Price: $850.00
Date: January 22,2012
Photos: http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=display&id=GAL5FDD9F
http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=display&id=GAL3145E6
http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=html&id=GAL03CC5B
Location
Spread out over the northern grounds on Campus close to the Principal's office the space was utilized very well for layout and flow. On entering the gates the main food area and seating was at your left; along the right another food area, both stages and other bars/drink stations. See map for details (and I must add I loved that maps were available for patrons on the day as well)
Ambiance/Decor
The theme of UWI Fete this year was Africa specifically "Zangalewa" and there were appropriately attired dancers greeting you upon entry plus touches of "African" print and masks in the decor. The theme even carried out to the printed paper fans that were being handed out.
Food
Wow, I know the menu was available on UWI Fete's Facebook page for weeks leading up to the event but I was still impressed by the variety of food in person. I sampled the Caribbean and Italian food stations first then later on in the night , after two performances , we went back for Greek and Indian and in between we indulged in the "finger foods"; stuffed dumpling with crab, ribs, barbque pigtail and aloo pie from the Debe Delicacies. Everything I had tasted great, no complaints. Kudos to the "fancy" square disposable plates that were used.
Bar
There were two main bars where I found service to be a bit slow and we were just waiting to get water! The Johnny Walker Green drink station (it was way too small to be called a bar) was my spot for drinks for the day. The only issue was it was situated in a passage way so it got crowded and it was a small bar that was very popular so always a wait to get a drink. I also saw an Angostura Cocktail Bar, Yellow Tail Bar, Chivas Bar and Carib Brewery. On the map there were other bars that I missed on seeing in person.
Performances
Again I missed Roy Cape and only saw the ending of Karma's performance. Having two stages I think is brilliant, since the stage often becomes the focal point at a fete with patrons standing around reserving a spot or staring at an empty stage waiting for the performances to begin. With the two stages there was no gathering of the crowd in any one area so people were moving all over the grounds.
Dil E Nadan, totally surprised me as the last time I saw them live I was not impressed. However the band was redeemed on Sunday giving a rousing performance that the crowd enjoyed. I don't know if it was the fact that I was up front for Kes or that the space was a bit smaller and more intimate but I loved his set, full of energy and I really do appreciate a Soca Artiste who can SING! Kes is proving that last year was no fluke, very strong performance.
Crowd Vibe
There is this myth perpetuated that UWI Fete is an "old people party", well that was not the case on Sunday as both mature and younger patrons attended the event, a very nice mix of people who all came out to party. As far as I could see a good time was had my many, self included!
Eye Candy
On a scale of 1 to 10 eye candy rating would be around 8 , there were some good looking men (and women) at this fete! Everyone who dressed to theme looked fabulous as I saw some very interesting interpretations of "African Wear".
Extras
The VIP area hosted stars Tatyana Ali, CCH Pounder and Lyriq Bent all of whom I had the pleasure of meeting.
actor Lyriq Bent
Bathroom
Andy Loos (or something of that same nature) were used. When I visited there were no lines, they were clean, air conditioned and pretty fancy for a mobile restroom.
Overall Rating
UWI fete gets a solid 8.5, it was a pretty good fete! The rain of Saturday and early Sunday was both a blessing and a curse. Because of the rain and overcast weather it was not as stiflingly humid and hot as if we had blazing sunshine as there are not that many shaded areas at UWI. The caveat however is that some of the areas were muddy and water logged so that was a slight bit challenging to navigate. Other than that, I had no major complaints and I look forward to theme 2013.
0 comments:
Post a Comment