Caribbean Week in NY ends on a high - New fans ‘Drift’ to Tee Jay at Rum & Rhythm

One knew the New York City party would be blazing hot when no one complained about the almost US$200 ticket price. Caribbean Week in New York showcases the dazzling diversity of the cultures of the Caribbean. This year's annual Rum & Rhythm party was held in Lower Manhattan on Thursday evening. Tourist boards and hoteliers always know how to throw a good party, and when the efforts of the leading destinations of the Caribbean were combined, the end result was nothing short of spectacular. Participating destinations included the Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, St Kitts, the US Virgin Islands and Jamaica, and each destination brought its unique allure to the all-inclusive party.  

Jamaica made a big splash, serving up coconut, tamarind, June plum and sweet sop rum punches. Prominent Jamaican cuisinier, Chef Omar, presided over an array of small plates while costumed Carnival dancers from Barbados electrified the party with their eye-popping costumes. The fete was a fashion ramp with colourfully dressed out-of-towners showing off their latest dance moves on the dance floor. Some had come to see and others had come to be seen, older faces so wonderfully rejuvenated that one wondered if some had rushed out ahead to the party to make use of the new Lisa Hanna skin care treats! Hollywood award-winning actress Angela Bassett relaxed in conversation in a quiet corner of the West 25th Street party space with a few friends. Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, wooed the travel trade with a welcoming Jamaican warmth. Former Miss Jamaica USA and JTB marketing executive Victoria Harper busted some acrobatic dance moves with New Jersey reggae ambassador Ras Emmanuel while Rihanna's celebrity DJ Jus Jay spat out a barrage of hits throughout the evening, covering all the Caribbean genres. 

The icing on the cake was Tee Jay's performance. Older New Yorkers confessed they had never heard of him, but they were all curious to see and hear what he was about. When he was announced, there was a rush to the front of the stage. But, after he took the stage shortly after 9:30 p.m., everyone, including his many new converts, was singing and dancing to his hit songs that include the one which had the diehard fans “drifting” on the dancefloor, Drift. His performance was thrilling. His fans knew every word from every song, and they followed his command by waving flags, handkerchiefs, phones, anything they could find to show their intense appreciation for his energetic performance and his impressive catalogue of hits. After the excellent performance, Tee Jay took some time out to meet and greet fans.

Even the recently moody New York City weather cooperated to ensure a super satisfying and enjoyable closeout to a week of celebrations. 

entertainment@gleanerjm.com