Legends and Starlift open the show at Adam Smith Square

Adam Smith Square, Wood-brook, came alive with colour and revelry yesterday as Carnival 2k4 hit the streets. The first of the three Carnival judging points was jumping with activity from as early as noon, as anxious spectators sat in the stands awaiting the various bands. The 2004 presentation of Wood-brook-based band, Legends — “Freedom,” took to the streets around 12.15 pm, led by Queen of Carnival, Alana Ward in her portrayal of “If You Love Something Set It Free.”

The band, led by “Big” Mike Antoine and Ian Mackenzie, boasted 15 sections and was accompanied by around five music trucks. Security personnel numbered approximately 318. Mackenzie stated that masqueraders amounted to just over 1,800 yesterday, while the band expected to see a full turnout today of 2,500 revellers. Legends’ departure heralded the appearance of the first steelpan orchestra to cross the venue for the day. With approximately ten sections, PCS Starlift Orchestra’s presentation, “Celebration,” led by Eastlyn Hinds, took centre stage at 12.35 pm. The various sections of the band were each accompanied by a pan ensemble, including the Powerboat Scorpions, La Creole Pan Groove, St James Tripolians and the NGC World Wide Steel Orchestra among others. Excellent Silver Stars, winners of the Medium Band category in this year’s Panorama competition, was next, with its presentation of “Spirit of the South Sea Islands, under the leadership of Edwin Pouchet.

Koskelle 2004 then showed the spectators their colours, accompanied by the Woodbrook Playboyz Steel Orchestra and the BWIA Invaders. Former Finance Minister, Brian Kuei Tung and President of the Bankers Association, Richard Young, were among the revellers in this relatively new band. At 2.15 pm, spectators finally got what they were waiting for with the arrival of “Retromania - A Blast From The Past” — the 2004 presentation of Diego Martin-based big band Poison. Comprising 35 sections with in excess of 8,000 masqueraders, Poison broke free, led by 18 music trucks. Recognisable faces in this band included Ambassador Plenipo-tentiary and Extraordinaire, Jerry Narace; Health Minister John Rahael; Tourism Minister Howard Chin Lee and Miss Trinidad and Tobago/Miss Universe 2004, Danielle Jones. “Look De Band Comin” by Shurwayne Winchester and “Bonnie and Clyde” sung by Destra Garcia were among the most played songs yesterday, making both serious contenders for the title of Road March song 2004.