THE PIC-O-DE-CROP Semis and Finals will be two weeks apart in 2012 in order to provide time for rehearsals and greater radio airplay, says Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley.
At yesterday’s Crop Over breakfast launch at Hilton Barbados, he told potential sponsors and other stakeholders that the 2012 Semis slated for July 20 and the Finals on August 3 would have a two-week window.
“We are taking action in requests for changes from the tents to allow calypsonians, bandleaders and band members more time to rehearse for the Finals and also to give the public time to become more familiar with the finalists’ songs.
“The National Cultural Foundation has arranged for the process of judging to end one week earlier, leaving a two-week period between the Semis and Finals,” he explained.
Also in response to stakeholders’ wishes, the Junior Monarch Finals will no longer take place on the same day as Junior Kadooment.
The former is set for July 21 and the latter for July 28. This, Lashley said, would “allow the children to attend both events and provide another opportunity for our valued vendors to do even more business”.
Calypso tents would also be showcased at the Cavalcades in an effort to promote and preserve the social commentary art form, he said. (RJ)
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