WeBeat begins tomorrow

Crosby, a foundation member and first president of the St James Improvement Committee, passed away last August.

The annual affair which celebrates the cultural heritage and diversity of our republic will see the return of the immensely popular Pan Explosion on Sunday, and the equally entertaining JazzBeat on June 7.

Featuring on Sunday’s cast is the Samaroo Jets in their first high-profile performance since the ailing and subsequent passing of founder Dr Jit Samaroo on January 7, 2016.

The festival runs for one week from tomorrow through to next Saturday at the amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St James, and is held under the patronage of the Mayor of Port-of-Spain Joel Martinez. In keeping with the practice of honouring a person or organisation for their contribution to the community, the organisers have selected Woo Ling’s Supermarket, a family-owned business of three generation spanning over 60 years.Since the inception of We- Beat St James Live in 2001, this is the first year committee will be hosting the event without its chair Crosby.

WeBeat spokesperson Angel Fox said: “The festival’s success over the past years was largely due to Crosby’s untiring efforts and resolute willingness to forge ahead despite the many challenges he faced during that period. So we are doing this year’s activities in his honour.”

Also, attendees can look forward to the rebranding of WeKaiso that will be produced by Carl “Beaver” Henderson.

Fox says this event will be one to remember.

And, in place of the regular treat for children, the committee will have motivational speakers and entertainment by the award-winning St James Police Youth club doing a presentation for standard five pupils from invited primary schools on June 8. Later that day, there will be a performance by Errol Ince & the Music Makers, students of the UTT along with their special guests.

Following is diary of events: - June 3: The Road Show – Tribute to Earl Crosby: DJs, steelbands, tassa, African drumming, calypso at the St James Park & Amphitheatre, 6 pm - midnight (free) June 4: Pan Explosion –Massy Trinidad All Stars, Samaroo Jets, PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars, bp Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra, Scrunter’s Pan Groove (Welcome).

(Bring your drinks), 6 pm June 6: Health Day –in collaboration with the Diabetes Association of TT - health checks, lifestyle diseases, 9 am (free) June 7: JazzBeat –Elan Parle, Pelham Goddard and Roots, Jason “Fridge” Seecharan, TT Police Services Band, St James Tripolians (Welcome) Bring Your Drinks, 7 pm June 8: WeConnect – St James Police Youth Club Motivational Speakers, Treat for invited schools, 10 am (free) June 8: Youth Fest – Errol Ince & The Music Makers and Friends, 7 pm (free) June 9: WeKaiso – produced by Carl “Beaver” Henderson, St James Tripolians (welcome) (Bring your drinks), 8 pm June 10: J’Ouvert – Invited Bands– Western Main Road, St James, 4 am - 7 am (free), June 10 –Steelband Traditional Mas– steel orchestras, rhythm sections, NCBA traditional mas characters - Western Main Road, St James, 7 pm to 2 am (free).