HUNDREDS OF SOCA-LOVERS converged at The Glebe, St George, last Friday and all night people were jumping, waving and gyrating, evidence the Crop Over Festival fever is blazing.
The third LIME/Hott 95.3 Cavalcade, billed The Epidemic, infected a crowd ranging from young to old. There were babies in pram and in hand, two people in wheelchairs and a few using canes for support. The majority of the party faithful remained steadfast even when rain and two brief acts of violence threatened to dampen spirits.
A potpourri of entertainment made up the night’s show. Calypsonians sang new and old tunes, there was sweet-sounding pan from group Pan Extreme, along with dramatizations from Lighthouse Productions and a well choreographed dance by the Trinidadian group, Shashamane Cultural Ensemble.
Inferno – the only brass band on the island – brought some extra heat to the night with a 35-minute set. The band played hits such as Li’l Rick’s Talk Ya Talk, Alison Hinds’ Brace And Wine, and Natahlee’s Weakness Fa Sweetness.
Mikard, performing in his hometown, enjoyed a good crowd response with his controversial song Fat Pork.
The Immigration Federation minus Chowmein did more talking than singing. The crowd was unmoved by the efforts of Nard and Stabby The Guard even when Stabby creatively changed up the lyrics of Gangnam Style to Juck Dem Stabby Style.
Ironically, Hott FM DJ Jon Doe was more successful in getting the crowd to respond during his stint. A surprise performance by Camera Man was also well received.
Energy Band featuring Kirk Brown hit the stage opening with Machel Montano’s Advantage and Head Bad before belting out local songs. Brown used the opportunity to launch his new Crop Over CD and give a taste of some of his offerings for the season. Nikita, an artiste who also lives in St George, joined Brown on stage for a groovy soca duet. Her high vocal range and distinctive voice certainly serenaded the crowd. Â
Other performers for the night were Yannick Hooper, Matrix, Richie Rich and Bobo.
Familiar people spotted in the crowd were MP for St George North Gline Clarke, Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy and former Deputy Speaker of the House Kenny Best.     Â
The fever went up a couple notches when MC Darrio announced the next act for the night.  Â
The huge Glebe crowd seemed to have been waiting patiently, from 7 p.m. until Peter Ram’s appearance on stage at 11:32 p.m., but his highly anticipated performance was short-lived due to the lawlessness of a few. The crowd only enjoyed 11 minutes of his entertainment since a fight which broke out at 11:43 p.m. brought his stint to a premature end.
There was a short break as people scampered to safety. Minutes later Energy Band started to perform again but another fight broke out, causing most of the crowd to leave the cavalcade.
Seemingly oblivious to the fact that the event had scores of minors in attendance, the offenders threw bottles and even had knives in hand before police brought the situation under control.
The violence left a bad taste in the mouths of patrons. Parents were heard franticly shouting for their children, struggling to ensure their safety, while some minors had the look of fear on their faces.
