Andrew Clarke, the Jamaican-born founder and artistic director for both Braata Folk Singers and Braata Productions, has described as “an undeniable triumph” Braata Productions Christmas Grand Market 2023.
Clarke told Caribbean Life on Wednesday that the production over the past two weekends was “marked by resounding applause from the audience, impressive attendance numbers and a showcase of unparalleled artistic excellence.
“Despite weather challenges and advisory concerns on both Sundays in the Bronx and Brooklyn, our audience defied the odds, turning out in impressive numbers,” he said. “This steadfast support speaks volumes about the Braata’s mass appeal and the genuine love our audience has for the immersive experience we provide, especially as a festive kick-off to the Christmas season.
“Our primary objective was to fortify our audience base across all three boroughs, and I am pleased to confirm that we succeeded,” Clarke continued.
He said what began as a one-day festival in 2013, 10 years later has “evolved into a multi-venue event, with Brooklyn joining the lineup a few years later, followed by the inclusion of the Bronx.
“Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and its impact on theatre attendance, we managed to reunite our audience,” Clarke said. “The extended influence of COVID has continued to wreak havoc on live performances; yet, this year, the Holiday Grand Market received a consistent rise in attendance, affirming the success of our efforts.
“We are looking forward to many Christmas Grand Markets in years to come, giving our audiences a taste of home for the holidays,” he added.
Clarke said The Braata Productions’ 2023 Christmas Grand Market performed on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Merrick Academy Charter School, 136-25 218th Street, Springfield Gardens, Queens; on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Harry S Truman High School, 750 Baychester Avenue, Bronx; and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at Alliance Tabernacle, formerly Clarendon Road Church, 3304 Clarendon Road, Brooklyn.
“Our performances resonated exceptionally well, with the audiences in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx enthusiastically on their feet, dancing and singing along to many of the acts,” he said. “The shows concluded with thunderous applause, leaving patrons raving about the exceptional talent on display.
“Some even remarked, upon leaving the venues, that the event was extremely affordable, given the outstanding quality of the performances,” added Clarke.
He said a diverse lineup of participants added to the “vibrancy of the event”, including emcee Jamaican-born Cultural and Creative Industries entrepreneur Dahlia Harris; Meecah (Hamilton) from The Bahamas; Abena from St; Kitts & Nevis; The Braata Folk Singers; and Clarke himself (The Public’s The Harder They Come).
Beyond the performances, Clarke said the Jamaica Nurses Group of New York provided health screenings, while sponsors Ding App and the Union of Jamaican Alumnae Associations, along with over 15 vendors at each venue, offered an array of options, from food and pastries to gifts, beauty and skincare—all sourced from small business owners.
“A special thank you is extended to our longstanding partner, Team Jamaica Bickle, and recent sponsors ConEd, for their unwavering commitment to investing in cultural arts,” he said. “Their support specifically towards the promotion, preservation and performance of cultural arts is invaluable, contributing significantly to the success of our grand market event.”
Additionally, Clarke said Braata’s Christmas Grand Market was made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
The event was also supported, in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New City Council and Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Council Member Kevin Riley and Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, with additional support from the Howard Gilman Foundation.
Clarke said his company’s focus next year will be on St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, St Lucia, Haiti and the Dominica Republic for their “milestone independence celebrations.”
