October 10, 2008
The Annual Columbus Day Parade
on Fifth Avenue, New York City
Monday, October 13, 2008
Fifth Ave. from 44th to 79th Streets
Noon to 3:00 p.m.
35,000 marchers. Over 100 bands, floats and contingents. Nearly one million spectators.
On October 13, Fifth Avenue will be transformed during the Columbus Day Parade, the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture.
The parade celebrates the spirit of exploration and courage that inspired Christopher Columbus’s 1492 expedition and the important contributions Italian-Americans have made to the United States. Over a dozen high school bands, as well as virtuosi professional groups from the United States and Italy, will make the march up Fifth Avenue and fill the canyons of midtown with joyous, heart-pounding music. Traditional folk groups will perform centuries-old dances, and cutting-edge designs will be brought to the parade route in displays of the vibrant culture that is Italy today.
Featured guests, the Grand Marshal, honorees and dignitaries will be announced in September 2008. But mark your calendar! This is one parade you won’t want to miss. For more information visit www.columbuscitizensfd.org
Spa Week
Spa Week begins Oct 13th until the 19th along the East Coast. Spa Week has grown in just three short years to 21 cities nationwide with over 500 individual participating spas. Along the way, Spa Week has attracted the attention and participation of many corporate sponsors, including: Saab, eBay, Conair, jane iredale—The Skin Care Makeup, CEW, Pevonia Botanica Skincare, PHYTO Universe, CareCredit, Borba Skin Balance Water, Goldstar, Olivier New York, Essence of Vali, Los Angeles Magazine, Xela Aromasticks, POM Wonderful, Pure Essentials, Nicoderm, Aqua Fresh, CancerandCareers.org and Allure Magazine. For more information on participating spas for $50 services, visit www.spaweek.org
October 9, 2008
If you’re looking for a relaxing one-day getaway during the Columbus Day holiday weekend that won’t have you breaking the bank, the 250 historic acres of The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is the place to go. Easy to reach by train on Metro-North, (20 minutes from Grand Central Terminal and 22 minutes from White Plains), the Botanical Garden is an autumn oasis with plenty to see and do for the entire family. Enjoy fun and educational hands-on art and nature activities, a musical performance, a live wolf, and family-friendly tours of exhibitions and the 50-acre Forest. Gorgeous flowers, and perennial gardens; secret sylvan retreats; dramatic natural landscapes and waterfalls interacting seamlessly with colossal art ― it all can be found at the Botanical Garden. All events are included with the purchase of an All-Garden Pass. For more information about planning a “Staycation” at The New York Botanical Garden, visit http://www.nybg.org/staycation.
Events at The New York Botanical Garden on Sunday, October 12, and Monday, October 13, focus on family exploration of art and nature through Moore in America: Monumental Sculpture at The New York Botanical Garden― the largest outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore’s sculpture ever presented in a single venue in the United States, with 20 major pieces positioned throughout the Garden―and activities and programs at the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, and throughout the Garden grounds. Planned activities* for both days of the Staycation include:
* Musical performances by M Shanghai String Band on Sunday and the Westchester Chordsmen Quartet on Monday, from 12 – 4 p.m. in the Children’s Adventure Garden.
* A visit by Atka the wolf at Daffodil Hill from the Wolf Conservation Center at 2 p.m.
* Family tours of Moore in America starting at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. from the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden· Bird Walk in the Forest at 1 p.m. and a Family Forest Tour at 3 p.m.
* Apple Cider Pressing at the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* A Migliorelli Farms stand of apples, cider, and cider donuts for sale in the Children’s Adventure Garden’s Discovery Plaza.· Hands-on nature activities at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden throughout the weekend plus the opening of Kiku for Kids on Monday, October 13.
* Goodnight Garden, providing an engaging and educational opportunity for kids to help put the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden to rest before winter· Prizes (while supplies last) for families who complete the entire Moore Family Fun Guide and bring it back to the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.
* An informative documentary film, The Art of Henry Moore in the Arthur and Janet Ross Lecture Hall at 12 and 2 p.m.
* Schedule subject to change.
The New York Botanical Garden has much to offer. Explore the ongoing exhibitions A World of Plants in the Conservatory and Plants and Fungi: Ten Current Research Stories in the Britton Science Rotunda and Gallery. Stroll among the fall blossoms of Seasonal Walk, or along the tree collections throughout the Garden grounds which are beginning their transformation to the season’s stunning foliage. Witness the color-packed splendor of the Jane Watson Irwin Perennial Garden. Browse in Shop in the Garden or grab a bite to eat in one of the Garden’s cafes. The Botanical Garden is lush with color and beauty both indoors and out. Come see why The New York Botanical Garden is a perfect destination, right in your own backyard.
