Nothing but Pan, Oil, Mas, Paint - and Plenty Powder at 2013 J’Ouvert in New York

In Pictures

Brooklyn, New York, USA - J’Ouvert was in full effect in New York for 2013. Again the steelbands of New York and surrounding areas, along with rhythm sections put on a show that only iron and steel can deliver in the wee hours of Labor Day. New York J’Ouvert has firmly established itself as one of the best (and still functioning) in the world. Its unique requirement of only acoustic instruments - Pan, iron and drums (no electronics or electrical amplification) sets it aside from everything else.

Pagwah Blue York at New York’s 2013 J’Ouvert

There are not too many instances where the entertainers and audiences are one and the same. And this year’s 2013 J’Ouvert edition did not disappoint. There was much color, song and dance, oil, paint, Pan music and mischief and fun. This year “blue” seemed to be the color. One can surmise that Soca superstar Super Blue’s recent success may have had something to do with it.

Philadelphia Pan Stars at New York’s 2013 J’Ouvert

Supporters and revelers followed and danced alongside their favorite J’Ouvert steelbands. The likes of Long Island-based ADLIB, Philadelphia Pan Stars and New Jersey’s Oasis Steel Ensemble joined Brooklyn staples like Pantonic, CrossFire, D’Radoes, Despers USA and Utopia Pan Soul. Also seen in royal purple T-Shirts was Legend Stars Steel Band. Single-pan fave Hearts of Steel were pulled along strictly by ‘people power’ - just as in the ole time days; the group brought out its own band for J’Ouvert called “Sailors In Abundance.”

Hearts of Steel being pulled along by ‘people power’ at New York’s 2013 J’Ouvert

The rhythm sections and pounding drums were evidenced by the thundering roar from such as Spice Isle Rhythm Jammers, RhythMasters Riddim Sections and Natural Expression Rhythms to name but three. Grenadian ‘Greenhouse Jab Jab’ band “Destination Hell” spanned the width of Empire Boulevard with spill over on the sidewalk when possible, appearing more than one-thousand strong.

Greenhouse Jab Jab’s “Destination Hell” - throngs of revelers on Empire Boulevard for New York’s 2013 J’Ouvert

Colorfully-clad people took to the streets in their numbers in J’Ouvert mas bands. These included “Splendor of Egypt,” “Tribes of Africa” with music by CrossFire Steel Orchestra and Kutters Rhythm Section, “Magic Carpet Ride – An Arabian Myth” chipping to the sounds of ADLIB Steel Orchestra, “Pagwah ‘Blue’ York,” “Ah Journey Down Memory Lane,” “Brooklyn Gone Blue” presented by John John & Friends, “The Garden of Eden” and many more.

Revelers in the band ‘Magic Carpet Ride – An Arabian Myth’ - New York 2013 J’Ouvert

Revelers in the band ‘Magic Carpet Ride – An Arabian Myth’ - New York J’Ouvert 2013

As usual the costumes and skits were awesome. There was no shortage of current news, satire and political humor to grace the “stage” that was the J’Ouvert parade route. New York politician Anthony Wiener, Bob Filner and Miley Cyrus were just a few of the objects of some attention this year - much to their dismay we’re sure. No one escapes.

Politics, satire and puns - all in play at New York’s 2013 J’Ouvert

Keeping the rhythm for J’Ouvert 2013 in New York

This awesome blend of culture, theater, history, music and art as displayed by Brooklyn’s J’Ouvert remains one of the US-treasured art forms. With so many negative pressures being put on the existing cultural activities like J’Ouvert and panyards by the new hoard of people migrating to Brooklyn, it was indeed outstanding to see the Brooklyn J’Ouvert experience continues to be artistically grand.

Leading the charge for Spice Isle Rhythm Jammers at New York’s 2013 J’Ouvert

The main issue was an unexplainable bottlenecking of the bands at Flatbush Avenue. This resulted in a huge delay for the better part of an hour, causing many of the bands to not complete the route before shutdown time of 10:00 a.m. But you can’t expect J’Ouvert to follow the script - after all it is the Brooklyn moment when the devils roam, and nothing but Pan, mas, oil, paint and powder rule.