THE SLOW DEMISE OF SOCA FETES

Being a lover of soca music and living in Miami can often be difficult. Ten years ago, I couldn't say the same thing, because there were so many great fetes at that time. Machel and then Xtatik, Traffic, Atlantic and so many bands use to frequent down here. The parties were very frequent and not just one great fete every other couple of months. Times have changed and I have more enjoyment going to dancehall sessions than a soca fete, because honestly the soca fetes, in my opinion are about as extinct as the Florida Manatees. Why? No offense to the dj's but the music selection isn't good at all. I'm often left bored when I hear them and can almost predict which song will play next. The fetes are far and in between, just dj music and no artist. I understand that we are in a recession, but it would be nice to bring an artist down once in a while. The types of people that go to these fetes are very unfamiliar to me. My friends that I would party with in the past have either moved away or have children to care for. My solution is that I go to NY to get my soca fix. NY has enough fetes to keep me satisfied for a couple of months. Going to dancehall parties doesn't make me any less prideful of being a Trini American. If there were more soca fetes that really grabbed my attention, believe me, I will be there. Dancehall gets too routine at times, I am tired of the passa passa, but I don't indulge myself in that behavior. I would love to see a change in Miami when it comes to soca. I hate to only be seen in a soca fete during Miami Carnival weekend, but that is what it has come down to. The solution to this growing problem is that we need to bring soca back to an outdoors atmosphere. What happened to the daytime fetes? I'm tired of only going to clubs where soca is being played for 15 minutes and then its back to dancehall and hip hop. I'm tired of the wet fetes and jouvert fetes. What about a nice back in times party or an all inclusive fete. My parents want to party too, and its not right that Mad House be the only option. Bringing a soca artist even if its without the band will be a great boost. The soca community is so large and with proper advertising, we can bring back the soca fetes in an effective way. Soca lovers, tell me what you think?