September 23, 2008
Illusionist David Blaine is still hanging approximately 5 or 6 stories high above Wollman Rink in Central Park today. He still has another 24 hrs plus before his final stunt is completed live on ABC on Wednesday night. Many people are skeptic of his stunts and claim his stunts to be idiotic and that he is an attention seeker and others just marvel on how he can tolerate the stunts he does as unimaginable and near impossible feat. Either way, it’s not everyday that you find someone suspended in the air upside down for 60 hours in New York City. Unaware of what his medical condition would be after this stunt, his goal is to be able to mentally overcome harsh conditions by training your mind to control your body. Here are further details from the official David Blaine Website and ABC News:
From The David Blaine Website:
On September 22nd, 2008, David Blaine will attempt to hang from a thin wire five stories in the air – with no safety net or airbag to break his fall. Hanging on for his life, Blaine will be able to move around over the Wollman Rink and lower himself to interact closely with fans, dropping in upside down.
The challenge concludes with a live ABC primetime special, “David Blaine: Dive of Death,” Wednesday, September 24th (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET).
During the special, viewers will join Blaine on a unique cross-country trip, as he makes his way from the east coast to the Grand Canyon, performing his jaw-dropping magic for people in his own distinctive up-close style.
From ABC News:
For three days and two nights, David Blaine will enjoy an unusual view of New York City’s Central Park — one that can only be enjoyed from six stories in the air, while hanging upside down.
The famed magic man will be suspended upside down for 60 hours.
The magician’s latest stunt, called the “Dive of Death,” began 8:30 yesterday morning as he was hoisted into position. The effort will reportedly culminate in Blaine dropping to the ground at 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Dr. Ronald Ruden, Blaine’s physician, told ABCNews.com that when he first heard the name of the stunt, “It scared the crap out of me.”
Considering the various health hazards Blaine may face as he hangs in the position for about 60 hours, Ruden’s concern is warranted. He said the stunt will be all endurance — no smoke and mirrors.
“How he does this I’m not 100 percent sure,” Ruden said. “He seems to have the ability to use his mind to control his body to not experience pain and discomfort, as well as take away his basic drives to eat and sleep and defy his fear.”
Blaine told “Good Morning America” today right before he was hoisted into the air that he always found images of Harry Houdini hanging upside down “compelling to look at.”
“I always liked that idea of being upside down,” Blaine said. “So I started experimenting on how long could somebody actually be put upside down. And there was no documentation of it. Nobody really had research on it. I invited doctors to kind of look and watch me as I was doing experiments. And although the dangers are high, I think there’s a way to override that. “
Blaine said he has prepared for the challenges of the 2½-day hang by losing some weight, performing special exercises and practicing dangling upside down.
But there are certain health considerations that simple conditioning cannot address. During his ordeal, Blaine will not eat or sleep. He will urinate through a catheter. And doctors not involved with the stunt say there are definite risks involved with his attempt.
As many of you know, it was announced that [title of show] will conclude its run at the Lyceum on October 12th.
Thank you for all your support that each of you continue to demonstrate through buying tickets, listening to the CD, reading the blog, blogging, writing to us, sending us videos, taking your inspiration and creating your own work…it means the world to us.
Lots of feelings are being felt: sadness, pride, gratitude…and hope. Guess what: the story isn’t over yet.
You may be feeling feelings, too. You also may be wondering what you can do. And here it is:
We want to PACK the houses for the rest of the Lyceum run of [title of show]. If we can sell out these houses, then we have something to work with…and the possibility of another chapter of [title of show]. You can make a difference about what comes next…you can contribute to the shape of the future of [title of show].
What can you do?
*Tell 90 people to come see the show.
*Make and distribute your own [title of show] flyer.
*Post your own video encouraging people to buy tickets.
*Tell your co-workers and classmates and cast-mates and teachers and students and parents and children and friends and neighbors to come see the show as soon as possible.
*Get a group to see the show who has never seen it before.
*Find a creative way to turn your passion about the show into ticket sales.
Time is of the essence.
Remain open, passionate and optimistic.
The adventure continues, people.
