This was indeed a very special J’Ouvert morning in New York as I was rudely awakened by NYPD (New York Pan Department) helicopters heavily rumbling in the skies above the neighborhood in the wee hours of the night. These menacing “Ghetto Birds” or gunships as they are commonly called in the hood were flying so low and were so loud the glass started to rattle. Half-asleep, I wondered “Where am I - Mogadishu, Afghanistan, Gaza - or Hell?” And almost simultaneously - amazingly - I heard the distinct sound of iron and drum beating the rhythm of the Jab Jab, the Pan Man and ole mas - mixed with the hum of thousands of humans dancing, chipping and reveling in the street. And in that instant it appeared that the Jab Jab had taken over and whisked the gunships out of the sky. They were nowhere to be seen.
And Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, New York had now come to a stand still, as thousands, under the “protection” of none other than NYPD - who themselves were now under the power of the J’Ouvert spirit - made their way to the appointed J’Ouvert start point about three miles away, Flatbush Avenue at the Grand Army Plaza.
In a moment of need for the reaffirmation of one’s humanity and culture, the Labor Day morning J’Ouvert came through big-time and provided that stabilizing force for countless tens of thousands. This year’s J’Ouvert revelers again enjoyed themselves with much mischief, political satire, comedy and music as the steelpan and the drum were the order of the morning.
From Flatbush Avenue and Grand Army Plaza environs, to the end of the route circa Winthrop Street and Nostrand Avenue, everyone had a great time. Again - there is nothing like J’Ouvert in Brooklyn.
Big-up to the organizers J’Ouvert City and all the mas groups and individual mas ‘characters,’ along with the rhythm sections and steelbands - Boston Metro, CASYM, CrossFire, D’Radoes, Pantonic, Philadelphia Pan Stars, Higher Levin, East Side Symphony, Heart of Steel, Tropical Pan Vibes, Utopia Pan Soul: the Next Generation, Legend Stars Steel Band, Pan Royal et al - which participated to make this another great year for J’Ouvert. And special kudos to the young Pantonic members who jammed from start to finish, non-stop along the route. Your energy and excitement were definitely felt!