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We circled downtown Brooklyn for some time in search of a parking space. It was horrific especially due to the mounts of snow remaining from the end of year blizzard. In addition, it was 7am, January 1st, the start of the New Year. Regular folk were getting their day started, but the Caribbean crews were rapping up their holiday celebration at Sugarcane restaurant's annual New Year's morning celebration, "Sparkle".

Caribbean people are the best at bringing in the New Year, partying well into the next day. Best way to celebrate the blessings of a making it into 2011! Although the sun had already risen, we were totally shocked at the amount of people that flooded the Studio Loft. Last year (see coverage), we were downstairs and the crowd was ginormous and the place was beyond packed. It was only right that the party was moved upstairs to a largely expanded space, where partygoers had more than enough room to socialize and wine down low, comfortably.

When we arrived, the party was already kickin'. The bar was packed with patrons and DJ Notorious was well into his set. He played tunes for what seemed like an extremely long set, but it was well worth it. He played an array of music from a variety of genres coasting from past to present. It was well appreciated. The party rocker Back 2 Basics alongside Tony Cross followed. An expert at diversifying his musical set, but he really drove the crowd insane with the brand new soca! Seems like everybody prepin' for T&T C2k11. They went MAD when he buss the new Machel ("Coming Again"). You know Trini's especially have no behavior, especially when Machel tunes buss!

There wasn't much food available when we arrived but attendees didn't seem to mind, they seemed content with their alcoholic pursuits. Amen for those couches at coat check because despite how tired people were, they doh leavin! Some conk out in any little space they found while members of their crew socialized. Although there was plenty of space, not many people were dancing, till the very end they decided to bust a lil' move. May they were tired after a long night? There were the folk that caught a bit of attitude to take a photo (it's New Year's and you're way too dressed up to not take a pic!).

Tix were 50 bucks at the door, but people were still coming in when we were leaving around 10am. Can't stop them from missing the first big fete of the year.

We definitely have to thank Charmaine and Sugarcane Restaurant for allowing us to share in the festivities and getting our year off to a nice start. TJJ hopes to continue to Sparkle with you in 2011!

-Junior Juice

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