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General => Entertainment & Culture Discussion => Topic started by: davyjenny1 on January 03, 2019, 07:13:24 PM

Title: Launch of "Monarchs Pub" on De Ave.
Post by: davyjenny1 on January 03, 2019, 07:13:24 PM
From:CNC3 News

https://www.youtube.com/v/dHqBydY9OPU&feature=youtu.be


https://www.cnc3.co.tt/news/launch-monarchs
Title: Re: Launch of "Monarchs Pub" on De Ave.
Post by: davyjenny1 on January 06, 2019, 06:48:50 PM
FROM: Newsday

https://newsday.co.tt/2019/01/05/monarchs-comes-to-the-avenue/

Monarchs comes to the Avenue
O’Connor opens entertainment space

Duane O’Connor meets reigning Calypso Monarch Helon Francis outside his new establishment Monarchs.

GARY CARDINEZ

“I have always wanted to own a business like this and when you work hard your dreams always come through,” says Duane O’Connor.

The 2012 calypso monarch was addressing the audience at the official opening of Monarchs at 10 Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, Port of Spain.

O’Connor kept no secrets as he told the audience exactly how he was able to rent the property with serious negotiation. “The rent started at $30,000 per month and I haggled with the owner until we reached a settlement of $28,000 per month.

“When the time came to sign the agreement the landlord and I agreed on $25,000 for the first six months. I had to pay the first and last month along with a security deposit. Although I was smiling I wondered where I was getting $93,000 to acquire the property immediately.

“I thank God, my wife and son, brothers and sisters for being there for me. I cannot forget my friend, former calypso monarch Devon Seale who was also instrumental in me acquiring this space.

"Let me be quite clear, this business is owned and operated by I and I alone, as I said, I always wanted to get into something like this. You can’t imagine how much it pained me to see the Mas Camp Pub on fire.”

O’Connor was the person who broadcasted the Mas Camp fire live on Facebook several years ago.


Devon Seale receives a birthday gift from Minister McDonald.
Minister of Public Administration and Member of Parliament for the area Marlene McDonald cut the ribbon to officially open Monarchs. In her address she said, “I am impressed with Mr O’Connor, I deal with the give-meh, give-meh gang daily but he strike me as someone who wants to make something of himself and this establishment is something that is needed on the Avenue, a place for calypso.”

McDonald congratulated O’Connor and told him she will pass by the next day and leave a donation for him as her contribution to his venture.

TUCO’s president Lutalo Misamba (Brother Resistance) said O’Connor is just continuing a tradition where calypsonians become businessmen.

“Is history we making tonight, for so long we have been lamenting about the lack of performance spaces in the city and TT on the whole. It is heart-warming to share a vibration in an entertainment space such as this one especially when one understands the tradition of Carnival arts.


Duane O’Conner stands proudly at his new place of business Monarchs.
“We are under attack and as a calypsonian O’Connor is bridging the gap between artist and business. I sincerely hope you will support that. It can only grow with your support. People the world over must know about this establishment and whenever they come to TT they must be at Monarchs.”

Masimba went on, “We must use this example to indicate to others both singers and entertainers to get involved in the business. Don’t sit and wait for any promoter to call you. This will bring more calypso in our lives throughout the year and then we can boast about this entertainment industry.”

When it came to performances O’Connor had to apologise for the absence of the nine-time calypso monarch Hollis Liverpool (Chalkdust) who was advertised. He said he got a call about 2 pm saying that Chalkdust was unable to perform because of illness.

Trying not to panic, O’Connor got reigning Calypso Monarch Helon Francis and 2016 monarch Devon Seale who celebrated his birthday along with himself to fill the void.

Even though Chalkdust was not there the audience, which included over a dozen students from the University of Minnesota, all enjoyed the performances. Music was supplied by Cummings and the Wailers.

The 2011 calypso monarch Karene Asche also performed as well as the reigning Junior Calypso Monarch Duane Ta’zyar O’Connor and his band Steem.

