Before he became the “Calypso King of the World” or even the Mighty Sparrow, Slinger Francisco was first dubbed “Little Sparrow” on account of his wildly energetic performance on stage. Ever since his first hits “Jean and Dinah” (1956) and “Carnival Boycott” (1957), the Grenada-born Trinidadian calypso vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist has balanced both romance and politics, carrying the torch for Trinidadian Calypso for more than 60 years. He has been recognized by songwriters including Bob Dylan and Van Dyke Parks for his genius as a political and romantic wordsmith. Sparrow is presented in association with Rolling Fork Music. He’s supported by the CASYM Steel Orchestra of a East Flatbush, Brooklyn multi-cultural, multi-ethnic program (Caribbean American Sports and Cultural Youth Movement) founded in 1983 that educates young people of all backgrounds on the Steel Pan (steel drum) art form through academic, recreational, social and cultural activities.

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Community partners: Volunteers for Springfield Park, Inc., Queens CCC/Queens Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Census outreach coordinated by the Association for a Better New York.

Food: Creme and Coco, Taste Buds Required, The Fried Kitchen, and Roger Hill Caterers. Cuisines curated by Bronx Night Market