Organizers of the 13th Annual King of Kings Calypso Extravaganza are apologizing for some mishaps that occurred at the event which was held on Saturday at Rochdale Center in New York. These included the lack of alcoholic beverages for sale due to licensing issues, an advertised raffle that didn’t take place and a late start due to technical problems.
Dominica News Online (DNO) understands that the organizers were given permission by the Director of the center a month in advance to use the facility and were given the assurance that a liquor license was not required for serving alcohol.
However, that did not hold water with the police on the evening of the show and they insisted that the organizers required a liquor license.
According to the police a few incidents have occurred during activities at the Rochdale Center due to the consumption of alcohol by some individuals.
Given what had happened last year at the King of Kings Calypso Extravaganza where patrons were short changed after US law enforcement officials abruptly halted the event, it was expected that this year’s event would have been better organized. But despite their best efforts, this year’s show was plagued with a number of issues which left patrons very upset and disappointed.
“I did the contract with the venue back in April…when I did the contract with them I went through the entire contract to see what I needed to get and what I don’t need to get,” Show Promoter Anna-Maria Clarke said while speaking on Q95 Hot Seat Program on Monday. “The only thing stipulated to get was an insurance policy which I got and I inquired from the Director of Rochdale Miss Shaw – She is the one I was dealing with. I inquired from her many times since back in April and throughout [a period of] three months if I needed a liquor license, and she told me no, I do not need to get a liquor license to serve liquor at Rochdale, because Rochdale is a private property.”
“I said Miss Shaw are you sure of that? and she told me yes,” Clarke stated.
Clarke said that closer to the time of the show she inquired again, this time contacting the secretary and was again told that she does not need a liquor license.
“I inquired from other promoters because there are other promoters from Dominica who have done events from Rochdale,” she stated. I asked them when you guys do events at Rochdale do they require a liquor license?”
She explained further that it was shocking to learn from Marlon Giraudel who organized the bar that on Saturday afternoon [August 20] the police were at the center seeking looking for her.
“They said I need a liquor license to sell liquor,” she noted. “I am the promoter of the event and I was taken aback, I couldn’t understand what was going on.”
Clarke went on to say that when she arrived at the event a little after 10 pm then went with the police.
“So now the police ask for a liquor license because somebody has to be responsible for if something goes on,” Clarke explained. “That is what went down; I guess it was a miscommunication…”
Also, a raffle which had been advertised, did not take place. Clarke promised that the raffle will be held at a later date.
“We did promise that we are going to raffle a free airline ticket to Dominica for the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) and also a ticket to attend the festival,” she noted.
Clarke explained that she didn’t get a chance prior to the of the show to inform the people at the door that they were supposed to tear the ticket and give the patrons half the ticket.
“My head was hot…,” Clarke remarked.
She said that they plan to do the raffle on Labour Day.
Clarke revealed also that three (3) lucky people will win a free barrel shipping to Dominica.
Reports also indicate that the event started over an hour late due to technical problems.
A number of local calypsonians participated in the event including; King Dice, Scrunter, Daddy Chess, Observer, Tasha P, Young Bull, Sye, Lugaz among others.
If Annmarie wants to continue in the business she should have her own show and call it Kings of AC then only then the diasporans can be clear which show to go to. Once they see King of Kings next year they will know she is there no more.
Kings of AC will be a flop no alcohol drinks ,not enough space no ticket stubs for the raffle etc.
