10th June 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

One point separated the first and second places at the bptt WeTalent Amateur Competition produced by the WeBeat Committee held on Tuesday evening at the St. James Amphitheatre.

Taking the top prize of $5000., trophy as well as $1000. for the Best Dance Group was NA Pioneers with 272 points. Crowd favourite Nicole Rampaul placed a close second with her rendition of “Still I Rise” to take home $3000. and the  $1000. prize for the Best Vocalist. In third spot was Aviel Scanterbury with 268 points. He performed “Socking It With Steel” on the steelpan. He too won in his category Best Instrumental. 

A special prize was awarded T&T Rope Blingerz for the Most Unusual Act while Kendon Preddie was the winner of the Best Drama prize. All other participants collected a $500. appearance fee and a Certificate of Participation. Seventy six (76) aspiring stars 25 years and under responded to the call for youths to showcase their talent. Judges for the Finals were Noble Douglas, Heather Henderson-Gordon, Alvin Daniell, Andrew Alleng and Pelham Goddard.

After the competition round, patrons were entertained by Roy Cape All Stars with Blaxx and Rita Jones.   Kendon Preddie also performed his winning drama presentation

Produced by the WeTalent Committee, bptt WeTalent Amateur Competition was conceptualized to promote the talent of young persons who have no formal forum to display their material.  It is hoped that some, if not all, will springboard into the limelight with proper training to spur them on to greater heights.

TUESDAY NIGHT'S WINNERS
First Place Winners - N A Pioneers	Secont Place Winner - Nicole Rampaul
Third Place Winner - Aviel Scanterbury	Special Prize winner - T&T Rope Blingerz
Dancer - Kerry Ann sealey	The Cast of Finalists

The end

10th June 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

 
The action continues for the next three (3) days with something for everyone at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, home of WeBeat St. James Live.

Tomorrow Thursday (11 June) is the designated “Festival of Pan” with five (5) of the country’s best steel orchestras, Single Pan Bands and Conventional Bands. The audience can expect a musical explosion of pan music.

“Steelpan Explosion” features The Codrington Pan Family and Angostura Woodbrook Playboyz, Pan Down Memory Lane 2009 joint winners, Silver Stars Steel Orchestra, Panorama 2009 Champions and all time favorites Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars.  Supporting guest band is the “ah we” Single Pan band St. James Tripolians.  

Come Friday evening, kaiso rules with We Vintage Kaiso.   Some of the country’s best exponents of this artform will take centre stage. The playbill features Calypso Rose, Pink Panther, Chalkdust, Baron, Conqueror, Superior, Funny, Crazy and Johnny King.  Also on the cast is one of this year’s honorees Bro Valentino.  Nikki and Mairoon will host the show.

Showtime for both of these events is 8:00 pm and tickets are on sale at the advertised outlets and at the ticket booth each night.

On Saturday, WeBeat St.James Live culminates in a street parade along the Western Main Road, from Mathura Street to Long Circular Road.  The popular strip will take on a carnivalesque atmosphere with steelbands, engine rooms and traditional carnival characters.  Guests and the public can enjoy the sounds of NP Ultra Sounds and Scrunters Pan Groove in front of the Amphitheatre.

Within recent times, WeBeat has gained national and international recognition.

Next year, WeBeat celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The end

24th April 2009

The 2009 edition of the nine-day extravaganza runs from June 05th to June 13th inclusive commencing with the Honoree’s Dinner and culminating with the ever popular Steelband Parade with a number of cultural and social activities at the “home base”, the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St. James.

This year The Committee recognizes the contribution of Carlton Phillip (President Diabetes Association of Trinidad & Tobago) and Anthony Emrold Phillip (Bro. Valentino) in the sphere of social services and culture.   The honorees are celebrated at the Awards Dinner.

The calendar of events is as follows:-

SATURDAY MAY 16th & SUNDAY 17th

• bptt WeTALENT PRELIMINARIES – 4pm

SUNDAY MAY 31st

• bptt WeTalent Semi Finals Amateur Talent Night – 4:00 p.m.

FRIDAY JUNE 5th

• Honoree’s Dinner – 8.00 pm

                                          
SATURDAY JUNE 6th

• “WeLime”- ( at Havards Sports Club) – 9pm

SUNDAY JUNE 7th

• WeBeat Fun Race for a cleaner & Crime free St. James – 7:00 am
• Official opening of Craft Market – 4pm

MONDAY JUNE 8th

• Health Day in collaboration with P.O.S North Lions Club - 10.00 a.m.
• We Talk (Sidewalk Historians Talk Show) -7.00 p.m. – St. James Library

TUESDAY JUNE 9th

• bptt We Talent (Finals) - Amateur Talent Night – 8.00 p.m.     

