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HOUSTON
CARIBFEST 2009 COVERAGE
TJJ's Party Guru's Guide to Houston Caribfest 8 years and going strong, it's actually our 1st trip to Houston Caribfest. But judging from all the stories we've heard about this carnival, it was indeed time for the Carnival Guru's to make a trip to the "Lone Star" state. Prerequisites:
Major Events: Each city parties differently based on the culture of the people that make up the city and also the law enforcement. First, the good folks of Houston Caribfest love to party till 5am. I do not think we ever went to bed before 9am the next day. Insane!! Second, we never get so many police officers asking us to take pictures of them. They liming like nothing going on ... cool, cool, no sweat. Wednesday: Camouflage Party. We weren't in town to attend this one, but promoter, Fire Kyle, did let us know that there's only one original Camouflage fete come Caribfest week in H-Town ... and it "SELL OFF"! Thursday: Ultra Glo, All White Affair. This party is hot, literally HOT! There are 14 DJ’s on the cast and the air condition cannot keep up with the body heat generated so be prepared to wine and sweat. Fast drying clothes are a smart thing. If you're not tired (or ready to go home) at 5am, then Ancil and Annmarie have their Annual Breakfast Party going till. We left at about 8:30am and the party was still going. And better yet, it's FREE! Friday: J'Ouvert. Don't expect jouvert in the traditional sense as there's quite a lot of water invloved. This is a fete that starts as early as 10pm, but does not pick up crazy vibes until around midnight when the Mud, Paint, Grease & Chocolate (they got a lil Chocolate band) getting applied to human bodies. It takes place in a huge outdoor/indoor warehouse ("The Truck Yard") and some of the jouvert revellers costumes make this look like a theme park. This year our friends decided to bring real pig heads to the party! The pigs got drinks and we watched them puke. Trust me, this is a crazy night as you will see in the TJJ TV video. For the very 1st time, Houston Caribfest took J'Ouvert to the streets as the sunlight broke on the smiling revellers chippin down d road. Saturday: Soca Xtreme, Big Band show. This is the major international night as Caribfest features bands from several islands, and one or two major headliners. The culture of Houston is comprised of the most diverse section of islands that we have witnessed in the USA. It is truly a Caribbean festival (not a Trinibago or Jamaican thing). This year featured the 2009 record holder Fay-Ann Lyons. Partygoers were also treated to surprise performance by her hubby, Bunji, who snuck in the building to further stir things up. BTW ... there are a couple decent parties during the day to warm up your carnival spirits. Sunday: The Parade of the Bands, Concert/Picnic in the Park. Today, you better wear your sun block; bring lots of water and wear fast drying clothes. You will get wet (and dry off pretty fast), you will wine, you will jump, you will have a ball once you on the road. It's a small road show (in Tom Bass Park) with only about 8-10 small bands comprising a couple scores for masqueraders. If you missed the road jump up, have no fear, you get another opportunity to see the bands parade across the stage as they are judged. Partons enjoy a wide selection of Caribbean cuisine & drinks (we had a bess Caribbean Fruit Punch) and an entertaining concert which ends at 10pm. Houston Caribest, your days are bright and glorious, and as a friend of mine once told me, "You never miss the place, but you do miss the people!" Houston you will be missed, until the next time. Rea, Sharon, Nadine & Patrick ... thanks again for your hospitality.
Son of the Caribbean Soil, 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 physician immediately. |
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BTW ... Sun Glasses (AKA shades) are good to have. The place really bright, especially
if you're coming from the North East or some winter wonderland.