Crop Over 2013 review: Island Mas Breakfast Party

Island Mas Breakfast Party 2013

Another fete review from blogger Carnival Stats who was in Barbados for Crop Over 2013!

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This was the 6th edition of Island Mas' Breakfast Party, which started back in 2008. a truly unique fusion of trini-bajan culture.

The event started at 7:30 am and was carded to go til 2:30 pm, however, my friends and I arrived  at about 11 am... typical trini thing. By the time we got there the sun was out in full force and the event well underway. Received complimentary drinks on entry which we wasted  no time in putting away before heading to one on the 4 bars on site. The wait for drinks wasn't long and the stock was premium. Shout out to Kevin Clarke.

The Venue of it self was nice, the set up effective, easy access to bars, space to "roll that batty" and safe even for wedges :). My only  issues with  the venue were the heat and limited bathrooms. At  one point  I actually thought the event had relocated to the surface of the sun. Thank heavens for the huge cool air fan thingie, the water hose and the strips running across the tent frame.

Missed the first few Djs, (sorry about that Penthouse). Shurwayne's performance was up to standard as usual, and enjoyable. The real thing from Tobago. Me being a big  Edwin Yearwood fan I enjoyed his performance immensely and Jus Jase definitely represented well for the trinis.  

The food... can I just say... damn. Waterside Restaurant  provided lunch and it was great!Garlic potatoes, fish, chicken,  pasta, mac pie, fish cakes (accra) salads. The options were wide and tasted lovely.

Trini Doubles were also on hand and you never go wrong with doubles in a fete.

Overall vibe was great 9/10 and  will be back next year with more friends. Really good job Island Mas.

Carnival Stats

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Reviews can be sent to CropOverChronicles@gmail.com. Note opinions expressed here are those of the individual masquerader/event attendee and do not represent those of the Crop Over Chronicles

Crop Over 2013 Review: TF Services + Soca Titans + Jambalassee + Bliss + Booze Cruise + Oh Ship

Rihanna in Barbados Crop Over 2013

 

 

First up in our Crop Over 2013 review series comes from a group from the UK:

 

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Hiya

As a first timer to Barbados/Cropover, i must say it was a good experience, now that i know the ropes i will be back again next year! We used Trple F Services to arrange the major tickets and i am glad we did, so a massive thanks to them for their professionalism and overall help.

Soca Titans - Fantastic is all i can say and i will explain why, coming from a country where nothing is ever organised they pulled it off. A must for me next year!

Lush - this was by far our favourite fete, it was just fab! the only complaint is that the food wasn't all that but hey we weren't there for the food. Another must do next year.

Jambalasse - Great. I jumped till 6....overall vibes was cool.

Bliss - Jeez the venue far but it was gorgeous. Loved everything about this fete. Knew it was going to be  an upmarket event and it didn't disappoint. Drinks flowing till we left. The food queue was wayyyyyyyyy too long and not enough food stations. Strangely enough this was the one fete people were very friendly so a bit confused why people think it is snobby!

Booze Cruise - Another one we liked and my friend said the steak was amazeballs!

Cesars Army Oh Ship - ABSOLUTE SHYTES (Pardon my language) Ticket said 7pm, we newbies got there at 7 because it said boarding at 7. No one there to explain what was going on and we were there for 2 hours, we finally saw the jolly roger, around 9.30pm got on, the boat stank but the whole atmosphere was absolutely off and we were slightly terrified as a group of very aggressive guys were talking about shanking someone who had disrespected them earlier. But we were just pissed off with the whole disorganisation so we got off and went home to drink our cheap bottle of wine! Our mistake, next year we will stick to strictly Bajan Fetes....if i want a trini party i will go to trinidad.

Overall we loved cropover and was surprised to hear some Barbadians complaining about a lot, my friend and myself looked at each other and laughed hard. If only they knew that all the events that happened could never have gone smoothly where i come from, but then i guess we all have to strive for excellence. 

Till next year then!