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10th

• WeBeat Football Game – St. James Barracks – 4:30 p.m.
• Jazz Beat - 8.00 p.m.

THURSDAY JUNE 11th

• Pan Explosion  –  8.00 p.m.

       
FRIDAY JUNE 12th

• We Vintage Kaiso - 8.00 p.m.

       
SATURDAY JUNE 13th

• Steelband Parade - 7.00 p.m. – 2.00 a.m. Western Main Road, St James

In spite of the current economic downturn the organizers are bent on making this year’s edition another quality event.

WeBeat News

MEDIA RELEASE

Auditions for the popular bptt WeTalent Amateur Night competition will be held on May 16th and 17th 2009 at Harvard’s Sports Club, Western Main Road, St. James.

Interested persons must be 25 years and under and may perform as soloists, duets or groups in one of the many categories of choice ie dance, drama, comedy, instrumental, vocals and narration. Each performance shall not be more than five (5) minutes.

At the end of the preliminary round, 30 participants will be selected by a panel of three judges for the semi-final round on May 31st at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St. James.

The Grand Finals will take place on Tuesday 9 June 2009 at the same venue.

The first prize winner will receive $5,000. and a trophy, second and third prize winners will receive cash prizes of $3000. and $1500.respectively, fourth to twelfth places will each receive an appearance fee of $500. All finalists will receive a certificate of participation. Additional prizes of $1000. each will be awarded for the Best Dance, Best Drama, Best Vocalist, and Best Instrumental.

Bptt We Talent Amateur Night was introduced in the WeBeat St. James Live calendar of events in 2003 to provide an avenue for the expression of young talent.

Completed forms must be submitted to Crosby’s Music Centre, North & South, or faxed to 622 3814 not later than Friday 15th May 2009.

The end

Angela A. Fox
Media Liasion

We Beat 2008 presents its Grand Finale with a Parade of the Steelbands

Participating steelbands will be Caribbean Airlines Invaders, Phase II Pan Groove, Sagicor Exodus, Starlift, Silver Stars, HCL Valley Harps, Angostura Woodbrook Playboyz, St. James Tripolians, bptt Renegades, Scrunters Pan Groove, Brimblers, T&TEC Power Stars, St. James North Stars, San Juan East Side, Belmont Hilarks, Harvard Harps, Caribbean Vibes Engine Room, La Creole Pan Groove, Tassa, Traditional mas and More.

This year's We Beat extravaganza was again a resounding success. The audiences saw a young new Talent in Neisha Guy rise to the top to win the "We Talent" Competition, while "The Codrington 5" remained the undisputed champions of "5 Ah Side", a steelband ensemble competition influenced but the soccer fever that captivated the country during the "Soca Warriors" moment of fame when the competed in Germany during their World Cup run. '5 Ah Side' is a popular name for 5 man pick up soccer games which is popular around Trinidad & Tobago. the name lent itself well to the steelband ensemble concept.

Don't miss the Las Lap in St James tonight as Western Main Road comes alive with sweetpan from 7:00pm till 2:00am. This is a FREE event sponsored by the Ministry of Community Development, Culture & Gender Affairs.

WeBeat News

5Ah Side Steelpan Finals

For the third consecutive year, Codrington Pan Family appearing as Codrington 5 proved that they are the undisputed 5Ah Side Steelpan champions.

The family steelpan ensemble from East Dry River wowed both judges and audience with their exciting performance of “Soca Baptist” at last night’s WeBeat Pan Explosion held at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road. 

Not only did Codrington 5 capture the top prize of $10,000. sponsored by Mega Brite, but they also took home The Anthony Williams Trophy and NLCB ‘s $2000. award for the Best Presentation making a clean sweep.

In second and third spots were Family & Friends (“Fete”) and Perfect 5 (“Signal to Lara”). They collected $6000. and $4000. respectively.  Both prizes were courtesy Home Construction Limited (HCL).

The other finalists were Antillean Five Stars, Gentle Steel and Northlius, each of whom received $1000.00

Judges were Brian “Bean” Griffith, Dr. Jeannine Remy, Yohan Popwell, Avis Bruce and Kareem Brown.

