Photos by Natasha Mc, Roget B, Stephen CQ

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In 1994, ten years after its inception, I experienced my very 1st Miami Carnival. And since then, I've only missed two of them! Although it's seen it's ups and downs, it still remains in TJJ's Top 3 North American Carnivals, amongst Toronto's Caribana and Washington DC Carnival.

Okay, so when are they planning to bring back the main stage for TnT Carnival again? After seeing masqueraders having the time of their lives when crossing the main stage/judging point in Bicentennial Park, it quickly reminded me of what TNT Carnival has been missing in the past couple years ... THE SAVANNAH STAGE!! You should have seen the pure jubilation on revellers faces as they jumped, waved and wined to their band's music trucks blaring sweet Soca as they floated across the stage. And some mas bands treated their masqueraders to live entertainment as they crossed the judging point, with the likes of reigning Road March champs for both St. Vincent and St. Lucia', Skinny Fabulous and Ricky T respectively. It was some serious "Pressure Boom" as everyone jumped on the spot with their "Head Bad"! When a Trinidad news reporter witnessed masqueraders doing splits and head stands while jamming each other on the ground (literally), his only remark was, "Boy, I didn't know Miami Carnival had all of this action ... wow!"

I definitely believe that Bicentennial Park is the best location for Miami Carnival. First, it's actually in Downtown Miami, not Opa Locka or Homestead! Second, the venue allows a nice pre-stage build up, the stage crossing climax, and finally (but very key) ... a last lap jump up! After crossing the stage, most bands find a spot for their music trucks to park, where their masqueraders eat, drink (especially if you're in a All Inclusive band) and continue their carnival intrigues until it the sun starts to set.

Although, we passed through most of the mas bands such as Vibrationzz, Wassi Ones and China Mas Group, we spent most of our time with the 2007 "Band of the Year" Generation X and their 2008 presentation "Birds". TJJ TV coverage soon come! As Destra says, "Hott"!! Gregory, Marsha, Daryl and the entire Gen X fam .... your hospitality was overwhelming. Big up to Rambo, Tony Tempo (ATL), Eternal Vibes and all DJs on the truck - the musical vibes was level!! Lalo (R.I.P) ... your name and sound carries on! Powerline Sounds HD (Orlando) ... large up yourselves!

With another big cast for Miami Carnival's Festival and Concert, headliners Shurwayne Winchester, Fay-ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin & The Asylum Band took the show to the end. Shurwayne, performing solo (he's officially left Caribbean Traffik Band), was full of his usual energy and had the crowd bubbling to his groovy hit "Don't Stop", before opening the flood gates with "De Band Coming", "Dead Or Alive" and "Open The Gate". We caught up with Bunji Garlin before going on stage, and when asked what he had planned for the Miami Carnival crowd, he explained that the band was going to go with the flow, reading and giving the crowd want they want. So said, so done! One highlight of their performance, was seeing panist Dane Gulston, jam on his tenor pan as Bunji instructed him on which part of the steelpan to play - which included over, under and around the instrument!

Selman Lewis may be gone (see article), but from what we saw today, will most certainly not be forgotten!! Special thanks to Yvette, Kathryn, Dustin and the Miami Carnival Inc. committee & staff for accommodating the TJJ family for yet another successful year. See you guys for your BIG 25th Anniversary celebration in 2009!

– Chooks aka Daddy Juice "Not from Concentrate"

... Am Not Drunk

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