*(Los Angeles, CA) — The calendar might imply that summer is unofficially over. Mother Nature begs to differ. You couldn’t escape the heat, wherever you went during Labor Day weekend.
If you enjoyed a staycation in Los Angeles, you might be inclined to believe the popular adage… some like it hot! Culturally, musically, and weather-wise. Meteorologists in Southern California agreed on the forecast for Labor Day Weekend, it’s feeling HOT! HOT! HOT!
Thousands gathered at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza for a milestone celebration. The 5th Annual Caribbean Heritage Festival was held on the north side of the mall, outside of the former Macy’s, 4005 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90008. The event was held from 12-7 PM.
The community took heed to come out, rep your country flag, and wear additional memorabilia.
The Caribbean Heritage Festival LA was a free event with an explosion of cultural fusion.
Everyone was welcome to attend the Caribbean Heritage Festival to celebrate the rich, diverse and vibrant, colorful culture of the Caribbean. The diverse gathering features community members from the USA, along with Central and South Americans, and other world countries.
The north parking lot was the perfect setting and offered a nice ambiance for the Caribbean Heritage Festival. The festival featured an array of arts and crafts, delicious international cuisine, breathtaking costumes, dancers, merchandise vendors, a fashion show, live music & entertainment, DJs, dancing, and a colorful international costume parade, and more.
Graham Goddard served as host/emcee, with DJ Epik on board the ones and twos, spinning sounds from the diaspora.
The party got underway with an awe-inspiring performance by Maria Blues Band, a popular local group that plays an upbeat fusion of Reggae and Latin music.
The Caribbean Heritage Festival, a celebration of culture & diversity continued with two original tracks by Lil Don Omar. The Soca Sisters, Apple Joe and Noreen Joy led the crowd in a quick engaging, interactive Soca class.
The flow of the program stayed fluid, with a performance by Brazilian Essence. The beautiful ladies sang and danced to “Samba Funk,” and “Share My Energy.”
Sapadilla, with vocalist Einstein, energized the proceeding with some original compositions and remixes of popular songs. They entertained the crowd with “Give Praise” a great opening selection for this blessed day. They continued with “High Mas” by David Rudder, “We Are Ready for the Road,” “Hammer,” and “Now That We Found Love” by Third World.
Spiceman followed with “Wake and Love This World That You Are Living,” and I’m Your Reggae Ambassador” to name a few.
The set by Cometta was LIT! Cometta is an urban, Latin-Alternative band based in Los Angeles. They performed an electrifying set-in front of an appreciative and captivated crowd. The band performed “Dimi Si Te Acuerdas,” La Receta,” “Traviesa,” “Angel Cósmica,” and “Guapo.” Their sounds are a fusion of pop, Hip-Hop, Latin trap, and R&B. The Puerto Rican-born and raised Cosme and AC Metta have been described as ‘Yin and Yang’ and “Salt & Pepper” because they bring their unique voices and styles to the project in perfect harmony. Check them out on Instagram for more information on future shows.
KG Superstar took over as host/emcee for the remainder of the evening. Raiz Brazil took the crowd and me on a visual journey through Brazil through the well-choreographed dance performance. Raiz Brazil leads the colorful, International Costume Parade (Miss Cultural World), as it made its way around the festival grounds. The elegant and beautiful costumes were made by Marvin Bendana, a Celebrity Designer.
Trinidad James, Jonia, Lil June and BZ Royal Band rounded out the stellar lineup with phenomenal performances during their respective time in the spotlight. Between DJ sets and live performances, the party people weren’t disappointed while attending the 5th Annual Caribbean Heritage Festival.
The 5thAnnual Caribbean Heritage Festival was sponsored by Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, (District 8), Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr., (The New 9th), Councilmember Heather Hutt, (District 10), and Mozambique Restaurant and Bar.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California-based writer, music reviewer, and Photographer. Contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net
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