“I think the street festivals are my favorite,” Tim Bostock says aloud.
I’m sitting in his office in the ARTS at Mark’s Garage on a couch; he’s leaning back in a computer chair at a desk with his hands behind his head, thinking. After a moment, he nods.
“Yeah, they’re my favorite.”
Tim and ‘Tim Bostock Productions’ has been responsible for bringing in more than
a hundred different productions from around the world since 1999. Combined, more than 250 thousand people have attended these events. Tim himself has been featured in countless articles since then, talking about his work—the kind of work he does. And of these, Tim Bostock says that the street festivals are his favorite.
“There’s an energy with street festivals like no other,” Tim says, rubbing his chin. “And I’m looking forward to what’s coming up.”
He’s referring to February 16th, where the Arts District Merchants Association will present ‘Mardi Gras Carnival 2010.’
“We close Nu’uanu, from Beretania to King and we close Hotel from Smith to Bethel.” Tim says. “Oh, and a portion of Pauahi Street. It is ‘An International Celebration of Indulgence’—showcasing authentic Mardi Gras, putting an emphasis on food, music, and dance from Brazil, Cuba, New Orleans, and Africa.
Food? Dance? He nods.
“A lot of the businesses Downtown come out to support,” Tim explains. “A lot of the restaurants and bars.”
Tim’s had experience coordinating events like these. He used to be the Director of National Street Art Festivals; contracted monthly to create huge events. He’s done work for ‘Emergency Exit Arts,’ the UK’s biggest street arts company. Here in Hawaii, he’s been bringing arts from around the world to the islands, especially including street events.
“It’s between my Mark Tarone—my co-collaborator—and myself. Mark’ll usually get Halloween and I’ll get Cinco de Mayo.” Tim explains. “And we share Mardi Gras.”
I’m expecting a few niche spots making certain dishes. Tim gives me a laundry list: Brasserie Du Vin, Sol De Cuba, Indigo, Perossier’s Creole Catering, and Murphy’s Bar and Grill—so far. Music running from 6 to 10 with bands on three stages—Carnival Stage and Dance Floor (Pauahi St); Gumbo Stage Highlights (Hotel St); and the International Stage (King St)—with acts including Downtown Charley & the Humbones, Son Caribe, Tropikalia Batucada, Axe Batucada, and the Elisha Nakali African Drum Ensemble, respectively.
More, he says, will probably join. He rubs his chin again. I’ve never heard of some of those bands, I say. He laughs and nods. Some blues and mostly Brazilian. All the more reason to head down. That, he tells me, and the parades.
Parades?
“There will be two Samba Parades with live Batucadas—Brazilian Percussion Ensembles—at 7 and 9. The second parade includes specially commissioned ornate floats by district artists in the Mardi Gras theme.” I ask whether or not they allowed vehicular floats downtown. He laughs out loud and says that, no, they don’t.
“They’re hand-pulled, on trailers. One guy per trailer.” Tim says. “They’re big guys.”
I tell Tim it sounds exciting; he tells me that it’s been a success in the past. Last year’s Mardi Gras brought out 9000 people and he hopes this one will be even bigger. Tim tells me about some of his new goals for this year—more bands; a possible film element—along with a few recurring fixtures, like a national DJ; stilt people; and a costume contest with a $500 first prize to the ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ of Mardi Gras.
Without having seen it, the entire thing sounds like a big, interactive performance with all participants becoming a part of the show, one way or another. A show with food, dance, and music—with 9000 person cast.
Mardi Gras in Chinatown
February 16th
6 – 10pm
Parades at 7pm and 9pm
Food, music, dance, and performance!