Ann Marie retourne a\” chez vous la Dominique. Imagine if she had a family to organize!! Lord have mercy on them. She will forget to buy milk & pampers lol! real f-ing loud
watch it the Famous international organizer from CAPUCHIN will put Dominica Back on the Map and you all Guys will have a great time next year He used to TURN UP ANTIGUA now i heard he is planning something in NYC
Watch out Annmarie Mr Paul Is an organizer and he don’t need Sponsorship
After traveling for hours , purchased my ticket at the door and was not able to enter the facility, and was not refunded, I was reluctant to enter any show organized by this lady. Furthermore, she said the people that got tickets and did not get in to call her, she did not respond to call. This year on the radio I heard her saying to call her if you have your tickets from last year; called her, and she said she said people had to call in July – listened the program, and took down the number myself, and I never heard that last year’s ticket holders had to call in July, and she did not declare what discount she would give (at least I didn’t hear that). That sealed the deal boycott deal for me of this year’s calypso show. I will not accept less than acceptable customer service for my money because is Dominican thing, sorry.
As I read on DNO then, did not a similar situation occur last year?
Are these people, the organizers serious? I would lose confidence in them and not patronize them. You know the saying/proverb, once bitten twice shy.
Aye Aye, DNO what was wrong with my comment?
I want my name in the raffle basket!
AnnMarie has no respect for Dominicans. They continue to support her and she continues to disappoint. Until she shows up to an empty hall she will never get her act together. Once bitten, twice shy! She will continue to hum and strum all over the place as long as Dominicans continue to support!
I just wrote the proverb, “Once bitten twice shy” and I had not yet read your comment. Surprise! Great minds think alike.
As an organizer you should know better. You asking the owner of the venue if SHE SURE you don’t need a license? Once you can ask her that is because you yourself not sure of her answer. so your mind not telling you to pick up a phone and call the license department to find out for yourself!!!?? Poor on your behalf.
subject to correction, didnt police stop this same kinda of event last year, becasue of some excuse over size of venue?
Dominicans Thrive on Chaos!
Not too many years ago I attended a Swinging Stars dance in the rubble of the Bronx…had never experienced such disorganization; just getting inside took a whole lot of fortitude! They had No Liquor License – orange juice, water and coke was the order of the night! So, Ann Marie learned nothing from the Hard School of Experience!?
The last couple of events I attended when they had a liquor license, it took an inordinate length of time to get drink after lots of jostling, shouting, etc. The people manning the bar had absolutely no experience serving drinks
I decide at the very last minute not to make the 3.5 hr. trek to NY. Thank God, I missed dat Kool Roche!!
@Reasoning
Now that you’ve released your venom, please crawl back beneath your rock and stay there.
Reasoning what is your reasoning? Where do the government and the Prime Minister come into this fiasco? Was this a government event? Was the event even in Dominica. Maybe you should be talking about the Mayor of New York and other US officials.
Were the organizers or Calypsoians suppose to bring the liquor license from Dominica and someone did not process their application in Dominica? Or whatever else didn’t run smoothly. Some people just cannot help themselves.
Yea right America the free….But whether you rich or poor everything you need licenses for because the government have to get their piece of the pie. ..but you all complain about everything in Dominica ….some of u don’t even realize how good you have it in Dominica.
America sucks —–tickle us please
merci/ gracias for the joke.
That was the best show ever
Every one went home sober
It appeared that if a show do have liquor that it is no good
Good show ever do it again next no liquor
Well done to the organisers
No fighting no accidents everyone got home safe
GREAT
But they were dissatisfied and for other factors.
DNO is there any way you can get the other side of the story from Ms Shaw? It’s basic journalism and may put Dominicans at ease if true. Can you at least try to call or email them? This claim of not needed license in a HOUSING COMPLEX makes no sense at all. The show was held in a community center. Rochdale is a housing complex and looks like the projects. The place always has crimes! Police always patrolling when I attend Dominican events even last year Labor Day weekend before I enter the lot I saw police outside. In fact they are the ones that have me directions to enter the lot. So unless Ms Shaw verify that claim I am not buying it.
Based on Ann Marie’s word, she said “no license needed to SERVE alcohol”, she didn’t say it was not needed to SELL alcohol. Two different things, as far I know.
Let this be a lesson for all Dominicans organizing functions in Dominica or elsewhere. You always need a liquor license when selling liquor especially in a public place. Most halls have their own license but the people using the halls must also apply for their own .
