Junior performers embraced

TWO junior performers have been allowed to take part in this year’s Cave Shepherd All Stars Calypso Tent.

This was announced by Tent Manager, Eleanor Rice-Watkins, who spoke during the official launch of the event, which took place at Cave Shepherd last Friday evening.

Rice-Watkins explained that they recognised that in order for the event to have longevity, it was important to include these younger performers.

“At some point in time, the older calypsonians will decide that they are finished for a season. If we intend to carry on what we are doing with the Crop Over festival, we have to encourage the younger people to come into the senior tents. So that by the time they get of age, they would be in there already and continue,” she said.

The Tent Manager went on to note that even though last year’s event was successful and spectacular, performers this year can expect a number of changes; the most notable change relating to the grand prize of $100 000.

Rice-Watkins expressed that persons could eagerly anticipate spectacular performances from Donella Weekes, Colin Spencer, Ronnie “The Announcer” Clarke, Kid Site, Structure, Jude Clarke, Raheem, Charisma, Sparkle T, Niqa, Shawnie, Ishaika, Francoise, Dragon Slayer and Jael, along with Sammy Delo and Dr. Sparman and Troy Special.

“The venue for the shows is the auditorium at the St. Gabriel’s School, and the dates are Saturday, June 1st, Sundays June 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. July 6th is the final date before judging, with the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre being the venue for judging on Thursday, July 8th, at 8 p.m.,” she said.

“Admission to the performance nights is $30 and judging night is $40.”

She added that on June 23, the venue would switch from the St. Gabriel’s School hall to the Alexandra School for another fresh and new addition to the tent schedule.

“We believe in taking the product to the people and this year we are going north. Expect that we will have the Father’s Day Special when we honour some of those father figures in our society, as we have been doing in the recent years,” she said.

“We aim to maintain the same high standard and quality which is expected of our Tent and we look forward to entertaining you and delivering $100 000 worth of Calypso and entertainment again.”

The Tent Manager gave a hearty and sincere thank you to title sponsor, Cave Shepherd, as well as TMR Sales and Services, BIMAP, Ocean Fisheries, Golden Sands Hotel, Collins Limited, Armstrong Agencies, All Phases Electrical, BIMPAK, H. Jason Jones, Mel’s Beauty Salon, MSR Ltd., Sky Mall, Bridge Street Mall and Eye Focus Inc. for their generous sponsorship this season. (CLF)