BRAATA BRINGS CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS TO NEW YORK
New York – December 4, 2014
Braata Productions will once again offer New Yorkers an exciting and colorful taste of a traditional Caribbean Christmas when it presents its second annual Ole Time Grand Market Celebration at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Jamaica Queens on Saturday December 13 from 1pm.
Grand Market – a day long festival featuring music, food vendors and numerous activities for children and families, is a long standing Jamaican institution during the yuletide season. However, by including performers and participants from throughout the region, Braata has dramatically expanded the appeal and the audience for the event.
“The response to our first Grand Market last year was nothing short of phenomenal,” says Andrew Clarke, Executive Director of Braata Productions.
“We had felt that the spirit of the traditional Caribbean Christmas was fading somewhat in New York, hence our decision to do the inaugural event in 2013. And despite a major snowstorm on the day, attendance was great and the feedback excellent. We are looking to build on that this year, and give both native New Yorkers and Caribbean born patrons a sampling of a true Caribbean Christmas.”
This year’s Grand Market concert- the centerpiece of the event- will begin at 4pm and will feature an eclectic roster of popular acts including the award winning Braata Folk Singers, Jamaican vocalist Keisha Martin, Trinidadian steel pan artist Ricardo Jerome, Yvonne the Chimney lady , Reggae singer Eastman and several others.
The festival will also feature a traditional Jonkanoo Parade and exhibit, patty and bun eating contests, Christmas family portrait taking, face painting, the ever popular Kiddies Christmas grab bag and health screenings by the Jamaica Nurses Group.
Vendors participating in the event will be selling everything from food and craft items to toys and Christmas specialties.
The Jamaica Performing Arts Center is located at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, in Jamaica, New York, 11434.
See also www.braataproductions.org .
