>> View Yuma Band Launch 2013 'Imagine' Gallery

As the summer progresses, we get closer and closer to celebrating Carnival 2013 which seems like right around the corner for some people. Wasn't it just yesterday we were masquerading down the streets of Port-of-Spain and now we have to prepare to do it all over again already? I'm not complaining ... I say LET'S DO THIS!!! Well by now, people should be aware that mas camps have begun their launches and even registration, but there was one band in particular I was waiting to see what they would bring to the plate. Their past two contributions have been rated innovative, catchy and a sight for sore eyes. I'm talking about none other than Yuma. Now last year they seduced us with their horoscope concept, and this year they made us "Press Play," let's see what or where they plan on taking us Carnival 2013.

Today the country was celebrating Emancipation Day, so the events timing was a little earlier than the other launches I'm used to attending being from 6 p.m to midnight; taking into consideration patrons (including myself) will have to attend their respective jobs the very next day. Here's where I'm going to vent off the events short-comings. Now I did not mind the early time, as a matter of fact I embraced it and commended them for their consideration, but would've appreciated it a whole lot more if they kept to their word..... meaning, the launch started late. Now I know what you're thinking, "But Jokey, this is Trinidad, and we all know if the promoter says come for a certain time, they really mean the event gonna start this time...." I know this, and have come to terms with this, but there has to be a limit.

It's already bad enough that you're running behind schedule, but four hours behind.....as we Trinidadians will say "Yuh looking for cuss." All this delay was caused because of awaiting the arrival of some "guests." Excuse me while I roll my eyes out of my socket.

Now let's get to the actual presentation. Yuma is coming forward with "Dream" in Carnival 2013 with twelve sections; Midnight Sun, Iris, Magic Waters, Hidden Secrets, Galaxy, Nyx, Crazy Heart, Desert Storm, Genie, Spellbound, Aurora, Eden and lastly Mirror Mirror. I must be honest, but my reaction as well as speaking to some patrons afterwards was disappointment.  The concept name was IMAGINE but did not feel like we were being swept off to a magical place. Felt more like we were having a re-run of a dream someone else had. Don't get me wrong, the costumes were beautiful and the models portrayed them with flair and grace, but that's about it. If they were on display by manikins, a lot of  unsure and doubt would run through people's minds. This ultimately meant that the models actually saved the costumes or else they would've not even been considered for a second look. Now that the bad side is out of the way, let's get the to the good stuff.

Like I said, the female models were on point. Beautiful smiles and bodies, and as for the male models I had to wipe the drool off some women's mouth as they walked on stage. With the party lights and party music, the vibes was at a decent height. If the hiccups were just minimized by a tad, Yuma would've really hit this one out of the park. As I said, I spoke to some patrons at the end of the event and one of them said and I quote "YUMA is calling this concept IMAGINE, when in reality they should have called it DREAMING, because at the end of it all it left us doing that..... sleeping" end quote.

With the launch out the way, and patrons voicing their opinions on what Yuma has to offer, this would give designers an idea of what needs to be done (if anything at all) to help make things more spectacular. The people have spoken and Carnival is inching closer. All respect to Yuma's committee and staff and can't wait to see what more you all may have set on the plate. We all want to imagine, but please don't leave your patrons dreaming.

-Salt N' Pepper

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>> View Yuma Band Launch 2013 'Imagine' Gallery