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The alternative to the Alternative Concept (Machel's AC3+3) is exactly what this premium drinks inclusive event has become to be known as over the years. However, within recent years this now very popular Carnival event has become more than just an alternative fete. With this year being no exception, thousands of party-goers headed down to the Trinidad & Tobago Country Club on Saturday 26th January for the highly anticipated sensual and exotic named fete rightfully entitled "Karma Sutra".

After last year's experience with the unexpected bumper to bumper traffic that was heading down to the party, and the massive crowd I met at the fete, I decided to make an unprecedented early appearance at the party this year. This did pay off as traffic flowed smoothly to the venue, however, parking did prove a bit difficult as apparently many other people were thinking like I was and arrived early. This did result in some stress in finding a park, but it was no big scene as I eventually got a descent enough park after taking a fair amount of time to find one.

Well after reaching inside the party just before 11pm, it was confirmed that a lot of people really did think like me and came down to the fete early, as I was greeted by a very charged up & huge crowd. On that note, I decided to hit the bar one time especially in light of my experience last year with an extremely sticking bar particularly as the party progressed. My first trip at the bar however was relatively easy hinting at a much needed improvement from last year. Taking in the selections of the DJ and the general vibes of the party I realized that the crowd was fairly mixed with both young and middle-aged feters with everyone just having a good time. But obviously as you know, the first thing that any fellah (especially myself) would be doing when just dressing back in any party is scoping out all the HOT & SEXY girls. And when I tell you it had SEXY girls in the party... you better had BELIEVE ME! Upholding the name of the party the fete was filled with stunningly beautiful and exotic ladies that would make any real man's mind wonder and stray a bit.... but let me not get too carry away there. So in other words, the fete was filled with 'bess girls'.

Brick & Lace was the first act to take the stage just after 12am. The sexy Jamaican sisters put on a very enticing and spirited performance that captivated the male patrons at the fete. As part of their performance they called up a very eager male spectator onto the stage to put down a 'Trini wine'. Well the guy did not fail to deliver as he proceeded to give the Jamaican sisters a winning lesson, thrilling the audience while he was at it. I must admit that the guy did represent for us Trini fellahs, however some may argue that he represented a little too much with his winning, even doing the Machel signature drop spilt and all. Hmm.... but what I will say 'to each their own'! lol

KES the Band was next on stage minus Nadia Batson, whom Kees informed the disappointed audience was out since she was not feeling too well on the night. However Kees performance was by no way a disappointment as he proceeded to excite partygoers with a very vigorous show, taking off his jersey and all much to the delight of the female feters. Brick & Lace came back on stage to perform with Kees doing the remix to "Love Is Wicked", hyping up the crowd even more. Mista Vybe also joined Kees on stage to perform their 2008 song "Wave It Away" together. Kees definitely proved why he has now become one of the best and most sort after Soca artists in the industry today as he had the crowd in sheer excitement lapping up every second of his vibrant performance.

Next on stage was the iron man himself, Shurwayne Winchester sporting his new look with his big band Traffik. He literally threw the crowd in ah frenzy as he took the stage unleashing 'D Iron' from his previous road march hits which had the crowd in ecstasy. Shurwayne also delivered an arsenal of all of his other popular past hits with the audience just loving every moment of it. Also performing with the band was Sean Caruth and Eddy Charles, both of who in addition to providing great support for the iron man, also delivered very spirited and vigorous performances to the delight of the crowd. Shurwayne had the crowd singing along to his C2k8 hits "No More" and "Carnival Please Stay" giving a clear indication of him being one of the main contenders in the race for the Groovy Soca Monarch title this year.

Getting through to the bar all this time did get a little more difficult than my first trip but as the night proceeded however, it was by no means as sticky as it was last year. Big up to the organizers for this improvement! Free doubles and pies were also available later on in the night and again although there were relatively long lines, they were flowing which was also an improvement from last year's fete.

Well at the end of it all, Karma Sutra 7 was one of the better fetes for the season with great entertainment and good service, one any party-goer would have thoroughly enjoyed. So see you next year for sure!

Yuh Boy Markey for the TJJ Fam.
-- TJJ Carnival 2008 Frontline

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