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CROP
OVER 2012 COVERAGE
Doh Mind Me ... Mind Yuhself! When Liat announced that our flight was delayed from POS to BGI by about two hours, that didn't really phase us. But when we checked into our hotel in Bim later that day and realized that tropical storm Ernesto was trying to ruin Crop Over 2k12, it was then we started to get a little worried. And after FRAZZLED 4, GLOW and any other Thursday night fetes got cancelled, I decided to go soak meh bull pistle and rest a proper lash on Ernesto so he quickly realize, "Hommie doh play dat when it comes to TJJ and WE Carnival!" Watap... Huh? Watap... Oh Gawd, Ah Gone! In hindsight, if I knew my first fete would be on Saturday, I would have joined Frenchie at SUNSET, which took place from 3PM-11PM on Thursday at the Hilton (before the storm really hit the island). Take one lucky guest where I was staying? Shame. Crop Over has surely changed since my very 1st visit back in 2006 (see coverage). Frontline section in J'ouvert, Trini breakfast parties, and a cruise that's no longer a cruise! Things that make you go HMMMM! Right, time to get down to the brass tax ... the Crop Over 2012 recap. Friday rolls around and the hotel announces that tropical storm Ernesto has past. So everyone's fingers are crossed for ROAST CRUISE to sail (even if at a later time). But with the seas and weather still pretty unsettled it was not to be. Fortunately (and thanks to the quick thinking Roast Cruise committee), the event was postponed until Kadooment Day night, post jump up. Unfortunately, everyone on board (including Rihanna) was too roast to recreate the pumpin' vibe present in 2011 (see coverage). This event is best positioned in it's regular date/time slot on Crop Over Friday. Friday night/Saturday morning and FOREDAY MORNING (J'ouvert) is in full swing with loads of j'ouvert bands meeting up in Bridgetown and making their way to Spring Garden. If you're not in the action... get in! The j'ouvert scene is really exploding for Crop Over and it's FUN FUN FUN!! Check out our coverage of new comer Foreday Morning band MIX NUTZ. The majority of bands do a pretty decent job with keeping their revellers secure, and if you're in an all inclusive band, better yet. And guess what? Some Foreday Morning bands (we see you Island Fusion) even have sections with frontline and ting. Yes, frontline section in j'ouvert ... Barbados really reach yes! On Carnival Saturday, all roads still lead to the always sold out BLISS 'SUMMER EDITION'. I was actually surprised when I heard that the promoters were using the same venue as last year, as I always look forward to their newly found "hidden treasure" venues. But I was just really happy to get my 1st party for the weekend started. With such large numbers of patrons, Esquire Entertainment maintained a high standard of food & drinks and although some premium drinks did eventually run out towards the end, it was the occasional lengthy wait times for bar service that flustered most. Bliss is still a "bessmentssssss" party! Is it cruise time yet? Yes and No. Scorch pushed up their Saturday cruise time slot which is a plus for folks not wanting to miss their Saturday evening events... but a negative for those Foreday Morning toe-draggers reaching home around the cruise boarding time. So for yet another year, TJJ planned to get on board, but failed to make it. Doh fret, Hypa introduced SCORCH BREAKFAST PARTY on Sunday (4-10AM) to Barbados. And with a wicked venue, this was most certainly the creeper event for the 2012 Crop Over weekend according to TJJ's Frenchie who hit fete after fete after fete! Sunday morning.... time for our beloved BOOZE CRUISE! For my first couple years of Crop Over, I would tell folks, "If you're not on Booze Cruise, don't even bother to come Crop Over!" So it broke my heart in two when I got the news that Booze Cruise was now going to be an ALL INCLUSIVE BEACH PARTY. With the MV Harbour Master in Trinidad, and the Jolly Rogers incapable of holding their entire crowd... it was a wise choice by the promoters. The event ran off successful and if Booze Cruise isn't sailing next year (for whatever reason), it would be nice to have some form of beach access for partygoers ... after all, it is a Beach Party! With FRAZZLED 4 rescheduled for Sunday night, we skipped our usual HARBOUR LIGHTS pass thru and COHOBBLOPOT following BOOOZE CRUISE ALL INCLUSIVE BEACH PARTY wanting to save some energy for Monday .... KADOOMENT DAY! Come carnival day, you never want to be late for meeting your band. Ladies, if it takes two hours to put on your make-up and get ready... set your alarms for before the cocks start to crow! Otherwise, you end up smearing your make-up and disheveling your costume while chasing your mas band in what's already a speedy parade route ... NOT COOL. Our crews were split up amongst several carnival bands, but BAJE INTERNATIONAL and BLUE BOX CART (Harbour Lights) was where we spent most of our time. I can't remember the last time it did not rain on Kadooment Day.... and I can't remember the last time I heard any masqueraders complain about the rain... actually, NEVER! As Sweet Soca Champion Mikey sang... WE LOOSE! It's always a fantastic time wukkin' up on the road, rain or shine, whether alcohol is flowing or not (we prefer flowing). Much love to the entire Baje Int'l crew for sorting TJJ out and extending the usual love for yet another year. Richard, Val ... respect! On a final note, I must shout out all BAJAN SOCA ARTISTES (producers, bands, management teams etc.) for keeping the soca music unique to Barbados year after year, which makes Crop Over ... well ... the Sweetest Summer Festival!
ahhhhhhhh AH LIKE MUHSELF, Disclaimer: Professional and experienced TJJ Fet-a-lot-athon® Party Gurus have rigorously tested these Carnival grounds and are providing said recommendations based on the fundamentals that the audience is a healthy rum drinking islander. If while performing any of these actions you begin to feel any dizziness, fatigue or pain please stop and consult your hysician immediately. <<
Crop Over 2011 Coverage >> |
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