Mas Productions Unlimited is making “Changes” for this year’s West Indian-American Day Carnival, saying that the production is based on several “changes that come with the seasonal changes, not just the changes in weather.”
Band leader Wesley Millington, a veteran Vincentian-mas producer, told Caribbean Life that “Changes” for the Junior Band comprises four sections: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.”
He said each section comprises 15 masqueraders, “catering for up to 60 masqueraders.
“We have no restrictions on the participants,” Millington said. “We get members from various origins.
“As a former child masquerader, I know the importance of introducing children to the art form,” he added. “Kiddies Carnival is literally the future of all carnivals. Our primary focus is to make sure the kids have fun.
“All preparations are on course,” continued Millington, stating that masquerades will sway to the beats of DJ M1.
Trinidadian Gail Mathis, who began collaborating with Brooklyn-based Mas Productions Unlimited four years ago, said she has been bringing her grandchildren to play mas with the band over the years.
“It’s nice to support,” the Bedford-Stuyvesant resident told Caribbean Life. “I believe what they’re (Mas Productions Unlimited) doing is family tradition.
“I want them (grandchildren) to know where they came from, so they’ll know where they’re going,” added Mathis, disclosing that two of her grandkids – Aubrey Pinder-Mathis, 11, and John Mathis-McClarin, 10 – as well as their cousin, Aalayah Richardson, 14, will be playing with Mas Productions Unlimited this year.
Aubrey will portray “Winter,” John will play “Fall,” and Aalayah will portray “Spring.”
“It’s interesting to see what he (Wesley Millington) comes up with,” Mathis continued.
Last year, Millington said Mas Productions Unlimited portrayed “Chromatic Kingdom,” which also comprised four sections, with 20-25 children masqueraders in each section.
Millington said the mas band was founded in 1992 by a group of “expatriate Vincentians with the primary purpose of returning a Vincentian presence to the Labor Day Carnival.”
He said the contributions from members and supporters currently fund the band.
The mas camp is located at 1504 Remsen Ave. in the Canarsie, Brooklyn.
You can reach Millington at 718-759-7766, Jackie at 917-803-0744, or on Instagram – @mas_productions_unlimited.
