2015 NY’S JERK FEST A SMASHING SUCCESS

By: C. Harrison/Spet 10, 2015

Another big improvement at Roy Wilkins Park, in Queens NY,  as far as Caribbean shows. This trend articulates to us that promoters are not only paying attention but, they are listening to deployed arguments and taken actions. This, is good news for our community, visitors to the shows and vendors alike. Hopefully the trend continues up wards. Much kudos to VP Records and Grace Kennedy International. Congratulation and much more successes.

At this year’s Jerk Fest, all of  the performers as far as I could tell, did splendid; but for me a few stood out. We must also give an applaud to the two host that played masters of ceremony for the day, Ragga Shanti and Christopher Dub Master and say much respect to the various sound systems that participated. Officials on hand: New York’s Advocate Latisha James,  Rep. (D)Leroy Comrie, former NY Rep. Una Clarke, were among many others at the venue.

New York’s Mayor, Bill de Blasio and his wife First Lady of New York, Chirlane McGray Blasio, made good on his promise and serve the Caribbean community to the fullest. He also won the cooking contest and called his feast Swagger. It was a delight to see the Mayor and the first lady of New York, in our back yard.  Executive Chef Brandon Walker, also won at the cooking contest. Walker is a Graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.. His credits includes working at New York finest eateries such as Park Avenue Café, Oceana, Asiate and have traveled to Europe and Asia to further his culinary delights. He has also helped to launch Panzur Restaurant and Wine Bar. He was drawn back to the Hudson valley because of its rich culture of artisans.

 As for performers that stood out at Jerk Fest,  first up : Carlene Davis, who  gave a stellar performance, she came and sang a litany of her music as well as she sang my favorites “Dripping Blood, ” “King of Glory” “Nobody Greater” “Only The Glory” “Thank You Mr. Mandela,” matter of fact, the enter album is great.  she was wonderful and the crowd loved her. Yes, we miss her from back in the day, it was just good to see her. Nostalgia came to mine of yester years, when she was young and (The girls) I call them Charlene Davis, Marcia Griffins, Judy Monett, and Rita Marley. As a young girl I used to clam to my radio-a palm size blue radio, just to hear them sing (These women didn’t sing they sang). A radio that looks like a guitar my dad had bought me, he knew that I love music so he hop to buy me that radio, I loved it.

Baby Sham, you have come along way. Seeing you perform over the years you have improved upon your craft each time, your performance was nothing short of excellence. You held the crowd and they did not want to let go.

Romain Vergo, I have heard you sing before but, never like this. You go Baby, excellence–You had woman begging for more; great, great job. First,  Vergo did a tribute to Buju “I’ll Be There” then he sang ‘When A  Woman Loves,” a special for the audience. And he had them in the palm of his hand. Thereafter he sang,  “When A Man Loves a Woman,”  “lets Get It On,” a song by the late great Marvin Gay. “Can’t Sleep,” “Feel Good,” by Berris Hammond, tributes.

Vergo also paid homage to Sanchez with “Not Alone” and “One In a Million” “Feel Like Letting Go” Soul Provider” and “The Rain Is Falling.”  He had great stage present and showed that he is very versatile, he can go from conscious to lovers rock to melody-dancehall to rock and hip-hop–Vergo is an all around performer and he came to give us what we wanted. He said of himself,

“I sound like an old soul.” And further lamented, “The system with Vp; life is up and down but here we are.”  “I have learned and continue to do what I do and to make young people see me do better. The youths need messages, I try to reach out to the youths. I put together everything. New York, deserve a good show, positive energy. I am just coming from Europe,” articulated the very serious Vergo.  He also noted that we should follow him on instagram, and twitter. His new album is  “Love Sick,”  “VP is a star across the sky,” he said. His song to VP is “Mongo Seed.”

In addition, nuff respect to Kranium’s performance and to the Fab Five Band who held the crowd and make them not move. I do regret that Sanchez and King Jammys was  no show.

To put it mildly the 2015 Jerk Fest was completely successful.   Majah Hype, It was my first time hearing him and seeing him in action–I must say,  he is an exceptional comedian, who could give Ragga Shanti a -run -for -his- money. Ragga mind yourself, you have been warned.  The food, finger licking good, you have to be there next year.

Highlights: All photo credits: C. Harrison