WIADCA Mas with a difference
DJ Shug. WIADCA
Caribbean Life, SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2021 21
By Nelson A. King
Over two million spectators and
thousands of masqueraders would
normally be expected to converge on
Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway this Labor
Day Monday.
But clearly, these are not normal
times, and the West Indian American
Day Carnival Association (WIADCA),
organizer of the massive annual carnival
parade, is again not taking any
chances.
The Brooklyn-based group has cancelled
the spectacular event for the
second successive year, because of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
However, it is still allowing carnival
aficionados to enjoy Caribbean culture
by hosting a series of carnival events,
starting on Thursday and culminating
on Monday. All events will be held at the
Brooklyn Museum.
“Welcome back! We thank all of our
supporters and community members
for their continued support,” WIADCA
told Caribbean Life late Wednesday
night.
“We are mostly live this year with
several events behind the Brooklyn
Museum from Thursday, Sept. 2 to
Monday, Sept. 6,” it added. “Join us, celebrate
with us and be part of our rebirth
for 2021.”
Held under the theme, “Rebirth:
Future Now,” WIADCA said the carnival
was scheduled to begin on Thursday
with the sold-out “Vibes w/Voicey Concert
Tour.”
It said several cultural partners have
been working with the association “to
bring the pageantry of carnival differently
to the masses.”
They include: Pride of the Caribbean,
Sesame Flyers International, B Paradise
Mas’, Poshy Productions/Kaisokah Mas
and Kaisokah Moko Jumbies.
“While our beloved New York Carnival
Parade is postponed until 2022, we have
several events scheduled that feature
musical ambassadors from around the
Caribbean (Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica)
and more,” WIADCA said.
“Join us in the ‘Big Yard’ (Brooklyn
Museum) — safe, lots of vibes and easy
to get to,” it urged. “Get your tickets
today on Eventbrite or www.carnival.
nyc! For program updates, follow us on
FB (Facebook) and IG (Instagram).”
WIADCA Chair Michelle Gibbs said:
‘We are planning for our future now
by leading with our youth as our focal
point, and our community members
and partners as our foundation.
“As North America’s oldest Caribbean
cultural institution — contributor
to the city’s economic stability and
growth — we produce several yearround
community programs for youth,
adults and seniors,” she added.
Gibbs said the annual signature
events, featuring several cultural and
musical ambassadors, are set to take
place live during New York’s Caribbean
Carnival Week at the Brooklyn
Museum.
Regarding COVID protocols for
planned events, she said several guidelines
are in place “to activate testing,
vaccine education, and verification and
temperature checks.
“I would like to thank all our elected
official from the city and state for your
continued support,” Gibbs said. “We
could not have done this without you.”
On Friday, WIADCA features “Welcome
Back! New York Carnival 2021,”
7:00 pm – 2:00 am: a Caribbean music
fest featuring artists and music from the
Diaspora, including Iwer George (2020
Power Soca Monarch Trinidad); Blaxx
(Trinidad); Linky First – Mr. “Rock and
Come In” (Jamaica); and Adrian Dutchin
& Dem Guyanese Boyz.
During this event, WIADCA said DJ
Stakz will pay tribute to the late Jacob
Desvarieux, guitarist and lead singer of
Kassav, and Herman Nau, co-founder
and drummer of Tabou Combo.
Music will be supplied by DJ Pink
Assassin, DJ Stakz, DJ Norie (Power
105) and One Gyal Army. Admission:
Eventbrite https://bit.ly/3yHopzp
Saturday features the Virtual International
Youth Fest 2021, starting at
11:00 am.
WIADCA said it is an end of summer
Caribbean talent showcase, “where all
performances are welcome.”
Among the featured acts are: Trinidad
All Stars Youth Steel Orchestra,
Kezia Sealy, Besties, KiMarli Jeffrey,
Kamarly Simpson (Da Big Show), Kai-
Anthony Salazar, A’Janae King-Fraser,
Dabria Baptiste, Kurlise Bentham,
Mitchila Williams, Shola Roberts Dance
Troop, Impression Dance Theater and
Batingua Arts. Virtual admission will
be via www.wiadcacarnival.org, with
“donations appreciated.”
Saturday also highlights “Pan Jamboree,”
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, “complete
with live performances from New York’s
premiere bands,” such as D’Radoes,
Steel Sensation, Hearts of Steel, Pan
Evolution Steel Orchestra, Metro Steel
Orchestra, Khuentertainment and Harmony
Music Makers.
“This event offers patrons an immersive
360-degree viewing experience,”
WIADCA assured. “Don’t miss your
chance to select a winner with a coveted
People’s Choice Award.” Admission:
Eventbrite https://bit.ly/3yHUIya
On Monday, Labor Day, WIADCA said
“the ultimate New York Carnival day
experience, ‘Jus like Mas’, takes place
from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
“Get your costumes or Monday wear
ready and join us at Brooklyn Museum
in Di Big Yard,” it urged, stating
that the package includes drinks, music
trucks and live performances. Admission:
www.carnival.nyc or wiadcacarnival.
org.
Instead of grand marshals, WIADCA
has named four march marshals for
Labor Day.
They are New York City First Lady
Chirlane McCray, who traces her roots
to Barbados and St. Lucia; Rabbi Eli
Cohen, executive director, Jewish Com-
Trinidadian singer Iwer George. WIADCA
Michelle Gibbs, WIADA chair, addresses
press conference on
Wednesday, Aug. 25 outside WIADCA
offi ce on Rogers Avenue in
Brooklyn. Photo by Nelson A. King
Continued on Page 22
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