First carnival for Rockaway
State Sen. James Sanders Jr. of Queens worked with all the right people to create the first Rockaway Caribbean Carnival, coming to the Queens neighborhood on Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented with support from members of the Rockaway Development Revitalization Corp., the West Indian American Day Carnival Association and the city Parks Department, Sanders (DRochdale Village, Far Rockaway, photo) has crafted a thoughtful blend of carnival activities with local concerns.
In addition to bringing colorful costumes, music and other Caribbean-style activities to Rockaway for the day, the event features local youth performances and local establishments, such as Dred Surfer Grill and Edgemere Food Fair among the carnival vendors. For vendor opportunities, call (646) 463-3271.
And individuals can join in too. Participants can join a 10-block long carnival parade by purchasing or renting costumes from Far Rockaway’s ENJ Productions masquerade band by calling (347) 623-1264 for information.
For information or questions, call Lisa George at Sanders’ Far Rockaway Office at (718) 327-7017.
Calypso Rose & company
Tobago-born Calypso Rose — the pioneering calypso/soca singer and songwriter who’s currently enjoying immense success in Europe — will be back in New York to perform at Stage 48, 605 W. 48th St., on Aug. 30 in an all-star concert that features famed calypso music star David Rudder, Angela Hunte and 2017 Trinidad Carnival Road March winners, “Ultimate Rejects.”
Riding the wave of Rose’s successes, the L.A.-based Mad Decent music company last week announced it is releasing remixes of her international hit “Leave Me Alone” on July 28 and will debut an album in North America later this year.
Early bird tickets are available through Aug. 11. Visit http://bit.ly/calypsorosestage48 for tickets. For more on Rose, visit www.facebook.com/calypsorosediva and www.calypso-rose.com.
Sound system celebration
“Sound Fest Vibez in the Park,” a music-filled celebration of sound system entertainment presented by Irish and Chin and Irie Jam Radio, comes to Roy Wilkins Park in Queens on July 30.
The outdoor show and vendors’ marketplace features top sound systems, in addition to performances by Josey Wales, Brigadier Jerry and others. The affair also commemorates the 20th anniversary Irish and Chin Caribbean entertainment company. For tickets and information, visit www.irishandchin.com.