Top stars to headline Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, New York

Thursday, June 30, 2011

REGGAE stalwart Freddy McGregor — who was recently honoured at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in Kingston, for 49 years of outstanding and dedicated contributions to the growth and the development of reggae music globally — is not resting on his laurels.

The veteran singer will join Agent Sasco (Assassin) and the comedic duo of Ity and Fancy Cat as headliners of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival — New York. The event is set to take place on Sunday, July 24 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, where thousands are expected to flock for a taste of jerk cuisine, cultural offerings and a variety of activities, making for a fun-filled family day.

The producers of the successful and popular Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in Florida partnered with VP Records and GraceKennedy USA, Inc to stage the inaugural Jerk Festival in NY.

The event, billed as a celebration of authentic Jamaican Jerk in its various forms, includes a variety of vendors offering an array of tasty jerk foods. A hotly contested Jerk Cook-off offers professionals, aspiring chefs and casual cooks an opportunity to win US$500 as well as bragging rights and the Dutch Pot Trophy.

A Cultural Stage will showcase a number of artistic and literary performances celebrating Jamaica's folk traditions and will feature the Brawta Folk Singers, Something Positive and Mario Evon among others. Activities on the cultural stage will take place from 1:00 pm until late afternoon when McGregor, Agent Sasco and Ity and Fancy Cat take the main stage.

A Kidz Fun Zone will feature several rides, bounce house and other activities to keep the young ones busy. A video arcade will also be set up to appeal to teens and a special children's menu will be available, offering jerk burgers, hot dogs as well as treats such as ice cream, cotton candy and other goodies.

Domino enthusiasts will square-off for enticing cash prizes and a chance to "drop a six love" and walk away Jerk Domino Champion of New York. This contest will pit rival teams against each other and promises to be an exciting competition.