Chutney touring tent attracts huge crowds

THE NATIONAL Chutney Calypso Touring Tent  is attracting huge crowds wherever it pitches its wagon, according to tent manager Ramchand Rajbal.

The tent was launched last week at the car park of the Chaguanas Community Centre with a crowd of over 1,000 patrons in attendance. This was followed by an appearance at Princes Town on January 22,  where thousands jammed the High Street Car Park to see performances from some of the leading artistes in the country. The National Chutney  Calypso Touring Tent  will be at Macaulay Junction, Claxton Bay, tomorrow at 8 pm and on Friday at Shanti’s Bar car park, Rousillac,  with the next stop being Hi-Way Heaven Restaurant and Bar compound, Freeport, on Saturday.

On Sunday, February 1, the tent will be at Debe Junction, and some of the artistes appearing on stage will be Adesh Samaroo, Heeralal Rampartap, Rakesh Yankaran, Devanand Gatoo, Sarah Ramkallie, Ralphie Sookoo, Marsha Cagan, Vino Harrilal, Boodram Holasse, Krishendath Singh, Marva Mc Kenzie, Mohip Poonwassie, Grant Ti-Kai, and Connector from Toronto. Rajbal said the tent is being partly sponsored by Carib Beer and “we are looking around for more corporate citizens for sponsorship.”

“Contrary to what is being rumoured we have not received any money or grant from the ruling People’s National Movement to oppose any other tent in the country and as far as we are concerned we would like to encourage other tents in the country to go ahead and sing in an effort to promote our cultural heritage.” He stressed that there were several hundred “artistes out there waiting to be associated with singing tents  and an opportunity should be given to them to join whichever group they want.” “We are not here to oppose other  tents but to open the doors of opportunity to talented individuals to show off their skills in song,” Rajbal said.