Date: Thur Nov 5th 2009
Location: Tribeca Penthouse, NYC.
Just a mere few days after an exciting Halloween weekend which saw several North Americans buying, borrowing and even building their ghoulish even outlandish attire, another costumed celebration kicked off in the “concrete jungle where dreams of made of”.
New York based special events company Antilia held the event simply entitled, “Antilia Carnival” at the elegant, upscale Manhattan establishment,Tribeca Rooftop.The soiree was geared towards giving New Yorkers a sneak peak at what they can expect to experience at Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2010.
It was evident by the number of eager patrons entering the venue that anticipation for the Antilia Carnival preview was at an intense level and that the Caribbean heat from annual festival celebrations had indeed invaded New York City.
Upon entering, the only word that one could use to describe the quality of ambience, amenities and staff treatment was premium. With an open bar stocked with an assortment of high end beverages, an atmosphere reminiscent of a hotel ballroom and a room full of beautifully attired people, it was no mystery as to why this was considered one of NYC’s must attend fall events.
When asked about her enthusiasm for the occasion, one guest said, “I was looking forward to this since the end of last year’s edition. Simon’s (Antilia’s CEO Simon Khan) parties are the best”.
Another guest offered this statement, “I love events like these where I can dress up and come out to hear and dance to Soca music in a decent, top quality environment instead of some shady bar or nightclub”.
The night consisted of a perfect blend of Caribbean nationals, Caribbean Americans and the US based Carnival loving elite. Amidst the setting of Caribbean appetizers and freshly cut coconuts, attendees mingled with members of the media such as Empress Jeanille Bonterre, beautiful T&T journalist Francesca Hawkins and members of Trini Jungle Juice and Bamboo Live TV.
Representatives of the event’s organizational team were also on hand to greet and socialise with the guests in attendance.
DancehallSoca.com was fortunate enough to speak with Antilia team members Laura Cotton and Diana Clark (also of the Barbados Tourism Authority). They graciously informed us about Antilia’s unique travel package for Carnival 2K10 in T&T.
This Carnival package includes flights, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, VIP party (fête) tickets, and a carnival costume in an all-inclusive carnival band in addition to many extra features such as a two-day visit to the sister island Tobago.
The show segment of the evening consisted of drummers, moko jumbies (stilt walkers), a live solo set from renowned panist Dane Gulston and a display of Carnival costumes from Trinidad and Tobago modelled by popular faces from reality TV shows “America's Next Top Model” and “Make Me a Super Model”.
With great onstage chemistry and witty banter from hosts 1998 Miss Universe winner,Wendy Fitzwilliam and Supermodel/TV personality Tyson Beckford, that portion of the evening certainly had entertaining moments especially Tyson threatening to make an appearance at T&T’s Carnival. However, the most electrifying moment had to be the introduction of the Soca Ambassador himself, Machel Montano who ran the gamut of his hits including new songs “Tell Me”, “Slow Wine”, “Ramajay”.
The evening was nothing short of enjoyable.
DancehallSoca.com must make note of the efficiency at which Antilia’s team handled both guests and media.We wish to thank Simon Khan, Bevan Springer and all involved for access to this wonderful NYC Carnival experience.
