By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
It’s going to be some kind of summer in New York City. The sun is up and the flowers are blooming brightly. It is time to get outdoors and head out to ‘Groovin In The Park’ set to take place on Sunday, June 30, 2013 in Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York. We remember the event launch as it took place at the Consulate General of Jamaica in Manhattan, The Legendary Reggae Icon, Toots Hibbert was in attendance and promise no one will be sitting down when he hits the stage June 30, 2013 at Groovin In The Park. Pure Fame Media Reporter Paul Wayne was among the attendees and had a quick chat with the Reggae Icon.
Reggae Got Soul: The Story of Toots & the Maytals – Teaser from Andrea Davis on Vimeo.
The reggae icon and Grammy winner also made an unexpected donation of US$5,000 to the VHFF. The Vincent HoSang Foundation (VHFF), a non for profit, US based origination that helps the less fortunate and provides scholarship and charitable assist for individuals and organizations in Jamaica and the Caribbean Diaspora is in a much better position today to execute its mandate. Vincent HoSang, CEO of Caribbean Food Delights & VHFF and Sabrina HoSang, COO, Caribbean Food Delights and daughter of Vincent HoSang were also in attendance and thanked veteran singer Toots Hibbert for his generous donation .
During the launch, event promoter and executive producer for Groovin In The Park, Chris Roberts, revealed that part proceeds from this year’s concert will benefit the VHFF. He said he was passionate about giving back to the Jamaican community and that one of the ways he wanted to make a difference was through supporting the vigorous efforts of Mr. Hosang to purchase the two linear accelerators.
Roberts disclosed that his organization started looking at ways to give back to the community from as early as last year and that his team fine-tuned the concept of partnering with the VHFF for this year’s concert. Roberts shared a few touching anecdotes of his own family struggles with cancer.
To herald in the 2013 event, Pure Fame Media reporter, Sharon Smith, was among various media groups invited , by Christopher Roberts, founder and CEO of Groovin Inc. to break bread in his newly renovated and elegantly decorated “The Door Restaurant” in Jamaica, Queens.
The excitement is building as information was disclosed on the upcoming concert sure to attract an even larger audience this year.
In past years, this rousing event has brought us stars such as Beres Hammond, Jimmy Cliff, Beenie Man, Boyz 11 Men, Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds, Tarrus Riley, Machel Montano, Gladys Knight and others. This is the third year that the event sizzles with sounds of Reggae and Rhythm and Blues. The lineup is once again spectacular. R&B icon, Patti Labelle and Reggae crooner, Sanchez, top the lineup of talented artists.
Patti Labelle surpasses most artists for the length of time that she has impressed the industry. Labelle has sold over 50 million albums and has a long list of awards to her name. She has shaped the genre of R&B with two Grammy Awards for her R&B contributions and she has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame as well as ‘The Hollywood Walk of Fame.’ We have seen Patti as a TV host, an author and even as a celebrity chef. This woman of many talents is best known for her smash hit ‘Lady Marmalade’ which will go down in musical history along with ‘If Only You Knew’. Fans will come out in record numbers to celebrate what R&B is all about. We all remember her magical performance at the 2006 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival where she rocked the house and we know we can expect more of the same next month.
Sanchez attracts an audience that spans the generations. His powerful and magnetic sound keeps fans coming back for more. Reggae Sunsplash in 1988 put him on the map and his iconic single called ‘Lonely Won’t Leave Me Alone’ (a remake of a Jermaine Jackson hit) catapulted his musical career. He has put out over 30 albums with hits like ‘One In A Million’, ‘Frenzy’ and ‘A Change is Gonna Come.’
Other great acts joining these headliners will be veteran reggae icon, Toots Hibbert, TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine, Tank), a rare performance by modern day Fyah Mumma Queen Ifrica, Barrington Levy, and Coco Tea.
This promises to be an electrifying event that will get the fans movin’ and groovin’ to the best artists of Reggae and Rhythm and Blues.
In the words of Christopher Roberts, “We are absolutely thrilled to have superlative icons Miss Labelle and Sanchez on Groovin In The Park this year.“ “Each year we go after the best available talent to satisfy our very demanding New York City music lovers and although this addition has just been made, we are already receiving waves of tremendously positive feedback”, he continued.
Tickets are now available online and in select locations in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Long Island and New Jersey. Go to www.groovininthepark.com for all information. It will be a real treat to get you up and on your feet.
A big Thank You to the Sponsors
PHOTO CREDITS: Groovin In The Park website, Sharon Smith,
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