Clike here for “Pan On A Higher Note” in pictures

The Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism’s National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO) presents “Pan On A Higher Note” at Lord Kitchener Auditorium, NAPA – June 04-05, 2011

Pan on a Higher Note By Anne Hilton
“Pan On A Higher Note” with the National Steel Symphony Orchestra directed and conducted by Jessel Murray began their concert in NAPA’s Lord Kitchener Aldwyn Roberts Auditorium (that the pre-concert ads seemed to insist was “Orel Roberts”) last week Saturday with the folksy “Hoe Down” from Aaron Copland’s ballet “Rodeo” – an excellent choice to warm up the orchestra, that, courtesy the moving stage, was whisked into the background to accompany the Metamorphosis Dance Company’s interpretation of Ray Holman’s “Changing Times” with dancers first dressed in white, then in black going through their paces in modern dance.

Pan on a Higher Note By Gary Cardinez
The National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO) presented Pan on a Higher Note last weekend at the National Academy of the Performing Arts (NAPA) to a very appreciative audience.
The programme featured the national instrument as the accompanying music with dance, voice and piano. The 35 member group which uses the Genesis Pan (G PAN) are all trained in music and led by Kareem Brown (captain) and Jessel Murray artistic director/conductor.

Berkeley dies at 70
Legendary masman Wayne Berkeley died yesterday evening at age 70. In 2000, he suffered a severe stroke that left him paralysed on the right side of his body but never dulled his creativity

Berkeley makes mas no more
Mas designing legend Wayne Berkeley passed away at the family home on Clifford Street, Belmont, yesterday evening. He was 71.

His brother Oswald said the renowned mas maker died at 7.35pm due to complications of a third stroke which he suffered two weeks ago. Berekely survived his first stroke which occurred roughly ten years ago and left his right side of his body paralysed.

Wayne Berkeley — A biography
VETERAN Carnival masman Wayne Kenneth Berkeley, who died last night following complications due to a stroke, was born in 1940 in Belmont. He attended St Mary’s College.

‘Let’s celebrate Wayne’s life’
Masman Wayne Berkeley, who died on Thursday at age 70 following a stroke two weeks ago, will be laid to rest on Tuesday, June 14, either at the Church of the Assumption or the Chapel at St Mary’s College, which were the two churches he attended.

Minshall: Berkeley my greatest competitor
“My greatest competitor,” is how legendary masman Peter Minshall succinctly hailed another master of mas-making, Wayne Berkeley, who died on Thursday at age 71.

Berkeley a master of fantasy in mas costumes

Gypsy: He left a void on T&T’s cultural landscape

Genius of Berkeley must be shared

Saluting Wayne Berkeley
WAYNE Berkeley’s passing on Thursday night has deprived Trinidad and Tobago of one of our big names in Carnival costume design.

Legendary Mas Maker Wayne Berkeley’s Send-Off in pictures

WITH a score of 278 points, Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars yesterday morning created history by becoming the first steelband to receive a hefty $2 million for winning the National Panorama competition at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain.

In winning the prestigious title, All Stars, a highly popular band whose panyard is at 46-48 Duke Street in Port-of-Spain, dethroned last year’s champion PCS Silver Stars, by a mere three points during Saturday night’s keenly-fought Panorama finals. Silver Stars was awarded $750,000 for its effort.

The enhanced $2 million prize package was made possible through the Peoples’ Partnership Government for the winners of four major Carnival competitions, including the National Steelband Panorama, Soca Monarch, last night’s calypso monarch final at Dimanche Gras and the Chutney/Soca Monarch.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has said the new prize structure should become a fixture at Carnival competitions, once there was an upswing in the economy. Placing second in Saturday’s competition with 276 points and receiving a cool $1 million was St Augustine-based Sagicor Exodus.

Perennial favourite Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, led by famed arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, secured fourth spot with 273 points along with the Woodbrook-based Caribbean Airlines Invaders.

The band from the “Lavantee Hills”, Witco Desperadoes placed a disappointing seventh with 270 points. Segments of the capacity audience openly voiced their disapproval over how Phase II and Desperadoes fared in the competition.