Participants were required to play any tune composed or sung by SuperBlue (Austin Lyons). The objective was to play the tune (not more than five minutes duration) primarily in the calypso tempo, but other rhythms may be utilized. Players can use dress and dance to enhance their presentation. The accent is to entertain and evoke crowd response.

The second half of the program dubbed featured bp Renegades in concert and Super Blue.  Community band St. James Tripolians opened the evening’s program at 8:15pm

WeBeat St.James Live 2008 culminates with the popular steelband street parade featuring traditional mas on Saturday 14th June.         Seventeen (17)  steel orchestras and the Caribbean Vibe Engine Room will  move along the Western Main Road from 7:00pm bringing the curtain down on the eighth edition.  Next year’s festival is scheduled for June 5 to 13.

The results of the 5 Ah Side are as follows:-

Angela A. Fox
Media Liaison

MEDIA RELEASE

Vocalist Neisha Guy’s rendition of “Listen” by Beyonce earned her the top spot in last night’s Bptt Talent hosted by the St. James Community Improvement Committee at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St. James.

The 24 year old songster beat 12 other participants in keenly-contested show to capture the $5000.00 first prize in her second attempt. She also took the Best Vocalist Title earning another $1000.00 for her effort.

Second place and $3000.00 went to Friends Inc., a six member dance group from Picton Road, Laventille while Thalia Baptiste, 20, another dancer who hails from Surrey Village, Lopinot, placed third. She collected $1000.00 

Special prizes were presented to Aviel Scanterbury (Pannist), Thalia Baptiste (Dancer), Neisha Guy (Vocalist), and Brandon Ramnath (Drama). The latter’s award winning piece was titled “What Is A True Christian”.

In addition, each of the finalists was presented with Certificates of Participation and those placing from fourth to twelfth received $500.00 each.

Judges for the event were Noble Douglas, Neil Bernard, Carl “Beaver” Henderson, Andrew Alleng and Roland Gordon. The co-ordinator was Alvin Daniell.

Also on the receiving end was Gerard Jackson, Director Communications & External Affairs. Mr. Jackson accepted a Plaque on behalf of his Company BPTT, title sponsor of WeTalent since its inception six years ago. Mr. Earl Crosby, Chairman of the WeBeat Committee made the presentation.

Entertaining the Amphitheatre crowd were Kess and last year’s winner Adafih Padmore.  Whitney Husbands and “Chinee” of Red 96.7fm served as  master of ceremony.

WeTalent was conceptualized to promote the talent of young people who have no formal forum to showcase their material.

Angela A. Fox
Media Liaison

MEDIA RELEASE

Jazz holds the spotlight as WeBeat St. James Live continues

Jazz holds the spotlight in St. James as WeBeat 2008 continues this week.

“Jazz Beat/We Eat” takes place on Wednesday 11 June 2008 at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road. Showtime is 8:00 pm

This event has grown from the debut launch in 2001 to one of the more spectacular entertainment events in the WeBeat calendar. The hallmark of Jazz Beat is the deliberate exposition of local entertainers coupled with local cuisine that’s indigenous to St. James resulting in a potpourri of tastes.

This year’s WeJazz line-up includes performers who rank among the top entertainers such as Elan Parle featuring Clifford Charles, Denyse Plummer, Arthur Marcial & Friends for Life, H2O Phlo Kenny Phillips & 90.1 Degrees with Earl Brooks, Francis Prime, and Anslem Douglas.
All in all for an admission fee of $100., jazz enthusiasts and lovers of good music can look forward to a superb experience rather than just a musical event.

The diverse rhythms continue on Thursday evening with 5 Ah Side Steelpan Finals and Pan Explosion.

Taking centre stage are the finalists who will each be performing a five minute selection composed or sung by Super Blue (Austin Lyons).  Additionally, players can use dress and dance to enhance their presentation. Five judges will form the adjudication panel. Winner takes home $10,000. and a Challenge Trophy.

The second half of the program will feature bp Renegades Steel Orchestra in concert and multi-times Road March winner Super Blue. Admission is $60.

Friday 13th June is designated Vintage Kaiso Night featuring 10 calypso heavyweights taking patrons “down memory lane”.  Featured acts include Ajala, Black Prince, Cardinal, Anslem Douglas, Colin Lucas, The Original De Fosto Himself, Scrunter, Power, Shadow and Stalin. Music accompaniment will be provided by Kelly Greene & Harmony. Showtime is 8:00 pm. Popular comediennes Nikki and Myroon will perform the duties of MCs. Admission is $100. 

