title taken from "Plenty" by Skinny Fabulous
DysChick's Picks: Top 5 Events of 2015
Every year, I embark on a mission to find the wickedest soca events. Whether it's a party, a carnival, or an experience, I am always on the hunt for a "can't-miss" event. Although I was blessed to experience some great events, here are my Top 5 for 2015.
5. ELEVATION DMV
I will admit that this surprised me. I had been to DC a few times and rarely enjoyed myself. However, Full Stop Entertainment pulled off one of the biggest soca party weekends of the year, Elevation. The group ensured a good turnout by bringing in top deejays including DC's own DJ Bimshire, Toronto's Dr. Jay, Miami's Barrie Hype and New York's DJ Back to Basics and Tony X. Sprinkle in live performances by Shal Marshall, Skinny Fabulous, and the Queen of Bacchanal, Destra, and you have a party weekend that made the DMV the place to be!
Check out video recap of Elevation DMV here.
4. SOCA OR DIE IN TORONTO
I went to two of Dr. Jay's Soca or Die parties this year. Why? Because I'm always sure to have a great time. The first took place during Toronto Carnival weekend and featured deejays like Supa Roy and DJ Crown Prince. After such an impressive event, I had to fly up again for the second on December 19th. Shal Marshall, GBM Nutron, Young Voice, Peter Ram, and Skinny Fabulous headlined the show at Sound Academy. I was most impressed by Hypa 4000 and the way he literally had the whole club partying with him. I am definitely a new fan!
3. CHICKEN AND BEER
On a hot July 5th afternoon, I found myself at Lot 45 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for Chicken and Beer. Feel Up Records, LargeUp.com, Fader, Walshy Fire and Jillionaire of Major Lazer invited all of Brooklyn to a FREE event featuring The Viking Bunji Garlin. Despite the heat and the lack of proper air conditioning in the space, we had a ball! Garlin himself stated that he would love to relive that party and I wholeheartedly concur. Check out the photos on Largeup.com.
2. HUSH SILENT PARTY
On Saturday, August 15th, Caribbean Silent Events produced Brooklyn's first Caribbean silent party called HUSH on the rooftop of the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Upon arrival, everyone received a wireless headphone that connected to the frequency of three different stations. At any time during the event, the user is able to adjust the volume and tune in to another deejay. Once a station is selected, the LED light on the headphones switches to that deejays designated color.
The variety of music allowed the patrons to control their party experiences. If you don't want to hear rap, flip the switch and party to soca. It was also interesting to see how quickly the vibes can change in a party. he crowd appreciated the versatility of the deejays. Deejays take note, if you're only playing current soca hits, you may want to expand your repertoire.
1. SOCA FLASH MOB
The number one event of 2015 was the Soca Flash Mob. Oba Stephens pulled off one of the most exciting and talked about events - a soca flash mob in Brooklyn. The group convened in front of the Barclay's Center and performed a dance choreographed by CarNYval dancer, Kiara Ross. The collaboration was a success as Stephens coordinated with the Barclay’s Center, HUB New York to secure production equipment, and Xtreme Sounds who supplied the music. If you were unable to be a part of this year's flash mob, don't worry. Oba Stephens is organizing another one next summer and I am sure he can expect an even larger turnout.
Check out the full video captured by Fermin Photography:
I am now on the hunt for this year's can't-miss events. One thing is for sure, I will begin my search in the Caribbean. That's right. DysChick is coming back to Trinidad for Carnival 2016. I am so excited to return to the land of soca for the first time in four years. Leh we go!