The results of this year’s Panorama finals, which commemorated the 75th diamond jubilee of the steelpan, were announced shortly before 4 am yesterday, after almost nine hours of stiff competition at the Savannah where pan music reigned supreme.

The Prime Minister, patron of the event, was on hand to present the winning cheque to the champion band. Tenor player Dwayne Ifill accepted the large replica cheque on behalf of the band’s officials.

Persad-Bissessar was accompanied by Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh, Agriculture Minister Vasant Bharath and Pan-Trinbago president Keith Diaz.

Playing first among the large conventional bands, All Stars led by Beresford Hunte, gave a commanding performance to Anslem Douglas’ “It’s Showtime” a tune of choice for three bands in the large band catergory. Stylishly-dressed in shimmering red shirts, white trousers and matching hats, the band set the stage for the almost seamless performances which followed. The band’s presentation featured young dancers, portraying several elements of local culture. Fireworks and confetti completed the display. The winning selection was composed by Edwin Pouchet and Alvin Daniell.

“We feel proud because we were the first band to win $1 million, the first band to win $2 million and you know when the PP (People’s Partnership) Government wins in the next five years, we will be the first band to win $3 million. Don’t worry, we coming strong. We coming strong,” an elated Ifill told reporters moments after accepting the cheque.

Ifill said players had put a lot of hard work into the competition “and we are happy that our hard work paid off.” Surrounded by his colleagues, Ifill however acknowledged the close race.

“It was a tight battle and I must say the band came together well,” he said.

“Everybody stuck to the task and we are just proud of each other and proud that we could have come and give that beautiful music to Trinidad and Tobago. I just want everybody to have a happy Carnival.”

Ifill said the band will be on the streets today and tomorrow, performing their winning tune.

Led by Ainsworth Mohammed and playing Destra Garcia’s “Calling Meh”, Exodus’ performance was also warmly applauded. So, too, was the similarly-attired Silver Stars, but patrons were in a quandary as to why the band chose to present a curtain effect with the use of silver and black streamers, mounted on long poles (to give a concert-like effect), after the band had already become clearly visible on stage.

The gesture seemed inappropriate and may have cost the band the title for a third consecutive year. Shortly after All Stars’ performance, Pan Trinbago’s Keith Diaz presented Persad-Bissessar with a cheque for $75,000 toward her pet project, the Children’s Life Fund, as a means of commemorating the steelpan’s diamond jubilee.

The fund, one of the Partnership’s major campaign promises in the run up to the May 24, 2010 general election, was established to assist children who require life-saving medical attention.

Persad-Bissessar paid glowing tribute to Peters for his efforts at upgrading the North and Grand Stands of the Savannah, which now accommodates a seating capacity exceeding 20,000.

Earlier in the night, Diaz also presented President George Maxwell Richards with a token in celebration of the milestone. Richards said in his own way, he has been supporting the work of Pan-Trinbago and urged citizens to also play their part in ensuring the continued development of the artform.

In a brief interview with reporters after the winners were announced, Persad-Bissessar said Carnival 2011 has been a bumper celebration thus far. “I’m told every hotel room is sold out. I’m told every airline ticket is sold out. And, every fete has been sold out, every show has been sold out. It has been a bumper, sold out Carnival,” she said.

The Prime Minister was also pleased with the measures that have been put in place to ensure increased security. “There are no adverse reports of any criminal activity. I look forward to their protection over the next couple of days. I feel we have a great Carnival,” she said.The show, which began 20 minutes later than its scheduled 7 pm start, flowed smoothly during the medium band segment of the competition. Lengthy delays in the setting up of bands in the large bands category coupled with frequents requests for supporters of popular bands to clear the stage hampered an otherwise seamless programme.

Some patrons also noted the absence of bp Renegades from this year’s stellar line-up after a judge Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, on Friday threw out a plea by the nine-time champion to be included in the finals of the Panorama competition.

The band had filed an injunction, seeking to stop the Panorama finals, after complaining that they were disrupted during the semi-final round of the competition on February 20 because of the playing of DJ music at the North Stand during their performance.

