Articles
Exclusive cultural and political content highlighting issues affecting the Caribbean diaspora
Dr. Jay's Return Fete in Toronto
Dr. Jay's Return Fete at Sound Academy in Toronto
“Deanna, why are you heading north in the winter?”
Sometimes it is hard to explain why I feel compelled to fly from New York to Toronto, especially during the winter. This time it was easily explained: Dr. Jay and Machel! How is that not worth booking a flight, finding a hotel, and buying new fleece-lined earmuffs? Okay, maybe it’s just me.
Don't Tell Meh Dat Done
2014 Year in Review
Sometimes I am really surprised by how many parties, carnivals, and fetes I attend over the course of one year. I have spent a lot, done a lot, and seen a lot all in the name of soca. While I did get to experience some epic events, there were also the parties that never were. Check out this overview of my year.
Rolling in All O' Dem
Labor Day Weekend Recap
My Brooklynites and socaholics know that this summer was full of disappointments. Parties were cancelled, shut down, or just plain awful. As a fete junkie, I found myself hesitating to purchase tickets to events because I was unsure as to whether or not the event would go off as planned. Luckily, Labor Day weekend had so many good parties that I tried to go to all of them.
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.
Big People Party
Farmer Nappy's Album Release at SOBs
It’s official. Farmer Nappy’s “Big People Party” album is out! Last night, the soca star took to the stage at SOBs and wowed the crowd with an unforgettable show to promote the album. I know it is not a good idea to head to work on a Monday exhausted because you were partying until 12:30am the night before, but I don't care. I drank, I danced, I had a ball!
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!