Patricia Veronica Chin, founder, honorary chair of VP Records, unveiled the limited edition, preleased launch of her new book “Miss Pat – My Reggae Music Journey,” and a pictorial scrapbook, as part of a Saturday, June 18, kick-off to the NY Jerk Festival set to return to Roy Wilkins Park, in Queens, on July 31, two years after it was sidelined by the coronavirus pandemic.
The delightful lady, who always greets fans with a big smile, told Caribbean Life she is excited about the 2022 festival, as she celebrates, 60 years since launching VP Records with her late husband Vincent, and 45 years living in America, noting that her culture is very important to her.
“My book chronicles my journey from 18 years old to when I came from Jamaica, West Indies, to Jamaica Avenue, in Jamaica, Queens. I came here, because it reminds us of where we came from, I would never leave my culture behind, my culture is important to me, she explained.
Miss Pat, who embraces the multicultural community, said, “I am happy that the Jerk festival is back, it will have Jamaican food, music, and cultural items on sale, including Miss Pat’s book.”
“I am happy to be a true Jamaican, to all the Reggae fans out there, thanks for supporting us. I look forward to the Jerk festival,” she said adding, “I didn’t pick my career, my career picked me, and it’s because of my music, my culture, and my community, I am still doing the same things after 60 years. I am embracing new, and upcoming artists, to give them wings to fly.” The music is keeping her alive.
Miss Pat rattled off a slew of artists VP promoted over the years, saying there are many favorites like Roman, Christopher Martin, and more mature vocalists, including Sizzla, Marcia Griffith, Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown.
She thanked all the artists, deejays, producers, fans, everyone who made VP Records what it is today. “They all contributed to our success, and when they are a success, we are a success.”
Miss Pat is also excited to welcome new artists to the cultural stage, while inviting fans to come out and enjoy the day with their families, as the biggest food festival in New York, where the best jerk chicken competition takes place.
In addition to DJs from Sound Chat Radio, reminding fans to purchase tickets to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the resounding festival, fans also enjoyed a fashion show, musical acts, African drumming, a taste of Jamaica, and all things from the Island to set the stage for some of the biggest names in Soca and Reggae stars.
VP Records, that have gone miles ahead in Reggae, did so with a purpose to produce and distribute the best Reggae and Soca music for all people to enjoy, while lifting the spirits and nurturing the souls of fans.
Some of the sponsors included, MetroPlus Health, JMoney, and Vita Malt.