PLACINGS POINTS PRIZE MONEY

1 Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars………………………. 278 points………………………. $2M

2 Sagicor Exodus…………………………………………….. 276 points………………………. $1M

3 PCS Silver Stars……………………………………………. 275 points………………………. $750,000

4 Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove………………………… 273 points………………………. $600,000

4 Caribbean Airlines Invaders……………………………. 273 points………………………. $600,000

6 NLCB Fonclaire…………………………………………….. 271 points………………………. $500,000

7 Witco Desperadoes……………………………………….. 270 points………………………. $450,000

7 Petrotrin Siparia Deltones………………………………. 270 points………………………. $450,000

9 RBC/RBTT Redemption Sound Setters……………. 268 points………………………. $450,000

10 Starlift………………………………………………………… 265 points………………………. $450,000

***

All Stars wins first $2m Panorama prize
Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars became the first steel orchestra to take home $2 million in prize money when it was adjudged winner of the large band category at the 2011 Blink bmobile National Panorama final at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, last Saturday night. Playing a Leon “Smooth” Edwards arrangement of It’s Showtime, composed by Edwin Pouchet and Alvin Daniell, the Duke Street-based orchestra scored 278 points to secure its eighth Panorama win, and in the process dethrone defending champion PCS Silver Stars which played the same selection arranged by Pouchet, but could earn only 275 points to take third place and the $750,000 prize.

Truely an elder in the Calypso artform, Percival Oblington ‘The Mighty Striker’, died on Saturday 5th, 2011, after being ill for some time. Born in 1930, Striker would be remembered for his long service together with capturing the Calypso King Competition in 1958 and 1959.

Developing…

Percy ‘Striker’ Oblington

‘Mighty Striker’ dies at 81
By Joan Rampersad and Seeta Persad
PERCY OBLINGTON, known in the Calypso arena as “The Mighty Striker”, died on Saturday at the age of 81, after reportedly suffering with prostate cancer. He was at the time singing with the Kaiso Karavan tent.

Calypso icon Striker dies
By Wayne Bowman
The Mighty Striker, one of the longest surviving calypsonians, died on Saturday after being ill for some time. An active, longstanding member of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) East Zone, Striker won the Calypso King Competition, now the National Calypso Monarch competition, back to back in 1958 and 1959.

Following Gross’ introduction was the award-winning Trinidad and Tobago musical-drama group, the Jeunes Agape Choir. With voices blending in unison they performed a medley of “Money is King” by Neville ‘Growling Tiger’ Marcano, “Shame and Scandal” by Fitzroy ‘Lord Melody’ Alexander and “Never Ever Worry” by Alric ‘Lord Pretender’ Farrell.

Many of the legends of Calypso who had great success during the 1939-1980 period have since passed. Others, such as Black Stalin are reveling in their success by presenting their musical talents with the rest of the world. Some of our young and upcoming Calypsonians as well as some veterans in the business had the honour of presenting some of these songs to the NAPA audience. These twentieth century Calypso Monarch songs and the artistes that lent their voices to them were: Spoiler’s “Pick Sense out of Nonsense” (1955) sung by Fede; Relator’s “Food Prices” (1980) sung by Peter Cipriani; Dougla’s “Split Meh in Two” (1931) sung by Tracey Donald; Spoiler’s “Bed Bud” (1953) sung by Erphaan Alves; Sniper’s “Portrait of Trinidad” (1965) sung by Kwesi Jeffers; Mighty Duke’s “Black is Beautiful” (1969) sung by Duane O’Connor (preceded by a theatrical presentation of the song by the Players from Creative Arts, U.W.I.); medley of “Joan and James” (1964), “Last Elections” (1967) and “Pan Jamboree” (1966) – tributes to The Mighty Bomber, The Mighty Cypher and The Mighty Terror respectively by the Maisha Zuri Choir; Black Stalin’s “Caribbean Unity” and “Play One” by Kurt Allen and Lord Kitchener’s “Tribute to Spree Simon” and “Fever” by Winston ‘De Original De Fosto Himself’ Scarborough.

