Last Friday night Vivaa and I had an experience of a lifetime at Dem Boyz and Dem Lorraine. Have you ever gone to a fete where the DJ tells you “take yuh standard and beat it” and all you hear is boom boom boom boom, or the Dj say “put yuh standard in the air” and you see all these well decorated sticks in the air? Now I’ve been to fete in the past where I was shocked to see Moco Jumbies in the club, but never went to one with standards. I have to admit when I walked into Lorraine and I see all these ladies jigging with this rod I was a bit baffled, then I thought to myself it must be a prize for getting to the party early (yes I work under Caribbean People Time), then a friend tells me it’s a standard, so to my delight, and surprise I found one on the floor and used it to the best of my ability. For those who do not know what a standard is, it is the stick we ladies like to use Carnival day to wine with and act crazy, that stick decorated so nicely matching our costume, that Carnival magic stick. Well last Friday I went to Lorraine, and at 1:30am the place was already ram pack. To my right was the food to my left was the bar and in front people wining nonstop to 100% unadulterated Soca. It was nice to see Soca lovers in harmony under one roof feting. The DJ’s were on point that night, I can honestly say I hardly heard tunes repeated that night every DJ’s repertoire was fresh and direct. I remember watching a girl accidently slam her standard on her toe, she fell in pain, but as soon as Kerwin’s “Backazz” came on she jumped up like a jumbie full of energy and backing it it up, I laughed so hard, foot in the air in pain but she backing it up. I can honestly say I had my monies worth at this innovative fete, I’m looking forward to other events Dem Boyz and Dem will have. To all going Trinidad for Carnival I know you will have the time of your life, enjoy and be safe.