All systems go for Chicago Jerk Fest
It’s all systems go for the second serving of the Chicago Jerk Festival. It happens tomorrow at Washington Park.
According to co-promoter Clinton Garibaldi of Jabari CG Productions/Africa International House everything is in place for an exciting day.
“The artistes are geared up to deliver great performances; the vendors will be out early to provide mouth-watering jerk dishes for everyone. We are expecting it to be a really good day,” Garibaldi told the Jamaica Observer.
Garibaldi explained the reason for promoting the event in Chicago.
“Chicago is the epicenter of the United States. A vast Caribbean population resides on the midwest. Having the event in June serves two purposes. June is celebrated as Caribbean American Heritage Month. It also puts the culture of Jamaica and the Caribbean on display,” he said.
At the inaugural staging last year, the event reportedly attracted more than 5,000 patrons.
“Last year’s staging had patrons fully immersed in the Caribbean culture. We had art and craft vendors displaying various artefacts, clothing and jewellery. There were lots of jerk dishes available and patrons had their fill,” said Garibaldi.
This year’s staging has a mixed bag of performers. They include Errol Dunkley, Destra, Mad Cobra, Aidonia, Stone Bwoy, Dilly Chris, Denzel Martin, RRE, Al-Yejo, Prince Jabba and Deeya.
“Patrons can expect world-class entertainment from the Caribbean to the Motherland. They should also expect a few surprises in the jerk category, as we have vendors who will be jerking food that’s neither chicken nor pork. They will be pleasantly surprised by the food offerings in the jerk category this year. In addition, we will be setting the stage to launch the Chicago Jerk Festival Foundation, a non-profit foundation, with a mission to help children in underserved populations both in Chicago and the Caribbean,” the promoter explained.
Comedian Pretty Boy Floyd and Field Marshall will host the Chicago Jerk Festival event. Sponsors include Boom Energy Drink, Red Stripe, Western Union, Bigga and Tru Juice.
