title taken from “Private Party” by Machel Montano

Are we going to see new party concepts in 2021?

It’s officially summer party season in New York. With venues (or venue, since it seems like Coney Island Art Walls is the only spot being used) open, we are ready to get back to fetes!

Now… about that….

I’m glad to see soca artistes return to the stage, but I’m waiting for that breakout party experience that will give me severe FOMO. Here’s my wish list:

• No more deejays playing the same songs over and over. You had time to do your research to get familiar with a lot of music during quarantine.

• No more “Showtime in 20 minutes” when you know full well the artiste isn’t even in the building. Let’s have the main event wrapped up before the venue starts kicking us out, cutting mics, and turning on lights.

• No more lines that wrap around the block just because you want to big up yourself for having so many people waiting to get in. Let people in, nah man!

• No more boat rides that actually set sail two hours later than they say it will. I’d rather party at sea than in the parking lot.

• Finally, visas being harder to get these days, how about we showcase local talent. There are artistes who don’t need to be flown in. Invest in your marketing so that you don’t have to rely on the cache of big name artistes.

What I’m really looking for is just something new. Something that can be the start of a new fete tradition.

So promoters, what have you been working on? What’s going to be the new flex? Drop a comment below.