Calypso stars of 2009 in concert

The 25th edition of this annual calypso event takes place at the SWWTU Auditorium, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, starting at 5 pm.

For those who may have missed their winning performances during the recently concluded Carnival season, the show will feature a star-studded cast led by National Calypso Monarch Chalkdust (Dr Hollis Liverpool).

Chalkdust, who this year equalled the Mighty Sparrow’s record of winning eight Calypso Monarch titles, has been attracting international acclaim since claiming his first crown in 1976. That year, as part of his prize, Chalkdust was sent to New York to perform at the Brooklyn Museum’s Dimanche Gras show, where he was favourably reviewed by the New York Times, the Village Voice, and the New Yorker.

Known for his hard-hitting, politically tinged lyrics, Chalkdust won the title this year with “Don’t Touch my Hart”. Currently an associate professor at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, Chalkdust began writing songs as a student at St Mary’s College in 1954, composing songs for

the school football team’s intercollegiate matches.

Runners-up in the Monarch race, Tigress, the Original De Fosto Himself and Brian London, who is also the reigning South Calypso Monarch, are also listed to perform.

The other calypso champions on the show are Young King Jervae Ceasar, National Calypso Queen Twiggy, Chutney Soca Monarch Kenneth Salick, Junior Calypso Monarch Megan Waldron, Junior Soca Monarch (Secondary) Erphaan Alves, Junior Soca Monarch (Primary) Timel Rivas and Tobago Young King Alex Gift.

“Kings Go Forth” is an opportunity for the general public, visitors and locals alike, to appreciate the best compositions and performances of Carnival 2009. Each year artistes welcome this occasion to review the Calypso season, and they find profound relaxation in the non-competitive environment.

Roy Cape, founder and leader of the Roy Cape All Stars, will be honoured at this year’s show. Since 1993 the NACC has honoured a veteran musician at “Kings Go Forth”. The list reads like a Who’s’ Who of musicians in Trinidad and Tobago and includes Ed and Angela Johnson, Joe “Chet” Sampson, Kelvin “Choy” Aming, Ralph Davies, Pete de Vlugt, Mano Marcellin, Cito Fermin, Norman “Tex” Williams, Watty Watkins, Rupert Nurse, Joycelyn Pierre, Fitzroy Coleman, Frankie Francis and Fitzgerald Henry (the Mighty Terror).

Roy Cape began his music career almost 49 years ago. His experience as a professional musician with local brass bands began in the 1960s when Roy joined “Sir” Frankie Francis, often regarded as the grand master of calypso music. He later joined Clarence Curvan’s Orchestra, moved on to the Ron Berridge Orchestra and finally to Sparrow’s Troubadours.

In the early 70s he lived in New York, playing American and popular Caribbean music. During his seven-year sojourn in the Big Apple, Roy teamed up with Neville Oxley, Trombone, Micheal Tobas, Drums, Ron Berridge.

He reformed the Ron Berridge Orchestra in the United States and also played with Hugh Hendricks and the Blues Busters of Jamaica.

But the call of calypso was so strong that he decided to return home in 1977. Under his watchful eye the Roy Cape All Stars was born and shaped into a force to be reckoned with worldwide.

Tickets for “Kings Go Forth”, priced at $125 (reserved) and $100 (general) are available at NACC’s offices, 40 Duke Street, Port-of-Spain and at Cleve’s One-Stop Shop, opposite City Hall, Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain.

For further information call 623-5470 or 305-6621, or e-mail njacc@tstt.net.tt.