Vintage Tent pitching Saturday

A blast from the past with Road March kings

Last year’s Vintage Tent was a smash. This time, the National Cultural Foundation is returning with the big guns who rocked the road, with all the road march favourites set to perform at the Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and Vintage Tent on Saturday.

Co-producers NCF Chief Executive Officer Carol Roberts and Festival Events Planner Karen Pestaina have coordinated a roster of who’s who from road march and Tune of the Crop winners between 1979 and 2003. 

The Vintage Tent has become a must-see among the packed schedule of events that kick off at 2 p.m. at Hayman’s Factory in St Peter, off the Ronald Mapp Highway, signifying the official start of the Crop Over Festival 2023.

This tribute to the Tune of the Crop winners, will prominently feature hits from Mighty Grynner, the only man to celebrate two hat tricks along the way to becoming Barbados’ “king of the highway”.

A cadre of leading calypsonians will deliver some of Grynner’s greatest hits, though the celebrated calypsonian will take to the stage for one epic performance.

Expect to jump to favourites like Jack, Stinging Bees, More Grynner, Mr T, Spring Garden On Fire, Cyan Find Me Brudda, Juck Fuh Juck, Volcano, Jump, Sac Passe, Mash Up & Buy Back, Mad Woman Jam, Inez, Jack, Ting Tong, Obadele, Ethiopia Rock, and Burn Mr. Harding.  

On the stage will be kings of the road Cultural AmbassadorsThe Most HonourableAnthony Mighty Gabby Carter andThe Most Honourable Stedson RPB Wiltshire. They will be joined by Edwin Yearwood, Lil Rick, Mr Blood, Serenada andEric Lewis. Presenting some of the winning tunes will also be iWeb, Biggie Irie, Barry Chandler, Ishiaka McNeil and Tariq Ellis

Edwin “The General” is excited to be included in the Vintage Tent, at which the matchless Mac Fingall will be MC.

When contacted Edwin stated: “July 1 is going to be lit. It is going to be a fantastic event, linking history to the present. It is amazing to be a part of that and I can’t wait to get on stage at Hayman’s . . .  I can’t remember when I was around or available to be a part of the official opening of Crop Over.

“I want to sit and witness the delivery of the last canes. I’ve never been able to take that in and just enjoy it . . . It has got to be awesome.”   

Meanwhile, Natalie Abrahams, chief executive officer of Digicel Barbados Ltd said: “Digicel endeavours to promote the values that define Crop Over – love, inclusivity, creativity, connection and community spirit. This festival offers a platform for local artisans, musicians, and performers to share their exceptional talents, contributing to the cultural vibrancy and economic growth of Barbados.” (PR)