The only reasonable explanation I can think of is, maybe the authorizes had suspended the organization from having a liquor license and are not allowed to have liquor at their functions and left this out so patrons would not think twice of attending.
Maybe there was an occurrence at a previous function that caused a suspension, something those who attend functions and misbehave must think about. There is so much talk of what the proprietor said of not needing a license; makes me believe they were looking for a place where they may not need a license because a seasoned organizer would know you need one. This was not a private event where liquor would be served and not be sold. Something is missing.
As long as you are going to sell liquor at an event you need a license. You lived in America too long and organized to many events to not know that. If you were not sure that’s what the free hotline 311 is for. Besides I am very familiar with Rochdale Village for 20 years and it is not the best of neighborhoods and always has crimes so I’m trying to understand if you have an event of that magnitude why wouldn’t you ensure you have a license. The ticket issue should not have happened due to the fact that it was advertised from day one. Reading it Labor Day weekend is not an option because I won’t be in attendance. Technical issues always happen so I will let that slide. Now I am waiting for a response on why Asa Bantin sis not perform.
Ann Marie taking the hit BUT this is an issue with all Dominican events. Exodus did not have those issues in the 90s at All Nations. All bands one location, everyone happy. At other Caribbean events even BBQ everything nice. What’s out problem?
thats pure bull crap. This is a community center and they do not hold a liquor license, when negotiations were made the issue of the liquor license should be discussed and confirmed before using the venue. the organizers are playing with Dominican every year and we still support but one of these days they will hear a voice say come and tell me where are they gonna run to. best they had asked Hunter for a lick-her-license . is time they stop tis nonsense and give us …. then they apologising. they did not give people any form of written notice to be qualified for the raffle. they took your whole ticket, did not give you a ticket stub, nor allow you to write your name and number for the draw, how the hell would you be qualified to take part in the raffle draw? one day one day kank-ka-day!!!!!
STOP trying to cut corners. Enough with those excuses. Last year you sold more tickets than the venue can hold and knew people would be left outside. How many years are you guys living in NY and you don’t know you need a liquor license? Give me a break. Follow the damn LAW. People like me make an honest attempt to support my Country. Enough already. If you cannot follow the law don’t plan events. Tired of this crap.
I think Dominicans themselves is trying to mess up ann marie
How?
I am so tired of these excuses. After all these years, you cannot get it right? Ms. Clarke you cannot give ‘my head was hot’ as an excuse! If you want to take on such a project, you must be cool under pressure. When is not venue is license. You live in the US. Don’t you know you need license for everything? Then you said you arrived just after ten? What?? You are the promoter/organizer. You need to be there on time to ensure that the show is on time. Now you did not give people their half of the ticket, how are you going to raffle the prize fairly? Venue: Ok. Raffle: NO. Alcohol: NO, License: NO. Show start on time: NO. What did you get right besides the peoples money? ……………………I will wait for when you get it right to come all this way again. ….!!
For the past 16 years in NYC this is the first event i been to organized by the people of Dominica I had a crew of 9 persons the event was great location excellent ,organizers Broke, hunter we love you the police was beautiful security was great because they try their best to protect this condo complex Ballroom (Rum license in new york en’t cheap} .talk the truth THE FASHION RASTAMAN who was part of the Organizing committee with shorts on was a driving force for peace in the parking lot the Dominican men totally ignored the police presence and openly drank large consumption of alcohol behind their cars IN the complex lot , but this Dude patrol the entire parking lot begging these low life horrible dress Men to please respect the police and they repeatedly did it over and over lord i was pissed as a Dominican theses are the things that i just can’t deal with Caribbean Ignorance Rasta hope u get…
well said i was there undercover but lots of ignorance but all in all sweet people
Mamsel too smart o!
Weh! Stupes. They tired take us for majii. What happen why no Asa? No raffle! No drinks!
