Rocksteady pioneer Leroy Sibbles to headline Tri-State Family Fun Festival on Long Island
The 26th annual festival at Heckscher State Park on Sunday 9 August will also honour reggae pioneer Derrick Barnett with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
NEW YORK, United States. Rocksteady and reggae pioneer Leroy Sibbles is set to headline the 26th annual Tri-State Family Fun Festival on Sunday 9 August at Heckscher State Park, Pavilion #2, in East Islip, Long Island.
The festival, organised by Conroy Allison and Irie Jam Radio, has become a summer fixture for families across the Tri-State area, “mixing music, games and community spirit into one full day out”, according to Jamaican-born, New York-based entertainment publicist Anthony “ER Guru” Turner.
“Sibbles has played New York many times before. He knows what the crowd wants,” Turner told Caribbean Life.
Sibbles said he enjoyed playing for a crowd that had largely grown up with his music. “It’s party time when we come together,” he said. “These people know the songs, they sing along, and it couldn’t be better.”
Old hits and new songs
The singer said it was not hard to balance his classic rocksteady hits with newly produced material.
“All you have to do is drop one or two new songs in there, because the original hits that have been established a long time ago have the edge over any new material right now,” he said.
Sibbles said he expected the more than 10,000 patrons anticipated at the festival to be well entertained, though he added that a good show also depended on the crowd.
“If the mood is right, then the stage is set for a great show,” he said. “I’m asking all the people: come out. We are all in this together.”
Awards
Besides Sibbles’ performance, Turner said reggae pioneer Derrick Barnett would receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Andrew Morris of Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace and Glamor Wayne, described as a legendary New York DJ, will be named “Families of the Year”, Turner said.