Love and gratitude,
Hunter, Jeff, Heidi, Susan, Michael, Courtney, Benjamin & Larry
PS: Keep your eye on the blog for further instructions…
September 22, 2008
Renée Fleming Stars in Opening Night Gala on September 22 in first performance of Met’s 125th Anniversary
Gala performance to be transmitted live in HD to 600 theaters in North and South America as well as to Times Square and Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Plaza, and broadcast live on Metropolitan Opera Radio SIRIUS channel 78; Music Director James Levine, Marco Armiliato, and Patrick Summers conduct, with Ramón Vargas, Thomas Hampson, and Dwayne Croft singing leading roles in scenes from La Traviata, Manon, and Capriccio; Legendary designers John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel create costumes for Fleming.
The Metropolitan Opera opens its 2008-09 season on September 22 with a gala performance that kicks off its 125th anniversary, starring Renée Fleming in three fully-staged scenes, including some of her most acclaimed portrayals. Costumes for Fleming have been specially created for each of the scenes in the Opening Night Gala by three of the world’s legendary fashion designers: John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.
The program opens with Act II of Verdi’s La Traviata, and continues with Act III of Massenet’s Manon, and the final scene of Richard Strauss’s one act opera, Capriccio. Met Music Director James Levine conducts the second act of La Traviata, which has two scenes: the first at Violetta’s country house and the second at a grand Parisian mansion in the elaborate staging by Franco Zeffirelli. Ramón Vargas sings the role of Alfredo Germont, and Thomas Hampson that of his father, Giorgio. Christian Lacroix has designed two costumes for Fleming, one for each scene.
The Manon act is also in two parts: the first is the spectacular “Cours-la-Reine” scene featuring the heroine’s famous “Gavotte,” followed by the searingly dramatic scene in the church of St. Sulpice. Ramón Vargas is Manon’s lover, the Chevalier des Grieux, Dwayne Croft her cousin, Lescaut, and Robert Lloyd the Chevalier’s father, the Comte des Grieux, with Marco Armiliato conducting. Fleming’s costume for scene one and an additional cloak for the second scene are by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.
The musically transcendent finale of Capriccio, conducted by Patrick Summers, music director of the Houston Grand Opera, concludes the evening, with Fleming in a costume created by John Galliano.
For the first time, The Met: Live in HD, the highly successful series of performances transmitted live in high definition (HD) into movie theaters, will carry the Met’s opening night. It will be transmitted to 600 theaters in North and South America, including Mexico City’s Auditorio Nacional, and Buenos Aires’ Teatro 25 de Mayo — both new additions to the Met’s HD network. American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham hosts the evening, the red carpet, and live backstage interviews. The HD director for this performance is Gary Halvorson, who directed five out of the eight HD programs last season. Last season, the series of eight HD operas was attended by over 935,000 people worldwide. This season, the series has been expanded to eleven Live in HD transmissions, including the Met premiere of John Adams’s Doctor Atomic and five other new stage productions. The Met’s HD series is generously supported by the Neubauer Family Foundation. Information on theaters carrying the series is available at the Met’s web site, www.metopera.org.
Live transmissions of Opening Night Gala to Times Square and Fordham University at Lincoln Center and broadcast live on SIRIUS
As a highlight of its 125th anniversary celebration, the Met will transmit the opening-night performance onto multiple screens in Times Square and Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus, where thousands of people can experience it for free. In Times Square, multiple giant screens will carry the live performance, including the Astrovision (Panasonic), Reuters, Nasdaq, and MTV screens. The opera will be broadcast live on Metropolitan Opera Radio on SIRIUS channel 78. The performance will also be streamed live on the Met’s website, www.metopera.org. The free outdoor airings of the Met’s opening have proven a popular attraction for thousands of New Yorkers since the new tradition was begun with General Manager Peter Gelb’s first season in 2006.
Due to construction on Lincoln Center Plaza, the Opening Night Gala will be presented in a live plazacast on the North Meadow at Fordham University at Lincoln Center. The Fordham plazacast is free admission, but tickets are required. Approximately 1700 tickets will be distributed beginning Sunday, September 21 at noon at the Met Box Office, with a maximum of two per person.
September 19, 2008
As the beginning of fall comes this Sunday, most of the summer time events will now come to a close. Some of NY’s most historic places have already closed forever such as Coney Island Astroland Park. But another landmark will close forever, a yearly event ends and some are weekend events worth checking out as well as new beginnings for NYC. Enjoy the last days of summer weekend.
