VP VIPs lauded for 40 years of reggae
By Vinette K. Pryce
The only reggae showcase
to celebrate Caribbean music
during the 2019 Central Park
Summerstage Concert Series
headlined Elephant Man, Junior
Reid, Raging Fyah and Estelle
for a 40th anniversary celebration
of VP Records and the storied
legacy that distinguishes
Vincent and Pat Chin for their
trailblazing effort with promoting
the Jamaican genre.
Needless to say the newlyrefurbished
Rumsey Playfield
landscape looked beautiful. A
tent stocked by historical biography
temporarily occupied an
extended position ideal for viewing.
From late afternoon, reggae
reigned glorious accolades
to generations of artists prior
to, during and after the international
debut of Robert Nesta
Marley, the avowed king.
The Fyah raged first and
blazed brighter when Estelle
walked onstage. Boasting a
Grenadian heritage she kept the
Spice Island flag in full view of
the ethnically diverse crowd.
Estelle connected with everyone.
As guests waved flags from
the Virgin Islands, Guyana, Barbados
and yes Jamaica – Estelle
played to a familiar Caribbean
playlist to deliver the sounds
they wanted to hear. She was
simply superlative. At one juncture
she invited individuals for a
dance-off. She personally chose
willing dancers of every age,
size and spectre.
After each performed their
best dance moves, Estelle mimicked
the Apollo Theater’s Amateur
Night process by asking
crowd approval for a winner.
The segment alone trumps
Reid’s entire set. She delivered.
P.S. 115 Features:
Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5
• Full Day Pre-Kindergarten Program
• Citywide and In House Gifted and Talented Classes on Every Grade
• Special Needs and ESL Classes on Every Grade
• Early Morning Drop Off
• Free on Premises Afterschool Program
• State of the Art Stem/Steam Labs/Robotics Program
• Indoor and Outdoor Playgrounds
• Music, Dance, Art and Theater Programs (State of the Art Dance Studio)
• Multiple Extra Curricular Programs to Include But Not Limited to:
***Track, Chess, Basketball, Drumline, Steppers and Cheer etc.…
• Innovative Social and Emotional Programs
• Smartboards, Laptops and iPads in all Classrooms
• Parent Classes, Parent Workshops & Family Events
Caribbean L 28 ife, Aug. 23, 2019 BQ
As for the pachyderm formerly
known as The Energy God, his
earned meagre approval despite
an attempt to connect with the
crowd by easing off the stage
onto the field to “Signal Di
Plane.” Stouter than previous
outings here he was helped by
a security team that enabled a
faultless spill across a fenced
barricade. He scored with retro
dance moves as one of his slipped
past his heel. The conspicuous
fax paus must have bothered
him because by the time he
segued to “Pon Di River” he purposely
lost the distraction.
Miss Pat beamed from an
area across from the VIP seating
area. Seemingly proud that
a crowd of admirers acknowledged
the contribution she
made with her beloved husband,
she greeted scores of wellwishers.
Members of the Chin family
shared the joy of four decades
and a multitude of reggae and
soca artist that have benefited
from their investment.
A deejay added to the revelry
with Irie Jam radio’s Dub Master
and Steely Bashment who
both turned up the temperature
by heightening the celebration.
Estelle calls out NY Beacon editor, Don Thomas for a dance
off. Sonia Chin
Sonia Chin and Patricia Chin.
Sonia Chin
P.S. 115
The Daniel Mucatel School
1500 East 92nd Street
Brooklyn, New York 11236
(718) 241-1000
We Are Currently Registering Students
for the 2019-2020 School Year
Seats Are Now Available For All Grades at P.S. 115
“Inside Every Child is a Rainbow Ready to Shine”
For more information contact Jayne Sclavos, P.S. 115 Parent Coordinator
(718)241-1000 ex 2220 or email JSclavos@schools.nyc.gov
ST. MARK’S DAY
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WHERE CHARACTER IS FORGED
EPISCOPAL /ANGLICAN TRADITION
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11213
718-756-6602
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