If you are a PAN LOVER, then around Christmas time you most likely are a PARANG LOVER too!
The Covid-19 Pandemic has been a challenge for the many artforms last Christmas, especially parang. It has been a while since Trinis could enjoy some live parang, and bands could pull out their instruments and perform live. Although the season is already in full swing, with Facebook as the stage to see and hear the beloved folk artform, followers and lovers of parang will ‘finally’ be able to experience live parang performances for two days at Queen’s Hall.
Aptly titled “Por Fin Parranda” (Parang, finally!), the National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NPATT) will host a two-day event featuring some of the most talented singers and musicians in the parang genre.
On November 27, or SIZZLING SATURDAY, Queen’s Hall will feature Herencia Venezolana, an authentic Venezuelan parranda band bringing the Hispanic flavour; Voces de Promesa, the next generation of parranderos comprising former secondary school champs; La Mansión, comprising some of the most adept musicians on strings, including 4-time Mandolin Champion Rico DG (Enrico Camejo). Los Parranderos de UWI, parang champs of 2006 with three-time parang queen Joanne Briggs, will also be present. Completing Saturday’s lineup will be the nine-time champion band Los Alumnos de San Juan, featuring the voice of the First Lady in Parang, Alicia Jagassar.
On November 28, or SENSATIONAL SUNDAY, Queen’s Hall will feature the next Generation of Paramin in BB Serenaders; parang champs of 2005 Los Buenos Parranderos; parang icon and revered mandolinist Julio Torres with his band Solo Para Ti. Adding their flavour to the mix will be Los Amigos Cantadores of Trincity. Completing Sunday’s lineup will be the Barataria-based parang champs of 2007, Amantes de Parranda.
The versatile parang band Una Sola Voz will provide a musical welcome on both days, as patrons enter the Queen’s Hall lobby.
“At last! At last! Parang at last! We are so grateful that we can come out and perform. It has been a year since were able to do this and we are happy that we can bring that joy to as many people as possible in a safe space. I am only a bit saddened that several our parranderos have passed away during this pandemic, and that we are only limited to 325 patrons a show due to CoVID-19 regulations” said Enrico Camejo, producer of the two-day event, “…however, this is a start with the fully vaccinated bands. We pray that ALL bands continue on their drive to have their parranderos vaccinated, so we all can partake fully of the Christmas Season, especially those bands that specialize in House Parang!”
Tickets are $200 and ONLY available via Queen’s Hall online box office at:
https://queenshalltt.com/qh-events/tickets/
Patrons can buy online using their debit or credit card, or alternatively book the tickets online whereas the tickets must be paid for at the Box Office within 24 hours (or else the bookings are reset). Finally, you can visit the Box Office from 10am – 6pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12noon – 6pm on Sunday. This is a safe zone, so there will be limited seating. Patrons are also advised to walk with their vaccination cards and IDs on their selected days of attendance.
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