By: Najla Alexander
The nip of Autumn in the air lets us know summer is finally coming to an end, that the cool and crisp feeling of Fall is one to usher in the cold seasons where we are meant to slow down, allow for new beginnings and fresh starts—remembering to appreciate those around us- family, loved ones, and our community- during these next few months because it's a time to be there for yourself and those around you.
Carteret never shies away from celebrating its community and its diversity, bringing the community a space to be there for each other and themselves.
The Carteret Music Festival and Annual Charity Carnival returned to Carteret Park from Sept. 18 to 21. This included a Battle of the Bands on Sept. 18, a Freestyle Night on Sept. 20, and the 48th Annual Ethnic Day celebration of the most culturally diverse town in Central Jersey on Sept. 21.
According to officials, the Carnival benefited the Mayor’s Children’s Charity Trust, which also benefited from the 20th Annual Classic Car Show, which took place on Sept. 22 in Carteret Park.
There were also many rides, games, food, music, and other family fun throughout! Not to mention all the showstopping cars present at the Charity Car show who came to impress.
“Bright and early, you saw a whole new side of Carteret, showing their love and passion for cars while supporting a good cause. No community is like ours; it doesn’t get better than this,” a patron told me.
In 2003, at the beginning of his first term, the honorable Mayor Daniel J. Reiman recognized that the Borough’s younger residents often lack the finances needed to achieve their goals, officials stated, and the Trust Fund was created with the knowledge that these children are often high achievers with great potential who, with proper financial support, could continue on a path of success. The nonprofit supports education, health, athletics, art, and culture.
“The Charity Carnival is a long-standing tradition here in Carteret,” Mayor Reiman said.
“With summer coming to an end and the children returning to school, the Carnival is a great way to mark the end of the season as a community and raise money for a great cause. The Children’s Charity Trust Fund realizes the importance of helping our neighbors in their greatest times of need."
“Carteret is one of the most culturally diverse towns in New Jersey,” the Mayor continued.
“Ethnic Day is an opportunity for us to highlight what makes Carteret unique as a community. Carteret is the melting pot of Central Jersey. We have so many different cultures coming together to form a strong communal bond and contribute to making Carteret a great place to live. Our annual Ethnic Day is a reflection of that diversity, and so is our fantastic music lineup.”
This year’s headliner for Ethnic Day is Funk Flex, a celebrated DJ and rapper from New York and host of the first-ever hip-hop show on Hot 97, which he still airs today. Officials said past Ethnic Day headliners have included Shaggy, Spin Doctors, C&C Music Factory, Smash Mouth, Sister Hazel, Taylor Hicks, Gin Blossoms, and Carteret’s own New Jersey Hall of Famers, The Smithereens.
“DJ Funk Flex had everybody showing out and having a good time,” a community member exclaimed!
Hosted by Tommy Nappi and Showboat of 103.5 KTU’s Level 2 Freestyle Mix, Freestyle Night performers on Sept. 20 included artists:
- Aby Cruz, the founding lead singer of the New York freestyle/house trio TKA, whose hits included “One Way Love,” “Come Get My Love,” “Scars of Love,” and “Tears May Fall.”
- David Torres, a New York freestyler whose hits include “No Regrets” and “Diamond Girl” with the vocal trio Nice & Wild.
- George Lamond, a freestyler from the Bronx who’s had hits with “Bad of the Heart, “Que Te Vas,” and “Don’t Stop Believin.’”
- Giggles, aka Marla Melendez, who, in collaboration with songwriter-producer Charlie “Rock” Jimenez, has had hits with “Love Letter” and “Hot Spot.”
- Seduction, a female freestyle trio based in New York, whose hits include “Two to Make It Right,” “Could This Be Love,” and “Groove Me.”
The Battle of the Bands took place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 18, with several music acts from New Jersey and New York vying for four cash prizes, including a first-place prize of $1,500, officials say. Participants were:
- The Accelerators, a veteran punk band from Union, NJ, inspired by The Ramones and Carteret’s own The Smithereens.
- A Deadly Endeavor, a metal-core band from Weehawken known for their melodic guitars, powerful bass and vocals.
- Nebulus, party cover band from New York City.
- The Nitro Blues Band, a young rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and soul band based out of New Jersey.
- Rioz is a Jersey-based dance music artist whose latest single, “All Night,” is a duet with club diva MAVAA.
The musical festival also included a performance on Sept. 19 by the Larry Stevens Band, whose frontman is a veteran of the New Jersey and Nashville music scenes. Officials said Stevens’ pop-rock originals are played alongside various covers that span the history of rock.
With all four days of the festival free to attend, you wouldn’t believe the crowd that was brought in. From big to small, there was something for everyone to enjoy!
The power of music brings our community together; what a sight it was to see.
Carteret is a community I am proud to be part of and grateful to experience as an RLS Media Reporter and someone who lives there herself. It’s nice to know I have a place to create new memories daily among people who live beside me, away from the hardships of life. I look forward to what Carteret has in store for us for the upcoming holiday season! 