Behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining. Irvin “Blackie” Blackman aims to fill the void left by De Nu Pub’s fiery death on March 26 by launching a new weekly event—Kaiso and Comedy Wednesdays—at the Q’s Place club, beginning on Wednesday, April 19. Q’s Place is just above SWWTU Hall, along Wrightson Road, downtown Port–of- Spain.
“It’s a central location for people from any direction,” said Blackman, thanking Anthony John (Mr Q), a popular radio disc jockey, for giving calypso a new weekly space.
Under the Soca Parliament banner—a coordinated effort of like-minded people who are all part of Blackman’s social circle—the weekly comedy and kaiso showcase will kick off at 8:30 pm and end at midnight. Blackie assured that there is adequate parking on the club compound.
The entertainers will be backed by Vincent Rivers & The Soca Unit. Patrons will be treated to a slate of comical local calypsonians whom Blackie feels have long been denied a space to show off their talent.
“There are some really good humorous calypsonians out there—fellas like Alpha and Kid Calaloo and so many others. They will be showcased at Q’s Place every Wednesday starting on April 19,” said Blackie.
Blackie says he’s had the idea for quite a while, having approached Anthony John last August with a request for use of the facility.
Blackie says there is a need for this entertainment outlet, especially for mature kaiso music lovers.
“There really isn’t much available for people who enjoy kaiso music—and there definitely is a market. The Mas Camp was that home for kaiso, in the minds of many, so while I am personally saddened by the tragic situation that took place last month, this effort to bring Kaiso and Comedy Wednesdays to life is likely to encourage people to come out and enjoy the local music and entertainment again.”
This isn’t Blackie’s first promotional effort. He’s been a part of event promotions in the past, key among them the 2007 staging of the Caribbean Soca Fest event at the National Stadium. He says he will work hard to ensure that patrons get exactly what they want at the new weekly shows.
“When I did Caribbean Soca Fest, I went through every artiste’s repertoire and I told them exactly what I wanted them to perform. I’ll be doing the same thing this time around, so that the people get the hits they love,” he said.
Excited about future prospects, Blackman and his team anticipate the inclusion of Caribbean acts.