Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. May 27, 2013 — With plans to become a regional events promoter, Trinidadian diva Denise Belfon is testing the waters with the aim of providing struggling local artistes with an opportunity to make a living at home throughout the year.
Belfon — best known by the sobriquet, Saucy Wow, has been slowly entering the event promotion industry and now plans to entice local artistes from all genres of music to perform each Saturday at The Edge, a nightclub on the Southern end of the island.
The new endeavor is a far cry from the annual boat rides Belfon has been sponsoring, which started off in Port-of-Spain and has now become a hit in the Southland, generating much attention over the years. On June 1, Belfon opened the Edge Nightclub, introducing “Steaming Southland Saturdays” simultaneouisly with the launch of the Saturday night party fixture featuring Trinidad and Tobago’s Blaxx of the Roy Cape Band, Ravi B of Karma, Farmer Nappy, Iwer George and of course, Belfon herself.
“I’ve always wanted to promote our culture and our artistes throughout the year. There’s never been a forum for our artistes to stay at home and make money throughout the year and something like this would change that. It would offer those artistes who don’t really travel after the carnival, a place to perform and earn money,” she emphasized.
Steaming Southland Saturdays introduces party lovers to a heightened level of customer service, no matter what part of Trinidad they’re coming from. “We’re guaranteeing a (high) level of security (as we shuttle patrons) from strategic meeting points at every end of the country,” said Belfon. She noted, however noted that patrons requiring the shuttle service for large groups, should contact the Steaming Southland Saturdays hotline at 325-5252, 307-1841 or 317-9810. “We’re also giving tertiary education students discounts to enter the club with their school ID’s,” explained the entertainer, highlighting her desire to bring back that true clubbing vibe to the Southland.
Several artistes already are “sold on the idea,” Belfon said, adding that feedback for the event’s concept has been positive. “Everyone is excited about it. It’s a situation where I’m actually the first Soca artiste to present something like this for my fraternity,” she said.
The ambiance at the nightspot includes an area on the outside where patrons can enjoy hanging out on a special decking area while on the inside of the club, and there’s a designated area called The Wall of Fame, where patrons and special celebrity guests will have their photos displayed. When it comes to the musical selection that can be expected on Saturdays at the Edge, Belfon said the variety will be engaging to all, with special nights dedicated to the old-school lovers, and other nights for the lovers of the new school vibe. “On some nights we’ll have DJ’s like Howie Tee, Teddy Mohammed, Dr. Hyde and on other Saturdays there’ll be DJs like Bass Kickers, Custodian Sounds and Hollywood Sachy, (plus) a whole lot more,” she explained.
Belfon and her team of organisers are hard at work. Her endeavor will likely see her expand in the months and years to come, as she aspires. “My aim is to throw big events in Trinidad and up the Caribbean. I’ve always liked that — always wanted to own a club to showcase our culture. This is my first step in that direction,” she added.
