Countdown
Positive rapper Baby Jay breaks down New Year's Eve Live and living the GalenaPark dream
Baby JayPhoto via BabyJay/Facebook
The New Year's Eve Live websitePhoto via BabyJay/Facebook
The fireworks scene outside of George R. Brown.Photo by Michelle Watson
New Year's Eve Live is fast approaching — and Baby J is ready.
Baby Jay is one act you won't want to miss at Houston's version of a Times Square bash (the rebranded Gloworama) — he will play twice on Saturday night, on the Anheuser-Busch Stage at 7:50 p.m. and the Great Lawn Stage at 9:30 p.m.
The Galena Park native got his start at the age of 6, rapping and break-dancing, making positive music in response to external stressors: Parents divorcing, role models making detrimental life decisions. Now 19, Baby Jay is a first-generation college student who has proven that one can go far with focus and perseverance.
Can we expect to see any dance moves? "I'm gonna have to surprise you with that one," Baby Jay says.
"I'm very, very, very excited about this," Baby Jay tells CultureMap. "Last year, my manager and I spent New Year's Eve with his family [at Gloworama]. I was there with him, and we looked at each other, and I was like, 'I want to perform this.' And he told me, 'If you stay focused and work hard, you can do it.' "
Organizers listened and responded to feedback from Gloworama to make this year's event bigger and better, with an expanded art car parade route, two music stages, on-site food trucks (Bernie's Burger Bus, Cupcake Coach, Papa John's and BahnMieria, the food truck from Les Girval) and beer and wine options for adults.
Add that to a 3D light show, a rooftop fireworks display and ice skating 'til midnight, and there is much to keep the revelers entertained.
Houston First chief communications director Sharon Adams invites attendees to go online (on a computer or a mobile device) to access the new mobile guide (done through CultureMap development services) before the event begins.
"The site allows visitors to build their own custom itineraries and avoid missing any of the great entertainment offerings," Adams writes in an email. "In addition, the FAQ page provides detailed information on all of the nearby street, surface lot and garage parking options as well as a list of area road closures.
"We also strongly suggest making plans to arrive early. The fun starts at 7 p.m. but attendees should allow extra time to get downtown and park."
On the big night, Baby Jay will debut songs from his upcoming sophomore album, Luv & Respect. He plans to spend the rest of the night meeting fans and celebrating with his friends and family.
Can we expect to see any dance moves?
"I'm gonna have to surprise you with that one," Baby Jay says.
