Sound system and musical equipment is from Audiocon Ltd, local dealers for Yamaha. Contact person is Elspeth Duncan at Happy, Hippy Productions, phone (868) 645-5832.

Overview of the T&T music industry In Trinidad & Tobago ground-breaking original work is by a significant core of talented musicians and spoken-word artists who until now get exposure primarily to small underground local audiences. In this twin island republic "local music" is largely soca, calypso, chutney and dub. A need is seen for a louder voice and more prominent space for nontraditional musicians.

Music by these cultural ambassadors is innovative and stimulating not only in local circles, but also in international ones:

Denny Ablack is a freestyle guitarist and self-described experimental multi-instrumentalist with a love for all styles. He has played experimental rock guitar with Trinidad alternative bands Transylvania Zoo, Chameleon and Dark Embrace and played funky bass with Trini bands Gorilla Joe and Nature Dharma and played progressive drums for Trini bands Dreamline, Flying Crapaud and Fried Blue Soul. "I think everyone should come together to use the arts of music and medicine to heal this disease. It is refreshing and frightening that human creativity is the only thing that can fight it."

Farida Chapman This ex-teacher, wife, mother of three and grandmother of four receives a standing ovation every time she performs one of her humorous and thought-provoking spoken-word pieces. Since 2002 when she made her debut with The 10 Sisters, she has been performing throughout Trinidad & Tobago, both as solo artist and in groups. Her pieces weave humour and satire about social issues such as AIDS, crime, politics, old age and youth. Behind the laughter she provokes lies a message. "I am happy to be involved in this project. We are our brother's keeper. When something affects one, it affects all, so we have to band together as one global family to fight this HIV/AIDS infection."

Elspeth Duncan is an independent multimedia artist, art photographer and musician. Rather than classify her music according to existing genres, she makes up her own definitions. Her electronic instrumental music is "Music for the Movie of your Mind" and her acoustic guitar/vocal sets are "acoustic folk mantras." She has three CDs: Moving Pictures (2000), Manzanilla (2001) and Infinite (2002). "The mass of positive vibrations going out before, during and after this event will be powerful. I'm sure the ripple of our intentions as musicians will go beyond the physical to places that money and medicine may not be able to access on their own. I'm glad we are a part of it."

Mawasi Experience This group (founded by Peter Telfer) is built on spiritual foundations, largely driven by powerful African-style drumming with uplifting vocals. Essentially, they are described as drums of praise, worship and celebration. Listening to them is a hair-raising, goose-bumping experience. Their missive: You are not alone, and not you alone. Their fourth and latest CD release is Joyzanna - Fun in the Son (2003).

Broken Mirroz (Trinidad) is a four-man Trini-progressive band (guitar, bass, drums and keyboards). Their creations merge a range of styles—reggae, soca, classical, jazz, blues, pop, swing, chutney and more. Their pieces incorporate both spoken-word and sung vocals. Their debut CD, The 8th Year, was released late in 2003; selected tracks are being aired. "HIV/AIDS robs you of your full potential. Be yourself, know yourself, be aware. We are proud and privileged to be a part of this worldwide event."

Guerilla Theatre consists of spoken-word master, Ayow accompanied by Mzee, king of the wind instrument (pprimarily flute and sax). Their original pieces display a strong Caribbean feel but still manage to deviate from the "norm." They take what is seen and heard around them and transform it into a visually-spoken musical aural delight.

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