Blondie Bird and Friends fly away with 2023 Band of the Year title (+ video)

Birds of a Feather did it for the Blondie Bird and Friends Mas Band which flew away with the Band of the Year, and Junior Band of the Year titles at the end of Vincy Mas 2023.

The Mas Band emerged with a total of 327 points to narrowly push Nelson Bloc with their portrayal “Papilon” into second place, and SVG Players International whose presentation was titled “Players Love” into position number three. Blondie Bird and Friends also emerged in first place in the ‘Up town’ competition and emerged on top for the Best use of Colour. In fact, the Mas outfit dominated in several other categories of mas in this year’s Carnival, which saw a full return to competition following disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the eruptions of La Soufriere Volcano. However, the title of King of the Bands was taken by Verlene Ralph and the Professionals, with Ativan Lockhart portraying “We salute You”; and SVG Players International winning the Queen of the Bands title with a portrayal “Love Is” worn by Jenilee Glasgow.

In the Sections from the Bands, it was Melbourne Artisans with their 2023 portrayal ‘Climate Change- The Vision’ that came in first. The winning section was “Ocean Predators”. Blondie Bird and Friends however copped the Junior King and Junior Queen titles, emerged first and second in the Individuals 10-15 segment, and took the top spot in the Individuals 5-9 age group.

Band leader, Blondie ‘Bird’ Boyd, told SEARCHLIGHT that he was pleased that the younger members of the band have done well.

“ … I just glad for the young fellas and them who actually taking over my band now- Garth (Niles) and the A-team and them fellas- Simone, Shato, Short Man all them people dey, them is who does do the bulk ah the work now.”

The veteran Mas man who along with his son, mainly takes care of the Junior Mas costumes said the only problem encountered this year was lack of a place to build big costumes. “In all my years, is the first time I never went to (Victoria) Park on a Sunday night, that was the only difference really,” Boyd concluded.