Mikey Spice to headline All White Caribbean Jerk Fest on July 4
The veteran Jamaican reggae singer tops the bill at the third annual festival at Brush Park in Mount Vernon, New York.
MOUNT VERNON, United States. Veteran Jamaican reggae singer Mikey Spice will headline the third annual NY All White Caribbean Jerk Fest at Brush Park, 555 South 3rd Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York, on July 4, organisers said on Monday, June 15.
The festival falls on the day the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“This is our third year running,” New York-based organiser 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.”
Gospel and reggae
Mr Brown said Mikey Spice would 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,” he said. “Mikey’s delivery and vocal ability is unmatched, which makes him most qualified for our festival.”
Gospel acts Golda McFarlane, Jabez, Brother Paul and Reggae Pastor are also on the bill, with appearances from social media food influencer Colaz Smith.
Mr Brown said Mr Smith would bring his “very unconventional cooking recipes and style”, including his best-known dish, coconut dumplings, which will be prepared and served in the park.
A diverse audience
Unlike many jerk festivals held in the diaspora, Mr Brown said, his event has a broader mission. “We have a very diverse audience, and this is definitely by design,” he said.
The programme combines inspirational music, Caribbean cuisine, arts and crafts, fashion and cultural exhibits, and attracts visitors from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
“We’re looking forward to attracting patrons from Mount Vernon, New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and beyond,” he said. “We have folks coming from as far as Delaware and Maryland.”
Gates open at noon and the festival runs until 8pm.
