TT says goodbye to ‘Mr Scouting’

* Playwright/Director Tony Hall created the short skit in celebration the 60th anniversary of the Mighty Sparrow’s “Jean and Dinah”. Sixty years later a blind Dinah (Rhoma Spencer) and partially paralysed Jean (Penelope Spencer) put comedy in the song at the Bocas Lit Fest.

* The global phenomenon Le D?ner en Blanc event that originated in France, debuted in PoS.

The refined pop-up epicurean event where all attendees dressed in white as compelled to so do, and share a gourmet meal with good friends at a secret location had its hiccups but was enjoyed by diners.

* Media producer/ presenter and cultural impresario Holly Betaudier died at age 91. His career in media began 1946 at the American Naval base in Chaguaramas, working for the US Armed Forces radio service network WVDI. He next moved to Radio Trinidad, then to Trinidad and Tobago Television (ttt) where he became a household name from his presentation and production of his iconic Scouting for Talent show, from which budding artistes went on to become top local entertainers, some even excelling internationally.

Betaudier was also involved in parang, ballroom dancing, Best Village, acting and trade unionism.

JUNE * A street parade of fashion and mas featuring works from awarding- winning designer Anya Ayoung Chee and other local and regional designers was a spectators’ delight on Ariapita Avenue, as there was also live performances from popular local artistes at the event.

* Soca artiste Machel Montano and jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles performed at the White House (US) as part of the tenth celebrations of the National Caribbean- American Heritage Month.

* Local metal band, LYNCHPiN won the Wacken Open Air Metal Battle Caribbean competition resulting in a prize trip to Wacken, Germany, to participate in the Wacken Open Air heavy metal music festival.

They had the support of German Ambassador Lutz G?rgens.

JULY * Kes the Band music video for the hit song, “People” heavily featured the Laventille Rhythm Section throughout the video, which chronicled the journey of one of its younger members, Keyon Lewis from his home town to the stage alongside Kees Dieffenthaller, lead singer of Kes the Band.

It was directed by London-based videographer, Tom Swindell, and filmed during Carnival 2016, climaxing at the annual “Tuesday On The Rocks” concert event.