This Sunday, July 21st, the 9th annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival will take place at Roy Wilkins Park. Over 20,000 patrons will be attending New York’s biggest Caribbean food and music festival. With music from the hottest Caribbean artists, food vendors from near and far, and wicked vibes, if you haven’t been to Jerk Festival in the past, here’s what you can expect this year.
Prepare to come with a long belly. The savory aroma of jerk chicken, seafood and other Caribbean flavors will engulf the air with delight. Vendors from Home of The Original Jerk Chicken, Reggae Sun Delight, Yogi’s Restaurant, Coleman’s kitchen from D.C and more are ready to serve up their best dishes.
For all the Food Network lovers, you will be pleased to see your favorite chefs up close and personal at this year’s Jerk Festival. Consulting chef, Chef Ji from Chef Ji LLC will be taking part in the Quickfire Fire Challenge to defend her 2018 title against Chef Cybille. Chef Cybille, who is a culinary consultant and private chef has appeared on season thirty-five of Food Network’s“Chopped”. There will be guest appearances from Chef Irie Spice, executive chef of Chef Irie Spice Inc. in South Florida, Chef Max who was the runner-up for The Food Network’s “Chopped” and many others.
Bring the kids along for a day of exploring. The Kidz Zone will be filled with amusements such as bouncy houses, slides, games, and face painting. The fun takes on an educational spin with cultural performances. Sharon Gordon will take the stage with a Miss Lou tribute, Blakka Ellis will serve up humorous storytelling, and The Renaizancers dance group will express their culture through dance. The Mamayashi fashion show will be closing off the cultural presentations with the latest Afrocentric fashion representing the natural bandana fabric.
Of course, the biggest attraction is the Jerk Festival mainstage. #1 Reggae Billboard artist Christopher Martin will be serenading the crowd with his voice and performing his latest single “Life”. Naomi Cowan will be rocking the stage as well-performing her song “Paradise Plum” which will be featured on Reggae Gold 2019. Warriors will be marching out to Reggae Veteran Capleton performing his classic hits like “Who Def?”, “Jah Jah City”, and much more. All the ShenYengs will be “Blessed” by a performance from Dancehall Princess Shenseea and Soca power couple Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons will be calling all Vikings to the stage for soca madness.
This event is perfect to start your week off the right way with the highest quality food, music, and entertainment for all Caribbean cultural enthusiasts.
Interested in attending the festival this Sunday? Tickets are still available on Jerkfestivalny.com. Tell a friend to bring a friend and let them know Nova sent you!
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