Glitz and Glamour for a new generation

After capturing the Junior Band of the Year title for five successive years, the Brooklyn-based New Generation says it’s time to turn to the Adult’s Band of the Year title.

With its portrayal of “Glitz and Glamour,” the 17-year-old band is confident in snatching the prestigious senior title in the first year competing in that category.

“We’re going to win this in this year,” said band leader Cathy-Ann Hernandez in a Caribbean Life interview, at the mas camp, 845 Albany Ave., corner of Linden Blvd. and Albany Ave.

“We’re the only band to carry the Junior Challenge Trophy of Brooklyn,” added the Barataria, East Trinidad, native.

For the first time last year, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizers of the annual carnival parade on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway, awarded the Challenge Trophy to the band that captures the title for at least three successive years.

Hernandez said at least 330 masqueraders will display exotic costumes in nine mixed – adults and children, male and female – sections.

The sections are: Undersea Oasis, Ruby Passion, Aztec Warrior, Emerald Sun, Crush Ice, Black Diamond, Berry Berry, Pink Sapphire and Topaz.

Hernandez said registration to date has been “up and down,” expressing optimism, however, that she’ll meet her target.

“We’re pretty confident that we’ll make that goal,” she said, adding that the band’s motto is: “Nourishing the Roots and Inspiring the Wings.”

“We want to give the kids growing up in the Generation family a chance to experience the parkway,” Hernandez continued.

“We don’t care who you are, we don’t discriminate,” she added. “Come one, come all. All nationalities [are] welcome.”

Masqueraders will jam to the sounds of DJ Exclusive, with Hernandez’ son, Kevon Heath, otherwise known as “Yankey Boy,” providing vocals. “Yankey Boy” won the 2011 Soca Monarch title in Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival with “Head Nice.”

“I will be giving good vibes this year,” “Yankey Boy” told Caribbean Life at the mas camp, adding that it will be his first appearance on the parkway.

For more information, contact the following band members: Hernandez (347) 575-0835; Dwayne Simmons (347) 622-6158; Patrice Hernandez (347) 575-0836; and Debbie Andell (718) 810-1552.