Joseph “JOEY” Rivers, former foundation member, guitarist, producer and company director of Machel Montano and Xtatik, is doing his part to have the calypso artform carry on in the midst of this pandemic.
He has launched a virtual Junior Calypso Festival, which caters towards youngsters from 12 and under and 13 to 17.
The initiative is being hosted under his entity CASTT – Calypso Art Specialists TT.
Speaking with izzso recently, Rivers said this initiative was in the embryonic phase for a few years.
“Our motive is based on the need to establish an event for our junior practitioners that is comprehensive in terms of the various styles of calypso while providing rewards and prizes that support and facilitate their development.”
Originally from Palo Seco, south Trinidad, Joey said his late father (Raymond Rivers) was a Luthier who made and repaired; Guitars, Cuatros, Mandolins, Box Basses and various percussion instruments.
“Even while at primary school I have been involved in music education, often teaching my teachers to play cuatro and guitar. I taught at various institutions including; Lady Hochoy Special School, Palo Seco Secondary and Holy Cross College in addition to facilitating music programmes in communities and inmates at several prisons.”
“So this initiative is just another way for me to give back.”
Having been a main facilitator at the preparation workshops for; School Soca Monarch, School Intellectual Chutney Monarch, NACC Junior Calypso Competitions in addition to preparing several successful participants at all our Junior and Senior competitions, Joey knows a thing or two about staging a competition like this.
“The CASTT Junior Calypso Festival will not only be a competition but it will also encompass workshops, lessons on musical instruments, and professional support such as recording and social media marketing and further development through mentorship.”
“The competition will look at lyrics, melody, rendition, presentation and because it is virtual, production of the submission will also be judged.”
So here are the details:
The festival is made up of two categories 12 & Under and 13 – 17
Registration fee : $100 TT/ $15 US
Deadline for submission : Friday 29th January midnight
Semifinals – 3rd February
(24 participants)
Finals – 10th February
(12 participants)
The steps are;
1. Prepare
2. Record
3. Deposit the registration fee
4. Submit (email video & proof of payment)
5. Register (online)
Submit (video & proof of payment) and request the registration form at [email protected]. or click the link below
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSe9incyn0x…/viewform…
COMMENTS