Calypso History Month in Trinidad & Tobago

Calypso, along with the steelpan, is probably Trinidad & Tobago's greatest cultural export. More than the catchy rhythms that took North America and Europe by storm (particularly in the 30s, 40s and 50s), the artform is a chronicle of Trinbagonian life and culture. It is also the progenitor of numerous other local musical artforms – soca, rapso, and fusions with rock, chutney, gospel music, and almost every musical style imaginable.

In recognition of calypso's incomparable contribution to Trinidad & Tobago's life, culture and identity, Calypso History Month was launched on Friday 1 October. The Trinidad & Tobago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), under President Lutalo 'Brother Resistance' Masimba, embarked upon a programme of activities under this year's theme: "By calypso our stories are told".

Events include workshops for school children, performances, seminars, an art exhibition, special programmes on television and radio, and the launch of Kaiso Magazine. Here's the schedule:

• Friday 1, 8pm: Tuco North Zone Calypso Monarch Final—City Hall, Knox Street, Port of Spain
• Tuesday 5, 9pm: Tribute to Dennis 'Merchant' Franklyn Williams on WACK 90.1FM radio
• Wednesday 6, 8:30pm): Tuco East Zone Calypso Concert—De Nu Pub (formerly Mas Camp Pub), Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook
• Saturday 9, 7pm: Calypso Boat Ride—Treasure Queen, Pier 2, Chaguaramas
• Wednesday 13, 8:30pm: Tuco North Zone Calypso Concert (Lil Man, Big Man)—De Nu Pub (formerly De Mas Camp Pub), Woodbrook 
• Saturday 16, 8:30pm: Tuco South Central Zone Calypso Monarch Final—Palms Club, Pointe-à-Pierre Road, San Fernando
• Tuesday 19, 7pm: UWI Centre for Creative & Festival Arts hosts Kaiso Dialogues—UWI Staff Club, Agostini Street, St. Augustine
• Wednesday 20, 9am: Tuco North Zone hosts Children Calypso Workshop—National Library (NALIS) AV Room, Abercromby Street, Port of Spain
• Friday 22, 6pm: Central Bank Calypso Concert—Central Bank Atrium, Port of Spain
• Wednesday 27, 8:30pm: Leroy “Conqueror” Paul Birthnight Celebration—De Nu Pub (formerly De Mas Camp Pub), Woodbrook 
• Thursday 28, 8pm: Soca...The Soul of Calypso (Gala performance)—National Academy of the Performing Arts (NAPA), Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain 
• Friday 29, 8pm: Tuco North Zone's Extemporama—SWWTU Hall, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain 
• Monday 11 – Sunday 24: William 'Dr Will B' Bannister’s art exhibition (Portraits Through the Years)—National Library (NALIS), Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain

Photo (top left): Calypsonian Joanne 'Tigress' Rowley, captured by Mark Lyndersay and published in Discover Trinidad & Tobago.