Calypso In Me
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Support the Celebration of Crucian Musical Culture
You know it when you feel it, and you can’t help but feel it.
Crucian musical culture is more than a genre—it is the soul of St. Croix and the Virgin Islands. It carries the heartbeat of Crucian history, the spirit of Crucian people, and the stories of resilience and joy that define its culture. The stories of Quelbe, Calypso, Cariso and Quadrille are cultural treasures that continue to evolve and inspire new generations of Crucians. But women’s contributions to these art forms have been overlooked and set aside. And the elders who have carried this tapestry are beginning to pass away.
That’s why we ask for your involvement, help and support.
Help us continue to record these stories and create a long form narrative - currently entitled Calypso in Me - that sparks the imagination for future generations to carry the cultural legacy that is Crucian music and way of life. Be a part of this journey with us!
Our Story
We began interviewing and documenting Crucian musicians and culture bearers in April 2024, and have over 20 hours of video interview and performance footage. We soon realized that not only are some of the primary elder musicians passing on, but also that the voices of the women who carry the culture were being marginalized. We feel it is critical to document these elders while also spotlighting the women who helped define and share these art forms through the generations. As an organization comprised entirely of women - this story shaped itself. And with Karen “Lady Mac” McIntosh Bruce on our team - it was more than obvious that she would be the person to tell this story.
At the heart of this narrative journey is Lady Mac, renowned calypsonian, reigning queen of the St. Croix Calypso Monarch crown, daughter of the legendary Quelbe musician, Blinky, and granddaughter of Ethel McIntosh, one of the most recognized and famous Cariso singers. Through her story and her family’s legacy, we’ll weave together a rich narrative that celebrates Crucian musical history, its traditions, and its enduring significance.
Our mission is to celebrate St. Croix’s culture through arts, education programs, and community building, and we currently partner with several organizations on island already doing the important work around cultural preservation and place-keeping. We also created the Red Dragonfly Foundation, a non-profit organization and 501(c)(3). This also means that every dollar you give is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Why This Matters
When you contribute to this campaign, you’re helping to fund our pre-production scheduling, support local video and audio crews, record interviews, and edit our narrative rough cut. In addition, you’re also:
- Empowering Women’s Voices: By centering the narrative on women like Lady Mac, we’re amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized.
- Capturing interviews with elder musicians who have been playing this music for a generation.
- Celebrating and Preserving Crucian Culture: Documenting these stories ensures that this essential art form is passed down to future generations.
- Educating and Inspiring: Your support enables us to create free screenings, educational materials, and inter-generational discussions that continue to celebrate Crucian music and culture.
Every dollar brings us closer to preserving and sharing the magic of Crucian musical heritage. When you donate, you become part of a movement to uplift the voices of women, celebrate cultural resilience, and support the heartbeat of St. Croix and the Virgin Islands.
How You Can Help
- Donate Today: No contribution is too small. Every bit helps us bring this project to life. This is a community effort, and your contribution reflects the joy, the life, and the magic of Crucian music itself.
- Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and anyone who loves music, culture, and stories of resilience.
- Follow Our Journey: Stay connected with us on social media for updates and sneak peeks. And follow our Vimeo channel!
- Contact us if you have stories to share! We will continue to interview musicians and collect archival photos and footage when we return to St.Croix in November.
Our Timeline :
- October 2023 - present: conduct musician and culture-bearer interviews, focused on community elders and women.
- November 2025: Complete elder interviews and record stories from women musicians and capture cultural performances.
- December - April 2026: Edit the interviews to create one long form narrative, along with shorter segments to be used by various musicians and organizations as part of our educational outreach.
- May 2026 - December 2026: Schedule community screenings, intergenerational educational opportunities, for example, students playing with the old guard musicians, and execute on those offerings.
Join us in honoring the legacy of Crucian music and ensure that its rhythms, stories, and spirit continue to inspire for generations to come.
Donate Now and Be Part of Calypso in Me
No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.
Learn more about our foundation and team here: https://www.reddragonflyfoundation.org/about
Many Thanks!
Co-organizers (2)
Colleen Butler
Organizer
Portland, OR
Co-organizer
Laura Mansfield
Co-organizer