NEW YORK – The spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival comes to New York this Thursday, October 30 when Caribbean-owned special events company, Antilia, Inc. and the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development Company (TDC) join forces to host an evening of entertainment and elegance at Prince George Ballroom in New York City.
Simon Khan, Antilia’s chief executive officer, announced this week that the event – dubbed “Antilia Carnival” – will feature an electrifying performance by Haitian American singer Wyclef Jean, who recorded the hit “Carnival Survivors” with soca sensation Machel Montano a few years ago.
“We are so excited about our efforts to put the spotlight on the genius of the Caribbean and the spirit of Trinidad & Tobago,” said Khan, who disclosed that Antilia and TDC together will showcase the bands, costumes, exhilarating music and energy of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival.
Hosted by American television personalities EXTRA TV’s AJ Calloway (formerly of BET’s 106 & Park) and Trinidadian Vashtie Kola, former Director of Creative Services for Def Jam Records, this Thursday’s event will also feature live performances by Trinidad and Tobago’s prolific singer and songwriter, Kees, as well as Barbadian soca sensation Rupee.
The event, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Prince George Ballroom (15 East 27th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues), features a spectacular costume catwalk from the collections of highly sought-after Carnival bands – Island People Mas, Elements Carnival and Spice Carnival. This will be a rare opportunity to see these band rivals appear on the same stage.
Former Minister of Tourism and newly appointed Head of the National Carnival Commission, Howard Chin Lee; Miss Trinidad & Tobago 2008, Anya Ayoung-Chee; as well as representatives from the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development Company are expected to be in attendance.
Antilia’s Carnival will be an explosion of colour, music and revelry viewed against an upscale and premium setting in welcoming Caribbean and non-Caribbean nationals to ‘play mas’. The event has sparked the interest of celebrities, the fashion conscious and the mainstream and Caribbean-American media.
A cover charge of US$100 includes a premium open bar and a delectable selection of authentic Trinidadian and Caribbean cuisine, including corn soup, phulowrie, shark, and roti.
Tickets are available via TICKETWEB at www.ticketweb.com.
