page of Generation X .  There you can register and compare prices.