 

L

 

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Reviews can be sent to CropOverChronicles@gmail.com. Note opinions expressed here are those of the individual masquerader/event attendee and do not represent those of the Crop Over Chronicles

Bathsheba Experience 2012

So plenty of people have been asking, is Bathsheba on this year? I can say...yes, yes it is! One person behind it has left since they were not happy with the direction it was taking, but this year's event is on, just by invite only (check TrpleF Services for invites) and not all-inclusive. Hmm...let's hope this is a good change!

Bathsheba takes place the same venue, approximate same time, and is food-inclusive with a pay for drinks system. Let's see what happens!

Crop Over Event Spotlight: Roast Cruise

A favourite Crop Over Friday event with those in the know, Roast Cruise has been responsible for many scores of attendees being useless to themselves for at least 24 hours after for some time now. See their mention on our calendar. We got the Roast guys to answer our 7 Questions:

 

1.    Tell us the concept behind the Cruise – how did it start?

Originally we had started a Facebook Group asking people to upload pictures of their friends in their most drunk moment, and pretty soon over 500 people had joined the group. Eventually, we began receiving requests to do an event and after checking the crop over calendar, we found that there was a void on the Friday afternoon of the weekend before Kadooment. So began the Roast Cruise.  

2.    For the non-Bajans and newcomers, what does ‘Roast’ actually mean?

Roast is most commonly associated with a state of drunkeness, but for us its more of a state you are left in after extreme partying which not only includes  lots of drinks and shots, but quality entertainment at a great price. Many of our satisfied patrons are unable to attend other events being held on the same day after ours.

3.    Describe the average Roast attendee - what are they like?

Beautiful people and who love to party usually between the ages 20 to 45 

4.    What does Roast Cruise bring to Crop Over that was not present before?

History shows that people coming in to Barbados for Crop Over usually came in on a Friday to enjoy the "last lap" of activities. But events like Roast Cruise have been able to provide people who are serious about partying, with an opportunity to come to the island earlier in the week and enjoy another quality event at a time when people would rather be partying than being well you know... at work.

5.    You’ve partnered in the pasts with Bash Brothaz (who hold the popular Crop Over event Frazzled) in a bus ride – how did that go?

Broasted - The Bus Ride was a success.Two buses, almost 100 ppl, free punch and entertainment. Although there were some issues with the power for our onboard DJs, we were able to provide an atmosphere where people knew this is a time to party and just have a blast doing it. The feedback given ws generally that it was great.

6.    There are a lot of cruises out there for the season, what makes yours stand out?

Our cruise is what we would call Premium All-inclusive with partying from start to finish. There's no waiting for a vibe to build, we are ready to go even before you say so. And we also give people the opportunity to party hard when they know they don't want to be at work. After all it is Crop Over - The Sweetest Summer Festival

7.    And finally, if you had to sum up the Roast experience in three words, what would they be?  

Rip Right Up

Tickets are sold out and have been for some time of course. However, this year the Crop Over Chronicles can exclusively reveal that they have been planning an after-party! This will be separate to the cruise, so those of you who have not been fortunate enough to attend can still experience the Roast vibes. 

Also new this year too are the Roast buckets-now these look pretty swanky!

I refused to attend last year due to the fear I would fall overboard and/or be useless to myself for the rest of the weekend, but I will be taking the Roast plunge this year. Wish me luck!

Stay tuned to us on twitter @CropChronicles and our facebook group for updates!

Crop Over events weekend of 6 - 8 July

What's on this weekend:

 

Baje and Boomtribe collaborate Saturday to bring you ‘Kampai’ at the Waterside Restaurant in St. Lawrence Gap. The Asian theme is interesting, continuing on from Soca Sushi at Cassareep Café. They promise food ‘in keeping with the theme’ on sale. Boomtribe usually throws a good bram, may be one to check out. You can see  the new Baje girls for this year there:

 

Not looking bad at all, Baje! 

 

Brewster's Road continues tonight with 'Freaky Deaky' Ladies Night, $20 for the ladies and $25 for guys. Keep attending for your chance to win that car! 2 for 1 drinks till midnight here. #tgibrc once again!

