Calypso preliminaries begin today! ...06/06/2008

The first hurdle in the race towards the big yard that is Dimanche Gras and the National Calypso Finals begins today (Friday June 6^th) with judging in the preliminary round.

Calypsonians based in North America, mainly New York, will be under the scrutiny of the judges as they face off at Café Omar in Brooklyn New York, for a place in the semis (June 27^th) then ultimately the Finals (July 6^th).

The more than 15 strong members of the Dynamites Calypso Tent have over the years been able to make their way to the finals and this year will be no exception says tent leader Hassan Kennedy.

Kennedy, also the head of the National Calypsonian Association said that music emitting from not only his tent, but also the others have been very excellent this year.

The preliminaries continue on Wednesday June 11^th with the North/South Leeward calypsonians facing the judges.

The likes of tent leader Observer, along with Jesikiah, Bo Salt, Man Sick Shaka and Struggler, are six of the eleven calypsonians who will be judged at the Victoria Park.

The following day (Thursday June 12^th), members of the On Tour Calypso Tent will face the judges.

On Tour boasts the likes of former monarchs Ipa, Abijah, Mighty Toiler and current monarch Vibrating Scakes.

The 15 man tent also includes Ranking Dash, DJ Twenty, Azara Patches Knights, I reality and Rastaman I.

On Friday June 13^th, the young Upstage Experience with a cast that includes Skarpyon, Bomani, shaunelle Mckenzie, Mint, Ebony, Skinny Fabulous, Full Clip, Land Lord, Poorsah, and newcomer to calypso but not competition reigning soca monarch Fireman Hooper will have their turn with the judging.

The tent boasted seven singers in last year’s semis and four in the finals.

The preliminary judging will come to an end on the 14^th with the judging of Glenroy sulle Caesar and his Graduates Calypso tent.

Veterans like Lexi, Bump I, Nzimbu, Trinidad and Tobago female Champion Princess Monique and 15 year old Phylicia among the 17 bards to face the Judges.

Of the more than sixty competitors, only twenty will advance to semi finals and only ten in the finals to face the Vibrating Scakes.

The semi finals will be dedicated to the passing of former calypsonians Josiah Ash and The Mighty Rey.