Fortunate to be present to share their Calypso history were living legends Mighty Striker, Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose and Chalkdust. Percy ‘Mighty Striker’ Oblington was the first of the four Calypso legends to appear on stage. The D’Abadie-born ‘Striker’, born in 1930, started his Calypso career in the nineteen forties. ‘Striker’ was the first Calypsonian to win the Calypso Monarch Competition for two consecutive years, 1958 and 1959. Looking dapper, consistent with the look of the ‘old time’ Calypsonians, ‘Striker’ sang his winning 1959 renditions of “Ban the Hoola Hoop” and “Comparison.” Certainly, the audience was reminded of why he deserved his one thousand dollars and silver trophy first prizes that year.

Also gracing the stage was Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool, Calypsonian, teacher, historian, writer and eight-time winner of the Calypso Monarch Competition. Born in 1941, around the time when the Steelpan was still taking root in the country, Chalkdust was destined to become one of the most successful Calypsonians in Trinidad and Tobago history. Some of his winning songs include “Three Blind Mice” and “Ah Put on Meh Guns Again” (1976), “Juba Dubai” and Shango Vision” (1977), “ Ah Can’t Make” and “My Kind of Worry” (1981), “Chauffeur Wanted” and “Carnival Is the Answer” (1989), “Kaiso Sick in de Hospital” and “Misconceptions” (1993), “Fish Monger” and “Trinidad in the Cemetery” (2004), “I in Town Too Long” and “Ah Doh Rhyme” (2005), and “Doh Touch My Heart” (2009). ‘Chalkdust’ proudly delivered some of his most popular songs with a touch of his infamous smooth, sideways slide dance on the NAPA stage.

When the Queen of Calypso, McCartha ‘Calypso Rose’ Lewis, made her entrance on stage she was greeted with thunderous applause. ‘Rose’, born on April 27th, 1940, in Bethel, Tobago was the first female to win the Road March title in 1977 with her rendition of “Tempo” which she delivered to the NAPA audience receiving much approval. She also rendered perennial favorites “Fire In Meh Wire” (1965), “Her Majesty” (1978) and “I Thank Thee” (1978). She proudly pointed out that she was not only the first female Calypso Monarch, but was the first Calypso Monarch ever – the name changing from Calypso King with the anticipation of her victory that year. Calypso Rose also won the Calypso Queen Competition for five consecutive years from 1974 to 1978 and has written over eight hundred songs altogether. Looking strong and physically fit, Rose delivered an outstanding performance commanding the attention of the audience with her usual dancing, chanting and catchy lyrics.

Arguably the most touching moment was when Calypso King Dr. Slinger ‘Mighty Sparrow’ Francisco appeared on stage. Also known as the ‘Birdie’, the Grenadian-born seventy-five year old, although visibly ill, still had the vocal strength and the courage to grace the NAPA stage. Before this though, players from Creative Arts U.W.I. delivered a remarkable theatrical presentation of his 1960 winning Calypso “Ten To One Is Murder”. The song is said to be inspired by true a true event involving Vernon Ottley, his lady friend Miss Kent and The Mighty Sparrow. As Caldwell Taylor in “Sparrow and the Arithmetic of Self-Defense Ten To One Is Murder” tells us,

The trouble that inspired “Ten to One” got started when, according to Vernon Ottley, Sparrow threw a lecherous gaze on Miss Kent, Ottley’s “girl”, who hailed from (Paradise) Grenada. Naturally Vernon asserted his property rights and objected to the bard’s trespass. Heated words were hurled into the sweated air inside the Miramar and Sparrow and his buddy, Calypsonian Lord Creator, very wisely decided to cut out. Vernon and his crew gave chase; they were all wearing their garlic-smeared razors.

www.spiceislandertalkshop.com

Too weak to stand, Sparrow sat though his performances. This situation was distressing to many who were saddened to see the ‘Birdie’ in such an unusual position. However, his voice was still as one could have remembered, which mitigated the situation to some extent. On the second night, although still ill, the legend was joined by ‘Calypso Rose’, Erphaan Alves, Fede, Roderick ‘Chucky’ Gordon, Kurt Allen, Duane O’Connor, Kwesi Jeffers and players from Creative Arts U.W.I. Their presence helped a great deal to liven Sparrow’s spirits and their combined performance gave the audience a treat to forever remember. Songs included “Jean and Dinah” (1956) “Mae Mae” (1960) and “Congo Man” (1965) which the audience lustily sang along to. Although no longer as vibrant as he used to be the ‘Sparrow’ that we’ve all grown accustomed to and enjoyed over the years would always remain with us.

