By Dexter Mitchell After months of debate and discussion related to the 2005 Carnival season with some questioning the timing of having a Carnival season at all the Grenadian populace got to have they say. And in a resounding and unanimous manner the Grenadian public expressed their desire to partake in Grenada’s most important and significant cultural undertaking. The Launch of the 2005 Carnival season took place on the evening of Friday June 10th and to date it has been the biggest and best launch of any Carnival season. At 7pm a full hour before the program was to begin, hundreds were already gathered on the Port Highway ready for what was to be an excellent evening of premier local entertainment. The NCB Angel Harps kicked-off the evening’s proceedings with twenty minutes of exhilarating pan music. With the Steelband’s pan yard adjacent to the Port Highway they were literally playing in their backyard and the ease with which they ran through their numbers demonstrated all the comforts of being home. The action the rest of the evening was swift and lively. After welcoming remarks by the Deputy Chairperson of the Grenada Carnival Committee, Mrs. Elizabeth Henry-Greenidge, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Mr. Adrian Hayes declared the 2005 Carnival season open. The pronouncement was followed by a fireworks display and an animated music display by the DJ. The next part of the program saw the introduction of some 2005 mas bands. First up was a band entitled “Untamed 2005”. The response of the audience certainly indicated that this band should be a hit on the road come Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Sections of the band included “Innocence”, “Jungle Fever”, “Cascade” and “Golden Estacy”. Another dynamic display followed, this time by a band entitled, “Grenada – The Rebirth”. It is riveting to have these bands display their wares at such an early stage, giving the customer time to decide on choice of band. It is the hope of the Grenada Carnival Committee that it will begin a trend that will enable the growth of Mas here in Grenada. There is no Carnival without traditional mas and the Vecours and Sortknees certainly made their presence felt. Bands included “Men from the Boneyard” and the “Waterloo Shortknee”. Miss Nicole Seales, the 2004 Carnival Queen graced the proceedings with her presence. She is currently preparing to represent the Spice Isle at Miss Carival which takes place during the occasion of St. Vincent’s Carnival. After a short musical interlude, during which the DJ took the opportunity to acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the hitman Inspector and play some of his hits from yesteryear it was showtime. A fine group of up-and-coming artistes were the first ones to take the stage with the performance of Spontaneous been the most outstanding of the set. Grenada’s premier band, Heatwave was then introduced followed by a duo of impressive young singers known as Ignition. Former Calypso Monarch and veteran Calypsonian, Smokey was next and an appreciative Port Highway audience extended the courtesies such a statesman has earned over the years. The Independent Calypso Monarch – Young Sound – certainly left his mark at the 2005 Carnival Launch. After doing the 2004 hit “The Sheriff”, he went into a 2005 rendition that secured him five (5) encores. The tune entitled “Too Bad Mind” deals with present day social issues that the Artiste used to compose a most humorous number. 2004 Soca Monarch Finalist Boogie B continued to show his improvement with an impressive performance of his 2004 “Burn Them” and “Clear the Smoke”, a potential 2005 hit. Craziness reigns supreme whenever this Former Soca Monarch hits the stage and with a frenzied audience obeying his every call Zingo has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in 2005. Former Road March winner, Japs seems to be keeping his 2005 offerings a secret as he opted to take the Port Highway audience down memory lane. And what a journey it was as his hits of yesteryear, including “All Ah Want”, “Give Her” and “Helicopter” among others showed the class of one of Grenada’s premier song writers and performers. The man known for his stinging lyrics did not disappoint. Papa Jerry secured for himself no less than four (4) encores as his fans beckoned him to continue going through his 2005 repertoire. With the confidence of one who knows something that is not obvious to anyone else, Jerry teased with two of his new tunes and proceeded to make way for a Former Soca Monarch and Road March winner. All that should be said about Tallpree’s performance is that 2005 is shaping up to be a huge year for him. His energy, and crafty lyrics makes him one of Grenada’s favourite performers and that love was once again extended at the 2005 Launch of Carnival. A well put together evening of quality Grenadian entertainment heralds the start of what should be another fantastic year for Grenada’s Carnival.