Labour Day Weekend in the United States, which falls just before the first Monday in September, is the biggest party season for Caribbean Americans. More than one million people watch the Caribbean floats each year, and the entertainment spotlight is turned on the exuberant cultures of the region. This year, Jamaica will be front and centre with a renewal of the Oracabessa Caribbean Music Festival on Sunday, September 1 at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.
Scheduled to perform are Marcia Griffiths, Louie Culture, Jada Kingdom, Terry Linen, Lady G, Ras Emmanuel, Mr Easy, alongside soca stars Patrice Roberts and Edwin Yearwood. One of the objectives of this music event, the promoters said, is to unify voices from across the Caribbean, in the true spirit of what the carnival celebration is all about. The project is a collaboration with Irie Jam’s CaribStar Radio and RoadBlock Radio.
“This partnership marks the first of its kind in the history of Caribbean media in New York,” revealed Syn Clarke, one of the promoters. The event will also showcase the culinary and artistic treasures of the region, and Clarke is counting on the vast experience of her team to amplify the overall experience at the concert. “Our extensive experience in event production in the New York Tri-State area producing successful events, such as Irie Jamboree, celebrity soccer match and Irie Fashion Rave has allowed us to enhance our strategy to now present an elevated music festival celebrating Caribbean.