Contributing to making the event a memorable one were Earl Brooks, who played the Steelpan with dexterity and grace accompanying artistes Kurt Allen and Winston ‘De Fosto’ Scarborough; background vocalists, Adanna, Cindy, Louisa, Michell and Patricia; and Enrique Moore and the members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band.

Overall, this event was well-organized and well-presented. The storylines in the theatrical presentations and the performances of the Calypsonians both young and old clearly defined what was intended: a vision of Trinidad and Tobago though Calypso history. Certainly, all in attendance would be happy to remember part of the evolution of our country’s music and would hopefully continue to propagate this history for years to come.

NAPA Fest in pictures

NAPA Fest: Celebrating our Calypso Monarchs 1939 - 1980
presented by the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism

Get well soon, Birdie
For as long as most of us can remember, the Mighty Sparrow has been an integral part of the social and political fabric of Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout his five and a half decades as a much-heralded entertainer, Sparrow has won the acclaim and respect of adoring fans throughout the world, but more particularly in the Caribbean and in the West Indian diasporas.

Sparrow to get medical results today
The Mighty Sparrow is today expected to receive the results for medical tests he did in New York right before coming to Trinidad for two shows at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain at the weekend.

Friend: Sparrow insisted on performing
The Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) made a supreme effort to be on his feet when he performed “Congoman” at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on Sunday night.

Ailing Sparrow still ‘mighty’
ALTHOUGH ailing, Calypso King of the World Slinger Francisco (Mighty Sparrow) was declared “still mighty” by many patrons attending the Sunday show at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) where the veteran calypsonian was among a cast of performers.

Eyes on the sparrow
It was a sight to make big men cry and some did—seeing a sick Sparrow singing sitting, Saturday, on the NAPA stage capable, it seemed, of less, well, flight than a caged bird. It was not that Sparrow, at 75, was expected to cavort like when he was 25 (even James Brown had to slow down) but that he was not even able to stand was something, disturbingly, else again.

Sparrow has mystery illness
Calypso icon Slinger Francisco, popularly known as Sparrow, says he might be suffering from vertigo. Once more, Francisco’s mortality has been the subject of discussion; especially after his not-so-perfect performance at the NAPA Fest, Port-of-Spain, on Sunday night.

Say a prayer for Sparrow

Two mothers mourn
“My son was a good son, dedicated to policing. I never thought he would have been killed. When he was alive, he never thought it would have happened to him,” is how Rosemary John remembered her murdered son, PC Elton Erickson John.

Tears flow at NAPA as stricken Sparrow sings
The audience at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain was shocked on Saturday night, as they watched the Calypso King of the World, the Mighty Sparrow, sit throughout his entire performance during NAPA Fest.

In the face of heavy criticism against Telecommunications Services of T&T (TSTT), regarding poor service at Beyoncé’s I Am Concert, the state-owned company plans to correct its wrongs by undertaking a review. TSTT’s manager of media relations Graeme Suite gave this assurance yesterday, as the telecommunications giant came under fire from scores of general, VIP and VVIP patrons who left last Thursday’s concert at Queen’s Park Savannah dissatisfied, due to what they termed poor organisation and bad service. VVIP tickets were priced at $1,600, with VIP and general going at $1,000 and $500, respectively. Asked who was to be held accountable for the chaos and confusion that reigned, Suite responded: “You are asking the wrong question, and I am not going to give an answer to a question with who is accountable. “We are not going to issue a statement blaming anyone.”
Full Article : guardian.co.tt

Kurt Rules Calypso
KURT Allen convincingly won the 2010 Calypso Monarch competition on Sunday night with a lively song, “Too Bright” that hit profligate politicians.

