BASSATERRE St. Kitts – WHAT was intended to be a night of pure cultural entertainment slowly became a nightmare for some patrons at two recent calypso tents held over the last weekend.
Some patrons complained that unlike other tents which allowed them free access, it was established that for the elimination rounds of the competition they were required to pay an entrance fee of $10 to see the artistes live in action.
“The fright night”, as expressed by one patron, occurred at both tents held on Saturday (Dec. 7) and Sunday (Dec. 8). And the issues were very visible from the accommodation aspect and the fact that the much-anticipated events were held during stormy weather.
On Saturday night, it was clear to every calypso lover that the rain had been falling the entire afternoon, but with the assurance of a very large tent and a small one, that would have not been an issue.
But to their surprise, heavy winds and the scattering rainfall began to quickly haunt many patrons who were repeatedly soaked.
One affected patron stated: “For those who did not attend the event on Saturday, picture yourselves sitting under a massive tent with an umbrella, but even to the assurance of protection there was so little that it could have done.”
Apart from the audience, the performers too were affected by the weather, but this clearly did not hinder them from fighting for the top spots. And, as such, they should be commended for their valiant efforts.
But there was also a risk to their action. And as one concerned patron questioned, “Ask yourself, why would they allow calypsonians to perform in heavy rain with an electrical microphone?”
Second night
The second night was a little different but, in the opinion of some attendees, it was disrespect to the patrons who were charged $10, and that regardless of the amount they paid, people deserve their money’s worth.
On arrival at the 17 Degrees hangout spot, there was only a limited amount of seats inside the venue, while there was a large quantity of wooden chairs outside.
Luckily, the experience from Saturday night did not repeat itself, but clearly the very cold air had the best of the patrons who were seated outside.
Also, the majority of patrons had to stand at three of the four entrances in order to get a glimpse of the performers, because there was limited view in the minute auditorium.
One ardent calypso lover suggested that “when planning events of such nature, the Carnival Committee and all other promoters in the Federation should think about the people who stay faithful to a genre of music that is apparently slowly dying in the Caribbean”.
