It was the launch of Sweet Lime South's first parang competition, and, while the three competing bands gave a creditable account of themselves at the first of three preliminaries, the night really belonged to Venezuelan Ambassador Maria Eugenia Marcano Casado. Caught up by the infectious rhythms of the maracas, cuatro, mandolin, guitar and the parranderos' sweet voices, the lady ambassador amazed the full house as she took to the floor and executed some sizzling Latin moves.
Soon, she had her guest, local historian Michael Anthony, and other patrons on their feet, giving encouragement to the bands, Salsa Picante, Los Amigos Cantadores and La Casa de Parranda, as they belted out a repertoire of classic soca and chutney parang selections. Tables and chairs were pushed back as conga lines were formed during each of the three 45-minute sessions competitors were allowed.
The competition, the first of its kind by Sweet Lime South, is an effort to celebrate this indigenous music which tells of the Christmas story. Charlene Bally, marketing executive of the Sunny Group of Companies, explained that there is a unique component to this competition in that winners will be judged by the audience. The competition will see nine bands competing over three Saturdays–November 21 to December 5, for the top spot. The winners fr om each segment will then do battle at the semi-finals on December 12 and 13, following which the final leg of the competition will take place on December 19.
A grand prize of $10,000, plus a Sweet Lime Parang Competition trophy, will be awarded to the eventual winner. Judging from the crowd response on Saturday night, Los Cantadores stole the show, thanks to some mean up-tempo execution from the mandolin player. From all indications, the first leg of the competition was a major success and if it is to continue at that venue, then Sweet Lime may either have to break down the walls to create more dance space or take the show outside.
