Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival New York (Queens, NY; July 17)
Photo: Justin Pallack
An extension of the original Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival held in Florida in November, the New York edition has become the largest event of its kind, bringing in crowds of close to 20,000 to Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. Jamaica’s favorite seasoning — applied by vendors on everything from the traditional chicken and pork to lobster, popcorn and ice cream — is of course the big attraction at this family-friendly celebration. However, we’ve come to expect a mixture of top-flight reggae, dancehall and soca performers and this year will be no different, with Third World, Gyptian, Ikaya, Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons and comedian Boasy Boy Floyd set to take the stage, and more guests TBA. The Jerk Fest’s organizers have added a third event to their calendar as well for this summer: the inaugural D.C. Jerk Festival happens on Sunday, June 19th on Pennsylvania Avenue downtown.