DJ's View: ACCBA Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Parade of the Bands

Saturday, May 22, 2009

Soca Lovers!  Here's dose number two from LP.  We taking a jump.  Read on for action from de road, Atlanta style:

Hi Karen,

Of the three separate Caribbean events taking place over Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta, the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association (ACCBA) event is the original and it never disappoints. Masqueraders lined up on West Peachtree St, and just shortly after noontime began their mas through downtown Atlanta.

Compared to other Carnival bands in many diasporas, the bands are slightly smaller than that of an average Toronto Caribana or Brooklyn Labor Day band, but they still bring a lot of energy and island pride.  

• In terms of energy, the Infusion t-shirt band was getting on bad all through downtown all the way to the festival village. 
• In terms of presentation, We Kinda Ting had the best display of costume mas, with a few sections of revellers followed by a t-shirt band as well.
  

By the time the bands reached Auburn Ave, the festival village was full of eager people ready to have a good time. As soon as the bands crossed the stage, however, the Carnival Village experienced a slight show delay due to inclement weather. As soon as the rain cleared about 20 minutes later, the event picked right back up where it left off. Various sound systems playing classic soca jams, and bands such as Impack2 (Brooklyn, NY) and Caribbean Music Farm (Miami, FL) delivering covers of current soca hits.

Soon after, the small island heavy bands WCK and Nu-Vybes band set the crowd into a frenzy with their signature sounds. Burning Flames, as always took the stage next and had the crowd of thousands singing along to every song and putting everything in the air. The event then finished with a huge Trinidad & Tobago showcase, featuring Ziggy Ranking, Trini Jacobs, Denise Belfon, Patch and Destra Garcia.

Watch Caribbean People!

Looks like a great parade. I hope you enjoyed yourself LP! Whey de dirt man? You meet a smallie? Wine up yourself? I guess we'll never know!

Photos and review courtesy of LP of G13 International

Thanks again, Dahlin!

Nurse Karen

P.S.  If you missed LP's blog about the Carnival J'ouvert Party, check the post HERE.  Next dose,  LP's review from the showcase at the end of the parade! Stay tuned...