After performing “extremely well” over the years in placing among the top medium-sized mas bands in the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade, the Social Cultural Committee of 1199 SEIU (Service Employees International Union) is hoping to do the same this year with its “4 Seasons” production.
“Each season brings about a celebration and variation of different colors — colors that bring about a tranquil feel like in spring or winter, and a more vibrant feel, like we see in fall and summer,” said co-band leader Regine Thurin in a Caribbean Life interview Tuesday night, as band leader and designer Curtis Dyer prepared potential masqueraders for a photo-shoot.
“This year, we are redefining our culture in mas,” added Thurin. “So, we hope that the masqueraders will appreciate the experience and what we have in store for them for 2019.”
She said that the “international” masqueraders will portray “4 Seasons” in four sections — Winter, Summer, Spring and Fall.
Thurin said 45 masqueraders will comprise each of the four female sections, two of which include males, accounting for a total of 200 masqueraders.
“They (masqueraders) can expect to have an amazing experience on the road,” she said, adding that “preparations are going well.”
“We have developed a new system for the registration process, which has been working out well,” the co-band leader continued. “As always, we rely on the support of volunteers and members of our community.”
After a year’s lay-off in 2017, 1199 SEIU Social Cultural Committee returned to the parkway last year with “Festivals.”
In 2016, Dyer said the band placed first for medium junior band and the same ranking for medium adult band.
The band was formed in 2002 by “a group of staff and members in the union and various institutions, who felt there was a need for representation in the West Indian American Day Parade,” Dyer said.
As in the past, Thurin said DJ KSP Productions will provide “the sound system and level vibes on the road.”
The mas camp is located at 2255 Bedford Ave., between Snyder Avenue and Erasmus Street in Brooklyn. The hours of operation are Monday – Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm.
The showroom telephone no. is (347) 601-3777; production (347) 240-5436; and emergencies (646) 673-6472. IG Dyer: @curtcooks.
