Out of 10…A Decade of Innovation
Date: Fri 29th January 2009
Location: EricWilliamsPlaza, Port-Of-Spain, Trinidad
Promoters: Central Bank Sports and Cultural Club
The DancehallSoca.com recently got the exciting opportunity to attend the famous, annual Central Bank All Inclusive Fete. Under the patronage of the Governor of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, the event which in 2010 celebrates its 10th anniversary was aptly titled “Out of 10…A Decade of Innovation”.
Upon entry through the media entrance it was easy to see why this particular fete is always touted as one not to be missed. Although it was an early affair, commencing at 8pm, eager patrons were seen parking their cars and congregating outside the downtown Port-Of-Spain venue from as early as 7.45. This occurrence is a rare feat in the land of “fashionably late feters”.
“Out of 10” certainly did not let down the fete cognisors with respect to ambience, delicacies and live entertainment. The event committee pulled out all the stops in its efforts to provide a smooth flowing environment where guests were not only encouraged to feel relaxed but to let the music move them while partaking in the numerous amenities offered at this one of a kind fete experience.
As most of the attendees nestled with their favourite drink or warmed up their dancing feet to the music of DJ Merry Perry, MC for the evening Tamara Williams introduced the night’s first onstage act, Dil-E-Nadan. The band which has become very popular on the fete circuit for 2010 delivered a first rate mix of new and old school Soca and Chutney with sterling renditions from all four frontline vocalists. Singer Dr. Seales impressed the crowd with his mastery of Hindi singing.
The DancehallSoca.com team noticed that although “Out of 10” boasted a vast selection of premium drinks, the crowd favourite was clearly the Riccadonna wine booth which had a constant flow of traffic throughout the entire night. The food booths were easily accessible and situated appropriately within the venue. The assortment of cuisine consisted of Wantons, Spring rolls, Arabian Gyros, Gera Goat, BBQ Pigtails, Bake and Shark and a dish which one can only find in a Trini fete, stewed horse (which actually was delicious).
Bunji Garlin, Fay- Ann Lyons and their band, The Asylum were the evening’s second brass band. Dressed in black, the Lyrics King and Soca Monarch Queen rendered hit after hit, showing all in attendance just why they are on top of the Soca industry. The band had the audience jumping, singing at the top of their lungs and waving anything in sight.
In addition to Bunji and Fay-Ann working the crowd, the appearance of Super Blue took the action to another level as he performed his classics e.g. “Ethel” and “Signal to Lara”.
Roy Cape All Stars was the last band to take to the stage. The seasoned Soca band began its set by backing up one of the largest Caribbean icons, King David Michael Rudder.
Rudder’s appearance was truly welcomed by the audience and the veteran took everyone to church delivering his hit tunes such as “Calypso Music”, “High Mas” and “Bahia Girl”. This was DancehallSoca.com’s first opportunity for the season to see Rudder in his element.
After Rudder’s enlivening performance, RoyCape’s three singers, Blaxx, Olatunji, and Rita Jones hit the stage and picked up the pace with their covers of popular Carnival songs as well as their original material e.g. “Tusty”, “Breathless” anda dramatic version ofBlaxx’s latest track, “Zombie”. Special guests on this set were Soca Monarch finalists Kerwin Dubois, Super Jigga TC and the “palancers” JW and Blaze.
Central Bank’s All Inclusive, “Out of 10” certainly scored 10 out of 10 points on the Carnival fete scale and made a definite impact with its patrons as they excitedly await next year’s edition.
Dancehallsoca.com commends the promoters and producers of “Out of 10” for all their hard work and the success of their event.
Special thanks to Ms. Esla Anthony for granting media access to our team.
We indeed look forward to the 11th edition of this esteemed Carnival fete staple.
