In Jamaica, the term ‘No long talk’ often conveys impatience. However, in Manhattan’s Miss Lily’s, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., it transforms to signify a time to relax, dine, and dance.
The Jamaica Gleaner recently highlighted Rhea Prendergast, a Jamaican alumna of New York University, with an honors Bachelor of Arts in global liberal studies, who is making strides in keeping the Caribbean culture alive in New York City.
Specializing in art, text, media, and supplementing with a minor in dance performance, her notable thesis, ‘Our Bodies Don’t Stop At Our Bodies: The Global Evolution of Streetwear’ delved into the influence of the streetwear subculture across three prominent cities: New York, London, and Tokyo.
From biweekly to summer special
While previously a biweekly event, this summer witnessed a shift as Miss Lily’s introduced its special weekly summer edition. Just as in a traditional Jamaican gathering, resident DJs Khalil and Sounds of Reality play varying segments of dancehall, sometimes graced by special guests. By 2 a.m., the festivities conclude.
Rhea Prendergast’s experience and insights
Prendergast shared that she usually leaves Miss Lily’s feeling like I’ve done her moral duty.
During her studies in New York between 2018 and 2020, Prendergast immersed herself in Manhattan’s live entertainment scene. However, the pandemic-induced restrictions led her back to Jamaica, making her realize the profound impact of the live entertainment industry on her life.
Finding inspiration amidst the pandemic
Prendergast found renewed inspiration after a return to New York. Her friend, Silent Addy, allowed her to host “Hot Gyal Thursdays” at Piano’s in Manhattan.
Reflecting on this, she said that was the ‘No Long Talk’ origin story, and she just did not know it yet.
Another opportunity arose in June 2022 when she was invited by promoter Mark B. Esq. Subsequent to the event’s success, No Long Talk found its official inception on September 14, 2022, at Miss Lily’s 7A Café & Rum Bar.
Celebrating Caribbean culture
Prendergast shared that for over a decade, Miss Lily’s has been the epitome of Caribbean culture celebration in Manhattan.
With performances from top regional musicians, Prendergast saw it as an ideal venue for her vision. “No Long Talk” was her effort to reinvigorate Jamaican culture in the city while adding to its rich legacy.
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Mission: Building a Caribbean community
No Long Talk goes beyond being a party; it’s “an ode to the celebration and preservation of authentic Jamaican music and entertainment culture in New York City.”
Prendergast aims to fortify Caribbean representation in Manhattan, envisioning an international music festival showcasing the best of Caribbean music and dance culture.
Feedback and future aspirations
The community’s response to No Long Talk has been overwhelming. Many express gratitude towards Prendergast for initiating such an authentic representation of their culture.
As Prendergast reflects on her journey and future aspirations, she shared that for now, she is trying to figure out how she wants to continue to fuel her community and build ‘No Long Talk’, all the while working towards that goal.
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