Arts & Entertainment, News

CMR Groove: Showcasing the Best of Lucian and Regional Talent

By Reginald Andrew

[Photo credit: Red Carnival]
Machel Montano, the Soca superstar and the ultimate ‘fete-machine’ of the region, will be the main attraction at one of the biggest fetes of Lucian Carnival, Color Me Red (CMR).

Over the years, this event has consistently garnered top billing during Lucian Carnival, thanks to its carefully curated themes and memorable experiences that resonate long after the celebration ends.

Chelsie La Force, Red Team member (Photo credit: VP)
Chelsie La Force, Red Team member (Photo credit: VP)

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the management and crew of Color Me Red are planning an extraordinary event aimed at reviving the carnival spirit for revelers and enthusiasts alike, promising a blend of frenzied party-time merrymaking.

At a media launch held on Wednesday at M Motors, the excitement was palpable, with the intent to elevate the quality and vibrancy of the Lucian carnival experience clearly articulated.

Thaddeus Antoine, CMR Team Leader (Photo credit: VP)
Thaddeus Antoine, CMR Team Leader (Photo credit: VP)

Thaddeus Antoine, co-founder and director of Red Carnival, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing back Machel, who previously graced the event from 2011 to 2015. The re-themed CMR product, “The Encore”, will feature this ‘fiery’ artiste extraordinaire, scheduled to ignite the stage on Friday, July 17, marking the only live concert of the season.

The CMR groove is more than just a celebration; it reflects a remarkable journey of growth over the years. Last year, the event saw an attendance of 10,000 patrons, a milestone that underscores the strength of the CMR brand and the loyalty of its supporters.

Chelsie La Force, a member of the Red Team, stated that the continued success of the event “reflects the unwavering commitment of our team… a team that works with professionalism, passion, and dedication to elevate this event and the overall standards of the industry.”

From its inception, she added, “CMR was built with a purpose: to elevate the standard of carnival in Saint Lucia, provide a premium and unforgettable experience, and showcase the excellence of Saint Lucian and Caribbean talent.”

Widely celebrated and increasingly popular, the CMR Groove is revered as a flagship event of the Lucian Carnival revelry.

Section of guests at the CMR media launch (Photo credit:VP)
Section of guests at the CMR media launch (Photo credit:VP)

Tasha Brown, in presenting CMR’s brand vision, noted that “Color Me Red has become a cornerstone event, providing an intimate climax to Saint Lucian Carnival.” Energy, passion, and dominance characterize the CMR experience, she emphasized, while acknowledging the support from dedicated sponsors.

Genevieve Downes, representative of platinum sponsor Bank of Saint Lucia (BOSL), described the CMR groove as a major stage show that draws over 10,000 patrons eager to experience the best of Saint Lucian and regional Soca. She reaffirmed BOSL’s commitment to supporting the CMR brand, highlighting the vibrancy it represents: “Energy, creativity, and culture; it is bold, high-impact, and unapologetically Caribbean.”

BOSL’s community development and corporate sponsorship initiatives align seamlessly with the CMR mantra, as this event consistently delivers high-energy, world-class production that showcases local talent while attracting regional attention, reinforcing Saint Lucia’s place on the Caribbean’s cultural stage.

Several other sponsor representatives, including those from Heineken, M Motors, and other leading agencies, were also present to support this exciting initiative.

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