Chutney music mover and shaker Nirmal "Massive" Gosein kicks off the seventh season of his Roving Chutney Calypso Tent for C2K9 on January 24.
Speaking with the Guardian last week, Massive said the last seven years had been good for the tent despite the lack of sponsorship from the private sector. Massive said for C2K9 he plans to host ten free shows across the island.
He said: "When we premiered in 2003 we initially started charging a small fee of $20 but I decided to throw admission fees out the window because my vision was to ensure that all nationals would be given the chance to be exposed to culture. "However, we need sponsorship. We do not run any bars or any fund-raising events; we depend solely on the government and the private sector to contribute to the tent. "This tent is about the culture of T&T and giving exposure to artistes as well as giving members of the public a chance to see top-of-the-line local talent and upcoming stars for free. "I believe that the Roving Chutney Calypso Tent is the only tent that goes across the island and gives free shows. In doing so we have received tremendous feedback, especially from the residents of the rural communities.
"People want to take in live shows and because of the way our country has changed in recent times, people are afraid to go out because of criminal activity and reckless driving on the roads. So, to combat this we instead have been taking shows into communities. "Residents have praised us for this; they not only see artistes, but they can sometimes meet and greet them, and this means a lot to the man on the street. "Seeing your favourite calypsonian or chutney singer perform live is certainly different from watching TV. This year we are again going to Cedros. We had fantastic shows in Cedros in the past, and we will also be in Fanny Village, Tiloo Hill in Oropouche, and Gasparillo." Massive said the Ministry of Culture had committed $100,000 towards the tent; however, he said one show costs around $45,000.
Massive said he was scouting for sponsorship and hopes that members of the business community would not use the global economic downturn as an excuse not to contribute towards the development of culture. He said: "In fact I feel now is the time that businesses should be spending monies to promote their operations and culture is the ideal vehicle to do so. Corporate sponsors should be grabbing at any opportunity, especially this one, to promote their endeavours." On the downside Massive said he would not be having any show on Carnival Tuesday in Couva. He said this was due to the lack of support from Couva businessmen. The tent has traditionally had its last show for the season in front of the Ramsingh Plaza, much to the delight of residents of Couva and environs who pack the streets for the event. Massive said the last show for C2K9 would be held at the Bamboo Restaurant, Couva, on Carnival Sunday, and run until J'Ouvert.
Massive said patrons would also be encouraged to participate in a dance competition with more than $2,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. He said his tent would be clashing with the National Chutney Calypso Touring tent this year, with shows scheduled for February 7, 17, 20 and 24. Massive said the grand opening of the Massive Roving Chutney Calypso Tent is scheduled for January 31, at the Aranguez Park, San Juan. He said on premiere night, a number of prominent citizens who have contributed to culture, sport and society at large would be honoured, including Fifa vice president Austin Jack Warner, Anand Ramlogan, Prakash Ramadar, Crazy and T&T Guardian features editor Peter Ray Blood.
Laughter for Carnival
The nation is anticipating and getting ready for the Caribbean's King of Comedy. Following the busiest year of his career, Learie Joseph is returning to the stage in 2009 with Learie Joseph's Carnival shows–Leariemania 2009.
The grand opening is scheduled for January 24, at Queen's Hall, St Ann's, continuing on January 30 to 31, at 8.30 pm, and February 1, at 5.30 pm.
Leariemania 2009 moves to the Naparima Bowl Auditorium, San Fernando, on February 6 to 7, at 8.30 pm.
One of the show's promoters told the T&T Guardian on the weekend that patrons can expect to be treated to a re-made and regenerated Learie as he sports his arsenal of new jokes, new bacchanal and new commess. He promised it's a Learie like you've never seen before. And that's not all. Immediately after C2K9, Learie Joseph will be performing in a special production for the 12th anniversary of the Annual World Laugh Festival 2009 on February 27, in Port of Spain; February 28 in Pointe-a-Pierre at Guaracara Park; and, March 1 in Tobago. Please note the Annual World Laugh Festival and Leariemania 2009 tickets will be on sale soon.