 

 
Title: Re: Launch of "Monarchs Pub" on De Ave.
Post by: davyjenny1 on January 09, 2019, 01:30:53 AM
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/duaneoconnor

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Title: Re: Launch of "Monarchs Pub" on De Ave.
Post by: davyjenny1 on January 10, 2019, 01:16:00 PM
From: TriniView.com

http://www.triniview.com/blog/?p=1096

The Launch of “Monarchs”

Posted by TriniView Reporters on January 10, 2019 · Leave a Comment

TriniView.com Reporters
January 10, 2019

Left: Karene Asche, Dr. Rudolph Ottley, Devon Seale, Duane Ta’zyah O’ Connor Junior and his dad Duane O’Connor

On Wednesday 02nd January, 2019, Trinidad and Tobago’s very own Calypso Monarch Duane O Connor, joined by friends, family and well-wishers, celebrated the official grand opening of his new establishment, Monarchs at #10 Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, Port of Spain.

Among those present for this auspicious event were Minister of Public Administration and Member of Parliament for the area, Marlene McDonald, president of the Trinbagonian Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), Lutalo ‘Brother Resistance’ Masimba and members of the calypso, steelpan and other cultural fraternities.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by the Honourable Marlene McDonald

The evening, which began with a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance of the venue, was performed by The Honourable Marlene McDonald before everyone was escorted inside to their seats for the formal proceedings.

The official host for the evening, author, carnival researcher and owner of the nation’s only all-female calypso tent, Divas Calypso Cabaret International, Dr. Rudolph Ottley extended greetings and welcomed the audience before calling upon TUCO’s president to offer his remarks.

Left: Lutalo ‘Brother Resistance’ Masimba, Dr. Rudolph Ottley and All Rounder

Masimba, in his address to the audience, urgently implored that the occasion be used as an example to instigate other entertainers. He stressed that although it is history in the making, entertainers cannot wait to be called up by promoters for a show.

“Every entertainer has to make sure that they take the opportunity to market themselves, create performance spaces and platforms for themselves and their fellow entertainers so that we can move forward, make sure the entertainment industry has so much to boast about, that we can make and continue to make a difference where we are concerned here in Trinidad and Tobago. Let us make sure the Monarchs succeed”.


Duane O’Connor and Roderick Ward

Duane O’ Connor took to the stage next and conveyed gratitude to all who supported him in this venture. He then commended the Wards brothers who kept the Mas Camp Pub alive with numerous cultural events during its era.

According to O’Connor, the idea was born when the Mas Camp Pub, what he describes as a monumental space, was lost in a fire over two years ago. He expressed that it was a painful experience for him and have since then been looking for a particular spot.

He declared, “I always wanted to get into something like this”. He explained that it is not just for calypso, but for Trinidad and Tobago’s culture. He lamented there are not many available spaces to showcase their talents and that they have to do the best that they can and not just be looking for handouts all the time.

Duane O’Connor stands in front his newly opened establishment, Monarchs

After a long period of meticulous planning and negotiations and countless hours of hard work along with numerous hiccups, Monarchs was finally ready to be opened to the public. For the benefit of those who have been misinformed, O’Connor stated, “To dispel all rumors, there are no partners in this business. It’s Duane O Connor and Duane O Connor”.

“I am going all out for the culture” O’ Connor said. “I love my art form and I am going to continue doing this because this is what I am. I am calypso, I am culture, I am Trinidad and Tobago”.

He added, “I take pride in myself that I am not just a calypsonian. I am in community policing where I deal with over one hundred and sixty-five children in the depressed community of Diego Martin, Patna River Estate”.

Minister of Public Administration and Member of Parliament, Marlene McDonald

Marlene McDonald, one of the many persons who was instrumental in supporting this venture followed next and offered her thoughts.

“Here is a good citizen trying to make something of himself and something of his craft. I think that one of the things that was needed on the avenue is just what you have done here. A little home here for calypso was what was actually missing. I will be bringing my friends here during the period to support you. I know your heart is in a good place”.

