Jamaica-born, New York-based party promoter Jerry McDonald says his company has landed a blockbuster deal with Yelp to power his upcoming “Wine N Chill” event, slated for Nov. 2 in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
“This new partnership with Yelp is an important strategic, marketing alliance for us, given that Yelp has a global platform that reaches millions of people,” McDonald told Caribbean Life on Monday, Sept. 6.
For Yelp, the collaboration underscores its mission to elevate local businesses and connect communities.
“Our entire mission is to use our mobile app and website to connect people with great local businesses,” Lanasha Robinson, Yelp Community Manager, Connecticut, said. “For many years, Yelp has served as a vital tool that gives Connecticut small businesses the ability to reach new customers, showcase their services, and build trust through authentic reviews.
“Personally, my job as the Connecticut Community Manager is to work with the best businesses in the area and help them reach the most influential reviewers on Yelp,” she added.
Robinson said that, on March 2, 2012, Yelp went public and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
She said users have contributed over 308 million cumulative reviews for local businesses.
Robinson said there are nearly 8 million active, claimed local business locations on the platform, while the company reported a net income of $44 million in the second quarter of 2025.
McDonald promises patrons an unforgettable vibe at Wine N Chill, sharing that music will be provided by Connecticut’s own Marlon Famous and Buddha LuvJonz.
The Kingston, Jamaica-born Marlon Famous has plied his craft at major events like Beres Hammond’s Love & Harmony Cruise and BRT Weekend, held in the Florida Keys, Atlantic City, New Jersey, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, California, and the Dominican Republic.
Buddha LuvJonz, who has opened for Erykah Badu and Monica, is renowned for his eclectic mixes and blending various music genres.
With two of the best selectors behind the turntables and Yelp’s digital footprint, McDonald expressed confidence that Wine N Chill will be an “overwhelming success,” as he seeks to raise the bar for entertainment in Fairfield County.
