Socadrome sees increased crowd

Jones said in an earlier interview with Newsday, “On this rainy Carnival Tuesday I was told we are at 1,950 people [at approximately noon]. That is much more people than we had last year and we can only imagine what it would have been without the rain.

“Looking at the people in the stands dancing to David Rudder.

Looking at people really applaud Baron…we are immensely happy…” Jones said with the right partners its organisers intend to continue with what this format of the Socadrome.

She said while the group had Flavorite and the OCM Media Group it wanted more sponsors to create what she dubbed a cultural extravaganza. And for those in the audience the Socadrome being free and providing a safe carnival space was ideal for them. Audrey Phillips from Chaguanas, who attended with her grandson, said having seating accommodation and the Socadrome’s free price point made it ideal for them.

Similarly, Donna Bournes from Morvant said the Socadrome was a safer space for her and her family and provided free parking at MovieTowne as well. Bournes added that as the country is in a recession it was difficult for some to afford to go to fetes to sees artistes such as Rudder which the Socadrome provided for free.

Another patron, Andy Smith from Sea Lots said he too attended the Socadrome for the safety factor but wished that when there was a lull in entertainment a small dancing space be created for its patrons.

The event which began at 9.15 am saw the first band Bliss cross the stage. After the band crossed, its patrons were treated to Extempo from Gypsy, Black Sage and Lingo, whose topics ranged from women to TUCO. Traditional characters came on stage prior to calypso Rose’s performance of “Leave Me Alone”.

She was greeted to loud applause from the audience as she sang. As Yuma crossed the Socadrome stage, MX Prime was aboard the YUMA truck as the hundreds of masqueraders sang loudly of how much they were still jamming. MX Prime and the Ultimate Rejects appeared to be on repeat as the masqueraders crossed the stage. YUMA was then followed by Harts. The rain failed to put a damper on the celebrations.

At 12.25pm Baron serenaded the crowd, coming into the stands due to the rain.

Some women in the audience danced as he sang songs such as Melosian Rhapsody and Sweet Soca Man. But it was Rudder who brought the crowd roaring to its feet as he performed Trini to the Bone. Rudder too entered the stands with the dancing crowd.

Many took the opportunity to get a selfie with the calypso legend.

The applause was thunderous as he ended his performance with High Mas. There was a lull before Omardath Maharaj and The Lost Tribe hit the Socadrome stage.

But the lulled was nicely filled by host Nikki Crosby and the DJ. The Socadrome ended at about 4.30pm.