WIR Ch #9 'Barbados' 'Foreday Morning Jam'

Foreday Morning Jam signals the start of the street parades for the Crop Over Festival. It is a precursor to the Grand Kadooment and takes place immediately after the announcement of the winner of the main Calypso competition, the Pic-O-De-Crop, in the wee hours of the Saturday morning.

From humble beginnings in 1995 as a spectacle in which small groups of revellers presented their version of "Ole Mas", the event has proven to be one of the fastest growing over the past 13 years with participants estimated at approximately 15 000 - 30 000!! Of these participants, approximately 1 500 are linked with bands specifically created for the event including the first to take the the streets, Two Trinis and a Bajan. Holding true to their roots in Trinidad, Two Trinis and a Bajan offer a varied menu of their own blend of mud, cocoa and baby oil or paint. Throw in a musical mix of a rythm section, sweet "back-in-time kaiso" and current selections and there’s a recipe for pure "clean" fun.

Two other stalwart bands are the Ernst and Young Staff Association (EYSA) and Jambalasse, who have both been on the road since the late 1990's. EYSA comprises staff and friends of Ernst and Young, representing solid corporate recognition of the event. Jambalasse is the largest of the bands on the road, numbering in excess of 400 members from all walks of life. A fourth consistent participant is Colorz Entertainment, who have been participating for the past five years, and who represent the youthful side of band leadership in the event. Other, smaller community bands have participated during the years, and their involvement is strongly encouraged. 2009 sees the debut of "Silver Chippers", new to the scene and providing yet another option for those 'looking fuh ah band'.

The single largest corporate sponsor of the event over the past 10 years is Roberts Manufacturing, who have supplied the Roberts Big Truck for both Foreday Morning Jam and Kadooment as a service to the revellers who are not affiliated with any of the bands in either event. This allows persons to view the bands in their entirety and then experience the thrills and joys of parading down the road to the latest tunes. The bands will start at the Pelican Village at 1.30 am and enjoy the slow four-and-a-half hour jump to Spring Garden where the event will finish at 6.00 am.

A key factor in the planning of the event is the safety and security of the revellers and the spectators, and as such the route is well lit, the music trucks are fitted with lights and private security is deployed with each group. In addition, the Royal Barbados Police Force assisted by the Barbados Defence Force are present in their numbers from the start to the finish so as to ensure that the event is enjoyed by all. The National Cultural Foundation also deploys marshals with each band to ensure that a pace is kept that would allow everyone to get their money's worth.

If you are interested in participating in a band this year you may contact the following persons:

Two Trinis and a Bajan - Fran Wickham - fwjacobs@hotmail.com

Jambalasse - Lloyda Springer - jambalasse@caribsurf.com

Colorz Entertainment - Bryan Worrel - BWorrell@butterfieldbank.bb

Silver Chippers - Hayden "Idenn" Coppin - Idenn@yahoo.com

Ernst and Young Staff Association is a private band for the company's staff and friends.