Only thing that was good was the space & the ample parking and all the calypsonians (minus king dice with all his talk)plus swinging stars did a great job. I never saw them man drink one water! Ahhh
Can you imagine the nerve of that ………..? Kudos to STARS under “gworge chech” you did not let us down.
lmao… boy dominicans is d best.. lol
i was thinking the same. the band performed for hours not once I say some offered them a bottle of water. especially the guys blowing the horns. what poor treatment.
Pertaining to raffle tickets, the ticket collector at the door should have tore off the ticket and given the patrons the other part, informing them to retain that portion for the raffle.
Some years ago we attended a community West Indian dance. When we either presented the ticket or bought it at the door, we were told to write our name and telephone number and were given the other portion of the ticket.
While at the dance which was well attended, the raffle was held. I was not aware of it. One evening I received a telephone call that I won a bottle of 100% full proof Jamaican rum. Well, how surprising.
An organizer came to my residence and delivered it. How nice and honest of him.
You K of Kings organizers, get all your plans straight. I am aware that those who plan such events and with that many people must apply for a liquor license. You disappointed, annoyed and turned off your patrons who may no longer support you.
not for charity but for profit!
This is disorganization at its best. Can they not do better? Something is wrong. The police is on their trail to ensure that everything is in order to stage their show and to sell liquor.
Those who organized it should not depend on the owner of the building but should inquire directly from the licensing authorities. Even though it is a private property, consider the amount of people who will be attending and liquor will be sold. I would think they would have to obtain a liquor license to sell liquor.
Better organization next time.
if you asked the lady and she said no .. all you had to do was call the city officials who are responsible for issuing the license to find out conclusively. Your head cannot be “hot” the night of the event… is then your head need to be on.
A show’s success takes planning, planning and preparation. Anne-Marie I suggest you do a project management and event management course. Good luck next year.
I mnust SpeaK!
Apology my foot, every year is the same nonsence. Whereever there is a big function and liquor is involve you need a license, maybe they find the license was too expensive.
D.N.O. it smells like moderating has taken a new twist? We love D.N,O. you report and we express our opinion within the Rules. I Rest.
what about ASA Bantan?..he was advertised to perform at the show and was present at the venue so why didn’t he perform..why is there no mention about this by the promoter?
Here are my sincere and honest suggestions to prevent mishaps.
The organizers of this show need to make changes as it is one of the few events that features calypso after Carnival and calypso season in Dominica ends.
Have a functioning planning & events committee. Hold meetings well before the date of the event so as to have all t’s crossed and all i’s dotted. Designate duties and give clear instructions to all assigned. Have a thorough CHECK LIST of things to do: Venue & signed contract with venue manager, promotion of the event, tickets (admission, food, drinks, raffle), ticket sales, sound system & mixer, back up generator, licences (if required, check with the venue manager or the police precinct in the area), travel arrangements & transportation for artistes i.e airport pick-up & return as well as getting to and from the venue.
There should be no if, and, or maybe as this is the USA not Dominica where anything goes because you know someone in ‘authority.’
Continued,
Ask AnnMarie to resign no ifs buts nor maybes. She has to go.
Be a HHA to mom & Dad wonder if she can manage that?
Low blow but valid point hahahhahhaah
Police do not make Laws, they Enforce Laws on the books. in my opinion, it was the organizers responsibility to varifie the facts allegedly told to them, after all they were the ones paying to Rent the Hall, and there a guidelines they must follow, our way of life these Days and especially around festive times,is Panic times for Law enforcement agencies, therfore the organizers should have ditted all their ” I`s and cross all the “T`s, This is America, and accountability is the order of the Day. Having said that, can someone explain to me why a 16.9. 0unces of water, being sold at $3.00 per bottle? when a case of the said water, at some locations like costco, Bj`s ect, cost about $6.oo a case? also why was the A.C. not keeping all those who shell out their hard earn money pay to enter a venue as hot as it was? Body…
We love D.N.O. They must moderate till the Headlines fade away/? just asking?