Angela A. Fox
Media Liaison

MEDIA RELEASE

“The Trials of Social Justice” is the topic for Monday night’s We Talk Sidewalk Historian Show at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St. James at 8:00 pm

Hosted by Winston Maynard, the panel discussion is the “serious aspect” of the nine-day celebrations on the WeBeat St. James Live calendar of events.

Joining Winston on the “round table” are Anton la Fond, Andy Johnson, Dr. Jennifer Rouse and Anthony “Almanac” Francis.  The latter will also perform some of his works.

The panelists will touch on some of the problems people encounter in social life in particular the elderly and disabled as well dealing with the human aspect of life.

The public is invited to participate. Admission is free.

The end.

Angela A. Fox
Media Liaison

MEDIA RELEASE

Steelbands desirous of participating in this year’s “5 Ah Side Steelpan Competition” are reminded that Preliminaries take place on Sunday 08th June 2008 at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St. James, from 6:00 pm

Participants will be required to perform any tune by Austin Lyons aka Super Blue.
           
This entertaining affair was developed by the producers of WeBeat St James Live to further showcase and highlight the national instrument of Trinidad & Tobago.

5 Ah Side Steelband Competition” is open to any group affiliated to a financial member band of Pan Trinbago.
 
A panel of three judges will select ten (10) finalists based the following criteria - Arrangement, Interpretation, Impact and Presentation.

Participants are required to perform any Kitchener tune not more than five (5) minutes.

The objective is to play the tune primarily in calypso tempo, but other rhythms may be utilized. Players are expected to use dress and dance to enhance their presentation and any innovative gimmicks that they can come up with. The accent is to entertain the audience and evoke crowd appeal.

Registration will be open to a maximum of thirty (30) groups on a first come first serve basis. Forms can be collected at Crosby’s North & South and on the day of the event.

Cash prizes totaling $27,000.00 are at stake in the Finals. The winner takes home $10,000.00 while the best presentation will receive $2000.00

The Finals will be staged during Pan Explosion carded for Thursday 12th June 2008. Patrons will also be entertained by the bp Renegades Steel Orchestra in Concert. Admission is $60. and advance tickets can be had at Crosby’s.

The end

Angela A. Fox
Media

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday June 06 marks the start of the nine-day cultural festival in St. James

“The city that never sleeps” will awaken to the sounds of pan, tassa, calypso and other cultural expressions as the St. James Community Improvement Committee (CIC) observe the 2008 edition of WeBeat St. James Live at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road. The events run from Friday 06 June to Saturday 14 June 2008 inclusive.  See attached Diary of Events

 WeBeat St. James Live celebrates the rich diversity of cultures under the theme “The Merging of Cultures” and at the same time commemorates the incorporation of St. James into the City of Port of Spain.

Under the distinguished patronage of The Mayor of Port of Spain His Worship Murchison Brown, WeBeat St. James Live features some of the best talent of the country in its various genres. 

Since its inception and in keeping with the tradition of the program, Mr. Anton La Fond, advocate for the elderly and disabled, and retired educator Miss Velma Redhead, have been selected as this year’s honorees.

While the success of WeBeat could easily be determined by the star-studded signature events such as “We Talent”, “Jazz Beat/We Eat”, “Steelband Explosion & Five Ah Side”, “ Vintage Kaiso” and “The Street Parade”, the economic viability of the festival is dependent on sponsorship and contributions from the community and corporate sectors.

Two “new” events have been added to the calendar. They are We Lime – the ultimate tribute concert Trini Style featuring Gail Valentine, David Baptiste, B Sharp & Calypso and Pan carded for Saturday June 07th at Harvard’s Sport Club, Serpentine Road, and the new format Carib Merging of Cultures on Friday 06 June.

Other popular events on the calendar are “We Talk – the sidewalk historian show”, a panel discussion on issues relevant to the community and the country at large and Health Day in collaboration with Port of Spain North Lions and The National Insurance Board of Trinidad & Tobago, The Craft Market in conjunction with the Trinidad & Tobago Arts & Craft Producers Association, and “We Treat – the Children’s Show”.

On-going efforts to define and develop We Beat St. James Live as a premier tourism event remain one of the organization’s challenges. However, in the interim, The St. James Community Improvement Committee continues to “create a living showcase of the community’s historical, educational, and cultural heritage through  WeBeat.”   

WeBeat St. James Live is now in its eighth year.  

 Angela A.. Fox
Communications/Media Liaison