The 9th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival | July 21st, 2019 (Postponed to Aug. 25th, 2019)
9TH ANNUAL GRACE JAMAICAN JERK FESTIVAL RETURNS JULY 21ST
Performances by Bunji Garlin, Christopher Martin, Shenseea, Capleton and more
UPDATE JULY 20th, 2019: Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival Postponed
Due to Mayor’s Heat Emergency Order
Postponed to Sunday August 25th
UPDATE JULY 20th, 2019: NEW YORK, NY- The 9th annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, scheduled for Sunday, July 21 at Roy Wilkins Park, in Queens, NY has been postponed to August 25. This action was taken in response to the decision by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio who announced the cancellation of all large-scale events at City parks due to the high temperatures forecasted for the weekend.
“The safety of our patrons is of the utmost importance, and we were working with health officials to increase hydration stations and cooling fans for Sunday,” stated Richard Lue, Executive Director of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival New York. Once the Mayor’s heat emergency cancellation order was announced, we moved swiftly to secure a new date from the park.
There was quite a “buzz” on this year’s festival, which included a line up Capleton, Naomi Cowan, Christopher Martin, Shenseea, Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons. A number of top chefs were also scheduled to perform in the Culinary Pavilion while many looked forward to the cultural performances featuring Blakka Ellis and Sharon Gordon paying tribute to Miss Lou, as well as the kids zone.
“While we are disappointed, public safety takes priority and we are working with our sponsors, vendors and performers to deliver an exciting event on August 25,” commented Lue. All tickets will be honored on the new date and festival organizers are working to ensure the quality and entertainment value in August will be consistent with what patrons have come to expect from the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival.
For updates, visit the festival’s website at www.jerkfestivalny.com or follow them on social media @jajerkfestival
NEW YORK, NY- Celebrating almost a decade, the 2019 Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival returns to Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, NY for another day of food, fun, and entertainment. On Sunday, July 21, 2019, the ninth-annual Caribbean food festival will highlight the popular Jamaican flavor, Jerk, and all it has to offer. Culinary and artisan vendors from across the tri-state area gather during this yearly event to exhibit Jerk and the Jamaican culture to thousands of patrons.
This year’s festival is on track to satisfy the palates and ears of all in attendance. “We are always excited for each Jerk Festival as we look for new ways to entertain our patrons,” said Richard Lue, Director of Business Development at VP Records “This year will offer a great music lineup and an array of delicious cuisine,” he continued. From the cultural stage, celebrity chefs, the kid’s zone, and live entertainment, there is never a dull moment.
Every year the Cultural Stage goes above and beyond to showcase authentic Jamaican art forms. This year’s theme will honor Jamaican cultural icon Louise Bennett-Coverley, also known as “Miss Lou,” as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of her birth this year on September 7th. Host’s actor/comedian Blakka Ellis and cultural activist, Sharon Gordon will bring Miss Lou’s many stories and cultural legacy to life with various performances.
The Culinary Tent always feature a variety of chefs providing culinary demonstrations using Jerk like never before. Host, Chef Irie leads the group with a cooking demonstration in his humorous style, followed by the celebrity chefs and their exciting cooking demos and cook-offs. This year features Chef Max, Chef Ji Cha, Chef Rudy, Chef Troy, Chef Darlene B, Chef Sam Davis, and Chef Cybille St Aude all delivering culinary flavors and lots of tasty samples.
The 2019 Main Stage has a perfect balance. The women of Caribbean music are equally sharing the stage with the men this year. Headliners Fayann Lyons, Shenseea, and rising star Naomi Cowan will grace the stage along with veteran Capelton, Chris Martin one of the current hitmakers, and soca star Bunji Garlin to deliver a full Caribbean experience of culture.
Tickets are available online and at selected physical Caribbean ticket outlets for $39. Children 10 and under free with an adult. Visit www.jerkfestivalny.com for more information
About Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival (New York):
The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival NY has the unique distinction of being “New York’s Biggest Caribbean Food Festival” delivering an enjoyable experience of the highest quality to patrons as well as a rewarding experience to sponsors. Held annually in Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, New York, the third Sunday in July, the Festival appeals to all ethnicities and key demographics, particularly the vibrant Caribbean communities in the Metro New York market.
The 9th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival – New York will attract over 20,000 patrons on July 21; a mix of foodies, reggae and soca music lovers, dance aficionados and cultural enthusiasts in the most anticipated event of the year.
VP Records