If it ain’t broke . . .

There were mixed reactions to last Friday night’s staging of the Banks/LIME Pic-O-De-Crop semi-finals at the National Stadium.For some it was the case of “if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it”, an obvious preference for the Wildey Gymnasium where the show was held in previous years, while others welcomed the return to the National Stadium. For the latter, it was an opportunity to walk around and feel relaxed while still being able to see and hear the calypsonians performing.One man at the stadium said he preferred the venue since it was more relaxed than the gym.“Right now I can walk around and chat with my friends and still see what is going on, so it’s a more relaxed feeling,” he said.His friend however, said he preferred the gymnasium which provided cover for patrons, since earlier showers had caused him to scamper for shelter.“I didn’t like having to run out of the rain and there was hardly anywhere to shelter, so I prefer the gym: it’s more comfortable,” he said as they stood near one of the bars liming.Michael Forde said he too preferred the competition at the previous location.“It’s the hurricane season and events like these should be held indoors. I had to run out of the rain and there were times I couldn’t see who was performing, so I prefer the gym,” he stated. Another woman passing by, who like most didn’t want to give her name said: “I want to know whose brilliant idea this was to move this competition back here. If it ain’t broke then don’t fix it,” she said.Some also expressed the sentiment that this year’s competition was rather low-keyed.“It’s missing something this year, but I’m not quite sure what it is, but the usual hype is not there, as a matterof fact it’s kind of low-keyed,” said Juann Smith.Among those attending the competition were Trinidad calypso veteran Black Stalin, Viper and De Hawk.Reigning monarch Red Plastic Bag, was also there assessing the competition.Asked how he felt about the competition, the nine-time veteran said it was a good “but not the stiffest”.“In terms of winning the competition it will be about impact and how well you connect with the audience. “It’s a good competition but not the stiffest one I’ve seen, but I’m prepared and getting myself ready for next week,” he said.