It 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'.

Photos By Neil B.
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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.

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