The
'Official' Caribbean Festival Village - Press Party Date:
Thursday 23rd April 2009 Location:
Vino Lirbo. 933 Garrett St. NE. Atlanta, GA
Promotions: Atlanta Carnival,
LLC Click on thumbnails to
see the big picture/entire galleryIt
is that time of the year again and thousands of Caribbean people are looking forward
to the upcoming Carnival season, outside of the Caribbean. With Atlanta being
the first, there may be no better time to host it as it ends on a public holiday;
Memorial Day, giving feters and partygoers an extra day to fete and party. As
a result, promoter (and no stranger to the Carnival scene), Wasi Phibert,
hosted the first Press Party for the newly founded Atlanta Carnival LLC,
revealing to the public, what will be known as The 'Official' Caribbean Festival
Village. The Press Party was held at the beautiful Vino Libro (a wine bar)
located in Glenwood Park, Atlanta. The setting of the venue was very welcoming
and the location was just as good. Even
though TJJ got there an hour after the 6pm start time, we didn't miss a thing
as invitees and well-wishers had an opportunity to mix and mingle prior to the
evening's events. As the evening pressed on and after a brief question and answer
session from the press at hand, CEO Wasi Philbert, had all eyes on him
for the next 30 minutes as he shared with guests the concept behind the 'Festival
Village'. MC for
the evening, businessman Ivo Philbert, did a splendid job humoring the
crowd and keeping them upbeat. Amongst the laughs and the numerous applause coming
from the crowd, were the sights of a few dignitaries, including Consul General
of Jamaica, Vin Martin, who by the way gave his blessings to the organizing
committee as well as spoke about his satisfaction of the progress that Atlanta
Carnival, LLC was making thus far.
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| Photos By
Neil B. |
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| In
fulfilling the agenda, an 'Iron Man' from New York stole the attention away from
the patrons at the bar for just about 15 minutes, before a splendid performance
by a Dominican dance group. Food for the evening was provided by both Tassa's
Roti Shop (probably one of, if not, the best place to get a roti in Atlanta) and
by the Vino Libro's kitchen. And with the music for the evening provided by Choice
One, who really turned up the heat later in the evening, one could not ask
for a better setup. Each invitee was pleased with the evening's proceedings. This
was evident by the praises and compliments received, as well as, the little dancing
and much wining that went on after the official proceedings were wrapped up. Though
it was a little more 'party' than it was 'press', we must remember that after
all, it's Carnival. And Atlanta, who by the way has one of the largest Caribbean
communities in the US, is no stranger to Carnival as they enter their 21st year
of celebration. The 'Official' Caribbean Festival Village kicks off on
Saturday May 23rd from 12pm, with a huge cast, including Iwer George, Skinny
Fabulous, Jadine 'The Soca Diva', Hunter and Patch (the
"When Yuh Bring Yuh Rum" man). On Sunday May 24th, the Festival Village
concludes with such veteran Soca artists like The Mighty Shadow, Super
Blue and David Rudder, just to name a few. Kudos
to the organizing committee and best of luck. I can assure you that TJJ is looking
forward to being there. As you know, where there's Soca music, food & drinks
and a common goal of liming and having a good time ... TJJ dey!!! JoyJuice |