NEW YORK, USA: How do you top the soaring of a legend?... You don’t; instead you celebrate his legacy with a huge 70th birthday bash. That’s what the Caribbean American Center of New York, Inc. (CACNY) did on Friday night at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, NY when it hosted a fabulous fete in honor of the King Of Calypso, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Slinger Francisco, worldly recognized as The Mighty Sparrow. Born on July 9, the legendary songbird shows no signs of aging or slowing down. He entertained party guests with his timeless renditions of some of his ballads and hits like Jean and Dinah, Drunk and Disordely, Obeah Wedding, The Lizard, Marajhin Cousin and more… he kept the crowds on the dance floor. Joining in the festivities to honor the Calypso King were notable members of the music’s genre like The Lord Defender, who also regaled guest with spontaneous performances of his brand of musical storytelling. WWWRL’s Rennie Bishop and Wilhelp Jospeh of CACNY hosted the evening's program, which was also attended by KCC President Dr. Regina Peruggi, who opened the program; the renowned Guyana’s folklore specialist, Wrickford Dalgethy; musician extraordinaire, Frankie McIntosh and notable dignitaries like Jamaican Consulate General, Dr. Bryant; Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), President Rickford Burke, BWIA’s Allison Tucker and many more. All were there to celebrate the birthday of the world's most famous master of the double entendre who has been crowned Calypso Monarch of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 11 times, and he also holds the Road March title for 8 times -- records no one else has achieved. A montage of his many performances and albums played continuously at the party which gave guests a chance to remember, relive and enjoy through memories. The musical accomplishments of the Mighty Sparrow are non-contended and undisputed; he was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1987 from the University of the West Indies upon reaching the golden anniversary of 50 years in his business. Earlier this month he said in an interview that he said that “if feeling good is an indication of how long one is going to live, then I will be here for a while.” He plans on being around for another 70 years or more. From watching his interaction with his friends, guest and family last night, this writer wouldn’t be surprised at all if he does do just that. Topping the evening’s birthday celebration was the launching of The Dr, Slinger Francisco (Mighty Sparrow) Scholarship in The Arts Fund by CACNY; this supports the Mighty Sparrow’s feelings of the significance of his many achievements; he has said that he’s learnt to be a very loving and caring person; this is one way to continue loving and caring; it’s an investment in the future. That future was also on display at the July 29 festivities with the presence of his children and grandchildren at the event; some of whom also performed for the monarch. Contributions to the newly launched scholarship fund can be pledged and mailed to the Caribbean American Center of New York, 195 Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn, NY 11201. A most fitting way to say happy birthday to the legend the world knows and loves as The Mighty Sparrow. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com