The countdown to Brooklyn?s West Indian-American Day parade got underway Friday night as residents showed off their Caribbean pride.

The streets were filled with the sounds of Traffik and Trinidad-born musician Machel Montano at this year?s Brassfest. Traffik lead singer Sherwyn Winchester says the 40th anniversary of the parade gave the concert a one-of-a-kind feeling. That feeling was also helped by a band in the crowd keeping up with the performance on stage. Concertgoers say the show helped bring the Caribbean community together.

Residents say they can?t wait to wave their flags in pride and march down Eastern Parkway for the parade. This year not only marks the 40th anniversary of the West Indian-American Day parade, but it is also the 45th year of independence for Trinidad and Tobago.