One for 'Kitch'

One for 'Kitch'
By Donna Pierre, Trinidad Guardian, April 22, 2004

The Grandmaster's 82nd birthday celebration was full of gaiety and merriment last Sunday at Cathy George's home in Diego Martin. Better known as the Diego Martin Pan Institute, the venue was packed with Aldwyn Roberts' fans who braved the inclement weather just to be there. The Georges seemed to have anticipated more than the expected 150 guests as a huge screen was put in place to allow for all to see what was taking place pool-side.

The lucky ones gathered under the Pommecythere Tree ensuring they had a vantage point. But, no matter where patrons sat or stood, everyone had a great time singing along with calypsonians who performed some of the Grandmaster's classics like "The Road," "Mas in Madison Square Garden," and "Bees Melody." No one even cared that the band, which comprised of some of Roy Cape All Stars horn men, held no rehearsals with the calypsonians before.

One patron remarked that it was truly a birthday celebration befitting such a great calypsonian. Kitchener, as he was known in the calypso world, died at age 77 on February 11, 2000. Getting the night started after about an hour delay was Relator. Accompanying himself on his guitar, Relator set the mood for what was to come. He was followed by Rootsman who sang "Trouble in Arima," and his own composition "On the Parkway."

Seeing that Kitchener was respected as the first to compose songs for pan it was apt that reigning Pan Kaiso Monarch De Fosto sing "Bees Melody." "Kitchener is, and forever more!" declared De Fosto at the end of his unusually brief performance. Sugar Aloes, who looked resplendent in white, started off with "What A Life." He said the event was a celebration for Kitchener, but added that he had to do one for himself. He said of his short span with Kitchener he loved the Grandmaster's smutty songs the most.

The lone female on the cast, Denyse Plummer, sang a song she composed for Kitchener titled "Legends." She said, "One important thing he had taught me and that was to respect the masters." Not to be outdone was Kitchener's son, Kernel Roberts, who drums for Caribbean Traffik Jam and writes for Destra. Singing the ever popular "Sugar Bum Bum," Roberts had no problem portraying his father's trademark moves. The audience couldn't let Roberts go without singing another song. He returned singing "Nobody Doh Wuk for Carnival." Even Roberts' two-year-old daughter, D'Andria Baird, was seen enjoying her dad's performance from stage side. The event also featured performances by Regeneration Now, Bally and controversial calypsonian Cro Cro. It was a first time event and everyone agreed it was good, in spite of the short, but sweet performances done by the calypsonians.