Last Saturday evening Saldenah Mas-K Club held there highly anticipated band launch for their 2013 theme Heaven & Earth for Toronto Caribbean Carnival. The launch was held at the Kool Haus, a venue reputable as being used for many of Toronto’s most popular and highly attended events and concerts. Attendance at Saldenah’s launch was no exception, with loyal Saldenah patrons, media, and mas supports coming out to view the launch.
While waiting for the big reveal, the djs had the audience swaying to the sweet sounds of soca. That evening not only was the audience in store for a costume display, there were also several surprise give-a- ways from the band’s sponsors. Western Union, one of the band’s sponsors, supplied several of the give-a-ways. Excitedly the audience outreached their hands to try to be the lucky person to catch one of the memorabilia that were being thrown into the crowd. Two huge prizes from Caribbean Airlines and Saldenah were further highlights of the evening. Upon entry into the venue, each person was directed to submit their ticket stub and receive a raffle ticket in exchange. To our surprise these tickets were used for special draws! The first draw was a prize from Caribbean Airlines, which was air travel anywhere in the Caribbean. The second draw was to win a free costume from Saldenah!
With an added sense of excitement and anticipation in the air, the launch officially started just before 1am. The launch opener was a tribute presentation to Saldenah Mas K-club of a costume designed by DesigningDARYL called Sandstorm. Apart from the costume being absolutely stunning, there was an added sense of appreciation towards this costume being showcased, being that the designer is from Boston and was able to display his in light of the tragedy that had occurred the previous week.
The presentation proceeded with display of 16 beautiful sections. Eman, Dr. Jay and SKF, did a great job announcing the section names as the models strut their stuff down the runway. With various options to choose from, potential masqueraders interested in playing mas with Saldenah definitely have their hands full of choosing their section! Dr. Jay’s section Tidal Wave, for example, made a huge splash with spectators with its vibrant blue hues. While the Angel of Beauty section dazzled, with a gorgeous combination of purples and pinks and featured a frontline section with wings and a unique yet sexy arm and leg band. The showstopper of the evening was a design from Melinda Rickson with her section Princess of the Gates. When the ultra-frontline costume emerged from backstage, you could hear the ooo’s and ahhh’s from the crowd.
The final minutes of the launch was a display of true celebration. Balloons and confetti fell from the above as the models chipped their way down the runway for one last wine. It was the perfect opportunity to see the costumes in action, and from judging from the faces of the models, they seemed to be having an amazing time! Overall good job Saldenah on your 2013 launch.
Saldenah’s official website launches on Tuesday evening, and the grand opening of their mas camp is Saturday May 4th. For more information on Saldenah check out their website at http://www.saldenahcarnival.com/.
More photos from the launch:
