Once again, Machel Montano HD represented Trinidad and Tobago and soca music to the fullest at the legendary Radio City Music Hall. Team TJJ NY was definitely excited and could hardly wait to see what was in store.

When we arrived at the venue, there was no mob of people reminiscent of Madison Square Garden 2007 (view coverage). As a matter of fact we were a bit concerned. Where were the people? The streets were filled with tourists with cameras and staring and pointing up at the skyscrapers and peering into store windows. There was not a Trini flag in sight! Oh, there was one dude who cycled by in a Speedo with a boom box blasting and caused quite a ruckus! Lol! Only in NYC!

Well on the inside, the lobby was bustling with people at the bars and concession stands. Phew! For a moment I thought the show buss-kay-lay-lay. Now the place was not filled to capacity. This was no surprise. It is guava season (a recession) after all. These days, folks are hanging on to every penny. Those in attendance, however, were quite an exuberant lot. In other words... bacchanal fuh so!

The show started with Burning Flames. They treated the crowd to their latest hits, as well as, some oldies. "Hol ah woman roun she belly ... worky worky worky workayyy! The ushers had to continuously stop people from wining down to the ground in the aisles. Lol! Something about a "fire hazard". Steupsssss. Hey sorry ... we did not get that memo!!

Photos By Salih A.R. & Rae L.
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As the band continued to keep the crowd going wild, it dawned on me just how much I miss Onika Bostic. I haven't seen the band since before her untimely death. RIP Onika ... our thoughts were definitely with you that day.

Well bam! We ready for the HD! Oh lawd... I nearly lost my voice. There is something to be said about the energy that is created when Machel Montano is about to hit the stage. Good Lawd! Women lost their minds when he burst onstage belting out hit after hit! I have never seen anyone rock a pair of silver skinny capris and pull it off! Machel, you win! The ladies loved it! Hey someone's Tantie went so far as to cop a feel! Lol! Oh and the HD dancers ... FIERCE!

The show was nothing like what we have come to expect in the past two years. There were no props or theatrics except for digital graphics and videos supporting each song played on giant monitors to the left and right of the stage. It was 'Raw + Uncut'. You could not help getting caught up in a frenzy! It was fete not a concert. You name it he sang it. Of course, the ushers continued to have difficulty restoring order and clearing the aisles during and after each set.

The highlights included, the young Pranavah Maharaj singing Drupatee’s part in her collaboration with Machel's "Real Unity" and the 2009 Primary School Soca Monarch, Timel Rivas, who quite possibly stole the show while performing Mr. Montano's breakthrough song, "Too Young to Soca". He was too cute!

The show took on a bit of a somber tone as Machel reflected on the life of Sheldon "$hel Shok" Benjamin. The entire set consisted of songs produced by Shok, carefully selected by Machel including his favorite, "Luv 2U 2Nite". The extra special dedication was a new song written by Machel entitled "I Love You". It was definitely an "unplugged" moment as Machel played the piano while singing his heart out. At one point, his passion was so intense, he played and sang while squatting on the piano stool. It was a heavy, but touching moment. Man I think I whimpered a bit! RIP $hel $hok (A Tribute to Shel Shok) ... true genius!

The pace picked up again with more hits from this carnival and General Grant 'Revving the Engine'. Let's just say it was on and popping in Radio City! Of course, Farmer Nappy, Patrice Roberts, Umi Marcano and Zan were on fire throughout the show. I know that everyone who attended this concert can attest to the fact that we clearly lost our minds when finally we heard the first few bars of "Won't Stop". "Tell the DJ turn it up when you hear this one .... EVERYBODY!!"

With that my darlings, I'm out! TJJ is looking out for the next great fete brought to you the only way HD can. I think next stop should be Carnegie Hall... what say you?

Le Petite for the TJJ fam

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Machel Montano HD & Friends Live at MSG (2008)