Late start does not dampen ‘Festival of Bacchanal’

However, despite the delay and some logistical issues, Garcia’s fans were treated to some scintillating performances including a performance of “It’s Carnival” with soca king, Machel Montano.

The festival was originally scheduled to begin at 9 pm but gates did not open until about 10 pm. Patrons danced to the DJ’s music until David Rudder came on stage at approximately 12.30 am.

For some of the general patrons, the line-up to purchase chits was a bit much with many having to wait to purchase chits and then having a long wait at the bar to get their drinks.

The warmed up crowd danced and chanted as Rudder sang “High Mas”. He then began to sing “Bacchanal Woman” at which point, he was joined on stage by Garcia.

The crowd was not that of a Machel Monday or a Kes Tuesday on the Rocks but it was a crowd truly engaged in Garcia and her friends. General patrons had a limited view of the stage as there were no extra screens and many fought to catch a glimpse of Garcia from on top at O2 Park, Chaguaramas.

Although some attendees expressed some dissatisfaction at the fact, it did not stop then from “making a bacchanal” as Garcia performed. Many were seen dancing and prancing-as the local saying goes, to Garcia’s music.

Garcia and Rudder sang “Laventille”, singing and asking where had the love in Laventille gone? She then began singing “Call my Name” which also put the small but intimate crowd into a dancing frenzy.

Garcia ran through the vast compendium of her songs, giving the audience her beloved hits such as “I dare you”, “Whey yuh Want”, “Ooh La La Lay”, “Lucy”, “Destra vs Lucy” and “Waistline Killer” among others.

At one point, Garcia even expressed shock as the audience sang along with her to Destra Vs Lucy.

She said to the audience, “A A allyuh singing it with meh.” Garcia’s star-studded cast of friends also gave riveting performances.

Ravi B’s “Budget” had memebers of the audience loudly singing, “No, No, no.” The event saw Shal Marshall, GBM Nutron, M1 delivering their hits. Devon Matthews also gave a strong performance of “D Journey”.

Orlando Octave while singing Single, told men in TT to protect the country’s women — a message he has been spreading at his performances.

There were also performances by Rupee, Alison Hinds, Denise Belfon, Kerry John, Swappi, Third Bass, Jamel, Makamillion among others. MX Prime also had the crowd rocking with “Full extreme”.

Although the show was scheduled to end at 3am, it went beyond its scheduled end time and as a result some patrons left.

The show ended at approximately 3.40 am with Destra Garcia and Machel Montano.