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Under The Trees 2011 Review
- By Judes aka Rasta Barbie
- Published 04-Jul-11
- 2011 Events
- Unrated
>> View Under The Trees 2011 Gallery
Before we begin this review, I have a confession to make: this was my very first Under the Trees! How this could be my first time attending this Brooklyn summer staple now well into its 5th year, I have no idea. But after this experience, this is far from my last!
The TJJ team arrived on the scene nice and early this year: 4pm saw the team on the inside and already there was a nice vibe going. The music was pumping, and people were in good spirits, mingling and buying bottles. There was room to move around the venue, and a lovely cool breeze was blowing in the yard. The dress code was casual, of course the ladies still looked beautiful and the fellas were definitely representing, but this vibe was a lot more relaxed, a nice little cool down after the hectic 4th of July weekend.
The covered blue and white walkway at the entrance obscured the view of the yard at first. The bar was to the left as you first walked in, next to the complimentary buffet area, and then you were literally “under the trees”. The venue features several large trees, the canopy of the leaves providing a natural decorative element only enhanced by the disco balls, balloons, blue fabric and paper hanging globe decorations. The white lights strung under the fabric wrapped around the trunks of the trees added that unexpected touch of romance. The whole yard was transformed and I noticed many people just stopping to take in the entire scene. It was lovely.
The bar was efficient and quick, and no one who walked out from under the leaf canopy for a drink was gone for long. Of course, bottles appeared to be the theme for this fete, with little groups of people standing around buckets of ice all over the yard. Positive reports on the complimentary food as well: I definitely spotted some tasty looking macaroni pie, rice, chicken, fish and salad- big ups to Mamba for the wonderful spread.
The DJ line up was on point-first things first: Anonymous started off the vibe with some smooth groovy tunes and some nice cool reggae. Then it fell to Dr Wax, Freaks 4 Soca and Sounds for Life to keep stepping up the pace, which they skillfully did. By the time Back to Basics hit the DJ stage, the fete was turned up to its full volume and the We Riddim rhythm section was in full swing, augmenting the vibes. I saw a lot of wining and smiles: no one in the yard was standing still. It was impossible, the vibe was just that good!
The yard was absolutely packed and soon everyone had to simply find one place and stick to it. The few that chose to move about the place (like myself-LOL) had to use the full store of “excuse me” and “pardon me please” as we stepped through crowds of people and over the many bottles/set ups all over the yard. The lovely breeze that was blowing became a thing of the past- how is it hotter under the trees after dark then it is in the daylight? I have no explanation. At least the NYPD seemed to feel the vibe as well, this fete extended 2 hours past the original 8pm end time and the patrons were definitely appreciative.
This was an excellent experience and one that I rate a do not miss for a proper Brooklyn Caribbean summer. TJJ would like to thank Sharon, Marcia & Fari for having us and congratulations for putting on what is sure to be one of the most talked about events of the year!
Rasta Barbie
Did we forget anything? Add your 2 cents below...
>> View Under The Trees 2011 Gallery
Before we begin this review, I have a confession to make: this was my very first Under the Trees! How this could be my first time attending this Brooklyn summer staple now well into its 5th year, I have no idea. But after this experience, this is far from my last!The TJJ team arrived on the scene nice and early this year: 4pm saw the team on the inside and already there was a nice vibe going. The music was pumping, and people were in good spirits, mingling and buying bottles. There was room to move around the venue, and a lovely cool breeze was blowing in the yard. The dress code was casual, of course the ladies still looked beautiful and the fellas were definitely representing, but this vibe was a lot more relaxed, a nice little cool down after the hectic 4th of July weekend.
The covered blue and white walkway at the entrance obscured the view of the yard at first. The bar was to the left as you first walked in, next to the complimentary buffet area, and then you were literally “under the trees”. The venue features several large trees, the canopy of the leaves providing a natural decorative element only enhanced by the disco balls, balloons, blue fabric and paper hanging globe decorations. The white lights strung under the fabric wrapped around the trunks of the trees added that unexpected touch of romance. The whole yard was transformed and I noticed many people just stopping to take in the entire scene. It was lovely.
The bar was efficient and quick, and no one who walked out from under the leaf canopy for a drink was gone for long. Of course, bottles appeared to be the theme for this fete, with little groups of people standing around buckets of ice all over the yard. Positive reports on the complimentary food as well: I definitely spotted some tasty looking macaroni pie, rice, chicken, fish and salad- big ups to Mamba for the wonderful spread.The DJ line up was on point-first things first: Anonymous started off the vibe with some smooth groovy tunes and some nice cool reggae. Then it fell to Dr Wax, Freaks 4 Soca and Sounds for Life to keep stepping up the pace, which they skillfully did. By the time Back to Basics hit the DJ stage, the fete was turned up to its full volume and the We Riddim rhythm section was in full swing, augmenting the vibes. I saw a lot of wining and smiles: no one in the yard was standing still. It was impossible, the vibe was just that good!
The yard was absolutely packed and soon everyone had to simply find one place and stick to it. The few that chose to move about the place (like myself-LOL) had to use the full store of “excuse me” and “pardon me please” as we stepped through crowds of people and over the many bottles/set ups all over the yard. The lovely breeze that was blowing became a thing of the past- how is it hotter under the trees after dark then it is in the daylight? I have no explanation. At least the NYPD seemed to feel the vibe as well, this fete extended 2 hours past the original 8pm end time and the patrons were definitely appreciative.This was an excellent experience and one that I rate a do not miss for a proper Brooklyn Caribbean summer. TJJ would like to thank Sharon, Marcia & Fari for having us and congratulations for putting on what is sure to be one of the most talked about events of the year!
Rasta Barbie
Did we forget anything? Add your 2 cents below...
>> View Under The Trees 2011 Gallery
