BY: Sandra “Dutchess” Edwards
Greetings Family, RCS is happy to be out and about once again. After the hardship of the past two and a half years and the paucity of live reggae music during the lockdown, it’s wonderful to be in the park. We understand COVID is still here, and we take precautions. Family, please take care. With that said I am happy to be in the sunshine on a lovely summer Sunday afternoon 85 degrees and not too humid, at the 10th NY Grace JerkFestival in the Roy Wilkins in Queens.
I attended the West Palm Beach Jerkfest and tried Jerk Ice cream wasn’t a fan but I will try some jerk chicken especially with great music and performances! I was in for some great reggae music.
Abby Dallas started off with a lively performance. I have heard her before and she reminds me of Spice. She has a strong voice I see a great future for her (remember when I wrote about Koffee!). Next up was Nadine Sutherland. She sang many of her hits including I will do anything for you, I’m in Love, Babyface. Audience danced and sang along with her. She informed us that this year will make 43 years in the business. Nadine sang a tribute “I need a roof” to Tabby Diamond and Bunny Diamond who passed within days of each other in April this year. The audience roared their approval when a surprise guest Spragga Benz bounded on the stage and performed a couple of his songs. Nadine ended her set with “Action”. Great set.
State Senator Leroy Comrie Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and the 110th Mayor of New York greeted the audience and presented a 10th year anniversary Proclamation to Miss Pat Chin of VP records, noting that her business has been on Jamaica Avenue since the 1970’s.
Next came a young man that reminds me of Ding Dong, a great dancer by the name of Laa Lee. He was familiar to the crowd as creator of the dance Leggo di Bird. I love his song Fat Girls Matter, the audience sang that out loud (I agree with that sentiment). I also loved the song Don’t order that ice cream. All I’ll say is that the audience screamed Rum and Raisin and I’ll refer you to the story about the Policeman and the ice cream. Kudos to Platinum Kids who kept the audience engaged during sets. Next came Lila Ike. I love her voice She sang a song called Wanted about boys as young as 13 14 15 wanted for serious crimes. I don’t think the audience knew all her music but they did recognize the warrior charge rhythm Can we fall in love like we did before. and her song Most High. Next came Protoje. Real conscious reggae music. Love his song “Blood Money”. Most of the audience knows the hit song he sang with Chronnix “Who Knows”. Really loved his set, his protégée Lila Ike sang along back stage. I was happy that the concert went on until 9pm (it said 8pm on the flyer) Anyone remember them cutting the mic on Busy Signal a few years ago?
The final act was a double act of singers Chris Martin and Romaine Virgo. These two have great songs and sang tune for tune. Chris Martin, “Big Deal”, Romaine Virgo “Stay with Me”, Chris Martin, “I need you my darling”, Romaine Virgo, “Taking You Home”, Chris Martin, “Paper Loving”, Romaine Virgo, “Love Doctor” Chris Martin “Cheater’s Prayer” and Romaine Virgo, “Sole Provider”. They also did an RnB set “Sexual Healing”, “Let’s Get it On”. They told us they both got their start in the Digicel Rising Stars competition. An epic presentation from two great singers in reggae music.
See you the next time. The Dutchess
