CARIBBEAT: Festive lineup set for the New York Carnival’s return

Jared McCallister, New York Daily News
·4 min read

Final preparations are underway for the 2022 edition of the creative, colorful, and musical New York Carnival — returning to Brooklyn Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1 through Sept. 5.

The West Indian American Day Carnival Association, the event organizer, said there will be no formal COVID prevention measures and no checking of vaccination cards, but carnival attendees are strongly urged to “enjoy responsibly, mask up if you need to, [and] stay home if you are sick,” said a WIADCA spokeswoman.

The five-day New York Carnival is bouncing back with a full lineup of activities — masquerade bands, steelpan orchestras, and other music events — culminating with the costume-filled Carnival Parade, on along Eastern Parkway on Labor Day, Sept. 5, which can be seen in-person or live streamed on Facebook and Instagram.

Shoppers can choose from the scores of authorized WIADCA vendors along the route, selling Caribbean food and other cuisines, clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts, books, and other items.

There are several carnival events leading up to the Labor Day Monday parade. Visit wiadcacarnival.org and get general information on events and ticket outlets, parade routes, and tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit WIADCA organization by calling (718) 467-1797, or by emailing office@wiadca.org.

Among the pre-parade, 2022 New York Carnival events include:

  • “The Vibes with Voicey: The Concert,” a soca affair with guest singers, on Sept. 1 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

  • The “Island 2 Island” soca concert of live bands and DJs on Sept. 2, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., on the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum, at Eastern Parkway and Washington Ave. Visit island2island.frontlineticketing.com for tickets.

  • The anticipated Junior Carnival procession of costumed youngsters through the streets of Crown Heights to the Brooklyn Museum grounds on Sept. 3. It starts at 9 a.m. and is followed by the International Youth Fest and the Youth Fest 2022, featuring “live performances by young emerging talent” at the Brooklyn Museum.

  • Also on Sept. 3, the “Pan in A Minor with A Minor Change” steelpan concert takes place on Brooklyn Museum grounds starting at 7 p.m. and featuring “some of New York’s renowned pan virtuosos.”

  • On Sept. 4, the “Paintopia J’Ouvert Fete” — a J’Ouvert style party” with a mega lineup of DJs performing — will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Brooklyn Museum. It’s the first of the penultimate New York Carnival happenings. Visit paintopiajouvertnyc.eventbrite.com for tickets.

And in the afternoon on Sept. 4, the “Amnesia Day Party” follows, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., with “all-DJ cast, food, good vibes.” For tickets, visit amnesia.frontlineticketing.com.

BENEFIT FOR ABUSED WOMEN

To aid abused and homeless women, the Carol Maraj Foundation is getting support in the New York metropolitan area. On Saturday, VIPs are due to attend an invitation-only Long Island benefit, “Pool Side Fundraiser for Carol Maraj Foundation,” under the theme “Changing Mentalities Saving Lives.”

After enduring years of abuse, Maraj — mother of famous rap star Nicki Minaj — started the foundation in 2013. Visit carolmaraj.org for information. The event is being hosted by Joy and James Frazier of SIP NYC, the Black-owned alcoholic beverage brands promoters.

SOCA QUEEN AT ROCKAWAY FETE

The Queens Carnival, a festive state Sen. James Sanders-sponsored affair, is due to be graced the performance of musical royalty — Trinidad-born soca star Destra Garcia, the “Queen of Bacchanal” — when the event comes to Far Rockaway, Queens on Saturday, Aug. 27.

The anticipated affair — featuring a mile-long parade to the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk, costumed masqueraders, Moko Jumbies stilt walkers, singers, dancers and other activities — begins with at the parade’s starting point, Beach 21st St. and Mott Ave, at 11 a.m.

For information on the event, call Sen. Sanders office at (718) 523-3069, or send email to LisaGeorgeCarnival@gmail.com.

SEEKING A FLA. SEAT

Rev. Dr. Karen Green wants to be a history-maker as the first Jamaican-born person in the U.S. House of Representatives. Primary day in Florida is Tuesday and the long-time Orlando resident — currently the vice-chair of the Florida Democratic Party — will be vying for the Congressional District 7 seat.

“I believe that as a new and fresh voice, I can inspire the voters of the district to vote for me as I look forward to working with them on the issues that matter the most to them,” said Green.

Green has worked on several successful political operations — local and national efforts and four presidential campaigns.

Democratic Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, who is not seeking re-election, held the seat.

Caribbeat now appears every other week. To submit items for Caribbeat, send email to caribbeatnewyork@gmail.com.