The A Team Band will take its versatile stage show to three international carnival celebrations this summer.
A Team, best known as the official backing band of the International Soca Monarch competition, will play at Tortola, British Virgin Islands’ carnival celebration on July 30 and Caribana celebrations in Toronto Canada, from August 4–7. The band will then return to Trinidad for a couple private bookings before returning to the US for Labour Day celebrations in New York from September 1–6.
“As a performer you live for moments like these, not only to perform abroad but to showcase your ability to new markets,” said the band’s lead singer Kerlene “Kerlz” Joseph of the band’s hectic tour schedule. She and fellow lead singers Eddie Charles and Prestan Andries took their chance to do just that when they performed a high-energy soca set for a sold-out venue at St Thomas US Virgin Islands carnival celebrations last month.
A Team was back in T&T hours after that performance for a series of shows at Point Fortin Borough day celebrations (April 27–29) before taking to the streets of the borough for another live performance at their J’Ouvert parade on May 7.
“This is why we keep doing it. We are blessed to be able to do what we love and to spread the culture of our land. It is a privilege and honour we don’t take lightly. Each time we touch an international stage we are ambassadors of T&T and so we always give our best performance,” said Charles, a veteran of soca music.
Band manager Zarrin Morean said the Park Street, Port-of-Spain outfit has a growing reputation throughout the Caribbean diaspora and as a result has seen a spike in demand for its services.
“In life you get back what you put in and no one works harder than these guys. People always talk about our tight sound and chemistry when we play. That didn’t come easily. It has been forged through hundreds of hours of rehearsal. And now we are reaping the benefits of all that hard work,” Morean said.
Log on to the A Team band social media pages for their tour dates and for fully interactive up-to-the-minute updates, photos and videos of their 2016 tour.
A TEAM Band
Zarin Morean—Manager
Brennon Vergil—Musical Director
Eddie Charles—Lead Vocalist
Prestan Andries—Lead Vocalist
Kerlene “Kerlz” Joseph—Lead Vocalist
Kareem Romain—Drummer
Elon “Tone” John—Bass Guitarist
Isaac “Darce” John—Guitarist
Keron Robinson—Percussionist/ Programmer
Kelan Douglas—Keyboardist (MD)
Joshua Caines—Keyboardist
Pan for a worthy cause
Caribbean Airlines Invaders Steel Orchestra will this Sunday hold a fund-raiser for three-year-old Caitlyn Inniss, daughter of Pierre and Anishka Inniss and niece of Desiree Myers, the band’s music coordinator.
Caitlyn has been diagnosed with a tumour in the pineal region of the brain and obstructive hydrocephalus (blockage of a ventricle causing excess fluid in the brain). Last year, she had surgery which involved an insertion of a shunt to assist the flow of the brain fluid. After the shunt was inserted, Caitlyn’s health continued to deteriorate.
Five months post op, Caitlyn’s parents took her to the Children’s National Medical Centre in Washington DC to seek answers. Tests showed her tumour was growing and she required immediate chemotherapy.
At present, Caitlyn is undergoing treatment at the Children’s National Medical Centre. Sadly, her journey towards ensuring a full recovery is far from over as her parents struggle to cover Caitlyn’s medical expenses.
Sunday’s concert is titled A Mother’s Love and it takes place at Invaders’ pan yard on Tragarete Road, Woodbrook, from 6pm—8:30pm. Tickets are $150 each and all proceeds will go to Caitlyn Inniss (FCB A/C# 2278175).
Among the entertainers who have pledged their participation on Sunday are Ronnie McIntosh, Learie Joseph and friends, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Dane Gulston, Black Sage, Karen Eccles, Chantelle Esdelle and Moyenne. The cast also includes performances by Caitlyn’s kindergarten friend Jianna and her father Wayne Harris, her music teacher and violinist Darion Dennis, and the Cain twins (Deja and Dejan). Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra will be performing a special tribute to Caitlyn. MCs will be George Gonzales and Tommy Joseph.
“We are hoping to achieve our fund-raising target of $20,000 as well as stimulate a public awareness of Caitlyn’s plight locally and internationally,” stated Invaders’ managing director Michael Dinchong. “We have already received a tremendous outpouring of support especially from the entertainers, all of whom have offered to perform on a complimentary basis. We are deeply grateful for their grand gesture of generosity.”
People can buy tickets for A Mother’s Love concert from Simon’s Musical Supplies, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain; Fast Learners Academy, 29 Springlands Avenue, Valsayn South; CAL Invaders panyard, Tragarete Road, Woodbrook; or by calling 772-9156, 345-3442 or 798-7573. People can also donate directly to the Caitlyn Inniss FCB Account # 2278175 or via GoFundMe.com
Myers and her family offer up prayers for all mothers and fathers with sick children and they thank all who have continued to show genuine love, support and concern for Caitlyn.
The band extends special thanks to the corporate sponsors of the event— Brandon’s Events Tent Rental Co Ltd, Angostura Ltd, Rib House, Media 21, COTT, Caribbean Airlines, Blue Waters and Carib Brewery.
Pan by the beach
Pan Trinbago Inc, with Ministry of Community Development, Arts & Culture, will host another edition of Pan in De Countryside tomorrow at Las Cuevas On The Greens, Maracas, from 3 pm. This one will feature First Citizens Supernovas, CAL Invaders, NLCB Fonclaire, Western Stars Philharmonics, Trinidad East Side Symphony, Pan Jammers, North Coast Serenaders and Red Hill D’Abadie Parks Foundation Limbo dance troupe. As usual, Pan Trinbago will have a shuttle from its headquarters at Victoria Square Noth, on Park Street, Port-of-Spain, at 1 pm.
Let it flow
The Candice Clarke Academy of Dance is made up of three groups; juniors, seniors and professionals. For two days it will be showcasing the Seniors (level 3 and advanced dancers) at the Southern Academy of the Performing Arts, San Fernando, on June 4-5 at 6:30 pm.
The show is titled Let it Flow, which, according to artistic director Candice Clarke, “intends to showcase a harmonious flow of unity; flow of positivity and flow of creativity. The entire production, from venue, to lights, sound, costuming, choreography and concepts, will create an atmosphere of artistic flow in mind, body and soul, to the honour and glory of God Almighty.”
Later in the year, in November, the juniors (levels 1 and 2) will hold a Christmas production titled A Star is Born. Next April 2017 the professional troupe of dancers will be on show and on tour with a production billed as SPEAK.