Sunday, July 30 2006

Trinidad and Tobago will set the stage of the Fame Hollywood Palladium ablaze at the opening ceremony of World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

During the Parade of Nations the Carivog International World Star team will display Carnival costumes along with the rhythmic fusion of African, tassa and steel drums. The team of 150 persons, comprising artistes and supporters will attend World Championships of Performing Arts in California from August 4-13.

The World Championship of Performing (WCOPA) is the only annual international meet held in Hollywood in which selected countries are represented by their respective legitimate aspiring performers and entertainers. With more than 40 countries participating in this tenth annual event, competitions include: dance, vocal, modelling, acting, instrumentalist and variety acts.

Winners are awarded gold, silver and bronze medals. It is produced in Los Angeles as “Hollywood” is the entertainment capital of the world, with agents, managers, record label representatives, producers and casting directors from the entertainment industry invited to judge.

According to a release, this event is supported by well wishers former vice president Al Gore, California Governor Arnold Schwazenegger, Debbie Allen and many others.

In 2004 Gerard Placid won multiple gold medals in the category of Gospel.

In 2005 the Petrotrin Boodoosingh Tassa Group won multiple gold medals in the instrumental category. The team members are as follows:

TRINIDAD: Krystle Aboud, Nalini Akal, Patti-Anne Ali, Godfrey Benjamin, Shri Devi Kali Bissoondial, Joan Thomas Cabrera, Chriselle Charles, Teniel Cooper, Winsie-Ann Cuffie, Anderson Josiah, Kelly La Juenesse, Sean Daniel, Layne De Chi, Melissa Diaz, Camille Olliverrie, Hyacinth Gomez, Viraj Oudit, Codrington Family (eight), Marcia Charles Dance Theatre (15), San Juan Youngsters Tassa Group (four), Juenes Agapes (25), Jada John, Lana Lisa Thompson, Rachael Marshall, Ornella Mohammed, Kandace Phillip, Wendy Thomas, Taromi Joseph.

TOBAGO: Drummers of Tomor-row (15), Delyse Nancis, Kay Alleyne, Adana Roberts, Projeck 5 (five), Zola Pilgrim, Ian Baynes, Glenda Layne Rose, Rachelle Lee Chan, Tonia Ramsey, Natasha Pollard, Raychard Kerr, and Wendy Nichols.