King Kurt …too bright for Chalkie
Calypsonian/soca artiste, Kurt Allen, dethroned defending monarch Chalkdust on Sunday to become the 2010 National Calypso Monarch.

…Allen too bright for rivals

…Sweet victory for new Monarch
Daughter Choc’late: I know he is a passionate person. My dad loves music and there is nothing more that he likes than to go on stage and to sing and perform.

Chalkie congratulates Allen
Dr Hollis Liverpool, also known as Chalkdust, who placed sixth, said “Kurt Allen is a good boy and he had a good song.” “Calypso is an art to be judged. I always accept the judges’ decision. I did not get to see the performance, though.”

De Fosto: It was awesome
Calypsonian Winston Scarborough, fondly known as the Original De Fosto Himself, says reigning monarch Kurt Allen’s song Too Bright was “awesome.” But he was concerned whether second place contestant Brian London broke the rules by having fellow kaisonian Brother Valentino sing an entire verse and chorus before he came on stage.

Curtis wins ninth crown
CURTIS EUSTACE on Dimanche Gras night won a ninth King of Carnival title, breaking legendary mas man Peter Samuel’s twenty-one-year-old record for most wins in the competition.

King Curtis chalks up a record
Curtis Eustace is the new King of Carnival.

Queen Rose
FOR THE first time this decade, the Queen of Carnival title has been captured by the South Queen of Carnival, Rosemarie Kuru-Jagessar, after a final which saw competitors plagued with mishaps.

Victory after 28 years
Sando contender wins Queen of the Bands

…Queen: I think I am dreaming

Winds blow down two costumes

The Dragon can’t dance
A slew of technical difficulties tripped up Brian MacFarlane’s King at Sunday’s Dimanche Gras finals.

Political picong in J’ouvert
Political picong on the recent rumblings in the UNC took centre stage as one of the most popular topics in the downtown J’ouvert competition at South Quay yesterday.

Bas, Kamla star

Kamla-Jack take Downtown J’Ouvert title
The combination of Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Jack Warner walked away with the Downtown King of J’Ouvert title at South Quay, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.

UNC leaders popular in Couva Jouvert
The most popular characters portrayed at this year’s Jouvert celebrations in Couva yesterday were current and former UNC political leaders Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Basdeo Panday along with Chaguanas MP Jack Warner and Sport Minister Gary Hunt.

‘Licks’ for Panday in Jouvert celebrations

Plenty support for Kamla in South Jouvert

Palance in a frenzy downtown

Monday blues
Carnival Monday at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, was even more lacklustre than last year’s, which was a drab affair.

Masqueraders go for glory today

More police than mas

67 arrested in PoS Jouvert

Cops seize knives before J’Ouvert
Detectives of Port-of-Spain CID seized a large quantity of knives and arrested several suspects as they entered the city, before the start of J’Ouvert celebrations, during the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police wounded in St James attack
Carnival celebrations were marred by violence, as several people—including police—were robbed, shot and stabbed during separate incidents across northern Trinidad.

Wheelchair teen gunned down
A Carenage man who had been partially crippled by a bullet two years ago was killed on Sunday night as he sat liming with friends at his Seaview Road, Carenage home.

Man stabbed to death in Jouvert fight

Murder mars Tobago Carnival

Almanac

Calypsonian ‘Almanac’ (Anthony Francis) passed away on November 6th 2009, at the Port of Spain General Hospital around 9:30 p.m. due to suspected liver cancer. His funeral was held Wednesday, November 11th, 2009, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Independence Square, Port of Spain. He was interned at the Woodbrook Cemetery. Fellow Calypsonians as well as family and friends were in attendance as ‘Almanac’ was laid to rest.

The Calypsonian, born in St. Lucia on August 20th 1942, became blind at a young age and began singing and composing Calypsos while attending the School for the Blind in Santa Cruz, Trinidad. He began to sing professionally in 1962 with the Independence Brigade Calypso Tent.

