Setting the Mood - Moods Pan Groove Caribbean Food & Music Festival hits The Mark

New York, USA - Hmmm...  Let’s see.  If you were not at the annual Moods Pan Groove Caribbean Food and Music Festival in Brooklyn, New York - what exactly did you miss?  An event that, if there’s a ‘Part Deux,’ you would consider not being one of the folks who missed out again on an enjoyable evening that was tailor-made to their desires.

Pulling up out front on St. John’s Place, one could tell immediately that there was a good time to be had.  In the shadows of the evening further deepened by the surrounding trees, could be heard the sound of laughter from guests gathered, some seated, others standing.  Their voices traveled outward in the very hot - literally - airwaves which permeated the Saturday evening; New York was still in the grip of a days-long heat wave.

Smiles were on everyone’s faces, as old friends greeted one another, with a happy Clyde Durant, president of Moods Pan Groove on hand, and newcomers eagerly made their way to the backyard where the main activities were in focus.  With people arriving in waves, the latest set would have just missed the performance of Harmony Music Makers which wrapped up minutes earlier, as well as that of Sonatas Steel Orchestra, the opening act.

Through the hallway and into the backyard, the mainly Caribbean ‘baby boomers’ exchanged hugs and kisses with hostess Sherma Thomas who graciously greeted them.  And this was illustrative of the ambience for the gathering of the mature crowd, which opted for this Caribbean Food and Music Festival to wile away the hours of this extremely warm and humid summer evening.

In a family-type atmosphere, guests settled into available chairs, while others made a beeline for the tantalizing selection of food fare on the nearby table, the mixed aromas of which had been titillating taste buds long before arriving at the backyard.

Some had already finished their meals, and chose to do a slow groove on their chairs or energetically tap their feet to the sounds of the DJ on hand, who played until the next act took center stage.  Others stood about in small groups sipping drinks and sharing small talk.  A few, however, chose to get to their feet and dance around in their own personal space.  Like Antoinette who shared with When Steel Talks (WST) how happy she was to be there.  “I got here late,” she stated ruefully.  “Bands have already played, but I’m still enjoying myself,” she said smiling, never missing a beat as she chipped in one spot while chatting with WST.   Fortunately, there was still more scheduled before the evening would be over.

Guest artist panist Tommy Baptiste, Jr. with his instrument set up was at the ready, geared to sound out an all-time pan classic, Kitchener’s Pan in ‘A’ Minor on his double seconds.  It was a smart choice, and a selection that is familiar to steelpan-related audiences.  The DJ would retain the music reins for a short while before Otis Smith took the mic and delved into his calypso ditty entitled Obama.  Well-known calypso veteran Count Robin, also on the card, entertained guests later on.

One never forgot that this was also a Caribbean food festival in the truest sense of the word.  With chefs like Joel Raymond (flown up from Trinidad specifically for the occasion), Ron "Chinas" Gonzalez, Marlene Bovell, Debbie Lazzarus, and the hostess herself, Sherma Thomas in the mix, naturally there was a smorgasbord of culinary goodies available. 

Something for everyone’s palate?  Definitely.  Attendees had their choice from a sumptuous selection that included:  coo coo, curried crab, mango, goat and chicken; peas and rice; bhagi, ochro & rice; barbequed chicken, buss-up shut, macaroni & cheese;  potato and green salads; king fish, wild meat in the form of curried stewed deer served up with string beans; homemade cake, mauby to drink, and more.   WST personally sampled chow mein, fried rice, callaloo, and fabulously fried and well-seasoned tilapia.

Hostess and organizer Sherma Thomas was thrilled with the response to the event, saying that by the showtime of 6:00 p.m., the place was ‘jam packed’ with people; members of Sonatas Steel Orchestra were performing for Caribbean and steelband music lovers just thirty minutes later.  “I don’t like to keep people waiting long past the [advertised] time,” Thomas stated firmly and proudly.  This, as it is well known within the New York steelband community, that at fairly informal events held in panyards - such as launches and the like - bands begin performing sometimes several hours after their advertised time - not an ideal situation.

Asked about a possible repeat, Thomas had this to say: “Many people have said they would love it to be held again; people keep calling me up,” adding that guests repeatedly spoke of how "safe" they felt while enjoying themselves.  It would be well after 2:00 a.m. before this successful venture wrapped up on St. John’s Place, and some tired, but happy event-goers made their way home.

Contact Sherma Thomas/Clyde Durant: 1 (718) 774-4705