Update: Exotica has a FREE lime Saturday, at Pelican Village. Rolli's Bar and Grill will be the venue, starting late afternoon. I hear there will be giveaways and of course Exotica tickets on sale.

And of course the event on Saturday that all the soca junkies will be attending, Outrageous in Red. Artists include: Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, Mikey, Blood and the Soca Kartel, Lil Rick and my fav - Dutty Android! From Trinidad Destra Garcia and Band, Shal Marshall,  Bunji, Fay-ann & the Asylum Band among others. LOT of Trini artists headlining here. Tickets are still available, check the flyer for box offices.

Coming next week: 

11 July Wadadah Bar Lime

13 July Frisky Fridays 'Black Friday'

            Junior Calypso Monarch Semis

14 July Chelsea Boyzz Jouvert Cruise 'Puff of Colour'

            Pan in The City  

15 July Pan Pun the Sand

Stay tuned to us on twitter @CropChronicles and our facebook group for updates!

New Crop Over Sunday Events 2012

As I said in my last calendar post here, there is a vast variety of events to choose from this year. Here I give you my pick so far for Crop Over Sunday. If the Mayans are right this could be our last Crop Over, let's go out with a bang!

Exotica

3 -10pm

Now this event sounds very much my style.  The people behind it called Platinum Experience Entertainment are known for their invite-only all-white events held in Barbados over the past few years, including last year's "Splendorous". I have heard have rave reviews about these past fetes. These people certainly look pleased:

Here are some of  the offerings at their last event at Limegrove Rooftop:

They've promised every variety of drink you can think of, no rum punch and beers here people - if you drink Hennessy, there will be Pure White on offer, if you drink JW expect the Blue (or the Gold, I can never figure which is which), class from start to finish! Food will be prepared by chefs flown in with show cooking right before you. What caught my interest was the cigar and champagne lounge...sounds like an exquisite combo. This is definitely an event to add to our calendar, especially now Booze Cruise has revealed their plans for 2012.

Exotica will be held in a private estate in St. John (it's really St. George, so don't get TOO scared). Early bird tickets are $100 US, and $125 thereafter.

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Scorch Breakfast Party

4 -10 am

Scorch has thrown a massively popular Jolly Roger cruise, details on our calendar. This drinks and breakfast inclusive is a new addition that may be worth checking out. As it is new, Bajans may be a bit hesitant but the Trini influx that are Scorch devotees may make up for that.

The location will be Bellevue Plantation House where Baje held their house party last year. Hmm, does Scorch know about the noise complaints that brought an abrupt end to that particular bram? Having been to Scorch's Carnival fete I can say they can transform an outdoor location marvellously, and Bellevue is already quite a beautiful spot.

Scorch says come dressed 'to get wet' and if you know anything, you'll know that water added to one of their parties means looseness x trillion = vibes!

Of course, this is just about sold out. If you know one of the cool people then you're on the inside. Combo tickets with both cruise and breakfast party went first, but I hear tell that some breakfast party ones may still be available.

We will be in attendance to let you know how it went!

Follow us on twitter now @CropChronicles to keep in the loop, or join our facebook group. Next up,  new events on Crop Over Thursday!

Tickets to Crop Over events can be booked through TrpleF Crop Over and Carnival Services. Like them on Facebook or follow on Twitter @TrpleF

Booze Cruise Changes for Crop Over 2012

Booze Cruise, the immensely popular Crop Over Sunday cruise, has made some changes due to the re-location of the Harbour Master Boat from Barbados to Trinidad (look out for us this weekend on its inaugural voyage in T&T!)

The main boat for the cruise during it's existence was supplemented last year by the Jolly Roger and a small catamaran containing a tour group from Trinidad, but still with the moniker 'Booze Cruise.' See our previous post for the mysterious message regarding changes that Booze Cruisers were sent earlier this year.

Now that this boat is gone, we have confirmation that the 'Cruise' will not in fact be sailing as such.

Instead the Jolly Roger will be docked at the Boatyard, where the pre-party and after-party usually takes place.

