Coney Island Reggae and Reggae Under The Bridge are back this summer, starting Sunday June 4th, 2-6 p.m. at Coney Island, West 20/21st St. with DJs Empress Breeze, Jahlion Orthodox, Maddie Ruthless, Chanter, and Prezident Carter.
Read on for info about changes for 2023.
The Brooklyn division of NYC Parks (under Martin Maher) is limiting sound at all BK parks to “no more than 4 speakers stacked no higher than 6 feet” and events must end by 6 p.m. This prevents us from using Chanter’s main system at Coney Island. It does not apply to K Bridge Park, which is a state park.
These rules disregard the cultural history of Jamaican soundsystem and are indifferent to the flawless track record we have had with more than 40 events since 2010, not to mention that the events are now part of the cultural life and richness of New York City.
I have spent the last two months exploring formal channels for appeal for a grandfather clause and have had support from the offices of Sen. Kevin Parker, Sen. Leroy Comrie, and Queens BP Donovan Richards (who is bringing us is back to the Rockaways), but to no avail as yet with regard to Coney Island.
Because of the sponsorship from @bkartscouncil it’s essential that the full schedule of events happen in Brooklyn, even if scaled down.
I know many of you will find this disappointing and frustrating, to put it mildly. I share those feelings.
I have put enormous effort into these events over the years – as has @chantersound – and have received nothing but love from the community, for which I am grateful.
I look forward to making the best of the situation and hopefully finding a resolution that does not involve leaving Coney Island, the original home of the concept. As a result, I’m launching the co-branding of “Small Axe Sessions.”
We look forward to seeing you at West 20/21st on the Boardwalk, 2-6 p.m. on June 4th and July 2nd, and at K Bridge on August 6th and Sept. 17th (12-7 pm) thanks to @nbkparks
—Prezident Carter
Instagram @ConeyIslandReggae