Paula Lindo – Our histories, stories, present, future.

As 3 Canal continues to celebrate 20 years in existence, the group will be performing at the Southern Academy of the Performing Arts on April 2 for one night only.

Founder Wendell Manwarren said he expects there will be a sold-out house as both people from the area and patrons who missed it at NAPA.
Manwarren said the show run was very short this year, as the show only ran for five nights during the Carnival week, so the cast is excited to perform again. “We think there’s still a buzz and some interest there so we want to invite people to come down and take in the spectacle of the 3 Canal show in San Fernando. This year’s show didn’t end with Carnival. It’s not a revue of our 20 years, it’s not “3 Canal’s Top 20 hits.” It’s a message of positivity and light and encouraging people to go for what they believe in. It’s about possibility, because that was our experience 20 years ago with Blue, which changed our world and our lives and we’re still able to make music and sing and do what we do, that’s a lot to be thankful for.”
Co-producer and co-choreographer Abeo Jackson said for years the group has been asked to take the show to South Trinidad and this is the second year they will be doing so. She said the group was uncertain about moving the show as they don’t have much experience carrying it outside of Port-of-Spain. “Every area has its dos and don’ts for doing a show and if you’re not accustomed to how doing a show in South works, you could bounce your head badly. They always wanted somebody who was from South who has done shows there to walk them through, which is where I come in and I’m happy to do it.”
Jackson said the one night run is to ensure that the cast can be paid and all costs can be covered, as shows are expensive. “Doing a show, especially with such a large cast, is a huge risk, especially in these recessionary times and outside the Carnival season, so as a producer, it’s safest to just do one show. A lot of times people ask you to bring a show somewhere but have no idea what it entails. I think if the public had a better understanding of what mounting a show entails in terms of energy, cost and resources, they would be a little more supportive of the arts.”
The show begins at 6:30 pm. Tickets cost $250. For more information, find the event page on Facebook at The 3canal Show [one night only] [SAPA], email 3canal@gmail.com and call 622-1001.