Women’s Month Highlights Miami Broward Jr. Carnival Bandleader and Cultural Community Activist A Caribbean American Trailblazer
SOUTH FLORIDA – In honor of Women’s History month, we salute this week’s Caribbean American Woman Trailblazer, Ruby Allison Limere – Alexander, President Of Major Players Cultural Arts Development Center & Band Leader Of Major Players Inc.
SFLCN: You are quite well known in the Caribbean community as Auntie Ruby,” “The Mother of Carnival,” and “Carnival Ambassador. How long has Major Players been participating in Miami/Broward Carnival?
Ruby: Major Players has been participating in Miami/Broward Carnival for more than 2 (two) decades, producing both a Junior Masquerade Band and an Adult Masquerade Band. Major Players is known for their consistency and dedication throughout the years of performances.
SFLCN: What makes Major Players so special?
Ruby: Historically speaking, Major Players was the First Carnival Band to introduce Stage Presentation, with the Malick Folk Performance Group from Trinidad and Tobago via “Cultural Exchange,” in 1997. Major Players was the first Junior band to produce more than 80 children on stage the largest in number in 2004 to be exact.
Major Players Inc. is a bono fide member of the ‘ South Florida Band Leaders Association Inc.,” (SFCBLA), a member of the “Diaspora of Arts Coalition,”( DAC) and a member of (TATI) Inc., “Transforming America Through Interaction.”
SFLCN: Has Major Players ever won a title?
Ruby: For several years, Major Players has acquired the title of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Junior Band of The Year as well as the title of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the Jr. King, Queen and Individual in that category. Although our momentum has dropped for the past few years in numbers we are planning to regain our status by using different strategies. Major Players is known for their creativity,consistency and dedication and continue to spread the Art Form of Trinidad and Tobago by creating cultural workshops and presentations within the Diaspora. Our band consists of babes in Arms to youths 16 years of age. This year (2016) Major Players will continue their journey to the Central Broward Regional Park on Saturday October 1st, 2016 with our MAGICAL Theme “THE MAGIC OF THE SEA.”
SFLCN: How can one play mas with Major Players?
Ruby: Our MAS Camp is located at 1390 NW 200 Street,, Miami, Fl 33169. We can be reached at 786 419 9907. E-mail [email protected], Website is majorplayersmasband.net. We are asking parents to be part of this Magical Adventure by registering their children early and to be part of the Major Players Teams. Join us on FB at Major Players Carnival Mas Band Miami/Broward.
