Tuesday, December 11, 2007

WE CARNIVAL - Evolution Carnival builds momentum as Carnival 2008 approaches

by Stacey Marie Robinson



After years of Canadian victory with Carnival Nationz and numerous Caribana King and Queen titles, legendary bandleader Curtis Eustace and his partner, the equally celebrated Faried Carvalho, are counting down the months until their Carnival debut in Trinidad, February 2008.

An overwhelming turnout at a Trinidad night club, Club Zen, during the September launch set the tone for their exciting new band, Evolution Carnival, portraying, Colours of Imagination. Based on the section titles alone, revellers and spectators alike can expect a dynamic display of colour to highlight the spectacular costumes. With section names like Raspberry Ice, Orange Appeal, African Gold, Tantalize in Teal, Purple Rain and Quicksilver, there is no doubt that there will be a colour and style to appeal to everyone.

There are a total of 12 sections (10 unisex sections, and 2 female sections) in the band, with African Gold and Tantalize in Teal catching the majority of the attention for those registering. Eustace anticipates they will sell out by the end of November.

“I will definitely be a busy man,” said Eustace. “When I was doing the King alone, I was busy, so producing a band on top of that is even more hectic.” Even with his tight schedule and ongoing list of tasks, Eustace’s concept for Caribana is already safely decided with the designs almost completed. “We will definitely be going for an early Caribana launch in 2008.”

The premium all-inclusive Evolution Carnival mas experience will feature music on the road from Toronto’s Dr. Jay, Marxman, DJ Bad Lad and Soca Sweetness. DJs from Trinidad & Tobago accompanying the band will include DJ Rene, Jugglers Sound and DJ Sophie Ghany.

“Trinidad is going to be a big stepping stone. It is the next step in the Eustace name,” said Curtis, whose father, the late Tedder Eustace, was a three-time Carnival King in the seventies and eighties. “I have a nice committee with me, and with their help, I think we should be successful.”

Evolution Carnival’s busy Woodbrook mas cap on Aripita Avenue in Trinidad, is a long way from Toronto, however Eustace and Carvalho’s legacy will be enough motivation to draw Canadian participants to the island this winter.

Eustace’s advice for those planning to attend the Carnival for the first time includes mental as well as physical training. “Prepare to put your body through a regime that it has probably never encountered; five hours on the road for Caribana is no comparison to two full days,” he warned. His other piece of advice: “Be prepared for the time of your life!”
Registration info and Evolution Carnival costume photos are available online at http://www.evolution-carnival.com/.

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