KINGSTON, Jamaica — With approximately 20 vendors offering various forms of jerk cuisine, the Grace Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival is a food lover’s delight.

But as founder Glen Simmonds points out, the event has dished out more than spicy food since its inception in 2006.

Each year, it features a top reggae act. This year’s headliner is roots singer Luciano.

“There is a musical component because music is such an important part of Jamaican culture. Presenting quality Jamaican music in all its forms gels perfectly with our commitment to showcasing Jamaican food and culture,” says Simmonds.

Third World, Mr Vegas, Half Pint, Singing Melody, Professor Nuts, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Tony Curtis and Anthony Malvo are some of the artistes who have performed on the festival.

In 2011, Third World were awarded a proclamation from the state of Georgia for their contribution to Jamaican music.

Simmonds, who was born in Runaway Bay, St Ann, has been an Atlanta resident since 1986.

He has highlighted West Indian culture in the Georgia state capital for over 20 years as a disc jockey and show promoter.

The 2013 Grace Atlanta Jerk Festival takes place September 1 at Panthersville Stadium in Decatur, an Atlanta suburb.

-Howard Campbell