The must attend event on the Tuesday before Carnival is always Eyes Wide Shut Carnivale, yes of course there are other fetes you can check but this is the only one that features none other than Machel Montano HD and friends. Machel as you will hear me say over and over - never disappoints.

 

The night started early because of course some people have work next morning but that was the last thing on the minds of these fete goers as the night progressed. Dil-E-Nadan was the starter band and provided some interesting entertainment with a mix of chutney, dance and soca to start it off.

 

Shortly after Machel Montano HD and friends took the stage for another exhilarating music set with Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy with Anthony B and more. The rain came pouring down for nearly the entire performance but that did not stop a soul from jumping and wining to Machel’s hit tracks “Jamishness”, “Blaze De Trail” and more. Few people were concerned with the rain that started out as a small drizzle and grew to a full blow rain shower. Dripping wet and take a little shelter by the bars with ah stiff rum was the order of the night.

 

The rain still did not let up when Roy Cap with Blaxx appeared on stage to sing his hit track “Breathless”. The performance was excellent until unfortunately the feedback from the mics was just too unbearable for him to stand and he simply walked off the stage. The audience got in more than enough of Blaxx before that happened so a good time was had by all and overall this fete was a huge success.

 

IZATRINI.com wants to thank “The Commission” the promoters of Eyes Wide Shut Carnivale for their kind hospitality and professionalism.

 

Bless! 

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The IZATRINI.com crew also had the distinct pleasure of attending the 3 Canal Show “SHINE”. This is yet another must see event. I know you probably already have your Carnival Week itinerary planned but if you can squeeze in time to take in a nice sit down theatre experience that will still have you moving…then this is the show for you.  

 

The pre-show included several up and coming young artist singing calypso, rapso, soca, neo-calypso and so much more. They were all a delight but none as good as the main act. Their performance began with several stage performers dressed in white with silver accents to accentuate the “SHINE” appearing from behind the audience chanting to the beat of African drums. As they proceeded to the stage they danced and sang to usher in the 3 Canal also dressed in white and silver.

 

Anyone in attendance could see just how much 3 Canal has grown as a group, their powerful voices and distinct message rung true for the audience. The live band accompaniment made the performance even better; one could feel the rhythm vibrating through the theatre.

 

3 Canal has so many hit songs that they could fill a 2 hour set easily and have the audience participating with each hit. I must say that the dancers and other performers also enhanced their performance tremendously and really served to bring the messages across.

 

3 Canal congratulations on a fine performance and thank you for a wonderful Carnival experience.

The IZATRINI.com crew was on the inside for AC 3+3 The Trinity, as is the norm every Carnival. This concert in my opinion is always the highlight of Carnival and is the best way to kick off the Carnival week. If you are coming from foreign make sure to arrive the Saturday before Carnival week just to take in the spectacle that is Machel Montano HD and friends at the Alternative Concept.

 

Machel made sure to include artists from his crew: Patrice Roberts, Zan and more. Farmer Nappy performed “Chippin’ with Anthony B and the crowd was in an uproar. Anthony B has more energy than Machel and his crew put together, talk about energy on stage.

 

Pitbull was another highlight for the night as he performed a few of his many hit Reggaeton tunes for the crowd. He was for the most part well received but he had to go back in times for his tunes to be appreciated by the very discerning Trini audience. The performance certainly missed Little Jon who we all hope will appear on stage with Machel before Carnival is over.

 

David Rudder performed “Oil and Music” with Machel and it was a touching tribute to Trinidad culture. The Mighty Sparrow, Len “Boogsie” Sharp, Roy Cape and more were all there to represent the foundation of our culture.

 

The stadium went wild when at the end Machel performed “Jumbie”, “Blaze de Trail” and all his new hits back to back. That was a fitting end to the concert all culminating with a sea of confetti and the call to “…buss de fireworks” that lit up the National stadium.