Mrs. Donessa Wickam-O’Connor and her son Duane Ta’zyah O’ Connor Junior

During the period of his career as a calypsonian, O’Connor won the TUCO North Zone Calypso Monarch title in 2007 with his songs “Sartorial Elegance” and “The Right Voice”. Five years later in 2012, he captured the Calypso Monarch title of Trinidad and Tobago with “The Hunt Is On” and “Long Live Calypso”. He also qualified for the Calypso Monarch Finals in 2013 with “Building A Wall” and “Seeking Sparrow’s Advice”; In 2015 with “Citizens Pride” and “Dance of Deliverance”; 2016 with “Modern Day Nursery Rhymes” and 2018 with “No Front Page”.

With the support of his wife Donessa Wickam, his son Duane Ta’zyah O’ Connor Junior and his family, O’Connor declared that he is going to work very hard to ensure Monarchs becomes the success that he hopes it will always be.

Reigning Junior Calypso Monarch Duane Ta’zyar O’Connor and the band Steem

Following the addresses, the audience, which included over a dozen students from the University of Minnesota, was treated to a night of top calypso performances by 2012 Calypso Monarch Duane O’Connor, reigning Calypso Monarch Helon Francis, 2016 Calypso Monarch Devon Seale, 2011 Calypso Monarch Karene Asche. Musical accompaniment for the evening was by Cummings and the Wailers. Duane Ta’zyar O’Connor, the reigning Junior Calypso Monarch and the young, talented and stylish 5-piece band that goes by the name of Steem, also wowed the audience with their outstanding performance.

Nine-time Calypso Monarch, Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool who was scheduled to perform at the opening, was unable to perform due to illness. However, according to Dr. Ottley, he has promised a free Chalkdust in concert show at Monarchs following his recovery.

Cross section of the audience

Dr. Ottley did a remarkable job throughout the night sharing pertinent information of Trinidad and Tobago’s calypso history with the audience. He also highlighted that the state’s involvement in the tent promotion business from 1967 with the CDC Calypso Tent should be recognized and remembered.

The opening of Monarchs was well attended and well organized. Monarchs will be opened Sunday to Sunday from 10: am. Wednesday nights will be Kaiso shows, Thursday nights Karaoke, Friday nights after work lime and Saturday nights back in times. Other events such as ball room dancing and chutney and ragga soca competitions will also be hosted. One of the highlights during the carnival season will be a carnival tent. For further information, persons can contact Mr. Duane O’Connor at 1 868-771-5617.

Launch of “Monarchs” in pictures:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=384919

Filed under Calypso & Soca, Culture, Photo Albums · Tagged with Calypso, Calypsonians, Carnival, Monarchs, TUCO
Title: Re: Launch of "Monarchs Pub" on De Ave.
Post by: davyjenny1 on January 31, 2019, 02:18:41 AM
From:Newsday

https://newsday.co.tt/2019/01/30/humour-at-monarchs/

 Humour at Monarchs

GARY CARDINEZ

MONARCHS on the Avenue provided patrons with a beautiful calypso show entitled Humour at Monarchs which featured some of the funniest entertainers in the business.

Hamidullah was the clown prince of the evening with some of the most witty songs you will hear. He had the audience in stitches with his rendition of Stick of Match and Yuh Cyar Land as well as From a Distance, at the January 24 event.

Sweet Jean continued the laughter but this time she added a touch of rudeness with Wrong Road and some jokes. She was followed by Funny whose antics on stage evoked laughter. He sang Time Really Flies and Accident.

Myron B and Kid Callaloo

Kid Kallaloo added so much more laughter with his songs about his hard luck when it came to women. He too had every member of the audience rolling with laughter.

Perennial favourite Trinidad Rio took the audience Back to Basics and No Drawers and had them all singing along with him. One member of the audience was serenaded as Rio wanted her to work with him as a joiner.

The evening ended with the wit and humour of The Incredible Myron B who was a perfect fit in that slot. Eunice Peters has grown into a wonderful master of ceremonies and had the audience engaged throughout the show.

Funny on point.

Music was supplied by Len Cummings and the Wailers

The 2016 Calypso Monarch Duane O’Connor, owner of Monarch, seems to have hit the right spot with this new establishment which seeks to bring a weekly calypso show to calypso lovers. Something which was missing from the capital city since the demise of the Mas Camp Pub on French Street and Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook.

 
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