TASTE OF JERK MARKS OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF GRACE JAMAICAN JERK FESTIVAL NY- SATURDAY EVENT FEATURED PRESS CONFERENCE, LIVE REMOTE AND MORE 

Above photo: Patricia Chin of VP Records poses with New Kingston, Richard Lue, Neil Curtis of Farm Up and Sean Bacchus of HSBC

Below Photo: Richard Lue of VP Records with actor Duane Henry of NCIS and members of New Kingston

Photos by Ajamu Myrie

 This past Saturday, June 16th, 2018, The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival held their annual Taste of Jerk kick-off event at the VP Records Retail Store in Jamaica, Queens. With special appearances by reggae band New Kingston and Jamaican, London born actor Duane Henry of hit show NCIS, the event was a great way to officially launch the countdown to the 2018 Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival New York. The event is held yearly as the official media launch to inform the public of the various performers, food vendors and entertainment they can expect at the festival taking place Sunday, July 22nd at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens from 12-8pm.

The press conference started with a presentation by Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival producer and Director of Business Development of VP Records Richard Lue and owner of VP Records Patricia Chin. Additional remarks from Neil Curtis of Farm Up, a new vendor this year brought a sample of their farmers market specializing in home grown fruits and vegetables with amazing benefits. Sponsor Sean Bacchus, VP Retail business banking of HSBC concluded the conference with his remarks.

Media and special guests then enjoyed jerk chicken, festival, salad and more from vendors Island Wraps from Rochester NY, Sunrise Cuisine from Stamford CT and T&G Flavors from Queens NY to get a taste of what is to come during the actual festival.

Above photo: Chef Pat Simmonds Island Wraps

Below Photo: Patrons enjoying the day

Photos by Ajamu Myrie

African television outlet Aflik TV came out to shoot content for their viewers ahead of Mega African artist Patoranking’s Jerk Festival debut performance on July 22nd. Other media in attendance included Come Chat Wid Mi, Jamaicans.com and more.

The hot sunny day continued with a live remote by Irie Jam Radio, from 2-4pm and Reggae King Radio from 2-5pm. Attendees were also entertained with a special surprise performance by New Kingston along with a chance to meet the four-piece band.Tasty treats by vendors and sponsors were provided for non-media guests as well as a mini kids zone face painting area.

“There will be no shortage of food and music and everything else,” said Patricia Chin, owner of VP Records about the New York Jerk Festival. “So please come out, tell your friends, it’s a family day, bring out grandpa, bring out grandma, bring the kids and just have a wonderful day,” she concluded.

This year’s New York Jerk Festival will include performances by energy God Elephant Man, African sensation Patoranking and “Walking Trophy” artist Hood Celebrityy. Other performers include LU.S.T., Jahmiel, New Kingston and Braata Folk Singers.

About NY Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival:

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival NY has the unique distinction of being “New York’s Biggest Caribbean Food Festival” delivering an enjoyable experience of the highest quality to festival goers. Held annually at Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, New York, the third Sunday in July, the Festival appeals to all ethnicities and key demographics, particularly the vibrant Caribbean communities in the Metro New York. This year’s Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is taking place on July 22nd, 2018. The Festival has been featured in NY 1, NY Daily News, Pix11 & Paste Magazine. Past Festival headliners have included sought after Dancehall, Soca and Reggae Artists: Christopher Martin, Shaggy, Third World, Dexta Daps, Gyptian, Bunji Garlin, and Fay Ann Lyons.

Visit https://jerkfestivalny.com for more information. Stay up to date via social media, find the Grace Jamaican Festival on Facebook and Instagram.

Tickets are valued at $36.00 in advance and $46.00 at the event. Online tickets are available for purchase at : https://jerkfestivalny.com/tickets/.