Florida was jumping for the recent Orlando Carnival, traditionally held over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. As usual, the Island Boys outfit really hit the spot with its annual fete with some good Trini food and entertainment, and excellent ambience.
This year’s party saw even more nationals making the trip for a good time, and among those seen were former AG Bridgette Annisette-George, Gail Clarence, Dawn Solom and Denyse Largen. Turning the house inside out with some scintillating performances were former Charlie’s Roots vocalist Roger George and past Atlantik singer Eddie Charles.
Just as enjoyable and larger on the weekend were the performances by reigning International Power Soca Monarch/Road March champion Machel Montano HD, his sidekicks Farmer Nappy and 1st Klase, 2011 National Chutney Soca Monarch Ravi B and Karma; 2011 International Groovy Soca Monarch Kees Dieffenthaller; and, Shurwayne Winchester & You. Kees performed to a huge crowd on the Friday night at the Kissimmee Civic Centre in Florida, while Machel and his band performed on the Saturday night before Carnival day at Soiree, held at the Events & Conference Centre in Orlando. On the Carnival Sunday, it was the turn of Karma, Ravi B, and Shurwayne & You to woo the mammoth turnout after the parade of bands at Festival Field.
Crossover band Karma flew the flag of T&T high with its appearances at the weekend’s string of major events.
The band had the attendees singing along to its songs, which included everything from soca smashes and chutney hits to Pop favourites and classic Bollywood ballads. The chutney-soca ensemble also headlined the major post-parade concert at the Festival Field in Orlando.