I love DNO too!
Take that…I learn my lesson last year. I rathe give Machel 100US and know I will have a good time than support this crap.
Sorry my dear where have you heard that you can sell Liquor without a license . if you had concerns you should just get the license just a few $$$$. Instead you come on q95 and telling us this silly stories i belive it’s time you hand this wonderful event to someone else to manage . Any intelligent person if knowing there is a reaffel to be held they must tare the ticket in half .next time please hold brief meetings with your team and delegate the job don’t do it yourself
This was a great effort on the part of the organizer. As we move forward, we learn from our mistakes and aim to make the next event flawless. Apologizing to the patrons is a very admirable thing to do. On another note, I was very displeased with King Dice. After every song, he mad comments that did not fit well with a few people in the crowd. His job was to come sing to the people and leave all the negativity behind. In life, people are going to be displeased and they have every right to voice their opinion. If the host wanted to say something to the crowd, this would be more fitting than a calypsonian. King Dice need to learn more self constraint.
My people are smart…book smart but not street smart or have any kind of common sense. Why not get your license or partner with someone who has one. Better safe than sorry
That is the reason why I stopped going to New York for Labor Day.
I have been hearing about these problems for the better part of 30 years. Every year is the same nonsense.
How can you have a big event like that without a liquor licence, particularly when you are a promoter who has put on numerous shows.
My daughter got married a few years ago and she had to get a liquor licence to serve alcohol.
Eh beh look zeh zeh and incompetence. First order of business must be to demote the promoter and re-organize the organizers. I hope the third time will be the charm next year.
from my bad experience last year where i paid my hard earn money, and the show was stopped before the best performers went on stage, the late start and the far distance having to use public transportation,i decided to stay home and i have no regrets.
“a liquor license was not required for serving alcohol”… WHERE IN NY???? Even street Vendors have to get license to sell alcohol. Please woman stop the lies.
Same bull crap, different year. Dominicans try to support, but EVERY year this promoter… So SAD.
They want to do things vie ki vie like is Dominica they be then make up bull…. excuses. Smh.
Stupes!
So Dominicans must be soo for them to enjoy a calypso??? stupes!!
Last year’s debacle, after a free show was promised for those of us who bought tickets an the show was stop due to violation of the Occupancy laws? See a partern? Law and order must be maintained. If they cannot handle the show give it up. And allow those who can Organize the show. U have to spend money to make money. In the end they will say Dominican does not support ours, or we critizeing everything Dominican. That a way to muzzle the truth. When will we ever learn? Not again. Too, many alleged lies.
I should post under the name of this Wesley guy, who no matter what he writes makes it thru D.N.O. Morderation. From now on i mught consult him. when we small we small. Thanks for your services. We love D.N.o))))))))))))))))####)))))))000000000.
Yes, it is a PRIVATE PROPERTY, but you are holding a PUBLIC EVENT, where any person from the public can buy a ticket and enter. It is not a PRIVATE EVENT where certain persons are invited and can only enter on invitation. So you should have realized that and gotten yourself a liquor license. And if you were not sure, as a Promoter, the best person or persons you should have checked are the AUTHORITIES, and you would have been advised the right way. So, lesson learnt.
Let me tell you this, this show was crap. We came all the way from jesrey and was expecting something better than last year due to what happen , but boy was i disappointed! So long swingingstars playing for these calypsoians , and to present they can’t back them up.
Late start , bad back up, no liquor, hot and people pay $40 for sitting outside. We left while daddy chess was singing.
Not me again
Same old, same old. I want to see how many tickets will be sold next year! Put my name in the raffle basket please.