Whether you are taking pictures or going to a game, regardless, this is the last weekend to see enjoy one last game at good old Yankee Stadium fully operational before closing it’s doors on Sunday, September 21st. So enjoy the trip down memory lane where players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gerrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and even the players of today have made history and the stadium a legendary cathedral that will now vanish. And soon to come will be the end of Shea Stadium so stay tuned.
This is also the last weekend to enjoy the most popular street fair, The San Gennaro Festival. The hours of the festival is from 11:30am until 11:30pm, rain or Shine. The festival runs along Mulberry Street starting on Houston Street all the way down to Canal Street. This is a great way to enjoy Italian food, music, games and much more on the streets of Little Italy.
Feel like getting out of the city? Head out to the Queens Farm Museum and check out the 26th Annual Queens County Fair. A traditional county fair with blue ribbon competitions in livestock, produce, home crafts, arts and crafts, and more. Enjoy the Amazing Maize Maze, pie-eating and corn-husking contests, Big Apple Circus Variety Acts, make-your-own-scarecrow, hayrides, petting zoo, carnival rides, and midway. Visit our Bavarian Garden, Irish and German bands, craft and food vendors. Fun for the entire family! Check out the website for directions, time and admission prices.
Enjoy culture and pride and at African American Day Parade. Venture up to Historic Harlem and enjoy the rythym and sounds of the African American Parade. Parade begins at 111th street & Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard all the way up to 142nd Street. Parade is a rain or shine event and will begin at 1pm.
Looking to tap into your artistic or creative spirit? This weekend, a new exhibit at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) will open. Experience the works of Van Gogh and the Colors of Night that will start this weekend all the way through to January. This exhibition will present new insight into Van Gogh’s depictions of night landscapes, interior scenes, and the effects of both gaslight and natural light on their surroundings. Representing all periods of the artist’s career, the exhibition will comprise over two dozen works of superlative quality—several of which have never been seen together, even though they were very clearly conceived with each other in mind. This is a rare opportunity to see the masterpieces of Van Gogh in this traveling special exhibition.
September 16, 2008
FALL FOR DANCE FESTIVAL
City Center Main Stage
Sep 17-27, 2008
All Tickets $10
For ten exhilarating days each year, feel the rush…the exuberance…the sheer joy that is dance, from New York City, across the country, and around the globe! Experience the world-famous alongside the cutting-edge, treasured favorites surrounded by undiscovered gems. Multiple companies appear in each performance, offering audiences a sampling of the best that dance has to offer – from hip hop to ballet, tango to tap, and so much more. So bring your family, grab your friends, join us and fall in love…Fall for Dance!
More Ways To Fall For Dance
The Official Festival Lounge
Admission is FREE and all are welcome!
Once a year during the Fall for Dance Festival, the public atrium between 55th and 56th Streets (immediately west of the theater’s main entrance) is transformed into a vibrant gathering place for audience members and artists.
Dine, drink and dance all night long at Lounge FFD, open before, during and after each Fall for Dance performance!
$2 Drinks – Michelob Ultra, Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Stella Artois, Bacardi Silver Mojitos and Pine Ridge Merlot & Chardonnay.
DJs keep the party going while a video feed from the stage lets you follow Festival performances live.
West 55th street between 6th & 7th Avenues
Lounge hours: 8pm perf. 6:30pm - 11:30pm, 3pm perf. 1:30pm-6pm
This year Lounge FFD is partnering with Creative Edge Parties, hailed by The New York Post as “The Caterer of the Moment!”
Creative Edge Parties brings you a delicious meal at a fantastic price before, after and during every Festival performance. Whether you’re an audience member or just passing through, Lounge FFD is a great place to share a yummy dinner with friends, or grab a scrumptious dessert!
DJs keep the party going all night long! DJs curated by HipsterTravel.com
Wed. 9/17 DJ SHAKEY
Thu. 9/18 MIKE DEXTRO
Fri. 9/19 DJ CAPTAIN HEARTLOCK
Sat. 9/20 DJ SKINTIGHT
Sun. 9/21 DJ REKLES
Tues. 9/23 DJ XEROX
Wed. 9/24 DJ JESS
Thu. 9/25 DJ LUPE LOOP
Fri. 9/26 TOM WARD
Sat. 9/27 PATRIK PHALEN
Dance Lessons
Take a Free, pre-show dance lesson in the Lounge!
