NY GRACE JAMAICAN JERK FEST 2017 A SUCCESS

NY GRACE JAMAICAN JERK FEST A SUCCESS- LISA HANNA WINS CELEBRITY QUICK FIRE CHALLENGE AGAINST NY MAYOR

The 7th annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival welcomed over 15,000 guests this past Sunday July 23rd. Patrons from all around New York, the tri-state area and beyond came out to Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, NY to enjoy a full day of the “jerk experience” from a variety of vendors, a delightful culinary pavilion, cultural and main stage performances, a fun Kidz Zone area and an array of giveaways from a variety of sponsors. Adding to the good vibes of the day, the rain held up despite a predicted storm, making the weather as pleasant as the crowd.

Lisa Hanna, Jamaican Minister of Culture 2012-2016 and Miss World 1993, competed against New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio. The two participated in a quick-fire challenge with mystery ingredients that included pork chops, breadfruit, granola bars and spinach. While de Blasio named his dish “Ocho Rios Explosion”, Hanna proudly won the challenge with her dish “Goodie” and later shared on the Main Stage that she “did not come from Jamaica to be beat.” She did her parish of St. Ann proud.

Photos by Ajamu Myrie- L to R- Top: Trudy Deans, Bill de Blasio and Patricia Chin.

Bottom: Bill de Blasio and Lisa Hanna

NY GRACE JAMAICAN JERK FEST- VP RECORDS’ REPRESENTED WITH BOOTH AND VIP AREA

During the festival, VP Records hosted a VIP area where full catering and refreshments were served. Next to the VIP was the VP Records booth with elements of Riddim Driven Clothing and The Reggae Music Journey represented. Patrons were given giveaway bags and had the opportunity to take a photo with Patricia Chin, founder of VP Records. An additional booth in the front of the park sold music products and memorabilia.

Author Roger Grant was also present at the booth selling and signing copies of his book “50 Most Significant Jamaican Musical Artists Past to Present.”

Photos by Ajamu Myrie- Top: VIP Area, Patricia Chin in VP Booth, VP Booth, Roger Grant

NY GRACE JAMAICAN JERK FEST- REGGAE AND SOCA GOLD BOOTH

For the first time ever, a VP records’ Reggae Gold and Soca Gold booth was in the park for the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival.

VP Records Reggae & Soca Gold Booth offered Reggae Gold branded personalized gifs at the Bosco camera stand.

After taking their photo, patrons were given Reggae Gold bandanas and Soca Gold carnival whistles. Reggae Gold 2017 and Soca Gold 2017 are both available for purchase at http://www.vpreggae.com/.

Top: Reggae Gold signage and photo booth. Bottom: Selection of GIFS from Bosco camera booth.

PERFORMANCES WOW AUDIENCE AT JERK FEST

The Cultural Fuzion Sound stage hosted by Jamaican Folklorist Dr. Sue featured performances by Yoncia, Kinetic Afrique, Blakka Ellis, Braata Folk Singers, The Lion Palm Twinnz and more. Over at the main stage, opening performances by Sean De Vere, K’reema, Hood Celebrity and Droop Lion got the crowd warmed up for Soca wonder woman Alison Hinds, breakout dancehall artist Konshens and Reggae legend Barrington Levy with a surprise cameo by Spragga Benz. Closing the show, Morgan Heritage gave a stellar performance.

Photos: L to R- Barrington Levy (photo by Leonard McKenzie), Alison Hinds, Konshens (photos by Ajamu Myrie, Morgan Heritage (photo by Winston Rodney) and Braata Folk Singers (photo by Ajamu Myrie)

IRIE JAM FASHION WAVE

On Saturday July 8th, an Irie Jam Fashion Wave was held at the Westbury mall in Long Island.

VP Records was there to greet guests with merchandise and Riddim Driven Clothing which was also seen during the fashion show.

Irie jam media group has achieved consistent growth for 20 years and their listener base has increased exponentially each year. They are a media powerhouse incorporating radio, sold-out events, grassroots marketing and web 2.0 technology as a medium for relaying desired information.

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