Grace jerk fest to serve up delights
REGGAE ambassadors Third World, Elephant Man, and soca queen Alison Hinds are among the entertainers slated to perform at this year’s staging of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival scheduled for the RFK Stadium in Washington, DC, on Sunday, June 10.
“As this will be our second year staging the event at the RFK Festival grounds, we are focusing on enhancing the festival experience for patrons, our vendors and performers. We are paying attention to every detail and making adjustments to deliver a total island experience through the food, music and cultural presentations. Our goal is to have everyone leaving satisfied but begging for more,” said Eddy Edwards, CEO of Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc.
New Kingston, Xyclone, Sounds of Culture, Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Divine Divas, storyteller Joelle Wright, and DJ Ricky Platinum are also billed. The occasion will be hosted by Ragashanti, veteran radio broadcaster Tony Carr, and Michael Campbell.
“June is National Caribbean American Heritage Month and the festival was intentionally staged in the month of June specifically to celebrate and highlight our Caribbean heritage,” said Edwards.
In addition to the entertainment package, patrons will be treated to a variety of jerk delicacies, observe culinary demonstrations and contests, cultural presentations, while the little ones can be entertained in the Kidz Zone.
Other highlights of the event include the Shoppers’ Culinary Pavilion, which will feature cooking demonstrations and tastings by Chef Irie, host o f Taste the Islands television show on PBS. Washington, DC’s own Chef Giovanni Merle and Chef “Jumoke” Jackson will showcase tasty recipes, while a fierce celebrity cook-off will add enjoyment as the crowd cheers on its favourite celebrity competing for bragging rights.