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    Ciara Bartholomew, the Trinidadian-American designer of Branches Mas Band, at the corner of Schenectady and Clarkson Avenues in Brooklyn, says the band is ready to hit Eastern Parkway during the 59th Annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade in Brooklyn this Labor Day. Bartholomew told Caribbean Life that Branches will be portraying “Tribal Colors.” “The name comes from the diversity of what we create and how we like to design things from different backgrounds of nationalities, as well as go outside the ‘normal’ carnival designs that are used for the parade,” she said.  Bartholomew said “Tribal Colors” comprises six Adult and one Junior section: The Tropical Empress, The Ember Reign, The Kaleidoscope Carnival Queen, The Turquoise Ember, The Carnival Kaleidoscope, The Crimson Empress, and The Blush Empress.  She said each section includes 36 masqueraders for a total of about 252. “And these masqueraders vary from women and men of all ages, and children with backgrounds from all over the Caribbean,” she said, stating that she produces costumes “because I enjoy showing creativity in outfits and expressing what story I am trying to display.  “When it comes to designing, I like to make sure that the costumes I’m designing can fit and match the models' form perfectly because, once a garment doesn’t fit the model properly, it leads to the garment looking incorrect while performing/walking,” added Bartholomew, who began designing at 14, “because making garments was something I always wanted to pursue because, when I was growing up, I always found the clothes I wore never match me as a person. [caption id="attachment_85122" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Heaven Reeves, 24, portrays Heaven Reeves, 24, portrays "Royalty."Nelson A. King[/caption] “So, I do this so people can feel like themselves and wear garments that feel like them,” she continued, hoping that Branches “performs this year by bringing tons of energy on the parkway, as well making sure the crowd feels all the energy and IS just as excited as the masqueraders, when seeing them perform on the parkway.” Bartholomew said that, over the years, Branches performed with “high energy and was always ready to show off and win.  “We go down the parkway like it’s a part of our soul and become one with the music and the vibes of the audience that come to the parkway to watch and have fun,” she said. “What masqueraders should expect from the band this year is a ton of energy and a helping hand at bay for any support they will need before and after on the parkway and before and after being on the stage behind the museum (Brooklyn).” Bartholomew said preparations are “going well and coming together,” with assistance from “friends and family.”  Music will be furnished by DJ Nose and Son from Trinidad and Tobago, and two DJs from Canada.  “We will be providing some speakers on a float, as well as the DJs bringing their own DJ sets to produce music throughout the parkway,” Bartholomew said.  She said the band was founded in 1995 by her grandfather, Edwin Worrell, “to keep children off the streets.  “At the time, children in Trinidad would be on the streets causing trouble and getting themselves in bad situations, and ending up hurt, so he decided that, since the children enjoy being of the street, why not have them on the street for a fun and safe way,” Bartholomew said. Band leader Worrell can be reached at 347-582-7888.
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