As the US marks its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, organizers of the NY All White Caribbean Jerk Fest said on Monday, June 15, that veteran Jamaican reggae singer Mikey Spice will headline the 3rd Annual Festival at Brush Park, 555 South, 3rd Avenue, in Mount Vernon, New York, on July 4.
“This is our third year running,” New York-based event organizer Dave Brown told Caribbean Life. “Our festival is different, as we look to unite the Caribbean and American communities through food, faith, family and fun.
He said Mikey Spice will bring variety to the family-oriented event.
“Mikey Spice has a very diverse catalogue of hit songs that includes an impressive array of gospel favorites,” Brown said. “Mikey’s delivery and vocal ability is unmatched, which makes him most qualified for our festival.”
Brown said gospel acts Golda McFarlane, Jabez, Brother Paul, and Reggae Pastor, along with special appearances from popular social media influencer Colaz Smith, are also on the bill.
“Colaz has been heating up the media space through his entertaining food content and creative cooking techniques,” Brown said. “We are excited to have him onboard for the festival this year, and his fans can’t wait to see him.
“He will be taking along with him, his very unconventional cooking recipes and style, the most famous of which is his coconut dumplings, which will be prepared and served right there in the park,” Brown added.
Unlike many jerk festivals that are held in the Diaspora, Brown said his event is designed with a broader mission in mind.
“We have a very diverse audience, and this is definitely by design; hence, it’s of vital importance to reach everyone,” he said, stating that that commitment to diversity is reflected in the festival’s programming, which combines inspirational music, Caribbean cuisine, arts and crafts, fashion, and cultural exhibits.
Brown said the NY All White Caribbean Jerk Fest continues to grow each year, attracting visitors from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
“We’re looking forward to attracting patrons from Mount Vernon, New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and beyond,” Brown said. “We have folks coming from as far as Delaware and Maryland.”
Gates open for the NY All White Caribbean Jerk Fest at 12:00 noon and runs until 8:00 p.m.