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Friday
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9/19
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6:30pm
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Tap with instructor Toni Noblett
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Sunday
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9/21
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1:30pm
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Ballet for Kids (ages 6 and up) with National Dance Institute teaching artist Bianca Johnson
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Tuesday
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9/23
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6:30pm
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Hula with Halau Hula O Na Mele ‘Aina O Hawai’i dancer Luana Haraguch
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Thursday
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9/25
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6:30pm
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Hip-Hop with Tammy Colucci
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Lessons are 1 hour
September 12, 2008
The 81st Annual Feast of San Gennaro, New York City’s oldest, biggest and most famous religious street festival, will be celebrated in 2008 started on Thursday, September 11 and continuing for 11 days through Sunday, September 21.
Presented annually since 1996 by Figli di San Gennaro, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, this year’s Feast will again attract more than 1-million people to the streets of historic Little Italy in the annual salute to the Patron Saint of Naples – San Gennaro. The street festivities – including religious processions with the statue of San Gennaro, parades. Free entertainment, food stands and a cannoli and a cannoli eating contest – are capped on Friday, September 19 – the Official Feast Day — with a celebratory Mass honoring San Gennaro, followed by a candlelit procession as the Statue of San Gennaro is carried from its permanent home in Most Precious Blood Church on Mulberry Street through the streets of Little Italy.
“Each year the beloved Feast of San Gennaro brings the world to Little Italy, and Little Italy to the world,” said Joseph Mattone, President of Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. “The Feast is a time for remembrance and reconciliation, and a time for celebration. The excellent food, the free musical entertainment and the excitement will all be there again this year, bigger and better than ever. On behalf of Figli di San Gennaro, I invite people of all backgrounds and ethnicities to join us in September in New York City’s Little Italy to help celebrate Italian culture and heritage.”
September 5, 2008
September 5th
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York
Setting the standard for the Spring 2009 fashion trend, the worlds most prestigious fashion show displays upcoming hot fashion. From celebrity sightings to world-famous models, behind the scenes media coverage and much more is to be expected at this event. Unfortunately, this is an invite only event and press event but you can still spot promotional events that will occur in and around Bryant Park. Be sure to visit http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/ for more information.
First Friday at The Guggenheim Museum
Every First Friday of a new month, The Guggenheim hosts a Friday evening party like any other club would in the city. Enjoy a drink with friends, explore the galleries and listen to some of the best DJ’s in town. Tonight the Guggenheim is featuring Vito & Druzzi of Brooklyn Quartet The Rapture infect Art After Dark with an electric fusion of punk and disco is sure to have a hit for everyone with any mood, genre or party preference. Starts from 9pm until 1am, admission is $25, free to Guggenheim Members. For more information visit www.guggenheim.org
September 6th
Brooklyn Bridge Swim
Usually a swim meet will swim alongside the coastline or around the islands but rarely cut across the channels. This is your chance to watch a swim race from Manhattan across the East River to Brooklyn right beneath the world famous Brooklyn Bridge. To find out more information and to be a spectator visit http://www.nycswim.org/
September 7th
26th Annual Antique Motorcycle Show
This event will showcase various makes and models of motorcycles that have been out of production for 10 years and more. Along with the show are petting zoos, hayrides, tours and much more at the Queens Farm Museum. Admission is $5 per person. Visit www.queensfarm.org for more information and directions to the farm.
NYC Century Bike Tour
The Century Bike Tour can be a challenging or relaxing bike ride depending on the various routes you can choose from. All routes have been designed for your safety and enjoyment. Join over 6,000 cyclists and view the city and make city streets safer for cycling all year round. For more information and to register (yes, there’s still time), visit http://www.nyccentury.org/
August 29, 2008
So you haven’t managed to get away for the Labor Day Weekend or you are visiting NYC this holiday weekend. If you are going further north of NYC, you might want to check out The NY Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo (www.recfair.com/NY) and if you way up north of NYC, The NY State Festival of Balloons in Dansville (www.nysfob.com) is happening this weekend. So if you are in the city or out of the city, regardless, NY has loads of events and fun-filled activities happening such as baseball games and special events, activities at major attractions, museums exhibits, night club themes and shopping stores with holiday and back-to-school sales as well as other discounts in other types of stores throughout the city. Restaurant week is still happening in NYC, check out www.nycvisit.com/RestaurantWeek/ as well as other restaurants that will have discounts to offer. Coney Island will have loads of activities and events along the boardwalk and within Astroland Amusement Park. Check out www.coneyisland.com for further details. Shakespeare in the park (www.publictheater.org) is still happening and it’s perfect for having a bbq picnic or sun bathing or playing sports in Central Park before seeing the show. Also, there are two major parades in the city that will keep you going this holiday weekend. Have a great holiday weekend. Here is information on the main parades:
Brazilian Day Festival – August 31st
The event is celebrating its 24th anniversary in 2008, always taking place at 46th St., near Time Square, also known as Little Brazil. Presently, the crowd takes as much as 25 blocks surrounding Little Brazil.