The party will stretch from boat, to beach, to the yard. There is some talk out there that the boat itself will be akin to 'VIP'. Well...we'll see how THAT goes!

The all inclusive element has not changed, breakfast and lunch and premium drinks are still included. Several artists usually pass through and bless the place with live performances on the Boatyard stage. 

Unfortunately, we will be giving Booze a miss this year. The new all inclusive Exotica is a great alternative to Booze and we will be checking that out. One of the best parts of Barbados' Crop Over is the cruising, and it will be a shame to miss it.

Follow us on twitter now @CropChronicles to keep in the loop, or join our facebook group here

Crop Over 2012 events weekend 29 June - 1 July

What's on this weekend:

Brewsters Road this Friday 29th June "Torch" featuring Mr. Crop Over Lil Rick, Edwin Yearwood and Mr. 'Pat The Cat'  Pong. Don't forget your entry forms to have a chance at winning that Kia Rio at the end of the season. Entry fee is $20 and double entry forms before if you enter before 12. $25 with 1 entry form if you enter after 12. All shots are also 2 4 1 till midnight.  #tgiBRC!

Soca Therapy the boatride on the Jolly Roger $125 BDS premium drinks inclusive with live performers and a dockside cocktail party from 8pm.

 

On Saturday June 30th the foreday band Mojito Jouvert throws a party called Midnight Madness at Roof Top BTI Highrise Car Park (Bridgetown) Price: 2 For $24 all Night, with Dewars Whiskey & Patron Tequila On Special.

 

Power x Four fetes start Saturday 30th June with "Carnival Suvivors" Drinks free, Band members FREE, Ladies $15BDS and Guys $30BDS. Now this making reallll sense. Buy a costume and get into drinks free fetes all season? Yes please!!

Pork Lime also as usual this Friday, due to noise complaints from residents, they now finish at 12am. Feel free to send us your suggestions on a new venue for them!

Upcoming events next week:

4 July Wadadah Cruise

7 July Outrageous in Red 

and
Kampai (Baje & Boomtribe)

Crop Over 2012 Update 1

So what's new in the Crop Over world this week? We heard last night's Soca Sushi by Baje had some good reviews. The location, Cassareep Cafe held an occasional (non-Crop Over) event called Sushi Samba and featured house music on their rooftop/beachside cafe. The place USED to be a well kept West Coast secret. Guess the cat's out of the bag now!

Collision Entertainment launched their band 'The Elements'

Registration details can be found on their website, this band is highly recommended by us: http://www.collisionentertainment.com/

Section "National Dish" frontline

Contact Band finally launched (sigh! been waiting for this for so long) and has already sold out a few sections, with no frontlines left. I can see why as the costumes look hawt!

Island Mas has some things in store, more variety in the food, drink, and entertainment for their breakfast party this year. And it's Hawaiian themed, now that sounds interesting.

Sweet Soca finalists have been announced by the NCF (the Bajan equivalent to the Party Monarch etc.) with Edwin Yearwood as a late addition due to what they are calling technical difficulties. Eh heh. The usual entrants are all there. Not any new artists to shout about as such.

Given Name	Stage Name	Song
Basil Yarde	Basil	Bounce Around
Carlton Cordle	Biggie Irie	Mas
Anderson Armstrong	Blood	Dah Fuh Lick Yuh
Anderson Armstrong & Damian Etienne	Blood & Hypasounds	Any & Everything
Brett Linton	Brett	When De Road Call
Damian Etienne	Hypasounds	Wuk It Up Bad
Janelle Waithe	Katalyst	Choir
Keann Walters	Keann Walters	Too Soon
Keisha Christian	Keisha Christian	Crowded
Khiomal Nurse	Khiomal	I Remember
Ricky Reid	Lil Rick	I Like Muhself
Lawrence Gittens	Lorenzo	I Come To Party
Michael Mercer	Mikey	We Loose
Dale Rudder	Mr. Dale	Galore
Lenette Coward-Thompson	TC	Whole Day
Rene Reid	Unda Dawg	Ah Love Dat
Edwin Yearwood	Edwin Yearwood	Pushing It
Antonia Hart	Malika	Doan Hold Back

Best site to find your Crop Over music: http://www.bajanscene.com/ 

Here are some events to look out for in the coming weeks:

4 July  Wadadah Cruise

7 July  Baje Kampai (in association with Boomtribe)

22 July Soca on the Hill

31 July Soca Titans 

Stay tuned to The Crop Over Chronicles for details!