Throughout his career he sang under several Calypso Tents including Sparrow’s Young Brigade, Stalin’s Calypso Court, Kitchener’s Calypso Revue, Kaiso House and Klassic Ruso. The late Calypsonian, most popularly known for his song “Build A Better World”, composed hundreds of Calypsos and was a teacher to many budding Calypso artists. Below is a brief profile of the life of ‘Almanac’.

Profile delivered at Funeral

Almanac is a sight impaired Calypsonian who in the 1960s began his career in entertainment as a composer/performer when he participated in an event to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Donna.

He actually made his Calypso debut in 1962 and released his first single recording in 1976 containing songs “Build A Better World” and “False Prophets”. His second recording was released in 1981 and it offered songs such as “Sweet Soca Music” and “Flatter to Deceive”. He produced and released his first CD album entitled “Songs for a Better World” in 1998.

Almanac has hosted his own concert every year since 1975 the most recent being in 2002 at the Mas Camp Pub in Woodbrook before appreciative audience of fans, well wishes and his peers in the Calypso fraternity. He established ANTHALMAC Promotions and Publishing Company in 1995.

He was honoured in 1987 by Air Enterprises and Angostura Limited to mark his 25th anniversary as a Composer/Performer. In 1997 the National Carnival Commission (NCC) paid him tribute for his contributions to Calypso at the Trinidad and Tobago leg of the Caribbean Song Festival, and organizers of the concert — A Nation’s Pride — 36 years of the Calypso Monarch presented him with an award at the event held in August of that year.

In June 2002, Almanac had the distinction of being commissioned by the Office of the President of Trinidad and Tobago to compose an appropriate song to mark the establishment of the Caribbean Criminal Court and the role played by President Arthur N. R. Robinson in its formation. He presented the work the song titled “Justice For All” at the function at the President’s House on Tuesday 2nd July, 2003.

Almanac has performed on various occasions with Kitchener’s Calypso Revue, Sparrow Original Young Brigade, Kaiso House and was based at the Klassic Ruso Calypso Tent for a number of years up to the time of his passing. Almanac has over three hundred (300) compositions to his credit.

Some better known songs are:

• Thru the Eyes of a Child
• Justice for All
• Heroes of Our Land
• Build a Better World
• False Prophet
• One for Aneisha
• The Best Republic
• Until
• Smart Cashier
• Anarchy or Liberty
• Manking’s Contradiction
• Sweet Exotic Soca Music
• Nation in the Sun
• Flatter to Deceive
• Sing One for Ato
• West Indian Girls 2
• My Uncle Woes
• The Spell

One of his many accomplishments he is extremely proud of is the successful running of a Calypso Work Shop which was held in 1991 between May to July for YTEPP by Anthony ‘Almanac’ Francis and Fred ‘Composer’ Mitchell.

Anthony ‘Almanac’ Francis’ Wake and Funeral in pictures:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=172202

Opening of the National Academy for the Performing Arts

PM’s $480m PRIDE
National Academy for the Performing Arts a masterpiece, says Manning

PM: Udecott to set up new order
Prime Minister Patrick Manning yesterday formally opened the US$78 million National Academy for the Performing Arts Academy (North Campus) describing it as “a masterpiece.” And in his strongest vote of confidence in the Urban Development Corporation of T&T (Udecott) and its executive chairman Calder Hart, Manning said the State-owned special purpose company which manages many of Government’s billion-dollar construction projects “is the instrument that the Government is using to bring about a new order in the construction sector.”

Thank you Sherrine
UDECOTT chairman Calder Hart, whose wife Sherrine Hart has been linked to a Malaysian company his board awarded $668 million worth of contracts, yesterday thanked her for her “tremendous effort and support” as he opened the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port-of-Spain.

‘Dancing fountains’ claim the spotlight
Streams of water spouted from the “dancing fountains” surrounding the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port-of-Spain last night.

Tax dollars well spent, say onlookers
Citizens from all walks of life flocked yesterday evening to the National Academy for the Performing Arts at the Princes Building grounds, Queen’s Park West, Port of Spain, where they looked on in awe at the massive structure.