After a long weekend of feting in New York for the West Indian Day Parade, I have come to realize that there is little effort made by promoters to put their patrons first. One of the events held behind the Brooklyn Museum was to be an outdoor event.  Brass Fest is one of the top annual events, though promoters failed to keep the bad weather in mind.  Weather reports had stated there would be rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Ernesto, though there was no tent set up for the stage or the patrons.  There were no options for the scheduled bands to perform aside from have the lead singers perform against tracks.  Paying patrons were subjected to cold rain and hindered performances.

Shell Cartel’s Brass and Glow was on the next evening at KC’s Hideaway.  Unfortunately for their patrons, the event was shut down early by the police.  There hasn’t been any word as to why, but it takes little for the police to do so.  Whether patrons are illegally parked or loitering outside, the police will end a show.  The promoters may do something in the future to make up, though I find make up shows are rather senseless when so many people are visiting from out of town. 

Also on Saturday was the Bajan Soca Splash event did very well as it was one of the few events that had an indoor venue on such a rainy day.  The performances went on late, but it was also one of the few big events that didn’t get shut down by police. Another nice event was a Sunday day fete called Amnesia.  DJs Natural Freaks and Radioactive played a variety of music and the crowd was nice.  The event caters to a slightly older crowd (thirties and up), but everyone looked like they were having a great time.  I’m unaccustomed to paying for “cookouts,” but they are basically small fetes.  I went to another one late Sunday evening held by Wyld Jokerz.  The DJs could have been better, though the crowd built up and it was a nice and safe alternative to J’ouvert.

The actual carnival was pleasant though hardly what it used to be.  Some years ago, I remember you could run behind truck after truck with no real issues.  Then the barricades came, which were supposed to keep people safe.  While I understand that people should be safe, I miss being able to run from one truck to the next.  This year they also had nets which were held by the police in back of each band.  They would push the nets forward to deter revelers from joining the band until they were in place.  Barricades made it difficult for masqueraders to leave the road to get water and food.  Revelers hopped the barricades where police weren’t present.  I’m not sure if it really helps, but one thing is for sure, the parking situation hasn’t changed.  I felt like I won the lottery any time I would go to an event and find a parking spot. 

While I love the strong vibe that New York gives for carnival, I look forward to our own carnivals.  Broward and Miami have few parking issues for their events.  The weather is usually pleasant, and if it rains, it’s still warm.  I froze my poor toes walking from the car to fetes as I’m accustomed to our summer weather.  Our fetes aren’t commonly known to get shut down either.  Promoters have a ways to go to get commended as there are other issues, but many people still look at Miami and Broward as carnivals at the same time, a vacation.  This weekend was so hectic and took plenty of patience between the heavy traffic, bad parking, cold rainy weather, and a very hectic parade.  I found everyone to be quite nice, so it made it all the more worthwhile.

This weekend is rather quiet for those of us in Florida.  Musketeers Int’l is hosting their band launching for Broward Carnival on Saturday.  Held at the Ft. Laud Women’s Center, music is provided by Mixmaster Roderick.  For more info, log onto http://smallislandmassive.com.  Until next week, have a nice and safe week.