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Eastside Plaza Tenants Cultural Show

Second, first, and third place winners in the Local Designs Female category
Second, first, and third place winners in the Local Designs Female category

TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: July 27, 2007


The Eastside Plaza Tenants Cultural Show and Fashion Competition took place on the busy evening of Friday 27th July, 2007, at the Eastside Plaza, Charlotte Street, Port of Spain. This cultural extravaganza was part of the 2007 Emancipation celebrations which highlighted aspects of African culture such as clothing, dance and Calypso singing (developed by Africans in Trinidad and Tobago). This event was done to encourage traffic through the mall and to foster a family spirit between the mall residents.

The programme was a lengthy and enjoyable one with entertainment to satisfy the diverse audience which ranged from the very young to the very old. In store for them was a fabulous show that highlighted African aesthetic and musical tradition.

The show began at about quarter to two that evening with a zealous crowd gathered in semi-circular fashion around the stage which was built at the center space of the bottom floor adjacent to the steps that led to the second floor. Many took time from their busy schedules - including those who worked at Eastside Plaza - to support the show, the workmanship of the many designers and the brave persons who modeled the designs for all to see.

The judges for the pageant were Valerie John-Skimmer, Earlyn Williams, Marcia Henville, A.P. Toussaint and Lee Keith. They were ascribed the difficult task of choosing winners of the five different categories: Local Designs Child, Authentic Designs Male, Local Designs Male, Authentic Designs Female and Local Designs Female. Points were awarded on the design of the outfit, the originality of the creation, the presentation of the competitors and the head wraps of the female participants.

Aside from the actual pageant competition, several models, some with baskets and fans in hands, displayed African outfits with multi-colored garments and with multi-textured dimensions for the viewing pleasure of the audience.

Entertaining the appreciative audience were Lutalo 'Brother Resistance' Masimba, Jerrisha Regis, Kizzie Ruiz, Sheldon Reid, Jervae Caesar, the daughter of the 'Mighty Bomber' and Jaylana Bryan. In addition, and to the delight of the audience, one of the pleasant surprises was the inclusion of Soca stalwart Errol Asche who brought back memories with his sweet renditions of several tunes from his repertoire including 'Jam De Soca' and 'Party'. Also performing were young students from the Cultural Heritage Study Group who danced intermittently throughout the show.

Indeed, the evening was quite entertaining and it was promised that next year's celebrations would be even bigger and better.

Eastside Plaza Tenants Cultural Show in pictures:
www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=189743



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