NY: Braata Productions, a New York based, Jamaican own production company that offers theatrical and educational productions in the tri-state area recently announced the inaugural staging of “Ole Time Christmas Grand Market” that takes place on Saturday, December 14 at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York. This must see cultural event is being presented under the distinguished patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica New York, Herman LaMont in association with the Queens Council on the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with support from the Governor of NY State, Andrew Cuomo, the New York State Legislature and Irie Jam Radio, 93.5 FM, WVIP.
The Grand Market tradition, which dates back many years in Jamaica, is the Christmas season’s most anticipated event. It typically happens on Christmas morning and is characterized by street dancing, arts crafts, food and music. It is a time when markets all over the island set up with vendors selling toys, firecrackers, balloons, and other children delights. Braata will re-create this Christmas tradition inside the Jamaica Performing Arts Center for the entire family Andrew Clarke founder of Braata said.
“Those of us who cannot go home for the holidays often get nostalgic, and there is no release… the authentic look, feel and characteristics of the music, food and arts that comprise Caribbean culture particularly at Christmas time will be on full display in honor of the way past generations celebrated the festive season, I can’t wait for people to see, and experience it” Clarke said.
Patrons will be treated to various games and activities including ludo, dominoes, a raffle, a Jonkanoo parade, cultural exhibits & films and a food village with vendors representing different islands of the Caribbean. There will also be a karate demonstration, face painting, storytelling, bun eating and sorrel drinking contests. The day’s activities will conclude with a grand cultural concert featuring the Braata Folk Singers, Something Positive, Susan Kennedy, Matty Lou and other performers. Music will provided by Dem Dey Soundz while the Coalition for the Preservation of Reggae Music (CPR) will provide live online broadcast of the day’s activities.
