Belmont - David Rudder

This is a more positive view of Belmont by our local boy David Rudder. Refer to the May 22 post to learn about our connection to Rudder. Enjoy!

Invitation - August 2011 Sacrifice

Please join us on Thursday, August 4, 2011. The day starts at 6:00 am with the animal sacrifice and of course stay for lunch. The day culminates with drumming and dancing from 7 - 10 pm.. Hope to see you there.

400 Days to Go!

Cemetery Good Enough for a Pauper

The cemetery wasn’t appropriate at one time, but it was good enough when the government needed a burial place for a pauper.

As you can also see from this document, Abojevi Zahwenu/Robert Antoine owed taxes on 5 properties which were forfeited to the crown after his death. His wife sold a piece of her own property to pay the back taxes. Thanks to her selfless act most of that property is still in the family’s hands today.

Attempt to Close Family Cemetery

You may remember that we have a private family cemetery. This newspaper article shows the city’s eventually unsuccessful attempt to close the cemetery. The writer made it sound like we are burying relatives in our backyard rather than the final resting place for our relatives. Can’t keep the Antoines down!

Executive Producer-Henry Antoine, The Best of Gemini Brass

Listen to this sample of a 2 volume CD produced by Henry Antoine – The Best of Gemini  Brass.

Here's the review from the Trinidad Guardian:

Wild nostalgic ride from Gemini Brass
Say “Gemin Brass,” and one time you mind flashes back to that glorious period of the late sixties/early seventies when brass bands ruled the roost. Today brass bands are scarce like low food prices. However, there’s something to cheer about, the Best of Gemini Brass, a CD that’s worth waiting for. And mind you a double CD to boot. Any disc jockey worth his salt, whether retro or contemporary, should have this 16-track CD. Oh my gosh, it sweeter than a pig tail oil down, as Danny Ming (leader, guitarist and songwriter) and the boys take you on a wild, nostalgic ride. Executive producer Henry Antione deserves some kudos for pulling from the archives this stunning pelau of music. Back in the day bands were afraid of Gemini Brass when they clashed, either in fetes or Brassorama. Musicians used to be shaking in the shoes. Gemini Brass toured the Caribbean and North America extensively. The band was formed in Belmont in 1965.

The selection of vocalist Eddie Charles of Traffik fame is excellent and blends well with the music. All the oldies are there, Lady love, I Believe In you, I Just want to love you, Higher and Higher, Get up on Something, Woman Woman (Cro Cro), Her Majesty (Calypso Rose) and others. Eddie does a magnificent job on two Shadow (Winston Bailey) oldies, Carnival Scenery and Without Love. Look man, buy this CD recorded at Sound Canada, Don Mills, Ontario and Studio Six, Montreal, Quebec.
As usual, this double CD get full marks for presentation.

Young Antoines at Toronto's Kiddies Carnival

You may recall that this family has a strong background in Carnival. We start young and many of our little ones have won titles. Here’s little Sedley Antoine (II) in 2 costumes when he captured Junior King titles. The tradition continues - in 3 weeks 9 little Antoines and 6 friends will be participating in Toronto’s Kiddies Carnival with Saldenah’s band. One 17 month old has been practising wotless moves for several weeks.  But will she perform when it counts?