Wow North Prelims 2018!
Since we saw some bands for East Large Bands Prelims we thought we should check out North Large Band Prelims on Monday night. The crowds were enormous!
We made the mistake of reaching at 7:15pm to hear the first band BP Renegades. We could not get into the yard and Renegades was already playing for the judges. We decided to head down to Trinidad All Stars to try to beat the crowd. That was a great decision, as we got an excellent spot. The performance was crisp and electric!
Ok, we got back into our maxi transport to take us up to Desperadoes who is operating at the site of the old printery on Tragarete Road. Despers had a solid performance, with an arrangement that was true to the original melody. The organizers needed to improve the lighting for the the crowd area, as it was hard to see where you going and there was many muddy areas and bumpy ground. No transport for the next three bands as we just walked with the hundreds of people along Tragarete Road.
On to Silver Stars, who is now supported by Nucien. The set-up at Silver Stars is by far the best lit Panyard. Everybody was much more restrained than any other Panyard for the night. Even Maximus Dan commented on it when he came to show his support for Silver Stars playing the Ultimate Rejects song, Lightning Flash. This was the same song done by Trinidad All Stars, but the arrangement by Liam Teague sounded completely different.
Points go to the newly rechristened Shell Invaders, who bounced back with a major sponsor after parting ways with CAL so abruptly. They decided to play in the Oval car park. It was definitely the most comfortable environment for the large number of spectators and the arrangement was well received.
Our last stop was Phase II Pan Groove as we could not stay for the last Band, Starlift. This year’s favorite song Hello by Kes was the tune of choice for arranger, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. The layout of the pan yard was the most unusual set-up, but the most intimate for pan lovers. Persons were allowed to roam through out the pan yard including walking through the pan sections. Even when Phase II was playing for the judges. It did not seem to affect the overall sound but we were amazed that the players can keep focus and execute the piece seemingly so effortlessly with the distractions. Forgive our camera operator, who had visions of a collapsing bleacher due to the ladies vigorously jumping on it when they heard “Are you ready , are you ready for it ?” refrain/melody. He can be heard saying “It not built for dat’!”
We can’t wait to see if our favorites make the final but one thing was clear: whoever makes it to the big stage on Sunday for the Semi Finals will put on an amazing show. See you in the North Stand!!
