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For the Love of the Music
Caribbean Music Marketing Recap
First, thank you to everyone who attended the Clubhouse Chat “Caribbean Music Marketing: Real Solutions” on January 13th where we provided Caribbean artistes actionable advice from professional Marketers on how to use social media, podcasts, Influencers, and marketing copy to take their music career to the next level.
The panel included DJ Jel, Mikelah, Melly Rose, and Deanna.
What I thought would be a one-hour chat turned into a two hour discussion with gems being dropped left and right. Since Clubhouse does not yet allow seamless recording, I’m giving you the 3 key takeaways from each panelist.
Take Me Back to the Party
Coronavirus and Carnival Cancellations
We are only three months in to 2020 and there’s already been the loss of a legendary basketball player, political unrest in Guyana, America’s Democratic Party in shambles, and now a global pandemic that’s causing governments to restrict international travel, corporate work hours, and large gatherings. For the socaholics among us, these restrictions mean missing out on our best stress reliever: Carnival.
It's Carnival. Look Bacchanal
Brooklyn's J'Ouvert and Labor Day Parade
It's been one week since Labor Day. A day where West Indians celebrate the culture and pageantry of the Caribbean with festivities throughout the long weekend culminating in a parade along Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. However, this day was full of disappointments and tragedy. The predawn j'ouvert street party was once again marred by violence and the annual parade was a lackluster crawl.
True Masqueraders
Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)
I have been to Toronto many times for many reasons, but my favorite reason for venturing to T-Dot is Toronto's Caribbean Carnival (better known as Caribana). This year, I resolved to not only sit on the sidelines and watch the parade from behind a giant fence, but to don the revealing costume and play mas.
Today I'm Feeling Nice
AWAKE 3.0 Boat Ride
“Who goes to a party at 7am on a Sunday morning?”
“Umm... I do.”
At a friend’s wine & cheese housewarming in the Bronx on Saturday, I told my friends that I needed to call it an early night as I had to get up early to go to a party. The facial expressions cannot be captured in print, but suffice it to say they seemed concerned for my sanity. Yes, although I do not usually party on Sundays (aside from Carnival getaways), I decided that Freeze International’s annual morning boat ride would be worth the penance.
The Beginning of the Endless Summer
Memorial Weekend 2014 Parties
After such a long and difficult winter season, New Yorkers were ready for warm temperatures and outdoor parties. Rather than firing up the grill or heading to southern beaches as so many typically do, DysChick took to the streets of Brooklyn for a weekend of parties featuring great deejays from around the world, live soca performances, and most importantly anti-stush revelers. If this is the kickoff to New York’s summer party season, I’m ready for an endless summer.
We Want Drinks
LUSH Drinks-Inclusive Party
It is true that you can't judge a book by its cover. If I had, I probably would not have gone inside the brownstone on East New York Avenue. My initial thought was "who sells tickets to a basement party?" Surprisingly, this basement party was one of the best events I have been to this year! Good music and an abundance of good drinks make for an amazing night. Big up Fusion Karnival and everyone involved in making LUSH an epic event!
I's A Feter To Meh Heart
Dr. Jay's Return Fete in Toronto
I tried my best to resist the allure of yet another Dr. Jay fete in Toronto. I told myself that I was not going to force myself to brave my fear of flying just to go to a party. But then, the artists were announced. The "Partier" 5 Star Akil, Miss "Bad Influence" herself Nadia Batson along with her baby sis JoJo of SASS, Chutney soca artist Ravi B., New York's own Lyrikal was going to lock it down with Groovy Soca Monarch Kerwin DuBois. Arrgh! Yep. Looks like I had to take a shot of liquor and fly out to Toronto for "Return Fete."