Every year is the same story. one time is venue issues, another is money…wonder what will happen next year. Already our Kings are not treated like kings by the organizers. Why leave Dominica to be paid 2/3 hundred US? again SHAME on the organizers……by now they should be qualified event organizers
As an event promoter, one must have a good team. You can’t be the one responsible for all aspects of the event; one must also be familiar with the rules and regulations of hosting such events and as such needs to be in constant contact with the city and law enforcement. “She told me no, I do not need to get a liquor license to serve liquor at Rochdale, because Rochdale is a private property.” While that may be true that you do not need a liquor license to serve liquor, the promoter should know that you need a liquor license to “SELL” Liquor. It is great to bring the Kings of Kings to New York, but the promoter/promoters must ensure that these mishaps do not become a regular occurrence as people will lose interest. Let us not run into the ole adage, “fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me”because the third time there will be less fools to shame. The Calypsonians and the patrons deserve better. #myhumbleopinion.
#OneLoveDominicans!
typical dominican mediocrity in my view….
why a private venue..is it a late night basement jam?
things must be done in a Professional manner, not sure why dominicans never learn
all the kings need to have a proper showbiz in house arena, esp if the Govt is backing it..
Dominica selling passport like a fish market, do the needed investment let dominica look good for once..proper venue PA,Lights and other aspects. get a proper events company
and for heavens sake do the right ting..
that’s why dominica is always lagging behind, doing a 5 cent project when it calls for 100 box, just a reference, it’s dominica again the are not known to be brilliant at anything…thus them being the poorest and slowest economy around….haha
companies selling their passport and giving them back 1k to 50 students..all slavery again in the modern form..let nature take it’s cost on a evil and wicked society!
Blah blah every year is something
Madam, once you asked all those times about the license, you had concerns. Better you had just gotten the license and had a clear conscience.
2nd, its not your first show, what you mean your head was hot. One week before, heck one day before you call a meeting with not only the big shots but with the little people (at the door people for instance) and you make sure everyone on the same page. We have a raffle, you need to give people the ticket stubs. You even demonstrating how to cut it. In front of everyone at that meeting. then let the door people practice in front of you.
3rd, you don’t have a proper checklist to make sure everything on point? Especially after last year? You should have even given people a discount to make people forget the incident OR at least throw in a free drink for patrons.
You lapse big time. You lucky I like calypso and want to support the art-form otherwise I would advise people to boycott the show next year
I could not have said this better myself. Kudos! I hope ‘she’ takes note!……
She will not be there next year if there is one hahahahhahahahhah I guarantee you dat.
Yet again! But the dummy-in-cans will still continue to support …………….. Just like she promised a free event for the patrons who were not able to get into last year’s event. Woosh! LOL. Is a good fing I doesn’t go to dem fings. I will support the shows and events which are well organized where promoters are willing to spend money to SATISFY the patrons – not Dominican events by the way. lol
Miss Clark AGAIN……SMH
Calypso??? Boy fellas need to start singing Bouyon and Cadence-Lypso, move forward, TnT doe even make that a big deal any more they moved on past Soca to new tings. Sue the facility. You live end learn from that. Some of these Conversations should be in writing or text….oh well
…………..IF you an organizer of these events etc you should know better if insurances etc is involved that you need a liquor license etc. These are poor excuses point blank. Give them people back there … money. Oh you didn’t tell the people at the door to rip the tickets at the door and give half back to the folks. so how are you all going to do a raffle if people dont have receipt of there tickets. ……………. SMH
@ Marie
Good point, she is the only one with the ticket how can have a raffle on Labor Day
I guess in the end she end up the winner.
I think the license nonsense was just to avoid spending money.
It’s not cheap
That\’s a scandal Ann marie this is like Hillary\’s e-mails. deleted like ticket stubs for the raffle.
My advise to Ann Marie build a wall between U and King of Kings for Next year.-Like LeTrump.
I recommend, any calypso writer pen a song about \” the missing liquor licence.\”
a line in the chorus could go something like this:
Thanks to AnnMarie Clarke, (This has Road March potential)
Ah drinking O.J all night!!
Whossss let me start working on that song. good concept puss