Update: Sunset Crop Over Thursday

SUV Boyz Entertainment has just shared with us their new plans for 2012. I love the idea of two sections, having the general section at $25 US for an event of this calibre is a steal of a deal. This is shaping up to be a can't miss event, and we will most definitely be attending. Updates to follow from their upcoming press conference.

Greetings SUV Members,

 First let us say Happy Crop Over in advance, and have an

 enjoyable and fun season.

 As our loyal members, we are giving you the information

 before the general public so you know before everyone

 else!

 We are pleased to announce our 4th version of SUNSET, the

 Premium Crop Over Event.

 This year we have made some changes to the event to maintain an ever evolving fresh spin to the event.

 The date has been changed to the Thursday before Kadooment Day, which is August 2nd, to allow our regional and  international friends to be part of the event.

 The venue has also changed to the luxurious Hilton Hotel in The Old Fort. It will be held form 3pm till 11pm.

 At the Hilton we can truly enjoy the SUNSET in a premium setting.

 Based on the economic climate, we have two prices, $50.00 BDS for the regular section where you have the option to purchase your drinks and food, or $150.00 BDS for the VIP All-inclusive section.

 As usual only premium drinks will be available for both  areas, and a selection of dishes from the Hilton kitchen will be also available.

 Live Entertainment will be provided by Philip 7 & Masala,  Lil Rick and a surprise act.

 Djs include Pete Rock, Bubbles & Stan, and DJ Salt.

 Please note that there are limited numbers for both areas, so book early to avoid disappointment

 SUV BOYZ ENTERTAINMENT

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For all your Crop Over ticket bookings contact TrpleF Services

Email : trplefservices@gmail.com

Like on Facebook : TrpleF Services

Follow on Twitter : @TrpleF

Bakshun Foreday Morning Band 'We Gine Juve' 2012

The foreday morning or jouvert band Bakshun has revealed their  2012 presentation ‘We Gine Juve’

Lauched in 2010, we have heard good things about the on the road experience in this band. Last year Cockspur Beach Club was the base, and airbrushing was provided before going on the road. They offer a discounted price for former revellers. We await details of this year’s package, foreday is getting very competitive! Here are their 6 sections.

Svedka Venus - $150 BDS

Certainly a very 'out there' costume, loving the creativity in this one. 

Kiss the Mist - $130.00

 

Now this I can definitely see myself in! Edgy, cute, AND sexy without being overly revealing. Where do I sign up?

Mardi Gras

Love the t-shirts here, the design is something I wouldn't be ashamed to wear after jouvert. No huge obtrusive logo. Also the colours in this section are nice and girly.

Mardi Gras and all other sections are $100 BDS Returning members, and $120 BDS for New members.

Baje Foreday 

Anything in the Bajan colours is a thumbs up from me, love the use of bright colours in foreday costumes overall.

Mas Jouvert

Hot an Spicy-this is also very nice! The diversity of colours to choose from in the female costumes is great.

All together now...

Jab Jabs - Male section

Again, great use of colour! Not to mention a great design.

Bakshun launches to the public at Brewsters Road this Friday, expect them around 2am. They also have a new facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bakshun-Juve-Rave/215851451788049

Their website is also up, although last year's details are still on there: 

http://www.oasysentertainment.com/

All of the bandleaders' contact info is on the site, and their contact email is:  oasysentertainment@gmail.com

Overall, a good presentation from this band. Foreday is really stepping up its game. Have yet to see another Carnival or festival jouvert bands that match Barbados' and Crop Over's own. Next up, Collision's Foreday Morning launch cruise this Friday 15 June.

For up to the minute updates follow us on Twitter @cropchronicles