Valentine’s Day is a special one but when it falls in the middle of the Carnival season, it becomes an occasion for a magical experience. When it falls on the Tuesday before Carnival, as it does this year, well then it becomes an opportunity to have the time of your life at Eyes Wide Shut Carnivale. One of the staple events on Carnival week, Eyes Wide Shut has become a signature brand designed to put you in a good mood. In fact, The Commission, the promoters of the fete, guarantees that once you leave your house in a good mood, you will return feeling even better.
That’s no idle boast. The group has 11 years’ experience under their belts to know what they’re talking about. Initially, Eyes Wide Shut began as a Halloween masquerade ball inspired by masks that Stephen Hadeed saw in Venice while on a cruise. Around that time, the movie Eyes Wide Shut starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman was featuring on the big screens. The mysterious allure of the movie and the use of the masks sparked an idea between Hadeed and his business partner Matthew Dasent to throw an event of the same name. From the outset they determined that this should be a party with a difference.
“Everything should feel good, look good, taste good, sound good,” explained Hadeed, who emphasised that the main focus was on the music, which when done well, could create a relaxing, fun vibe.
To ensure this, the committee selected the DJs carefully (Tweez and High Fidelity) as well as a play list that does not incorporate any negative music. The party was a hit from the outset and in 2004, one of Machel Montano’s biggest years, Eyes Wide Shut, now a strong brand, took on the Carnival challenge.
Montano has been a key component of Eyes Wide Shut Carnivale from inception and even in 2009 when he went on a hiatus, his band still performed.
The party has also featured Karma, Dil E Nadan and rhythm sections to appeal to the wide cross section of patrons that attend. This year, in addition to Mr Fete, the number one male soca artiste, Eyes Wide Shut will feature Destra Garcia, the number one female artiste, with the talented Alternative Quartet opening the curtain on the night’s proceedings to add that extra oomph to Valentine’s night. A big hit with the foreigners who fly in that week for Carnival, Eyes Wide Shut always tries to go where no one has gone before and will continue to seal its reputation as the ultimate Tuesday fete this Valentine’s with a décor and vibe to ensure singles and couples alike have a memorable time.