The festival began to celebrate Brazil’s Independence Day, which is on September 7. Since 1984, that small celebration has only grown, up to the point of attracting over 1.5 million people in 2007, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
The flock is drawn from as close as Connecticut and as far as California. Perfectly bonding with the diverse population of New York City, people also come from Europe, Asia and Africa to join the festivities. Some travel in groups, by bus; some fly in; and others simply drive hundreds of miles. No one wants to be left out this party, which is now considered the world’s biggest Brazilian event outside Brazil and the Big Apple’s most respected ethnical event. In this way, the Brazilian Day festival is not simply a party celebration; it has transformed in a big opportunity to reach out for the huge Brazilian community in the United States. On that day, Brazilians join each other from all parts of the world-many come from Brazil just to attend the festival-and they show their pride, advertise their culture and live their nostalgic and anonymous feeling of being an immigrant away from home. Furthermore, they consolidate their presence in the United States bringing the Brazilian popular warmth, rich music heritage and other assimilations that unite the Americas’ two largest nations.
West Indian Carnival Festival – September 1st
41st Annual
Labor Day Carnival Parade on Eastern Parkway - 9/1/08 - 8am-6pm
For the 41st year in a row, Carnival lovers and revelers from across the United States, and abroad will converge in Brooklyn, New York in celebration of the West Indian Carnival Festival & Parade. The annual Brooklyn celebration begins Thursday, August 28th with events and concerts on the Brooklyn Museum grounds, and culminates on Monday, September 1st with the renowned Labor Day Carnival Parade on Eastern Parkway. This year’s theme “One Caribbean, Many Cultures” embodies the beauty and unity of the Caribbean and its’ people.
Kicking off the weekend’s events will be the Ladies Night concert featuring Trinidad & Tobago’s 2008 Road March Queen, Fayann Lyons, artists Nadia Batson and Antiguan Road March Queen, Tizzy. Also slated for the jam-packed weekend are performances by soca stars Shurwayne Winchester & the Big Band Traffik, Barbados’ Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah, Kerwin Dubois, Grenada’s Road March King, Berbice and Hunter with the Dil-E-Nadan Orchestra. Calypso veterans - David Rudder, Scrunter, Barron, Swallow and Crazy will also perform.
The Labor Day Carnival Parade showcases the unique, vibrant and energetic Caribbean cultural heritage in New York City. Grand Marshals for the Carnival Parade include Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Governor David Paterson, Dr. Elizabeth Nunez, Provost –Medgar Evers College and Les Slater, Folklorist. The Grand Marshals will lead the festivities alongside Honorary Grand Marshals, Congressman Rangel and Comptroller Thompson. WIADCA president, Yolanda Lezama-Clark will join the Mayor & Governor to kick-off the festivities by cutting a ribbon at Utica Ave & Eastern Parkway at 11am. The line-up includes hundreds of VIP’s, Sponsors, over 70 Floats and thousands of colorful masqueraders depicting spectacular and breathtaking creations.
Over 3 million people are expected to attend again this year. Visitors from all across the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and other international locations attend the weekend celebration as part of their vacation holidays. Last year, an estimated 100,000 individuals attended the events during the five day weekend and millions of revelers are expected to celebrate during the Carnival celebration on Labor Day. Originating in Trinidad and Tobago, Carnival is a time of jubilation and wild abandon – its magnetism drawing greater audiences each year as people naturally gravitate to this happy and joyful occasion.
The West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization established in 1967, and has been the driving force behind the West Indian Carnival Parade in Brooklyn. While WIADCA is most known for the affectionately named, “Labor Day Parade,” The main focus of the organization is to develop, teach and promote Caribbean arts and culture in the New York Metropolitan Area. WIADCA is the organizer and registered property owner of the West Indian American Day Carnival in New York City. The organization offers (3) Scholarship Funds: Arts & Culture, Medicine, Law & Business, benefiting more than 90 College student recipients to date.
All concerts are held at the Brooklyn Museum grounds,
900 Washington Ave, Brooklyn.
For other info, go to www.wiadca.org
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