Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York will be transformed into a mecca of Jamaican food, music and culture on Sunday, July 20, when the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival – New York makes its fourth staging this year. Patrons attending “New York’s Biggest Caribbean Food Festival” will be treated to a feast of new and improved offerings designed to heighten their experience and continue the tradition of delivering exceptional entertainment, appealing to every member of the family.
Topping the list of improvements is the festival’s entrance, which has been relocated to Baisley Boulevard to accommodate easier and faster access. Organizers have also made changes to the layout, utilizing a larger area of the park to accommodate the over 20,000 patrons expected to attend this year’s festival. The number of food vendors has been increased, offering a wide variety of delicious jerk cuisine as well as popular Caribbean dishes to tickle the palate of the curious and satisfy the less adventurous foodie.
An expanded Kidz Zone will provide tons of fun for the young ones. There will be traditional games and storytelling to connect them with their Jamaican Heritage, rock climbing, magic shows and plenty of irresistible treats to keep them satisfied all day long.
The family fun will kick off at 1:00pm at the Cultural Stage filled with music, spoken word, dance and fashion. Highlights include a performance by folk singer Teddy Crawford and steel pan music by Patrick Davis. There will be book readings from Jamaica’s own Bazba Theatrical Players (featuring Yashika and Basil Lopez) plus poetry by Fuzion Sound Collective and contemporary dance by Fiyah Dancehall Productions. The Riddim Driven fashion show will also present the hottest apparel from notable Jamaican
designers, including reggae star Etana’s new line.
Top chefs and celebrities will battle for championship over at the Jerk Cook-Off Pavilion. Food Network Chopped contestant Nelson Gason will be up against Bravo’s Top Chef contestant Keith Rhodes in the heated throwdown. Who. knows, last year’s Celebrity Cook-off winner, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, may just show up to defend his title and confirm his culinary prowess. Chef Irie Spice will host the challenges and distribute samples of his own tasty innovative jerk creations.
Performances will begin on the main stage at 3:00 p.m., opening with a variety of inspirational gospel and reggae sets from talented rising artists. Comedian Chris “Johnny” Daley will lighten up the crowd before headlining music acts Etana, Mr. Vegas and Maxi Priest close out the show with their explosive performances. DJ Roy and Road International will unleash the latest dancehall hits and classic anthems between set changes while Dubmaster Chris and Raggashanti will take on MC duties.
Advance tickets for the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival are $30.00 and are available online at www.jerkfestivalny.com and selected retail outlets. Kids 12 and under are admitted free. Gates will open at 12:00 pm and the fun will go on until 8:00 pm.
The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival New York is produced in association with Jamaican Jerk Festival U.S.A. Inc. and VP Records and sponsored by Western Union, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Vitamalt and Tower Isle Frozen Foods. Media sponsors are The Jamaica Gleaner, Irie Jam Media, Power106 FM, Street Hype and WBLS.
